Ordering spare parts in the evening and having the package at your door the next day—what many take for granted is actually based on a highly complex logistical process: order picking.
But what exactly does the term “order picking” mean? Why is order picking so central to modern goods flows? And how do companies manage to make this process reliable, efficient, and cost-effective?
In logistics, order picking refers to the process of selecting specific items from an overall inventory and assembling them for a particular order. Order picking is the moment when goods are moved out of storage toward the customer or the next stage of processing.
Order picking is much more than just a technical procedure—it requires a finely tuned interaction between people, technology, material flow, and organization. Ultimately, this is where it’s decided whether an order reaches the recipient in the correct quantity, the right quality, and at the desired time.
Order Picking in Transition: From Warehouse Shelves to Smart Process Chains
Just a few decades ago, order picking was mostly a manual process: employees would move through the shelves with picking lists and carts, assembling the required items. This method is still common today—especially for small assortments or when flexibility is needed.
However, with increasing digitalization and the dynamic development of commerce, the requirements have changed significantly:
- The number of items per order is decreasing
- Delivery times are getting shorter
- Product range depth is increasing
- Customers expect maximum reliability and transparency
Modern logistics solutions therefore rely on warehouse management systems (WMS), mobile devices, automated conveyor technology, and intelligent software that support order picking at every stage of the process.
As an experienced partner in contract logistics, we offer individually scalable solutions—from manual picking processes to fully automated systems. Order picking is understood as an integral part of efficient supply chain processes.
- Over X million picks per year
- Flexible solutions: from manual to fully automated
- Industry-specific processes (industry, retail, spare parts)
- Scalable—even for peak periods
- Intelligent picking systems (e.g., AutoStore – automated small parts storage system)
- Strong service orientation for optimal purchasing experiences
- Collaborative process development for maximum efficiency
Overview of Picking Methods
Depending on the type of warehouse, assortment, and order structure, different methods are used. Below are the most prominent picking methods:
Order Picking Strategies
In addition to the technology used, the strategic organization of picking processes also plays a central role. Depending on warehouse topology, order structure, and the degree of automation, different strategies are applied:
Serial Picking A single picker passes through all relevant zones and assembles an order completely. This method is easy to implement but can be time-consuming if travel distances are long or the warehouse area is large.
Parallel Picking Each picker remains in a defined zone; orders are split into partial quantities, processed in the respective areas, and later consolidated. This reduces travel time and increases efficiency—especially in large-scale or highly segmented warehouses.
Single-Stage Picking Each order is processed completely one after the other. Items are picked exclusively for a single order and handed directly over for packing. The process is particularly transparent but less economical for larger volumes.
Two-Stage Picking First, identical items for multiple orders are collected together, then distributed to individual orders. This method is efficient for high volumes and reduces both picking times and travel distances.
Order Picking as a Value Driver in the Supply Chain
Why is efficient order picking so important?
Order picking has a significant impact on:
- Customer Satisfaction: Error-free and fast delivery increases satisfaction and customer loyalty.
- Cost Structure: Order picking is one of the most cost-intensive processes in intralogistics.
- Competitiveness: Efficient processes ensure short lead times and enable customized services.
Although order picking often takes place in the background, it is one of the key value drivers in the supply chain. It is in this process that a company’s ability to reliably fulfill its service promises to customers is largely determined. Faulty or delayed picking leads to delays, additional costs, or dissatisfied customers. Conversely, high-performance picking directly contributes to competitiveness—through fast lead times, high delivery quality, and flexible responsiveness.
Especially in times of rising expectations and complex multichannel logistics, the ability to pick orders individually and efficiently is a decisive success factor. This applies to traditional retail as well as to industrial supply chains, spare parts logistics, or e-commerce models.
Challenges and Trends in Order Picking
The demands on order picking are continuously increasing:
- Smaller batch sizes and shorter delivery times require greater flexibility.
- E-commerce and omnichannel strategies are leading to a higher number of individual orders.
- Robot-assisted picking is fundamentally changing warehouse workflows.
Innovative technologies such as AI-based systems and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are driving further efficiency gains and flexibility.
Order picking today faces a wide range of challenges, especially the growing demands for speed and precision. Same-day delivery and personalized services are no longer exceptions—they are becoming the standard in many places.
There is also the need to maintain consistently high quality even with highly fluctuating order volumes, such as during seasonal peaks. This calls for flexible staffing concepts and scalable technical solutions.
The increasing automation through autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated warehouse systems, and AI-driven software is shaping the future of picking processes. Nevertheless, when it comes to complex and highly varied assortments, people often remain indispensable.
Order Picking at BLG LOGISTICS:
Tailored Solutions for Every Requirement
As an experienced partner in contract logistics, we offer comprehensive services in the field of order picking—from traditional manual processes to fully automated solutions.
Our portfolio includes:
- Order picking for consumer and industrial goods
- Cross-docking concepts
- Integration of state-of-the-art IT systems
- Flexible staffing based on seasonal fluctuations
- Customized solutions for various industries
Cutting-edge IT systems ensure seamless management and tracking of all picking orders. With lean management methods and data-driven analysis, we continuously optimize our processes—for maximum efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Flexible capacity models enable us to handle seasonal peaks with ease. Customers benefit from tailored, scalable solutions that are precisely aligned with their individual requirements.
Order picking is much more than simply assembling items: it is the heart of modern logistics and a key driver of customer satisfaction and competitiveness. In a dynamic and digitalized business world, efficient, flexible, and high-quality picking solutions are indispensable. With many years of experience, innovative technology, and a clear focus on customer needs, we offer you the right answers.
