Picking

Articles are picked at the production, delivery and distribution stages, either for packing or further production processes.

The picking process is divided into different phases:

• Bringing the load carrier to the picking station
• Manual or automatic (robotised) picking

In order picking for external deliveries, the article/goods unit is placed directly on the load carrier, which is allocated by the order handling system for the current order. Order picking follows the pick & pack principle.

In batch picking for further processes in production, the article batch is placed on an internal load carrier and handled onwards according to the production control system.

Manual picking can be performed at special picking stations or from mobile picking equipment, such as trucks or cranes, which are located in the storage system.

An aid to manual picking is a technique called "Pick to Light". A light or lamp signal shows the operator where the article in question can be picked, or alternatively, to which customer order the article belongs. A further development of the technique is an additional display that shows the number and current customer order for the article.

Automatic picking is performed by robotised equipment at fixed picking stations.

Both manual and automatic picking methods are used for order picking (external deliveries) and for internal picking prior to further processes in the production system. Picking for sorting purposes occurs during goods intake at the store.

Moving has equipment for picking functions of various types in which units from the conveyor and crane systems are used to build installations that fulfil the customer's requirements. Control systems, on-site assembly and training of operating and service staff can be included in deliveries.

A number of systems are currently in use in several different industrial sectors and at various types of distribution centre.