Automated order picking and how it boosts order fulfilment

Automated order picking is the next step in the evolution of order fulfilment, a vital supply chain process. In a landscape where speed and efficiency are critical competitive differentiators, more and more companies are adopting advanced technologies that transform their logistics operations. Robots, intelligent internal transport systems and warehouse management software work together to accelerate product picking, minimise errors and optimise delivery times.

In this post, we explore what automated order picking is and how it works. We also cover its benefits, the levels of automation available and practical examples that show its impact on modern logistics.

What is automated order picking?

Automated order picking is the process of putting together orders in a warehouse using automated systems and technologies. This approach greatly reduces reliance on manual labour for locating and retrieving the products needed for each order.

This type of picking combines advanced technologies with intelligent management systems. Using equipment such as conveyors, stacker cranes and more sophisticated solutions like picking robots and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), companies can locate and transport products without manual intervention. At the same time, a warehouse management system (WMS) coordinates the entire workflow, assigning priorities and streamlining movements throughout the facility. This synergy between hardware and software makes order fulfilment faster and more accurate.

How automated order picking works

In an automated warehouse, the picking process can be summarised in four stages:

1. Product retrieval. Automated equipment — handling both cases and pallets — collects products from their storage locations and places them onto conveyors.
2. Transport to pick stations. Conveyors carry the goods to workstations. In some cases, AMRs also perform this movement, operating safely alongside people and other machines.
3. Order assembly. When cases or pallets arrive at the pick stations, operators sort the items according to each order. To speed up this task, high-performance pick stations often incorporate visual aids such as put/pick-to-light systems, which indicate which product to retrieve and where to place it. In more high-tech warehouses, this stage can be fully automated using picking robots.
4. Coordination via software. The WMS manages the entire operation. It organises the flow of goods, sends instructions to operators and machines and facilitates continuous order fulfilment.

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Benefits of automated order picking

Automated order picking offers the following advantages:

• Greater productivity. Automatic handling equipment operates continuously and at higher speeds, enhancing a logistics facility’s overall performance.
• Reduced errors. Machines complete orders with precision, minimising returns and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Scalability. Automated solutions can be easily expanded or adapted to handle fluctuations in demand or business growth.
• Simultaneous order processing. Automated solutions can manage multiple orders at once, making them ideal for warehouses with a wide variety of SKUs or peak activity periods.
• Excellent space utilisation. Automated systems are designed to operate in compact spaces, storing a higher volume of goods without expanding the footprint.
• Cost savings. Automation optimises available resources by eliminating unnecessary movement, preventing errors and making better use of infrastructure.

Levels of automation in order picking

Picking accounts for a large part of a logistics facility’s operational effort. As demand grows, companies often evolve from semi-automatic methods that support operators towards fully automated order picking systems.

1. Basic automation. This semi-automated level combines human intervention with technology to improve warehouse efficiency. Operations are organised using a WMS and assisted by tools such as pick-to-light, put-to-light or pick-by-voice systems, which guide operators to locate and pick products more quickly.
2. Advanced automation. In this scenario, automated handling equipment such as conveyors and stacker cranes brings items to operators following a goods-to-person strategy. These systems limit manual movements and human intervention in order processing.
3. Full automation. This is the most advanced level of automated order picking. The handling equipment above is complemented by AMRs and robotic arms, capable of operating continuously 24/7 while slashing picking errors.

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How to implement an automated order picking system

Automating your picking process is a powerful way to boost your logistics competitiveness. However, not every facility needs the same level of technology, nor can it be deployed overnight. Adopting these solutions should be gradual and strategic, ensuring that each step is both profitable and sustainable over time:

• Assess your needs. Start by analysing your warehouse operations and setting clear objectives. This evaluation should consider factors like order volume and frequency, SKU variety, demand peaks and growth expectations. With this insight, your company can determine the right level of automation and plan an investment that delivers real value in the medium and long term.
• Secure your technology investment. Once goals and priorities are defined, it’s essential to commit to the technology needed to automate order picking. Selecting equipment and software should be seen as a strategic move that increases your operational capacity and strengthens competitiveness over time.
• Choose the right technology. The appropriate solution will depend on your facility’s characteristics and goals. Decide whether semi-automated systems that support operators, equipment such as conveyors and stacker cranes or advanced technologies like AMRs and robotic arms are the best fit.
• Install a WMS. This software plans and organises warehouse activities, streamlines pick paths and assigns tasks intelligently to both operators and automated equipment. It also tracks inventory in real-time to prevent stockouts, improve decision-making and enhance order traceability.
• Train your staff. Automated order picking transforms the role of warehouse operators. To fully leverage the technology, it’s crucial to train your team on using automated systems, WMS software and human-machine interaction procedures.
• Monitor performance. Continuously tracking your automated order picking system is key to spotting opportunities for improvement. This includes updating software when necessary and implementing changes that maximise workflow and maintain efficiency.

