Once your inventory is stored on shelves, what happens next?
It’s the picking process — and it’s where speed and accuracy make or break your delivery promise.

If you’re new to eCommerce logistics or just beginning to understand warehouse operations, this guide will help you grasp how the picking process works, why it’s important, and what methods fulfillment centers use to execute it efficiently.

What is the Picking Process?

Picking refers to the activity of locating and retrieving items from their storage locations to fulfill customer orders. It takes place between inventory storage and packing.

In eCommerce warehouse operations, where speed and accuracy are non-negotiable, the picking process ensures the right product and quantity are picked quickly and efficiently.

Why Picking Matters in Fulfillment

• Speed of Dispatch: A well-organized picking process reduces order turnaround time.
• Order Accuracy: Mistakes in picking lead to incorrect deliveries and higher return rates.
• Labour Efficiency: Efficient methods reduce staff fatigue and time spent walking.
• Customer Satisfaction: Faster, error-free fulfillment results in better customer experiences.

Steps in the Picking Process

1. Order Received: Orders from marketplaces or D2C channels arrive and are registered in the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
2. Pick List Generation: The system generates a list of SKUs and their storage locations.
3. Navigation and Collection: Pickers follow optimized routes to retrieve the required items.
4. Verification: SKUs are scanned or verified to ensure accuracy.
5. Handoff to Packing Zone: Picked items are grouped by order and transferred to the packing station.

Picking Methods in Fulfillment Centers

1. Discrete (Single Order) Picking

In discrete picking, each order is picked one at a time. It’s a straightforward method with low error rates and is ideal for low-volume operations or specialized products.

2. Batch Picking

This method involves picking items for several orders simultaneously. It boosts efficiency in high-order-volume environments, though it does require sorting later during packing.

3. Zone Picking

Here, the warehouse is segmented into zones, with each picker responsible for their assigned area. Items are later consolidated at a central packing zone. It’s an efficient approach for large facilities handling diverse SKUs.

4. Wave Picking

A hybrid approach that merges batch and zone picking. Orders are grouped into waves based on factors like dispatch deadlines or delivery zones, improving coordination and dispatch timing.

Technology Supporting Picking

Modern warehouse picking systems rely heavily on automation tools:

• Barcode Scanners: Ensure product match accuracy during picking.
• Pick-to-Light Systems: Lights guide pickers to the correct SKU location.
• Voice Picking Devices: Hands-free audio prompts boost speed and reduce errors.
• Mobile Picking Carts with Tablets: Digital lists and route optimization for faster navigation.

How Picking Connects to Other Fulfillment Processes

• Storage layout impacts speed: Racking systems and logical SKU zoning reduce travel time.
• Packing accuracy depends on picking: Incorrect picks lead to delays and RTOs.
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Digitizes pick lists and tracks inventory movement end-to-end.

Best Practices for eCommerce Fulfillment Picking

• Place fast-moving SKUs closer to packing zones.
• Group SKUs by category or sales velocity.
• Train staff in barcode scanning and product identification.
• Run frequent audits to catch and reduce picking errors.
• Adapt picking strategies based on seasonality or order volume.

How Outsourced Distribution and Order Fulfillment Can Improve Your Order Fulfillment Metrics

Partnering with the right fulfillment provider gives you access to optimized fulfillment picking methods, trained staff, and technology that would be costly to implement in-house.

At Shift, our fulfillment centers use optimized pick-path algorithms, barcode-enabled scanning, and smart warehouse zoning — all designed to reduce errors and improve speed.
This means faster dispatch, fewer returns, and happier customers — helping your business scale with ease.

Conclusion

In any fulfillment operation, picking acts as the bridge between storage and delivery. Efficient picking improves the speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of eCommerce logistics.

Whether you’re optimizing your own warehouse or choosing a 3PL partner, understanding picking methods and tools is key to long-term success.

Shift Fulfillment Centers offer smart, tech-enabled picking solutions for D2C and retail brands across India.
Explore more at www.shift.in