Do you run a business where processing orders and preparing goods for shipment is an essential part of operations? Find out what types of picking methods are used in warehouses. This will help you choose the best solution for your business.
What is order picking?
Before we go into the types of picking, let’s define what order picking is. It refers to the process that follows order placement, which involves collecting and packing products according to customer specifications and requirements. The picking process in a warehouse is a key stage in the supply chain, directly affecting customer satisfaction, order lead time, and operational efficiency.
Types of picking
There are several different picking methods used in warehouses. Here are a few of them:
- Order picking – this is the most popular method, involving picking goods for a specific customer order. Warehouse staff move through the racks, collecting the correct products and packing them into one package. This method requires precision and organization to ensure order accuracy.
- Batch picking – this method involves picking several orders at once that include shared products. The warehouse worker collects products for multiple orders and groups them in one location. Then, the goods are separated and packed individually for each order. It’s an efficient method that saves time and resources.
- Zone picking – this method divides the warehouse into zones or sections, each handled by different workers. Each employee is responsible for picking products from their assigned zone. The collected products are then combined into one complete order. This is an effective method in large warehouses with many items.
- Automated picking – with advancing technology, automated picking systems are becoming increasingly popular. They use technologies such as robots, conveyor belts, or sorting systems to automate the picking process. This allows for greater precision, speed, and efficiency.
Based on the movement of goods and workers, two main methods can be distinguished:
- Person-to-goods method – a dynamic system where employees move through the warehouse to pick goods from specific locations.
- Goods-to-person method – a static system where employees stay in one designated picking area, and goods are delivered to them using warehouse transport systems.
These picking systems can be run as either cyclical or continuous. The first offers higher productivity but increases customer wait times. Continuous picking supports faster processing of ongoing orders.
Summary
If your business is based on shipping orders, it’s important to know what picking is, what it means for order fulfillment, and which methods are involved. Choosing the right picking system will directly impact order accuracy, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Do you need a professional partner in warehousing services? You’re in luck – at Axell Group, we provide end-to-end support in order picking, warehousing, and many other logistics processes. Thanks to our experience and advanced logistics systems, we can tailor the process to the unique needs of your business.
Our modern picking methods incorporate the latest technologies and an innovative approach. We use advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), which enable optimization of the picking process, inventory monitoring, order tracking, and much more. This allows us to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and punctual order fulfillment.
