Picking and packing with high accuracy

Picking is fetching the goods an order requires and assembling them for shipment. It is often the most time-consuming part of warehouse work, and at the same time the one where errors are most expensive. Accuracy and speed must go hand in hand.

• 01Order picking: one order is picked complete at a time.
• 02Batch/combined picking: multiple orders are picked in one pass and sorted afterwards.
• 03Zone picking: each employee picks in their zone of the warehouse.
• 04Pick-to-light/voice: systems that guide the picker to reduce errors.

• 01Confirm item number and quantity — not just the appearance of the item.
• 02Scan barcodes where the system supports it.
• 03Pick according to FIFO where shelf life is relevant.
• 04Keep the pick list and the physical picking separate from other orders.

Good packaging protects the goods during transport and is also efficient. Choose packaging that suits the goods, fill cavities so the contents do not shift, and place heavy items at the bottom. Remember correct shipping labels and any accompanying documents.

Since picking is repeated many times during the day work posture matters a lot. Lift with a straight back and bent knees use aids for heavy goods and arrange the space so frequently used items are easy to reach. Good ergonomics provides both fewer injuries and higher pace over a full day.

When method, control, and ergonomics work together, you can pick quickly without compromising quality.