Kommissionier-Computer
Also: Kommissioniercomputer, Pick-Computer, MDE-Gerät, MDE, Mobiles Datenerfassungsgerät, Kommissionier-Terminal, Pick-Terminal, Kommissionierterminal, Barcode-Terminal Lager
AI-generated
A picking computer is a mobile device that guides warehouse staff step by step through picking processes, displays tasks, and captures confirmations via scan, key input, or touch.
Key facts
- A picking computer guides warehouse staff through picking processes on an order-driven basis and reports results to the WMS in real time.
- The common form factors are handheld MDE, wearable, forklift terminal, and voice terminal – each suited to different warehouse environments.
- Ruggedness, scanner performance, battery life, and MDM capability are the key selection criteria alongside the purchase price.
- Without suitable Wi-Fi and a stable WMS interface, even the best device cannot deliver its full potential.
What is a picking computer?
A picking computer is a mobile or vehicle-mounted terminal designed specifically for use in picking processes. It receives pick orders from the warehouse management system (WMS), presents the next task clearly to the operator, and captures confirmations – typically via barcode scan, manual key input, or touch. The goal is to reduce errors, increase picking speed, and ensure seamless feedback to the WMS.
Form factors and areas of application
In practice, four common form factors are distinguished:
- Handheld MDE device: The classic mobile data entry device is operated with one hand and combines an integrated barcode scanner with a display. It is versatile but can be ergonomically demanding at high picking speeds or in confined spaces.
- Wearable: Ring scanners, glove scanners, or forearm-mounted displays free up the hands and speed up the picking rhythm, as no device needs to be set down and picked up again.
- Forklift terminal: Terminals permanently mounted on counterbalance forklifts or narrow-aisle vehicles are robust against vibration, temperature, and dust. They are particularly suited for cold storage areas or high-bay warehouses.
- Voice terminal: Voice-directed systems use a small computer with a headset. The operator speaks confirmations and check-digit numbers, keeping both hands free. This concept is regarded as a distinct picking method, but also relies on a picking computer as its hardware base.
Some vendors combine form factors: a wearable scanner transmits data to a body-worn terminal, which in turn guides the user via voice or display.
Key selection criteria
The choice of a specific device depends on several factors that vary in importance from operation to operation:
- Ruggedness: Protection rating (IP rating), drop resistance, and operating temperature range must match the warehouse environment. A device for outdoor use or cold storage differs considerably from one intended for dry indoor environments.
- Scanner performance: Range, supported barcode symbologies (1D, 2D, DataMatrix, QR), and read rates under difficult conditions directly affect picking performance.
- Battery life and swap concept: In multi-shift operations, it must be established whether hot-swap batteries or charging stations are sufficient.
- Ergonomics: Weight, grip design, and display readability under varying lighting conditions affect error rates and operator strain.
- Integration and MDM: The device must communicate with the WMS in use and be centrally managed, updated, and locked in the event of a fault via a mobile device management (MDM) system.
- TCO: Beyond the purchase price, spare parts availability, repair turnaround times, warranty terms, and platform longevity all matter.
Whether a handheld, wearable, or forklift terminal is the better choice cannot be answered in general terms – it depends on the product range, warehouse layout, and picking speed, and should be validated during a pilot phase.
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.
- 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.
- Beleglose Kommissionierung
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.
- Datenfunkgeräte
Data radio devices are mobile or stationary hardware components that transmit data wirelessly via radio protocols such as WLAN or cellular. In warehouse and transport environments, they form the operational interface between employees and IT systems such as WMS or ERP.
- Datenfunkterminal
A data radio terminal is a mobile device for wireless data capture and transmission in the warehouse, combining a display, input, and scanner in one unit. It typically communicates with a warehouse management system via Wi-Fi and supports processes such as goods receipt, picking, and inventory counting.