pickwork

Pickwork is the operational activity of selecting items from storage to fulfill customer orders, assemble kits, or support production. It is a core function in warehouses and manufacturing environments and is closely related to order picking and pick-to-pack processes. The primary objective of pickwork is to retrieve the correct items in the right quantities while minimizing travel, handling, and errors, thereby supporting timely delivery and accurate inventory records.

The typical workflow begins with an order or production need being communicated to the warehouse or plant. A picker uses a pick list, a warehouse management system, or an automated interface to locate the required SKUs. Items are retrieved from their storage locations, sometimes moved to staging areas, and then routed to packing, labeling, or assembly stations. Inventory is updated in real time or in batch to reflect the transfers. Accuracy, speed, and safety are key performance considerations, and errors can contribute to returns, delays, and downstream costs.

Common picking strategies include single-order picking (one order per trip), batch picking (collecting items for multiple orders simultaneously), zone picking (assigning workers to specific areas), and wave picking (timed releases of orders to optimize throughput). Technologies used to support pickwork range from paper-based pick lists to handheld scanners, voice-directed picking, and pick-to-light systems, as well as automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyors, and robotics.

Performance is typically measured by pick rate, accuracy, and travel time, with additional attention to inventory accuracy and space utilization. Pickwork practices vary by industry, facility layout, and the specific ERP or WMS in use.