What does picking time mean?

In logistics and warehouse management, the picking time refers to the time required to locate an item in the warehouse, pick it up, and prepare it for further processing, such as order picking or shipping. It is a central component of the order picking time and is one of the most important time factors in manual and semi-automated warehouse processes.

Classification in the warehouse process

Within order picking, the picking time begins as soon as the storage location is reached. It includes all the steps necessary to correctly remove the desired item. This includes identifying the correct item, picking it up, and placing it in a container or on a transport unit. The picking time ends as soon as the item has been safely removed and made available.

Since this process is repeated for each individual item in an order, the picking time has a direct impact on the overall performance of a warehouse.

Factors influencing picking time

The duration of the picking time is determined by various factors. The ergonomics of the workplace, the layout of the storage locations, and the nature of the items play an important role. The picking system used also has an impact on picking time. Support technologies such as pick-by-light, pick-by-voice, or mobile data collection devices can speed up the picking process while reducing the error rate.

In addition, the level of training, routine, and experience of employees have a significant impact on picking efficiency.

Significance for efficiency and costs

Since picking accounts for a large part of total warehouse costs, picking time is an important starting point for process optimization. Even small time savings per picking operation can lead to significant efficiency gains when extrapolated to many orders. Optimized picking time thus contributes to shorter throughput times, lower personnel costs, and higher delivery quality.