Batch release (see Figure 4.6) controls the transfer of picked and labeled SKUs to a transport concept. With a paper document pick instruction format, a picker picks and sorts the SKU directly into a section of a tote or four-wheel cart. Batch release control components are:

• A paper pick/sort document that accompanies each tote or cart. Each tote or cart is identified for each batch. At a pack station, the paper document is used to verify the accuracy of the CO.

• In a pick area, there are sufficient empty totes or carts to handle the flow between pick/sort area and pack area activities.

• Each tote or cart has sufficient and clearly visible space for a batch identification and location of each CO.

Figure 4.6: Batch release concepts: clerk, score board, and clock.

With multiple COs and multiple pickers, each picker transfers mixed CO SKUs that have been labeled or coded into a tote that is moved over a conveyor travel path, or SKUs are transferred directly onto a belt conveyor. A batch release or control concept ensures that each picker transfers correctly batched SKUs on time onto a transport concept. If the batched SKUs are not properly sequenced with the sortation area activity, an unscheduled batch release from the pick area to the sortation activity has a high potential to create sortation errors or decrease sortation productivity and accuracy.

There are several guidelines for minimizing an imbalance between pick and sortation activity.

• Determine batched CO number and...