Kommissionierer
Also: Kommissioniererin, Picker, Pickerin, Kommissionierer/in, Lagerpicker, Pickermitarbeiter
AI-generated
A picker is an operational warehouse role responsible for selectively retrieving items from the warehouse and consolidating them into orders. The work includes picking, scanning and confirming line items as well as basic quality checks.
Key facts
- A picker selectively retrieves items from the warehouse and consolidates them according to orders – this is the core task of picking.
- The way of working varies depending on the warehouse concept: from classic Picker-to-Goods navigation to stationary work at automated Goods-to-Person systems.
- Assistance systems such as Pick-by-Voice, Pick-by-Light or barcode scanners reduce errors and shorten onboarding times.
- Ergonomics and travel path optimization are equally critical for health, error rates and productivity.
- Performance metrics such as picks per hour should always be evaluated in the overall context to avoid creating false incentives.
What is a picker?
A picker is the person who physically processes orders in the warehouse: they retrieve items from defined storage locations, verify quantity and condition, confirm each pick via scanner, voice input or display, and hand over the assembled goods to the next process step – for example, to the packing zone or the shipping area. The term describes a specialization within warehouse work and thus distinguishes itself from more broadly deployable warehouse workers who also handle goods receipt, putaway or shipping.
What does the work look like in practice?
Depending on the warehouse concept, a picker works with different systems and tools:
- Picker-to-Goods: The person moves to the storage locations, guided by a handheld device, a Pick-by-Voice solution or Pick-by-Light displays on the shelving.
- Goods-to-Person: The warehouse system – such as an Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AS/RS) or an AutoStore – brings the goods to the picking station. The picker withdraws the required quantity and confirms the process.
- Batch picking: Multiple orders are processed simultaneously, which reduces travel distances but demands greater concentration.
- Zone picking: Each picker is responsible for a specific area of the warehouse; orders are then consolidated afterwards.
Ergonomics plays a central role: lifting aids, adjusted shelf heights and travel path optimization reduce both physical strain and error rates alike. Training on scanning systems, safety regulations and order-specific requirements – such as batch tracking or cold storage regulations – is a fundamental prerequisite for error-free execution.
What matters when selecting and managing pickers?
A picker's performance can be measured using metrics such as picks per hour, error rate and throughput time. Caution is warranted here: individual KPIs can create false incentives if they are not evaluated in the overall context. A high pick rate is of little value if the error rate rises at the same time or safety rules are circumvented.
When selecting assistance systems – scanners, voice, light or AR glasses – the best solution depends heavily on the product range, order structure and the existing WMS. Vendor-specific differences in system integration should not be underestimated. Equally relevant is the staffing model, i.e. whether pickers are permanently employed, sourced through temporary staffing agencies or deployed as part of fulfillment services.
Related terms
- 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.
- Auftragsdurchlaufzeit
Order throughput time refers to the total time from the receipt of an order to its dispatch to the recipient. It encompasses all waiting, processing, and internal transport steps, and serves as a key indicator of the performance of a warehouse or fulfillment process.
- Auftragspositionen
Order line items are the individual lines within an order, each describing an article, a quantity, and supplementary delivery conditions. They form the smallest controllable unit in order processing and serve as the basis for picking, procurement, and invoicing.
- AutoStore
AutoStore is a cube-based automated storage system in which driverless robots traverse an aluminum grid to stack plastic bins and retrieve them on demand for delivery to picking ports. The system is considered one of the most space-efficient automated small-parts warehouses available for standardized bin-compatible goods.
- Automatisches Kleinteilelager (AKL)
The Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully automated storage system for totes, trays and small parts, in which storage and retrieval operations are performed without manual intervention by stacker cranes or shuttle systems.
- 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.
- 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.