Kommissionierlager
Also: Kommissionierlager, Pickfront, Kommissionierbereich, Kommissionier-Lager, Pickbereich, Schnellläuferzone
AI-generated
A picking warehouse is a storage area specifically designed for efficient picking processes – with short travel distances, high access frequency, and targeted replenishment concepts. It differs from inventory-oriented bulk storage by its process-driven structure.
Key facts
- A picking warehouse is designed for fast item retrieval and optimizes travel distances, slot logic, and replenishment processes rather than maximum storage capacity.
- Item classification based on ABC criteria determines which items are placed in the pick face and how replenishment from reserve storage is controlled.
- Depending on requirements, person-to-goods or goods-to-person principles are applied, along with various picking methods such as batch picking.
- A clear separation of picking warehouse and reserve warehouse increases picking performance, but requires reliable replenishment processes and consistent WMS support.
What is a picking warehouse?
A picking warehouse is a storage area or standalone warehouse designed primarily for the fast, low-error retrieval of items for order fulfillment. The focus is not on maximum storage capacity, but on the efficiency of the picking process: short travel distances, clear slot logic, ergonomic reach heights, and smooth replenishment from reserve storage. The picking warehouse can be operated as a standalone storage tier or as a pick face within a larger storage area – for example, as a fast-mover zone for A-items that are moved particularly frequently.
How does a picking warehouse work in practice?
The foundation of every picking warehouse is a well-thought-out item classification, typically based on ABC criteria. Items with high turnover frequency are placed in the pick face, where they can be reached without long travel distances. C-items, on the other hand, can be stored in less central areas. Depending on the operation, different picking methods are used:
- Person-to-goods: Pickers move through the warehouse and retrieve items from fixed storage locations – the classic approach in rack warehouses with aisle structures.
- Goods-to-person: Automated systems such as shuttles, carousels, or AutoStore solutions transport bins directly to the picker's workstation.
- Batch picking: Multiple orders are processed simultaneously to consolidate travel distances and increase picking performance.
A critical process element is replenishment: as soon as a pick location falls below a defined minimum stock level – triggered by a reorder point or the warehouse management system – it is refilled from reserve storage. The frequency and trigger of replenishment depend on the vendor and concept and must be configured individually.
What matters when designing a picking warehouse?
When planning a picking warehouse, several factors must be considered simultaneously. The item structure determines how many slots the pick face requires and which storage technology makes sense – from simple shelving systems and flow racks to fully automated small-parts warehouses. The picking strategy – whether pick-by-voice, pick-by-light, or paperless via scanner – affects error rates and training requirements. The warehouse management system must seamlessly integrate replenishment, slot management, and order control. The distinction from bulk storage is also important: the picking warehouse typically holds only the active pick stock, while the reserve warehouse buffers overall inventory. This separation enables higher picking performance but requires functioning replenishment processes as the link between the two areas.
Related terms
- ABC-Analyse
ABC analysis is a method for classifying items, vendors, or processes into three priority classes (A, B, C) based on their economic significance. It forms the basis for differentiated decision-making in warehousing, inventory management, and procurement.
- 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.
- Artikelklassifizierung
Item classification refers to the systematic categorization of items based on defined criteria such as value, turnover frequency, storage requirements, or hazardous material characteristics. It forms the foundation for differentiated warehousing, procurement, and picking processes.
- AutoStore-Lagersystem
The AutoStore storage system is a fully automated cube storage system in which robots stack, retrieve, and transport plastic bins across a three-dimensional grid structure to stationary picking stations.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chaotische Lagerhaltung
Chaotic storage is a warehousing principle in which items are not stored in fixed, pre-assigned locations, but are instead dynamically placed in any available, suitable slot in the warehouse. A warehouse management system handles the control and tracking of all storage locations.
- Disposition
Disposition refers to the operational planning and control of resources, quantities, and orders in logistics – for example in transport or materials disposition. It encompasses capacity assignment, scheduling, prioritization, and response to disruptions.
- Distributionslager
A distribution center is a type of warehouse that consolidates goods and prepares them for targeted delivery to customers, branches, or downstream locations.