Picking
Quick answer
The process of retrieving products from warehouse locations to fulfil an order - the most costly warehouse activity.
Key takeaways
- Discrete (order picking) - one operator picks a full order end to end
- Batch picking - several orders picked at once for the same SKU
- Zone picking - each operator covers a zone; the order moves between zones
- Wave picking - orders grouped into planned waves (routes, carriers, deadlines)
What picking is
Picking is the activity where operators retrieve products from storage locations to assemble an order. It accounts on average for 50-65% of a warehouse's operating cost, making it the primary optimisation target.
Picking strategies
- Discrete (order picking) - one operator picks a full order end to end
- Batch picking - several orders picked at once for the same SKU
- Zone picking - each operator covers a zone; the order moves between zones
- Wave picking - orders grouped into planned waves (routes, carriers, deadlines)
Why it matters
A poorly optimised picking route means kilometres walked needlessly in the warehouse. Cutting travel distance by 20-30% directly means more orders shipped per day with the same staff.
How CRMconnect helps
The CRMconnect WMS generates route-optimised picking lists, guides operators via RF scanning, and validates each pick by SKU/batch, eliminating shipping errors that drive returns and chargebacks.
Real-world example
An e-commerce warehouse with 900 orders/day moved from discrete to batch + zone picking with CRMconnect WMS. Average distance walked per order dropped 34%, and shipping capacity rose from 900 to 1,400 orders/day with the same team.
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Frequently asked
What is the most efficient picking method?+
It depends on the order profile. Batch picking suits many small orders with common SKUs (e-commerce), zone picking suits large warehouses, and wave picking suits operations with route/carrier deadlines. A good WMS combines them.
How do I reduce picking errors?+
By scanning at each step (location, product, quantity) and validating in the WMS. Pick-to-light or voice picking further cut error rates below 0.1%.
What is an optimised picking route?+
The sequence of locations that minimises total distance to pick all lines of an order or batch. The WMS computes it automatically from the warehouse layout.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
WMS (Warehouse Management System)
The system orchestrating physical warehouse operations: receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping.
LogisticsWave picking
Grouping orders into planned waves to sync picking with routes, carriers and shipping deadlines.
LogisticsBatch picking
Picking several orders in one warehouse pass, grouped by common SKUs.
LogisticsPutaway
The process of storing received goods in optimal locations immediately after receipt.