Each Picking

What is Each Picking?

Each picking, also known as piece picking or split-case picking, is a common order fulfillment method where individual items or SKUs are selected from a master carton. These items are typically combined with other SKUs before shipment. Unlike case picking, each picks involve lower volumes per SKU, leading to significantly higher labor-cost-to-revenue ratios.

To support this order picking process, operations rely on systems like carton flow, dynamic industrial shelving, or shelving units designed to present open cartons directly to pickers.

Each picking is common in warehouses, order fulfillment centers, and retail environments that ship directly to consumers. It often represents the majority of picks in these facilities, making it essential for operations to optimize each picking strategies for efficiency and profitability.

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Where is Each Picking Used?

As eCommerce and omnichannel fulfillment models expand, the demand for efficient each picking operations continues to grow. This method is most often used in:

Fulfillment centers shipping directly to consumers.
Retailers preparing BOPIS (buy online, pick up in-store) and same-day orders.
Grocery delivery services fulfilling individual customer orders.
3PLs and distribution centers with high SKU variety and low-volume picks.

Given the high labor demands and low per-pick revenue, these environments require optimized each picking systems that enhance speed, accuracy, and ergonomic access to reduce operational costs.

Challenges of Each Picking

In many warehouses and distribution centers, each picks are stored in an inefficient manner that stretches pick times, eats up valuable floor space, and costs thousands in lost productivity. Common each picking challenges include:

Poor SKU accessibility and visibility make locating specific SKUs difficult and time-consuming for pickers
SKUs placed in incorrect locations or inefficiently organized leads to misplaced inventory, wasted search time and popular SKUs being buried
Lack of organization by throughput and poor optimization of pick paths results in delayed or missed orders
Inefficient use of space requires pickers to walk further to locate picks, leading to increased travel, search, and pick time

Best Practices to Improve Each Picking

Following each picking best practices will address the challenges faced by order fulfillment operations, from the warehouse to the retail floor.

Optimize slotting by velocity, placing the fastest moving SKUs in the most accessible locations and grouping similar items together to reduce search time.
Utilize dynamic storage solutions like carton flow and high-density shelving to increase storage density, improve visibility, and provide ergonomic access.
Label everything clearly. Proper signage and visibility aids pickers in quickly locating the correct picks.
Train pickers on optimization mindset by stressing the importance of proper slotting, re-slotting, first-in-first-out, and reporting errors.

Addressing the most common causes of inefficiency in each picking applications will lead to more profits across every area of your operation.

Increased Efficiency in Each Picking Starts with Improving Space Utilization

warehouse-retail-picking-sku

UNEX offers solutions that directly address the common inefficiencies in each picking operations.

SpeedCell high-density storage compresses up to 200' of rack into 40' of organized, ergonomic storage, ideal for slow-moving SKUs. This dramatically reduces travel time and increases storage capacity.

SpanTrack carton flow systems are optimized for medium-moving SKUs and can boost throughput by up to 150%. These drop-in systems support both roller lanes and wheel beds for flexibility, enabling FIFO flow and faster, more accurate picking.

Optimize Your Each Picking Operations with UNEX

UNEX designs optimized each picking solutions with three goals in mind: increase pick rates, decrease mispicks, and improve ergonomics at the point of pick. Keeping each picks in the Golden Zone prevents order pickers from needing to lift above the shoulders or below the waist. UNEX’s each picking solutions can be customized to fit a wide variety of rack structures or can be used in conjunction with UNEX carton flow racks, pick shelves, and dynamic high-density industrial shelving systems. Our each picking solutions feature a full line of accessories to meet the unique needs of your operation – from label holders to dividers, end stops, and more.

Connect with our product experts to learn how UNEX solutions can help you increase space utilization and boost productivity in your each picking operation.

Explore UNEX Solutions

SpeedCell

SpeedCell is a dynamic warehouse storage solution uniquely designed to save time, space, and money by using existing space within standard pallet racking. Its compact design can compress 200′ of rack or shelving into 40′ of highly organized space.

Key benefits of SpeedCell include:

Transform vacant space into useable storage and increase storage density by 40-60%
Create a highly efficient and accurate pick
Reduce picker travel time by 80%
Reduce labor costs by up to 40%

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SpanTrack Lane

SpanTrack Lane is an innovative carton-flow solution that drops into new or existing pallet rack structures to create an efficient, reliable, and durable flow system. Depend on a robust and sturdy solution for even the most active warehouses and assembly plants.

Key benefits of Spantrack include:

Ensure FIFO inventory rotation
Reduce worker travel time by up to 75%
Optimized for product stacking
Industry-leading 7-year warranty

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SpanTrack Wheel Bed

SpanTrack Wheel Bed is a flexible carton flow solution that drops into new or existing pallet rack structures to create the ultimate gravity flow rack system for order picking operations, manufacturing facilities, and more.

Additional Benefits Of Spantrack Wheel Bed Include:

Hex hub wheel design for optimal flow
Store products with a wide variation in size and weight
Increase flexibility for inventory slotting with 90% left to right bay usage
Replenish inventory from the back without interrupting the process in front

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Pick Shelves

Tilted pick shelves significantly improve SKU visibility, resulting in faster order picking and more comfortable, precise picks for workers. Our easy-to-mount pick shelves are customizable and fit perfectly in racks and on workstations.

Additional Benefits Of Pick Shelves Include:

Integrate slow movers into the pick line to save space and increase efficiency
Eliminate the dead zone
Accelerate pick rates
Provide clear visibility and accessibility at the pick point and improve worker comfort

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SpeedCartt

SpeedCartt is a mobile, high-density picking cart solution that is reliable in the most demanding environments. Constructed from the same lightweight yet heavy-duty materials as SpeedCell, SpeedCartt improves efficiency and reduces labor costs.

Additional Benefits Of SpeedCartt Include:

Increase pick facings
Reduce travel times
Increase order accuracy
Pick multiple orders at the same time for maximum efficiency

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More Applications

Case Picking

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Picking Carts