Everything You Need To Know About Warehouse Pick Lists

Virginia Miller

September 22, 2024

In this article

When running a warehouse, there are many different aspects to consider. One key component is ensuring you have the right pick lists in place. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about warehouse pick lists. We will cover what they are, how they are used, and some best practices for creating them. Let's get started.

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What Is A Pick List?

A pick list is an essential document used by warehouse pickers to fulfill client orders. It indicates the specific products, quantities, and locations that pickers must retrieve from inventory to complete an order. Once a pick list is generated, the order fulfillment process can begin.

Pick lists enable warehouse management to organize the picking process by assigning orders to each picker. This way, pickers always have their next orders lined up as soon as the current order is picked.

Elements Of A Picking List

A pick list contains all the products that must be packaged and shipped to customers. Typical details include:

Detailed product descriptions (size, color, etc.)
UPC or SKU numbers
Barcodes
Product images
Quantity of each item
Invoice number
Shipping date
Warehouse location (for large warehouses)
Aisle and shelf numbers to expedite order picking

Pick List Methods

Physical Pick Lists

Before widespread use of inventory software and mobile devices, physical printouts were commonly used for pick lists. But modern systems are increasingly digital.

Digital Pick Lists

With laptops, tablets or mobile devices on the warehouse floor, digital pick lists automatically deliver assigned orders to each picker for a streamlined, effective operation.

Identifying Items

To ensure accurate, efficient picks, warehouse staff should be familiar with all items on the list. The system should provide details like:

Color
Size
Quantity
Weight

This allows quick identification of required items and locations in the warehouse.

Order Tracking

Pick lists also enable order tracking through a unique order number. This reduces errors and prevents incorrect items or addresses.

Order Management

Businesses can monitor order status and progress through the picking and packing stages. Any missing items can be swiftly addressed before shipping.

Pick Lists & Ecommerce Fulfillment

Pick lists are key for accurate picking, packing and shipping. The list helps warehouse staff efficiently locate required items. It's generated by entering order data into inventory software that specifies:

Item locations
Available quantities
Packing instructions

Once picking is complete, the list is checked against the original order and passed to the packing team. They use it to correctly pack and label cartons before the shipping team dispatches the order.

Conclusion

Understanding pick lists is vital for on-time, accurate order fulfillment. If you need assistance fulfilling Amazon orders, Simpl can help. Our years of ecommerce fulfillment experience provide quick, reliable order processing. Contact us to learn more!

FAQs

What is a pick list in ecommerce?

A pick list is a document that instructs warehouse pickers on which items to retrieve from inventory to fulfill online orders. It specifies product details, quantities, and storage locations.

How do pick lists improve order fulfillment?

Pick lists enable organized assignment of orders to pickers so the picking process is efficient. They also ensure accuracy by providing detailed product information to prevent errors.

What information goes on a pick list?

Typical pick list details include SKUs, product descriptions, quantities, item images, warehouse locations, invoice numbers and shipping dates.

What are the main pick list methods?

Common pick list methods are physical printouts or digital lists displayed on laptops, tablets and mobile devices carried by pickers.

How can pick lists help track ecommerce orders?

Unique order numbers on pick lists let businesses monitor status through picking, packing and shipping. This facilitates updates and issue resolution.

Why are pick lists important for packing and shipping?

Packers and shippers rely on pick list instructions to select correct items, pack cartons appropriately and label them for accurate order dispatch.

How can outsourced fulfillment services help with pick lists?

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers can seamlessly generate pick lists from order data and provide the warehouse infrastructure and trained staff to fulfill them.