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Warehouse order picking

WHAT IS warehouse order picking?

Warehouse order picking is the process of selecting items from storage to fulfil customer or store orders. It is one of the most critical operations in warehousing and distribution, as picking accuracy and speed directly affect fulfillment times, costs, and customer satisfaction.

Also known as:

  • Order picking
  • Warehouse picking
  • Picking operations

RELATED: The future is now: Embracing digitalisation in your fulfilment centre

HOW DOES warehouse order picking WORK?

Once orders are registered in the management system, the warehouse operators will commence their picking. A Warehouse Management System (WMS) generates a picking list, directing staff or automation to retrieve the required items.
Common warehouse picking methods include:
  • Single-order picking – one picker handles one order at a time.
  • Batch picking – multiple orders are picked simultaneously to save travel time.
  • Zone picking – pickers are assigned to specific warehouse zones.
  • Wave picking – orders are grouped and released in waves (time blocks) for efficiency.
  • Automated picking – systems such as robots or ASRS bring goods to the picker. A pouch system can relieve the picking process by acting as an itembuffer.
These different picking methods are explained further in the section ‘comparing warehouse picking methods’ below.

BENEFITS OF improving warehouse order picking

  • Accuracy: Reduces errors that lead to returns or customer dissatisfaction.
  • Efficiency: Optimised picking methods cut travel time and speed up fulfilment.
  • Scalability: Supports high order volumes during seasonal peaks.
  • Cost reduction: Improves labour productivity and reduces wasted movements.
  • Customer satisfaction: Ensures faster, more reliable deliveries.

RELATED: Pouch system – the sweet spot between inventory and sortation

COMPARING WAREHOUSE ORDER PICKING METHODS

Method Description Best for
Single-order One order picked at a time Small warehouses, low volume
Batch picking Multiple orders picked together Medium-high volume operations and many overlapping SKUs
Zone picking Each picker works in a dedicated zone Large warehouses with many SKUs
Wave picking Orders grouped into waves (time blocks) for efficiency High-volume, time-sensitive operations and cut-off times
Automated picking ASRS systems or robotics handle picking High volume e-commerce operations

HOW BEUMER GROUP SUPPORTS warehouse order picking

BEUMER Group enhances warehouse picking through design of integrated automation, enabling faster, more efficient fulfilment. Our order picking system designs support both traditional and advanced picking strategies and aim to reduce manual handling to streamline the material flow.

 

Our picking-integrated system solutions include:
  • BG Pouch System – consolidates and sequences orders dynamically, ideal for e-commerce and multi-SKU fulfilment.
  • Line and loop sortation systems – direct items accurately to the right order or packing station.
  • Conveyor Systems – reduce walking distances and improve item transport.
  • Integration with WMS and WCS – ensures picking strategies are executed efficiently on the warehouse floor.
Drawing on decades of intralogistics expertise, BEUMER Group supports customers in making their picking operations faster, more cost-efficient, and beneficial for the material handling flow.
RELATED: Batch buffers and matrix sortation: What are they and how do they work in pouch sorter technology

FAQ ABOUT warehouse order picking

  • Batch and zone picking are among the most common warehouse picking methods, but the best approach depends on order volume, SKU range, and warehouse layout.

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