Warehouse picking software: Optimizing warehouse operations

Imagine this: Your business is booming, and orders are pouring in faster than your warehouse team can keep up. That’s a nice problem to have, right? Well, sort of. 

Don’t get us wrong. Racking up a bunch of new orders is fantastic. But as sales soar, warehouse picking and packing mistakes start piling up, too. The result? Shipping delays, wrong items sent, and frustrated customers, to name just a few. 

Enter warehouse picking software—your efficiency-boosting best friend in turning chaos into calmness, keeping errors at bay, and helping you scale your ecommerce business smoothly.

In this handy guide, we’ll show you how cutting-edge technologies and dedicated warehouse picking solutions can take your ecommerce operations to a whole new level. You’ll learn:

• Key features of modern warehouse picking software
• How to prevent picking errors in a warehouse
• How to improve warehouse picking speed and accuracy
• The latest trends to future-proof your warehouse

Ready to get going? Let’s start with the basics and move on from there. 

What is warehouse picking? 

Warehouse picking is the process of selecting products from inventory to fulfill customer orders. That may sound simple enough in theory. But, in practice, it’s often akin to a high-stakes scavenger hunt—and one that can make or break customer satisfaction. 

You see, warehouse picking and packing are among the core foundations of your operations, and every misstep—whether a delay, a missing item, or an incorrect order—can quickly ripple out and affect the customer experience. 

How has warehouse picking evolved? 

In the past, warehouse picking and packing was a depressingly manual process. Think clipboards, handwritten lists, and staff rambling through the warehouse by memory, often getting lost or distracted along the way. However, as the ecommerce industry boomed and speed and accuracy became critical KPIs, these traditional methods started falling short. 

Business owners globally found themselves facing the same challenge: How to pick and pack in a warehouse accurately while also improving efficiency? Thankfully, technology swooped in to save the day. 

Fast-forward a few years of savvy software development, and you have an entirely different warehouse setup. Today’s innovative picking solutions streamline and automate processes, incorporating features like real-time inventory tracking, barcode scanning, optimized layout and routes, and batch picking strategies to ensure that every order is fulfilled quickly and, most importantly, correctly.

What are the key features of modern warehouse picking software? 

Modern warehouse picking solutions eliminate wasted time, turning those endless warehouse walks and manual checks into fast, efficient workflows. Here’s a look at the top features that make picking software indispensable.

a. Order prioritization  

There’ll be no more painstakingly working through orders in the sequence they’re received. Smart picking software knows which orders need to get out the door first. By evaluating factors like urgency, delivery deadlines, and client value, they prioritize the orders that matter most. For example, high-value customers might have their orders expedited, while non-urgent shipments are processed later.

b. Optimal routing  

With technology on their side when they pick and pack, warehouse teams can navigate aisles more efficiently. Gone are the days of wandering up and down searching for the next item. Picking software optimizes the best routes, plotting the shortest path for each picker based on item location. This leads to a significant drop in walking time, which can account for as much as 50% of each worker’s shift. 

c. Real-time inventory tracking  

Imagine never having to worry about stockouts or unexpected shortages again! With real-time inventory tracking, every item is instantly updated in your system, allowing managers to see exactly what’s in stock and what needs replenishing. No more guesswork or outdated info. Just accurate, real-time data at your fingertips!

d. Barcode and RFID integration  

Warehouse scanning equipment eliminates the risk of human error during the picking process. Pickers simply scan each SKU, ensuring the correct item and quantity before it’s packed. The result? A significant reduction in errors and some pretty huge savings in terms of time, money, and hassle.

“Barcode scanning works phenomenally. It cuts down errors with sending stuff out, leading to increased customer satisfaction, less returns, and better stock control.”

Nathan Houghton, General Manager, Energized Customs

Need more info? Check out these helpful resources on barcode inventory management and how to get barcodes for your SKUs.

e. Batch picking, wave picking, and zone picking  

While learning how to pick faster in a warehouse is essential, different warehouses have varying needs. The best warehouse picking and packing software has strategies to match your specific situation:

• Batch Picking: Collect several orders at once rather than handling one order at a time.

