# Order picking

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Unlike inventory management, order picking is a physical execution step: warehouse staff or automated systems retrieve specific items from designated storage locations to assemble a customer order.

Unlike inventory management, order picking is a physical execution step: warehouse staff or automated systems retrieve specific items from designated storage locations to assemble a customer order. It sits at the start of the outbound process, directly preceding packing and labeling. In high-volume fulfillment operations, picking typically accounts for the largest share of manual labor time, making route optimization, batch picking, and goods-to-person automation the primary levers for controlling cost and error rates. The term should not be confused with pick verification or withdrawal control, which are distinct quality-gate steps that follow retrieval.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_picking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_picking)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Order picking |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 93 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_picking |

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