How to Make Warehouse Picking Faster, Cheaper and More Accurate
Order picking is the heart of your warehouse.
Get it right = happy customers, lower costs, and smooth running.
Get it wrong = delays, mistakes, and lost money.Here’s how to pick smarter.
The 4 Main Picking Methods – Choose the Right One
| Method | How it works | Best for | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Order | One picker does one full order at a time | Small orders, high-value or fragile items | Highest accuracy |
| Batch Picking | Picker collects items for several orders in one trip | Lots of small, multi-item orders | Cuts walking time |
| Zone Picking | Warehouse split into zones; each picker stays in their zone | Large warehouses, conveyor systems | Less travel, faster throughput |
| Wave Picking | Orders released in timed “waves” to match shipping cut-offs | Busy sites with tight delivery schedules | Matches picking to outbound trucks |
Many warehouses now mix two or more methods to get the best results.
Modern Tech That Speeds Everything Up
| Technology | What it does | Real-world gain |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Picking | Picker wears headset and gets spoken instructions | Hands and eyes free → up to 30% faster |
| Pick-to-Light | Lights show exact location and quantity | Errors drop by 70%+ on fast-moving lines |
| Scan Guns / Wearables | Real-time checks as you pick | Instant stock updates, fewer mistakes |
| Goods-to-Person Robots | Items come to the picker (e.g. AutoStore, shuttles) | Walking cut by 70–90% |
| Fully Automated Systems | Robots or A-frames pick and sort | 500–1,000+ lines per hour, 24/7 |
The Big Pay-Offs When You Get Picking Right
- Up to 50% faster order fulfilment
- Error rates under 0.1% (instead of 1–3% with paper)
- Less walking = happier, healthier staff
- Lower labour costs or same team handles more orders
- Accurate, on-time deliveries = happy customers who come back
- Real-time stock visibility = no surprise stock-outs
Ready to Fix Your Picking and Cut Costs?
2h Storage Solutions helps warehouses across the North East pick faster and cheaper. We’ll visit your site for free, look at your orders and layout, then show you exactly:
- Which picking method (or mix) works best for you
- The right tech for your budget and volume
- How quickly you’ll see a return on investment
We supply and install everything: racking, voice systems, pick-to-light, robots – the lot.Call us today – let’s make your warehouse run like clockwork.
One short call can save you thousands every month. Let’s do it.
Tel: 01937 585057