Webinar Series: How to Optimize Your Order Picking

Order picking is one of the most labor-intensive, error-prone – and at the same time most critical – processes in the warehouse. Those who adjust the right levers here can reduce throughput times, relieve staff and significantly improve outbound performance. But demands are growing: more SKUs, smaller order sizes, short-term fluctuations, skilled labor shortages.

How can picking processes be designed efficiently under these conditions – and with which Solutions?

In our webinar week, we present different perspectives on the topic: In compact 30-minute Webinars, we discuss concrete approaches, technologies and practical insights – hands-on, honest and without a sales pitch.

The free Webinars at a glance:

• Faster and error-free picking: How ergonomic wearables make manual order picking smarter – live with NIMMSTA (Monday, 26 January 2026): Manual picking processes are a reality in many warehouses – and offer enormous optimization potential. NIMMSTA shows how back-of-hand scanners streamline workflows, reduce travel distances and relieve staff – all without a major system overhaul.
• Fully automated picking at MS Direct: What robots can really do – live with Sereact (Tuesday, 27 January 2026): What happens when a fulfillment service provider automates its picking operations with pick robots? In this Webinar, MS Direct and Sereact show how the transition to fully automated picking works – what to consider, where the technology excels and where it reaches its limits.
• Picking with real-time data: How transparency makes your picking processes more efficient – live with proLogistik (Thursday, 29 January 2026): How can you respond faster to bottlenecks, set the right priorities and improve your picking performance? proLogistik shows in this Webinar how real-time data helps to manage picking processes live – instead of analyzing them after the fact.
• AI-based batch formation: How orders are intelligently grouped in the WMS – live with PSI (Friday, 30 January 2026): When picking grinds to a halt, it is often due to poorly structured orders. In this talk with PSI, you will learn how modern WMS systems use AI to automate batch formation – shortening pick paths, making better use of resources and noticeably relieving pressure on your warehouse.

You should join us if you

• are responsible for logistics processes in a warehouse with growing order volumes
• want to reduce picking times, minimize errors and relieve your staff
• are planning new systems or looking to put existing workflows to the test
• are looking for concrete inspiration on how other companies have solved their picking challenges

What does order picking actually involve – and what can be optimized?

Order picking is the heart of many warehouse processes – and one of the most powerful levers for greater efficiency, scalability and satisfaction in warehouse operations. It encompasses all the steps involved in retrieving items from the warehouse and assembling them for a customer order. But what sounds simple is in practice a complex process – and often the primary cause of long travel times, media breaks or unnecessary errors.

Those who want to optimize their picking operations have many options today: from smart strategies and supporting technologies to fully automated workflows. Which of these make sense depends heavily on the individual setup, process maturity and objectives. The key areas of action at a glance:

Strategies and processes: How is picking done – and why?

From single-order picking to multi-order picking and batch picking: the chosen method has a decisive influence on travel distances, utilization and picking performance. This is not just about the pick logic itself, but also about adjacent processes – such as replenishment control, returns handling or shipment preparation. The question of how flexibly processes can respond to order fluctuations is equally important.

Software & WMS: The digital pacemaker in the warehouse

A modern Warehouse Management System (WMS) forms the foundation for every efficient picking process. It manages routes, prioritizes orders, prevents bottlenecks – and creates transparency. New developments such as AI-supported batch formation, real-time optimization or dynamic resource management help to extract even more from existing structures. The better the WMS is integrated (ERP, shipping, robotics), the more smoothly picking processes run as well.

Technology & picking aids: Support in day-to-day operations

Not every improvement immediately requires a high-end robot system. Often, smaller tools already make a big difference: back-of-hand scanners, mobile devices, pick-by-light or put-to-light systems and intuitive user interfaces support staff, reduce error rates and shorten onboarding times. Especially in environments with high staff turnover or seasonal business, they are indispensable.

Automation & robotics: Efficient support for the picking process

Automation is playing an increasingly important role in order picking – especially where standardized processes, high order volumes or staff shortages dominate. In most cases, these systems do not take over the actual "picking" itself, but optimize the surrounding material flows. Automated small-parts warehouses (AS/RS), shuttle systems or stacker cranes operate on the so-called goods-to-person principle: instead of staff walking through the warehouse, the system automatically brings the required items to the pick station. This minimizes travel times and increases throughput. In combination with pick robots or semi-automated picking Solutions, the process can be accelerated further – especially for small-format, standardized items. Close integration with the WMS is essential here, so that orders can be intelligently prio