• Wave Picking: Pick orders at the optimal time by grouping by shipping carrier, delivery deadline, the kinds of packaging needed, etc. 
• Zone Picking: Station pickers in particular areas where they only pick and pack warehouse items in their zone.

For bulk orders, operational efficiency can be further enhanced by innovative lot management features based on FIFI, LIFO, and FEFO principles. 

Check out how lot features work in this quick explainer video: 

What are the benefits of implementing warehouse picking software? 

When you integrate innovative inventory management platforms and warehouse picking and packing software, you’re not just speeding things up—you’re powering a full-scale transformation. Think of it as trading in your bicycle for a high-speed, GPS-guided car. 

Solutions like SkuVault Core deliver precision, control, and flexibility, making your warehouse run like a well-oiled machine. Here’s what you can expect.

Increased efficiency  

Software-led automation takes the guesswork out of order fulfillment, helping pickers complete tasks faster and with pinpoint accuracy. And we mean much faster. For example, when Graff City embraced Linnworks’ automation, processes that once took a whole day were trimmed down to just 30 minutes!

Improved inventory accuracy  

Sure, mistakes happen, but they can be expensive. The average picking error costs between $50 and $300, representing a serious drain on profitability. With handheld scanners and automated verification, human errors become a thing of the past, and your newfound ability to verify SKUs and quantities accurately can save thousands on returns and refunds.

“We were up to 7-8% for a while with SKUs we could not find and now it’s 1% or less. Not only is that great for sales and for customer satisfaction but also just for efficiency in the warehouse.”

Diego Vazquez, HR/Bookkeeping, Diversified Recycling

Labor cost savings  

Less time per pick translates directly into labor savings, allowing you to save several hours per worker each week and significantly reduce the need to train extra temporary staff during peak seasons.

“We’ve reduced manual tasks and save on wages. Without Linnworks, we’d have to employ more staff, which has an overall impact on bottom line.”

Arthur Martin, MD and Co-founder, Buy Wholefoods Online

Scalability  

From a scaling perspective, technology integration is essential. The best software solutions grow with you, allowing your team to keep up with increased demand without sacrificing speed or accuracy. Take it from Shady Rays, a SkuVault Core client that went from fulfilling 20 orders a day from their basement to over 10,000 a day in a state-of-the-art warehouse. 

Data-driven insights  

Want to know which strategies boost operations the most or identify top performers within your team? No problem! In addition to streamlining pick and pack warehouse processes, the best software solutions provide valuable reporting and insights. With analytics covering picking times, error rates, fulfillment rates, and more, you can continuously refine workflows, pinpoint areas for improvement, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Selecting the right warehouse picking software  

With so many options out there, choosing the right warehouse picking software can feel a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack. So, aside from the nuts and bolts of the technology itself, what should you be looking for? Here’s a few additional features that ensure you get more bang for your buck. 

Integration capabilities  

Your new superhero software of choice must integrate effortlessly with your existing systems. Otherwise, you risk disruption, delays, data loss, and several frustrating hours backtracking through disconnected systems to get back on track. 

Linnworks offers seamless integration with hundreds of global marketplaces, D2C platforms, shipping providers, and 3PLs, helping you unlock the true power of Connected CommerceOps. Plus, with SkuVault Core, you can add Enhanced Warehouse to access additional integrations like Channel Advisor, Lightspeed, Quickbooks Desktop, Shopify POS, and more.

Customization  

Every warehouse has its quirks, meaning a one-size-fits-all approach rarely cuts the mustard. The best software solutions are fully customizable, allowing you to tailor automation features to meet your specific workflows and operational needs. Whether it’s custom picking rules, personalized dashboards, or tailored reporting options, a flexible system makes a world of difference in how your new software solution adapts to your business.

Here’s how Linnworks customization could be a game changer for your ecommerce empire. 

