A picking route should reduce walking while controlling how long chilled goods wait between picking and handover. An always-pick-last rule can increase waiting if the courier is delayed or the chilled zone is far from dispatch.
Measure the elapsed time first. Record when chilled items are picked, when the tote is closed and when it is handed over. Track busy and quiet periods separately, and measure product temperature using a suitable method. This shows whether the bottleneck is walking, order consolidation or courier waiting.
Adjust route and holding point together
If placing the chilled zone near the end of the round helps, compare walking and waiting time together. When handover is delayed, move products to a refrigerated holding area suitable for their label. If you use an insulated compartment, validate it under actual fill and waiting conditions.
Put product sequence into the procedure
Separate chilled and frozen items according to the operation's product instructions. Define acceptable waiting limits for each order type in the operating procedure, and review route and measurement plans when the data changes.
