Currently, and as a consequence of the boom in online shopping, e-commerce businesses have seen the need to incorporate new tools and manage their stock and inventory very efficiently. For the entire logistics process to function correctly, there is what is known as a picking list, an essential tool for carrying out order preparation efficiently.
Due to the growing importance that the picking list is gaining for many online retailers, at Amphora Logistics we believe it is necessary to explain in this article what it is and how picking lists are created.
What is a picking list?
A picking list is also known as a pick list. It is intended to be a reference document that organizes the entire process of picking products, from the warehouse to the final customer who has purchased the product.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the picking list has become a fundamental document, as it provides a global view of all available stock. In addition, it allows all necessary tasks to be optimized and better decisions to be made throughout the logistics process.
What types of picking lists exist?
Although there is no official document format, it is important to know the most commonly used types, which we outline below. Regardless of the type of picking list used, these documents usually show shipping data, warehouse location, and product description.
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Pick-to-order
This type of picking list is one of the most commonly used in smaller operations, as it allows for greater precision in the amount of information required. Specifically, pick-to-order consists of using the customer’s order slip to select the products that will later be shipped. -
Batch picking
This type is similar to the previous one, but here orders are grouped together to be prepared in a single trip. In this way, several orders are selected at once. -
Zone Picking
This method is based on products rather than orders. The product description and its exact location within the warehouse become the most important information.
What information should a picking list contain?
The goal of a picking list is to reflect and organize all the data related to the order placed by the final customer. To truly be effective, a picking list should contain at least the following information:
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Picking list number
Each list must have a unique identifier to facilitate record keeping and prevent duplicates.
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Order information and identification
This is one of the most important elements: order number, reference or SKU, description, quantity to be picked, size, and weight of each unit.
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Customer details
Although not the most relevant information, it is recommended to include customer details to facilitate identification and verification of orders. This information is especially useful in batch picking lists
How to create and optimize a picking list
Creating a picking list is not difficult, but it does require organization. For a low volume of orders, it can be done manually. However, the ideal approach is to use a warehouse management system (WMS), such as the one offered by Amphora Logistics.
These systems automatically generate lists based on incoming orders and also help optimize picking routes, minimizing travel and downtime.
To get the most out of it:
- Update inventory in real time
- Organize the warehouse into logical zones
- Train the team to use the tool
- Check for errors and continuously improve
In a competitive e-commerce environment, every second counts. Automating and refining your picking list can make the difference between retaining your customers or losing them.
Ready to transform your warehouse? At Amphora, we help e-commerce businesses like yours improve every step of the logistics process, from picking to final delivery.