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Technologies powering automated order picking

Comprehensive automated order picking technologies combine handling equipment, warehouse management software and advanced storage systems into a single, integrated ecosystem. As an end-to-end provider, Mecalux designs tailor-made projects featuring conveyors, stacker cranes, assisted-picking systems, AMRs and robotic arms, all coordinated by Easy WMS. This holistic approach helps companies raise productivity, reduce errors and scale their automation level according to business requirements.

Mecalux’s automated order picking solutions integrate advanced technologies such as:

• Easy WMS. Mecalux’s warehouse management system coordinates all automated order picking operations and oversees the interaction between the automatic elements involved. It also optimises picking routes, monitors inventory in real time and adapts to changing business needs.
• AS/RS for pallets. An automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) systematically moves large pallet volumes, ensuring fast, safe and efficient access to goods.
  • Stacker cranes for pallets. These machines handle pallets automatically, removing them from storage as needed to fulfil orders. They keep inventory constantly moving.
  • Pallet Shuttle. Using a motorised shuttle, this system manages pallet loading and unloading in deep-storage channels. It can operate in three modes: semi-automatically (with forklifts), automatically (with stacker cranes and conveyors) or as a 3D Automated Pallet Shuttle, its most advanced version. The 3D APS uses autonomous, multi-directional shuttles to maximise storage capacity, productivity and flexibility.
  • Conveyors. Integrated with Easy WMS, these enable a smooth product flow to pick stations where orders are assembled.
  • Electric monorail systems. Whether floor-mounted or overhead, these connect storage areas with order picking zones.
• AS/RS for boxes. This solution optimises picking of small and medium-sized products with dynamic and reliable robotic box handling.
  • Stacker cranes for boxes. In miniload systems, these machines automate the storage and handling of small items.
  • Shuttle System. This solution features motor-driven shuttles that move inside racking to handle cartons and supply pick stations at a very high pace.
  • High-performance pick station. Designed to efficiently handle multiple orders at once, this system provides direct access to the maximum number of totes and bins needed for picking. Operators can perform up to 1,000 picks per hour and assemble six orders simultaneously.
• AMRs. Autonomous mobile robots increase order picking productivity by automating internal goods transport. They can operate in three modes: goods-to-person, delivering items to pick stations; shelf-to-person, moving entire racks to operators; or person-to-goods, following employees to relieve them from using order picking carts.
• Picking robots. With their robotic arms, these machines automatically transfer products between boxes with excellent precision. They can operate autonomously in high-performance pick stations or work alongside operators.

By combining these technologies, companies can tackle today’s logistics challenges with solutions tailored to their specific picking operations.

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Real examples of automated order picking in action

Businesses across multiple sectors rely on Mecalux’s automated order picking solutions to enhance their logistics operations. Here are five real cases that show how combining automated systems with Easy WMS has increased order fulfilment capacity:

• SAM Outillage (France). In this tool manufacturer’s warehouse, Easy WMS syncs the movements of automated handling equipment. A miniload system brings boxes to pick stations so that operators don’t have to move around the facility. Screens at the stations guide these employees through the process step by step.
• HAVI (Portugal). This logistics provider’s distribution centre features two Mecalux automated warehouses managed by Easy WMS. In the freezer store, all operations are fully automated. The Pallet Shuttle, stacker cranes, conveyors and transfer cars supply two manual pick stations and one automated station with the items needed for each order. Meanwhile, an anthropomorphic robot handles entire layers of high-turnover products.
• Agro-Masz (Poland). The agricultural machinery manufacturer handles small parts in a miniload system connected to a high-performance pick station. Easy WMS guides operators through order picking, minimising errors that could lead to customer complaints.
• Hispanox (Spain). This stainless-steel bolt manufacturer’s warehouse has seven pick stations equipped with robotic arms, computers and RF scanners. Stacker cranes and conveyors supply goods directly to operators, while Easy WMS coordinates order picking by specifying exact quantities. Automation has increased the number of order lines prepared by 30%.
• Manitou (France). The material handling, aerial lift and earthmoving equipment company upgraded its Ancenis logistics centre to accelerate order picking. Mecalux’s Shuttle System, high-performance pick stations and Easy WMS enable two operators to process 500 order lines per hour.

Automation: Driving warehouse competitiveness

Automated order picking is more than just a tech trend — it’s a strategy to strengthen logistics competitiveness. By integrating automated systems with warehouse management software, your company will achieve faster, more reliable and more adaptable processes. As a result, it will be well-equipped to meet growing market pressures without compromising service quality. Investing in these solutions means preparing your facility to face today’s — and tomorrow’s — supply chain challenges.