Beleglose Kommissionierung
Also: Papierlose Kommissionierung, belegloser Pick, paperless picking, beleglose Kommissionierungen, digitale Kommissionierung
AI-generated
Paperless picking refers to the assembly of orders in the warehouse without paper pick lists, where all instructions are transmitted digitally via terminals, displays, voice, or optical signals.
Key facts
- Paperless picking replaces paper pick lists with real-time digital instructions delivered via terminal, voice, light, or AR glasses.
- The quality of the radio infrastructure is one of the most critical prerequisites for uninterrupted operations.
- A fallback concept for system failures remains necessary in most warehouse operations.
- The choice of technology (voice, light, scanner, AR) depends on item structure, layout, and staff qualifications.
- Typical success metrics include error rate, picks per hour, and return rate.
What is paperless picking?
Paperless picking is a process in which pick instructions are provided entirely digitally – without printed pick lists or accompanying documents. The warehouse management system (WMS) or a higher-level control system transmits orders, storage locations, quantities, and sequences directly to the picker. The picker receives this information via handheld scanner terminals, stationary screens, pick-by-voice headsets, pick-by-light displays, or augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. Confirmation of completed picks is also handled digitally, ensuring the system status remains up to date at all times.
How does it work in practice?
In practice, pickers start their shift at a terminal or by logging in via voice. The system automatically assigns orders or order batches (batch picking) and guides the employee step by step through the warehouse. Depending on the technology, the picker confirms each pick by voice command, button press, or barcode scan. Confirmed picks are immediately reported back to the WMS; shortfalls or discrepancies trigger a system-side escalation before the order leaves the station.
Overview of common technologies:
- Pick-by-Voice: Voice-guided system via headset; both hands remain free.
- Pick-by-Light / Put-to-Light: Light indicators on shelves or target containers guide the picker optically to the correct compartment.
- Mobile Terminals / Handheld Scanners: Barcode- or RFID-based confirmation via device.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Smart glasses project pick information into the field of view.
These technologies can be combined; which works best depends on item structure, warehouse layout, and staff qualifications.
What matters when making a selection?
A key criterion is the quality of the Wi-Fi or radio infrastructure, as all systems rely on a stable data connection. A site survey should be conducted before implementation. Equally important is a well-thought-out fallback concept: what happens in the event of a system failure? Many operations maintain an emergency process with temporary paper lists, even if this contradicts the overall approach.
Additional selection criteria include the ergonomics of the devices (weight, wearing comfort for voice systems), the depth of integration with the existing WMS or ERP, and the training requirements. Experience shows that employee acceptance is high when the rollout is accompanied by change management and communicated transparently – though this varies by vendor and operation. At the KPI level, error rate, picks per hour, and return rate are commonly used metrics to measure the impact.
Related terms
- AR
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real field of view in real time. In intralogistics, AR is used primarily in picking, maintenance and training.
- Akustische Kommissionierung
Acoustic order picking is a paperless picking method in which warehouse employees receive pick instructions via voice and confirm each step using spoken responses. Both hands remain free throughout the actual picking process.
- Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays the real environment in real time with digital information such as text, graphics, or 3D models. In intralogistics, AR primarily supports picking, maintenance, and the onboarding of new employees.
- Automatisierung
Automation refers to the use of technologies and systems to execute processes fully or partially without human intervention. In intralogistics, the spectrum ranges from simple conveyor systems to fully automated high-bay warehouses with autonomous vehicles.
- BDE-Terminals
BDE terminals are stationary or mobile devices used for operational data capture, enabling employees at workstations, machines, or warehouse areas to digitally record process, time, and quantity data directly at the point of origin.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Barcodescanner
A barcode scanner is an optical reading device that captures printed barcodes and converts them into machine-readable data. It is used in intralogistics for the seamless identification of goods, load carriers, and storage locations.
- Batch-Kommissionierung
Batch picking is a method in which multiple customer orders are consolidated into a single pick run. This allows the picker to travel one route while simultaneously covering positions from different orders.
- Hochregallager
A high-bay warehouse is an automated storage facility with racking from approximately twelve meters in height, where stacker cranes automatically store and retrieve pallets.
- Kommissionierung
Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.