Direct answer. Picking (or order preparation) refers to the operation of retrieving, from a warehouse's storage locations, the items needed for an order, before they are packaged (packing) and shipped. It's generally the largest single operating cost in a warehouse, well ahead of receiving or storage.
An entry point into the full guide
Picking covers several very different methods, order picking, batch picking, zone picking, wave picking, voice picking, pick-to-light, RF scanning or robotic goods-to-person, each suited to a different volume and order profile. This glossary entry sticks to the essential definition; to compare the 8 methods in detail, their use cases, advantages and limits, as well as the economic weight of picking and the role of mobile robots in supporting it, head to our full guide to warehouse picking methods.
The key thing to remember: picking is the counterpart to packing (packaging the picked items), and splits into two broad logics, man-to-goods, where the operator moves to the merchandise, and goods-to-person, where the merchandise is brought to a fixed station, generally by robots.
Picking is also the leading source of preparation errors, with an estimated cost of around €20 per mis-prepared order (return, re-shipment, customer dissatisfaction). That's why most warehouses aim for an order-accuracy rate above 99.5%, a target that justifies the growing use of picking aids, RF scanning, pick-to-light, robotic goods-to-person, without needing to redo the existing layout.
Automating pallet transport between storage areas and picking stations reduces the walking distance for pickers. Discover the robot or contact us to evaluate your project.
FAQ
What's the difference between picking and packing?
Picking is the step of retrieving ordered items from stock. Packing comes right after: it's packaging those items into parcels ready to ship (boxing, cushioning, labeling). Together, the two steps form what's known as "pick & pack."
How much does picking weigh in a warehouse's costs?
Order picking alone accounts for around 50 to 55% of a typical warehouse's operating costs, mainly due to the time pickers spend walking between locations. That's why the choice of picking method and layout optimization (slotting) have a direct impact on profitability.
Related terms
Packing · Slotting · Location addressing · Kitting · Goods-to-person · Order picker (machine) · Order picker (job) · Forklift operator.
See also: warehouse picking methods, goods-to-person.
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