The e-commerce industry continues to thrive, even amid global economic uncertainty. This rapid growth has driven major advancements in storage and fulfilment technology. One of the most critical – and costly – components of warehouse operations is order picking. In fact, picking can account for up to 55% of total operational costs, far outweighing storage, packing and shipping combined.

Order picking affects everything from warehouse flow and workforce efficiency to customer satisfaction and your bottom line. Choosing the right picking strategy is key to staying competitive and meeting rising demand. Here’s what you need to know about modern order picking systems, and how they can elevate your operation.

What is Order Picking?

Order picking is the process of retrieving items from warehouse inventory to complete customer orders. While it may seem simple on the surface, it is a complex operation that can easily go wrong without the right systems in place.

A streamlined picking process is essential for meeting customer expectations while keeping costs low. Although not every warehouse can match the speed of the industry’s biggest players, most can achieve major gains by investing in layout planning, clear labelling, barcode scanning, and appropriate storage systems.

At the higher end, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and robotics now offer unmatched efficiency. Businesses that embrace these technologies are seeing reduced error rates, lower overheads and improved team productivity.

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

Storeganizer
Storeganizer is a modular, space-saving solution that allows for dense storage of small items in vertically stacked pockets. Made from flexible, durable textile, each pocket can support up to 100kg. This highly adaptable system is ideal for facilities looking to maximise capacity and access speed without sacrificing organisation.

Pallite Pix
Pallite Pix is a lightweight, sustainable shelving solution constructed from paper and PVA glue. It consolidates pick faces to improve picking speed and reclaim valuable floor space. Durable yet eco-friendly, Pix systems are an excellent option for warehouses seeking both efficiency and sustainability.

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 and reduce clutter.

Stow Atlas 2D
The Stow Atlas 2D is a self-powered pallet shuttle system designed for high-efficiency, high-density storage. Ideal for semi and fully automated environments, it features an energy-efficient carrier that moves pallets through a dedicated racking structure. This system integrates seamlessly with modern fulfilment operations, particularly those looking to adopt automation.

Speak to the Experts

With so many picking solutions available, choosing the right system can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

Nene Warehouse Solutions offers expert guidance and bespoke designs to help you select the right picking strategy for your operation. Our Turnkey division brings together decades of first-hand experience in warehouse optimisation, layout design and process improvement.

Whether you’re looking to enhance an existing setup or design a new fulfilment strategy from scratch, our team is here to help.

Speak to our experts today to optimise your warehouse picking process.