Picking Strategies in Oracle Cloud Warehouse Management System (OCWMS) Part 3

In Part 3 of our series on Picking Strategies in Oracle Cloud Warehouse Management System (OCWMS), I will discuss three key picking strategies: Cluster Picking, Pick-to-Light, and Voice Picking. Let's begin:

5. Cluster Picking

One picker handles multiple orders simultaneously using a multi-compartment cart, with each compartment representing a different order.

Best Fit For
• E-commerce with small orders (1-5 items per order)
• High volume, low complexity orders
• Similar order profiles
• Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG)
• Operations with high pick density

Advantages
• Highest productivity (up to 300 lines/hour)
• Minimal travel time
• No sortation required
• Immediate order segregation
• Efficient for small orders

Disadvantages
• Limited to cart capacity (typically 4-8 orders)
• Not suitable for bulky items
• Requires specialized equipment
• Order size constraints

6. Pick-to-Light / Put-to-Light

Light-directed picking system where lights indicate pick locations (pick-to-light) or put locations (put-to-light), typically used with sortation.

Best Fit For
• Very high volume operations (>5000 orders/day)
• Small, fast moving items
• Jewelry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals
• Operations justifying capital investment
• High accuracy requirements

Advantages
• Highest accuracy (>99.9%)
• Minimal training required
• Extremely fast picking
• Hands free operation
• Real time verification

Disadvantages
• High initial investment ($50K-$500K)
• Limited to specific zones
• Requires dedicated hardware
• Less flexible for SKU changes
• Maintenance requirements

7. Voice Picking

Hands-free, eyes-free picking using voice-directed commands through headsets. System speaks instructions, picker confirms verbally.

Best Fit For
• Cold storage environments
• Full case picking
• Operations requiring hands/eyes free
• Multi language workforces
• Environments with poor visibility

Advantages
• Hands and eyes free
• High accuracy (99.99%)
• Works in any lighting
• Good for gloved operations
• Multi language support

Disadvantages
• Noisy environment challenges
• Headset maintenance
• Voice recognition training
• Accent accommodation
• Higher technology cost

Thank You,

Pratip Chatterjee