Be Automation Ready: Assisted Picking Combines Human Expertise with Real-Time Guidance

Welcome back to the BAR (Be Automation Ready) series, where we break down the journey toward warehouse automation into manageable, impactful phases. Following our exploration of Phase 2: Implementing tasking systems to enhance manual workflows, we now turn to Phase 3: Assisted picking. This phase focuses on the integration of human expertise with real-time guidance technology to maximize accuracy and productivity.

What is assisted picking? 

Assisted picking refers to the use of technology to guide warehouse workers in completing tasks such as order picking, packing and inventory replenishment. It combines human judgment with intelligent hardware, such as case picking and intralogistics bots that are powered by warehouse orchestration software with advanced safety features. As a result, assisted picking reduces errors, shortens training time and accelerates fulfillment processes.

RELATED READ: BAR 1: Laying the Foundation for a Journey Toward Full Optimization

How do you know if assisted picking is a good fit for you?

In today’s warehouse environment, efficiency and flexibility are key to staying competitive. Assisted picking offers a smart way to enhance operations without the need for full-scale automation. 

• Cost-effective enhancement: Assisted picking is a practical step for highly manual warehouses because it requires a smaller investment than implementing end-to-end robotic automation or other advanced systems, allowing for full integration and scale as needed.
  
• Retention of human-driven flexibility: Unlike fully automated solutions, assisted picking retains human decision-making while leveraging technology to optimize performance. This hybrid approach is especially valuable for handling complex or non-standard orders.
  
• Rapid implementation: Assisted picking technologies are typically easy to deploy and integrate with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), enabling warehouses to see results quickly.

Key benefits of assisted picking

Assisted picking solutions bring immediate, measurable improvements to warehouse operations. From reducing training time for new employees to optimizing pick paths and minimizing errors, these systems enhance productivity without the complexities of full automation. 

1. Minimal operator training requirements: Assisted picking systems simplify the learning curve for new employees. By providing clear and intuitive guidance, these tools enable faster onboarding and consistent performance across the workforce. In fact, getting associates up and running with assisted picking robots is about 80% faster than recruiting, hiring and training new pickers for manual processes. 
   
   
2. Enhanced productivity: Real-time guidance helps workers complete tasks faster by eliminating the need for manual checks or paper-based instructions. Optimized routes and streamlined workflows further boost efficiency. Some companies report productivity increases of up to 40% with assisted order-picking systems.
   
   
3. More efficient workflows: Assisted picking minimizes operator time while also reducing idle time. Once a pick is completed, the handheld device instantly guides the operator to the next pick location, ensuring seamless workflow efficiency.
   
   
4. Scalability: Assisted picking solutions can scale alongside your operations. Whether you’re managing seasonal surges or expanding your warehouse, these systems adapt to changing demand by adding new agents or more operators to achieve the desired throughput.

4 steps to implement assisted picking

A successful rollout requires careful planning and a strategic approach. From assessing your warehouse’s specific needs to selecting the right technology and ensuring proper training, each step plays a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of assisted picking.

1. Evaluate your needs: Identify the areas where assisted picking can deliver the most value. Common pain points include order accuracy, fulfillment speed and training inefficiencies.
   
   
2. Choose the right technology: Select tools that align with your warehouse’s requirements. They should also integrate seamlessly with existing systems such as handheld devices.
   
   
3. Pilot and refine: Begin with a pilot program to test the technology’s effectiveness in a controlled environment. Gather feedback from workers and use performance data to refine the implementation process.
   
   
4. Train your team: Provide comprehensive training to ensure employees are comfortable using the new tools. Highlight the benefits of assisted picking to encourage adoption and engagement.

Looking ahead 

Assisted picking is a smart step for many warehouses, as it bridges the gap between tasking systems and more advanced automation phases. By empowering your workforce with real-time guidance technology, you’ll set the stage for greater efficiency and scalability in future phases, such as goods-to-person automation and waveless fulfillment.

Next in the series, we’ll explore Phase 4: Goods-to-person automation. You’ll learn how robotic systems can deliver inventory directly to workers, streamlining operations and boosting throughput.