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Babeldat and logistics

Smart Picking Methods in the Warehouse – How Babeldat Takes Your Logistics to the Next Level

By July 29, 2025August 1st, 2025No Comments

What Is Picking, Really?

‘Picking’ is the process in which warehouse staff collect the right products for shipping. Sounds simple, but it’s one of the most intensive and error-prone parts of logistics.

  • It determines delivery speed
  • It affects your error rate
  • It impacts warehouse efficiency

What Picking Methods Exist?

There are several strategies. The right one depends on your products, orders, customers, and workforce. Common methods include:

  • Single order picking: one order at a time – simple, but slow
  • Batch picking: multiple orders simultaneously – efficient for small items
  • Zone picking: warehouse divided into zones – less walking
  • Wave picking: orders planned in waves – useful for cutoff times
  • Voice picking: voice-controlled – hands-free and fast
  • Pick-to-light: with lights and sensors – very fast

Many companies use a mix of these methods.

Here’s Where It Gets Smarter: Pick Priorities with Sequencing Logic

What makes Babeldat unique is the ability to set multiple pick priorities. What does that mean?

Think of:

  1. Urgent orders first
  2. Then express shipments with short expiry dates
  3. Next all orders more than 90% complete
  4. Then orders scheduled to dock within the next hour

You define the sequence, and Babeldat strictly follows it.

You can even add filters like:

  • Only for specific customers
  • Only products from temperature-controlled zones
  • Only within reach of an electric forklift

This way, you work targeted, efficiently, and fully aligned with your operational reality.

What Often Goes Wrong Without This Logic?

  • Ad hoc priorities cause chaos
  • Orders get picked twice
  • Urgent orders get buried under others
  • Employees become frustrated or inefficient

How Does Babeldat Solve This?

  • Advanced pick sequence configuration per customer or order type
  • Real-time updates when things change (e.g., new urgent order)
  • Pick dashboards for team leads
  • Integration with RF/voice/smart devices
  • Flexible method mix (run batch + zone + voice simultaneously)
  • Statistics per employee, order type or time slot

Conclusion

Smart picking isn’t just about technology – it’s about smart thinking around sequence and workflow. And that’s exactly what Babeldat enables.

Your warehouse, your rules, your picking – and our software makes it happen.