Automated Warehouse Picking Solutions | FORTNA

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Solutions: Picking

Automated warehouse picking solutions

The shift to a higher volume of e-Commerce orders is driving the need for responsive operations that are built to reduce labour while increasing accuracy and high throughput. Combining the proprietary algorithms of FORTNA WES™ with several key order picking systems and packing technologies makes it possible for high-volume operations to meet growing demand with greater efficiency.

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Optimise warehouse picking for speed and accuracy

Warehouse picking is the process of retrieving items from storage in a warehouse to fulfill customer orders. It is a critical step in the order fulfillment process and directly drives efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction.

When an order comes in (either from a customer or other parts of a supply chain), a picker is assigned to gather the items listed in that order from their respective storage locations in the warehouse.

Understanding what picking methodology best fits an operation today and into the future can be the key to an overperforming operation.

Types of picking methods

One order picked at a time.
Best for small warehouses or low order volume.

Multiple orders are picked simultaneously in batches.
Reduces travel time and increases efficiency.

Warehouse is divided into zones and pickers are assigned to specific zones.
Orders are picked in stages as they move through the zones.

Combines batch and zone picking with scheduling based on shipping or production deadlines.

Technology assisted methods that increase accuracy and speed.

Goods are brought directly to the picker at a workstation, eliminating the need for the worker to walk through the warehouse to locate the item.

Utilising robots, usually with AI and computer vision, to automatically identify, grasp and move individual items.

warehouse worker using RF scan technology on inventory

Benefits of warehouse picking

Efficiency
Warehouse picking can account for >50% of total warehouse operating costs.

Accuracy
Picking errors lead to wrong shipments returns and customer dissatisfaction.

Speed
Fast picking = fast shipping = better customer experience

Additional benefits with robotic picking

Scalability
Robotic picking works 24/7 without interruption or fatigue.

Labour
Robotic picking decreases labour dependency.

Customer Success Case Study

INTERSPORT Masters the Largest Logistics Project in Company History

Expanded capacity, modernisation of central logistics, improved efficiency and speed of delivery to the B2B branches throughout Germany: The largest project in the history of the INTERSPORT Group to date has been successfully completed – during ongoing operations, on budget and on schedule.

Read Case Study

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The FORTNA data-driven, consultative approach sets us apart by turning operational data into actionable insights that drive measurable results. We don’t just recommend solutions—we analyse your unique operational metrics, workflows and demand patterns to identify the most impactful opportunities for improvement. Our consultative process combines advanced analytics with robust supply chain expertise to design strategies tailored specifically to your facility needs, whether that is optimising throughput, improving labour efficiency or increasing storage utilisation. This fact-based methodology ensures decisions are grounded in evidence, not assumptions, delivering long-term value and a clear return on investment for your warehouse operations.

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The FORTNA Distribution Optimisation Framework^TM (FORTNA Framework) leverages proprietary processes, tools, and algorithms to design and deliver solutions using best-fit automation technologies and intelligent software.

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FAQs

Warehouse picking is a distribution process used to fulfill customer orders. Picking a product from its storage locations, placing the order in a box and then sealing and labeling it for shipping. Efficient picking processes are critical in improving warehouse operations’ overall productivity and success.

Warehouse picking can be improved through:

Utilising barcode or RFID scanning.

Implementing a warehouse management system (WMS).

Standardising your picking process.

Leveraging automation.

In choosing the right warehouse picking strategy, you will need to consider:

Order volume and complexity.

SKU variety.

Warehouse layout.

Labour availability.

Scalability needs.

Picking can account for up to 60% of total warehouse operating costs. Efficient order picking reduces cycle time, improves customer satisfaction and lowers labour costs.

Automated warehouse picking solutions include:

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for goods transport.

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) for vertical storage and retrieval.

Robotic arms for item picking.

Conveyor systems for movement between zones.