TABLE OF CONTENTS Other factors that influence efficiency and cost effectiveness of a small-item pick operation are:
SKU profile or SKU location on a pick line, pick aisle, or in a pick machine Pick tote or carton fill rate
Pick zone or aisle design
Pick/pack equipment layout
Pick position type
Common or unique SKUs
The first factor that influences pick performance in a small-item or flatwear order-fulfillment operation is the SKU pick position or location on a pick line, pick aisle, or in an automatic pick machine. The SKU profile concept was reviewed earlier in this chapter.
One factor that ensures an efficient, cost-effective, accurate, and on-time order-fulfillment operation is to ensure that SKU pick quantity matches CO pick tote/ carton or sort pack station capacity. The pick quantities can be projected manually or by computer. In a dynamic order-fulfillment operation, the computer-projected quantity is the preferred option. For a pick and pack operation, the computer determines the SKU cube pick quantity that fits into a CO pick tote or carton. This is determined by the internal dimensions of the carton, actual cube and weight of SKUs, desired carton utilization rate, and CO delivery truck company standard carton weight.
An important factor in the efficiency of the pick line is to ensure that the spatial data on your SKUs is accurate. This includes the actual length, width, height, and weight of...
