Order picking methods describe how goods are assembled in the warehouse to efficiently fulfill customer orders. They are a central component of modern logistics—especially in e-commerce, with 3PL providers, and in industry.
The choice of the right method has a significant impact on:
Order picking methods are also referred to as order picking procedures or order-picking methods and are part of modern picking systems.
In practice, these terms are often mixed. A clear distinction helps with understanding:
Modern order picking is based on the interaction of these three levels.
Here, one order is processed completely after another.
Typical use cases:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
💡See also Bitergo glossary: Single Order Picking
Multiple orders are picked in parallel and then separated.
Typical use cases:Advantages:
Disadvantages:
💡See also Bitergo glossary: Batch Picking / Multi Order Picking
Zone picking is an order picking method in which the warehouse is divided into several areas (zones). Each worker is responsible for one zone. Orders are either passed through the zones (pick & pass) or processed in parallel.
Typical use cases:
Variants:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
👉 Foundation of many modern warehouse structures
💡See also Bitergo glossary: Zone Picking
Cluster picking is an extension of batch picking in which multiple orders are picked simultaneously and directly separated. The picker uses, for example, a cart with multiple containers (clusters), each assigned to an order.
Typical use cases:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
💡See also Bitergo glossary: Cluster Picking
Order picking takes place in two steps:
Typical use cases:
Advantages:
💡See also Bitergo glossary: Pick & Pack
Wave picking is a method for controlling order picking in which orders are released in time-based waves.
Orders are grouped and processed together based on criteria such as shipping time, route, or priority.
Typical use cases:
Advantages:
Disadvantage:
Less flexible than real-time control
💡See also Bitergo glossary: Cluster Picking
Orders are released continuously and flexibly.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Orders are processed based on importance (e.g. express).
👉 Often combined with other methods to ensure service level targets
Pick-by-scan refers to an order picking method in which workers are guided through the picking process using barcode scanners or mobile data capture devices. The warehouse management system transmits picking orders to a mobile device. The worker scans storage locations and items to confirm the pick.
Typical use cases:
Advantages:
💡See also Bitergo glossary: Pick-by-Scan
Pick-by-voice is a voice-controlled picking system in which workers receive instructions via headsets.
Typical use cases:
Advantages:
Pick-by-light is a visual picking system in which light signals indicate the picking location.
Typical use cases:
Advantages:
Goods-to-person describes automated systems in which goods are transported to the worker.
Use cases:
Advantages:
💡See also Bitergo glossary: Goods-to-Person
In modern warehouses, multiple methods are combined:
👉 Hybrid systems are the standard today
E-commerce:
3PL (Fulfillment):
Industry:
👉 In these cases, implementing a warehouse management system (WMS) or adjusting the picking strategy is worthwhile