Understanding Picking Frequency and Types of Goods in Warehouse Operations

a) “Picking frequency” refers to the count of instances that a particular SKU is drawn from inventory as a result of a customer order. The pick frequency of an item/SKU is a common determinant of the location of its storage. Typically, SKUs that are picked with high frequency are stored in a location selected for its convenience, i.e. close to the despatch or packaging/consolidating zone. As a general rule, frequently picked products are located in proximity to despatch in order to minimize the picker’s travel time, with the degree of proximity from despatch corresponding to pick frequency (the most frequent will be closest; the least frequent will be furthest). The security and size requirements of a frequently picked SKU are considerations that may create exceptions to this frequency=proximity rule, however.

b) “Type of goods” refers to the categorisation of SKUs according to whatever system is in place in the warehouse. Goods could be classified according to the ABC system, security requirements, manufacturer, models, expiration, and end-usage (domestic, industrial, clothing, children’s, edibles). They may also be classified according to factors that directly reflect warehousing/storage concerns, e.g. necessary storage media (bay, bulk, frozen, liquid), hazardous material, weather imperviousness, pick frequency, physical attributes (size, weight, photosensitivity), fragility, durability, and compatibility with other stored materials or substances.