The Advantages of Picking Systems

The e-commerce boom has transformed how warehouses operate, with speed and accuracy now essential for meeting customer expectations. While advanced systems like Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) offer unmatched efficiency, they come with a high price tag.

The good news? You don’t need heavy automation to stay competitive. By investing in simple, effective picking solutions, warehouses can keep operational costs low, improve efficiency, and achieve faster, more accurate fulfilment.

What is Order Picking?

Order picking is the process of retrieving items from warehouse inventory to complete customer orders. It may sound simple, but it’s one of the most labour-intensive and costly parts of fulfilment, often accounting for more than half of operational expenses.

When order picking is inefficient, it impacts:

• Labour costs, with longer pick times and wasted travel.
• Accuracy, leading to mis-picks and delays.
• Safety, with disorganised or unstable storage creating risks.

When optimised, order picking becomes a driver of warehouse efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

The Advantages of Picking Systems

Reduced Warehouse Costs
Picking is the most labour-intensive part of the fulfilment process, particularly in large facilities. A well-planned picking system reduces walking time, prevents errors, and increases throughput, creating a more cost-effective labour-to-fulfilment ratio.

Improved Customer Satisfaction
Picking errors lead directly to delayed, incorrect, or incomplete orders, all of which impact customer loyalty. Investing in accurate, efficient picking systems ensures that orders are fulfilled quickly and correctly, helping to build trust and long-term value.

Increased Team Performance
The right systems don’t just benefit the operation. They empower your team to work more effectively and with greater confidence. By reducing error margins and simplifying workflows, you create a more supportive working environment where staff can succeed. Open communication with your picking team is key to identifying pain points and maintaining performance.

Enhanced Sustainability
Optimising your picking system contributes to sustainability goals by cutting down on wasted energy and unnecessary labour. Smart layout planning, efficient routing, and prioritised picking zones all help reduce travel time, improve energy usage, and minimise waste.

Innovative Picking Solutions

Shelf Partitioning System (SPS)

Nene’s Shelf Partitioning System is a fully adjustable stock organisation tool made from powder-coated steel. It fits into standard pallet racking or long-span shelving and allows custom partitioning to suit your exact needs.

Quick to install and built to last, SPS helps streamline picking, improve accuracy, and reduce clutter.

Learn More: https://www.nene.co.uk/shelf-partitioning-system/

Storeganizer

A modular, space-saving solution that enables dense storage of small or medium-sized items in vertically stacked pockets.

Made from durable industrial fabric, Storeganizer maximises capacity within pallet racking while reducing travel distances, ideal for operations looking to increase efficiency without expanding their footprint.

Learn More: https://www.nene.co.uk/storeganizer/

Wire Mesh Dividers & Decks

Mesh dividers prevent product migration, improve airflow, and keep pallets organised for safer, faster picking.

Wire mesh decks add strength and stability to racking, reducing the risk of items falling while meeting fire safety regulations. Both options are quick to install, durable, and adaptable to different stock profiles.

Learn More: https://www.nene.co.uk/wire-mesh-decks/

Vertical Storage Dividers

D Dividers and Underslung Loop Dividers create organised vertical storage within pallet racking, ideal for long, narrow items, panels, sheets, and tubing. By keeping products upright, stable, and separated, they reduce tangling, speed up picking, and improve safety, making it easier for pickers to quickly locate and retrieve stock in busy warehouse environments.

Learn More: https://www.nene.co.uk/vertical-storage/

Pallite Units

Lightweight and sustainable, Pallite units are made from recyclable honeycomb board. They provide a flexible way to consolidate pick faces, improve picking speed, and reclaim valuable floor space.

A durable yet eco-friendly choice, Pallite units are perfect for businesses seeking efficiency and sustainability.

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