User-friendly interface  

The easier your software is to navigate, the quicker your team can get up to speed and hit the ground running. After all, who wants to spend hours training new employees on complex systems? 

At Linnworks, we’ve gone the extra mile on design to ensure our warehouse management systems feature user-friendly dashboards so even complete warehouse newbies can become picking pros in no time!

“You don’t need any warehouse experience, never mind extensive experience. The training process is a breeze because of how simply the system is set up.” 

Matt Foster, True Spec Golf

Future trends in warehouse picking software  

The only constant is change, as the old saying goes! 

Technology is evolving at lightning speed. So, if you want to stay ahead of the curve, it’s essential you’re familiar with the innovations shaping the future of warehouse picking and packing. Here’s a sneak peek at the top trends of the moment.  

AI and machine learning  

Imagine having a warehouse assistant who knows your operation inside and out. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are redefining warehouse operations. In the near future, you can expect system updates that:

• Utilize predictive algorithms to automatically improve warehouse picking strategies.
• Analyze order patterns and proactively adjust routes for maximum efficiency. 
• Anticipate peak order times, ensuring your team is always prepared.

IoT integration  

The Internet of Things (IoT) brings a new level of connectivity to warehouse management. As interconnectivity between your warehouse components grows, preventing stockouts and overstock situations will become effortless. Likely developments include:

• Smart shelves, bins, and pallets with sensors to enhance real-time inventory tracking.
• Automated restocking alerts that notify suppliers when stock levels reach a predefined threshold.
• Predictive maintenance alerts for equipment, ensuring warehouse machinery stays in tip-top condition.

Robotics and automation  

Autonomous robots can handle repetitive picking tasks and transport items from shelves to packing stations in record time, making them ideal partners in a busy warehouse environment. 

Specific advantages of utilizing robots for large-scale picking operations include:

• Reduced physical demands on human workers.
• Reduced risk of accidents and injuries.
• 24/7 operational capacity.

Augmented reality (AR) assistance  

The future has arrived! Some warehouses are already testing this technology, and early results show faster picking times and fewer mistakes—a true game-changer for fulfillment efficiency. 

Here’s how it works:

• Your pickers don an AR headset.
• They’re shown digital directions overlaid onto their real-world view.
• They’re led to the exact shelf and item with step-by-step precision.

Stay ahead of the pack with warehouse innovation

Ready to turn efficiency into your secret weapon? Partnering with Linnworks ensures you have all the cutting-edge tools you need to handle any volume of orders, minimize errors, and scale your operations effortlessly. 

Don’t wait for the competition to catch up—future-proof your warehouse today. Request your interactive product tour and demo to learn how to improve picking accuracy in warehouse workflows, boost productivity, and elevate customer satisfaction.

Picking and packing FAQs

Need just the essentials? Here’s your quick rundown on some of the most common warehouse picking and packing questions.

What is picking and packing in a warehouse?

Picking is the process of selecting items from inventory to fulfill an order, while packing involves securely packaging these items for shipment. Together, they’re the heart of order fulfillment, ensuring the right products get your customers.

What is wave picking in a warehouse?

Wave picking is a method where orders are grouped based on factors like shipping deadlines or carrier schedules, allowing pickers to work in timed “waves” for efficiency.

What’s the difference between wave picking, batch picking, and zoned picking?

In batch picking, pickers collect items for multiple orders at once, regardless of shared order factors or priority status. In zone picking, each picker is assigned a specific area or “zone” and only handles SKUs within that section. 

How can I improve pick and pack warehouse speed and accuracy?

You can boost speed and accuracy by implementing warehouse picking software with features like optimized routing, order prioritization, and barcode scanning that streamline workflows, reduce walking time, and help pickers avoid mistakes.

What are the most essential features in warehouse picking software?

In addition to the operational features mentioned above, you should prioritize integration capabilities, customization options, and a user-friendly interface. It’s also wise to choose a software partner that offers comprehensive training, resources, and support.