Assisted Batch Picking With Location Confirmation and Container Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing order fulfillment systems in e-commerce are inefficient due to rudimentary control over picking tasks, leading to wasted time and labor as workers pick items regardless of their location in the warehouse, and lack effective communication with central systems to confirm item selection and location.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that uses a user device to guide workers through the picking process by determining the number of containers needed, retrieving item lists, and confirming item location and selection, ensuring efficient route planning and minimizing unnecessary container retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workers pick items regardless of location in existing systems, then picking tasks can be completed, but time and labor are wasted due to inefficient routing between physically distant items
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining the optimal picking sequence and routing before workers begin picking. The central system calculates the most efficient path through the warehouse based on item locations, and provides this routing information to workers in advance via user devices, allowing them to plan their movement and minimize travel time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by tracking workers' locations and picking progress in real-time through user devices. The central system receives updates on worker position and item selection status, then dynamically adjusts routing recommendations and provides guidance on the next items to pick, ensuring workers always follow the most efficient path.
2Reliability
If existing systems control picking on an order-basis without central communication, then workers have autonomy, but the system cannot confirm whether workers are at the right location or picking the right item
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by requiring workers to scan item identifiers and location identifiers with their user devices. These scans provide real-time confirmation to the central system that workers are at the correct location and selecting the correct items. The system processes this feedback data to verify accuracy and update picking status.
Solution Approach 2:
The user device acts as an intermediary between the worker and the central system. It captures scanning data from item and location identifiers, transmits this information to the central system for verification, and receives routing instructions back. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling reliable tracking and confirmation.
3Productivity
If workers use multiple containers for batch items, then all items can be collected, but unnecessary container retrieval increases time and labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation to determine the optimal number of containers needed for each batch pick task before workers begin. Based on the batch item list and worker routing, the system calculates how many containers will be required and provides this information to workers in advance, allowing them to prepare the appropriate number of containers and avoid unnecessary retrieval trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by providing workers with all necessary picking information including item lists, locations, routing sequences, and container requirements through their user devices. Workers can independently complete batch picking tasks without needing to consult supervisors or retrieve additional containers beyond what was initially allocated, reducing interruptions and improving efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure include a computer implemented system including at least one processor and memory storing instructions. In one embodiment, a system receives a batch identifier, determines a number of containers, sends the number of containers to a user device, and receives a first container identifier from a user device. The system retrieves a location identifier of a first item, sends the location identifier to the user device, and receives a physical location identifier from the user device. The system sends to the user device the first item when the physical location identifier matches the location identifier. The system receives a physical item identifier of the first item and sends a destination to the user device to bring the container.