How to do order picking in ASRS?

Order picking in an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) involves the retrieval and preparation of items from their storage locations to fulfill specific orders. Here are the general steps involved in order picking in an ASRS:

1. Order Dispatch: Orders are received from customers or generated within the warehouse management system (WMS). The WMS determines which items need to be picked and in what quantities.

2. Order Communication: The order details are communicated to the ASRS system, specifying the location, quantity, and priority of the items to be picked.

3. Retrieval Request: The ASRS system sends a retrieval request to the automated storage system, specifying the storage locations of the items to be picked.

4. Item Retrieval: The ASRS system's automated cranes or robotic mechanisms retrieve the required items from their designated storage locations. They navigate through the aisles and shelves, locating and extracting the items.

5. Verification and Quality Control: Once the items are retrieved, they may go through verification and quality control processes to ensure accuracy and integrity. This can include barcode scanning, weight checks, or visual inspections.

6. Order Consolidation: The picked items are delivered to a consolidation area or order staging area. Here, the items from multiple orders may be gathered together for packaging and further processing.

7. Packaging and Labeling: The picked items are prepared for shipment or further processing. They are packaged into appropriate containers or boxes and labeled with necessary information such as customer details, order numbers, and shipping labels.

8. Order Verification: The picked items and their quantities are verified against the original order to ensure accuracy. This step may involve automated scanning or manual inspection.

9. Loading and Dispatch: Once the order is verified and properly packed, it is loaded onto transportation vehicles, such as trucks or conveyor systems, for dispatch to the customer or the next stage of distribution.

Throughout the order picking process in an ASRS, the WMS and Warehouse Control System (WCS) play crucial roles in coordinating and managing the flow of information and operations. They track the progress of orders, direct the ASRS system, and provide real-time visibility and control over the picking process.

It's important to note that the specific order picking process in an ASRS can vary depending on the design, configuration, and technology used in the system. Different ASRS solutions may have unique features or steps tailored to their specific capabilities and requirements.