Plocklinjer

Plocklinjer, or picking lines, refer to the workflows and, in some cases, the physical lanes within a warehouse where items are selected to fulfill customer orders. The aim is to minimize travel time and errors while maximizing picking speed. Plocklinjer are a core element of order picking, which is often the most labor-intensive activity in e-commerce and retail supply chains.

Common picking strategies used on plocklinjer include single-order picking, batch picking, zone picking, and wave picking. The choice depends on SKU variety, order profile, and throughput requirements. Technologies such as pick-to-light, pick-by-voice, and handheld scanners support accuracy, while the physical setup includes pick faces, totes or cartons, conveyors, and sortation equipment. Increasingly, warehouses combine manual plocklinjer with automation like automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) or autonomous mobile robots to move goods to the picker.

Performance is measured by metrics such as pick rate (items per hour), picking accuracy, travel distance, and order cycle time. Benefits of well-designed plocklinjer include higher throughput, lower error rates, and better space utilization. Costs include labor intensity, training, and the need for ongoing optimization as product ranges change.

Implementation considerations include layout optimization, selection of picking method, integration with a warehouse management system (WMS), and safety. Trends in plocklinjer include automation, real-time data visibility, voice-directed picking, and modular line configurations that can adapt to demand fluctuations.