The picking performance describes the number of items or order lines that an employee picks within a certain period of time (usually per hour). It is one of the most important productivity KPIs in warehouse management, as order picking accounts for the largest share of operational costs in many warehouses.
Formula:
Number of picks ÷ working time (in hours)
Example:
An employee picks 480 order lines in 8 hours.
→ Picking performance = 60 picks per hour
Benchmarks depend heavily on the level of automation and warehouse structure:
Manual warehouses: 60–120 picks/hour
Partially automated: 120–200 picks/hour
Automated: 200–350+ picks/hour
👉 Important: Comparisons are only meaningful within similar processes and layouts.
Order picking often accounts for over 50% of warehouse costs. Even small improvements therefore have a major impact on:
1. Route optimization
Optimized picking routes significantly reduce travel time.
2. Batch or multi-order picking
Pick multiple orders at the same time.
3. Use of picking technologies
4. ABC warehouse structure
Place fast-moving items closer to shipping.
5. Automation
e.g. conveyor technology or autonomous systems
👉 High picking performance does not automatically mean high quality.
Example:
If speed increases, the error rate may also rise.
→ Therefore always evaluate in relation to:
.
A fulfillment service provider optimizes its warehouse layout:
Result:
Picking performance is the key lever for efficiency in the warehouse. Companies that systematically optimize this KPI can significantly reduce costs while increasing delivery speed.
👉 However, the decisive factor is the balance between speed and quality.