Definition of commissioning
Commissioning is the compilation of items from an inventory to match an order. It typically occurs with customer orders in online retail, but also with production orders, branch delivery or the provision of materials for manufacturing. Fulfillment providers often take on order picking as part of their warehouse processes so that orders are handed over to packaging and shipping completely, correctly and ready for dispatch.
Stages in order picking
The process starts when orders are received in the system, for example from the shop or ERP. The positions are then kept and made available for removal, for example as a pick list or via a mobile device. The items are removed from the storage location, the quantity is checked and confirmed, often by scan. When working in zones or in parallel, the subquantities are then combined to form an order. Finally, it is handed over to packaging, labeling and shipping.
Typical process in 5 steps:
- Incoming orders in the system
- Picklist or device dialog is created
- Collection at the storage location, inspection and confirmation
- Merge positions, if necessary
- Transfer to packaging and shipping process
[[contact]]
Commissioning methods and procedures
Which method is right depends primarily on product range, order structure, warehouse layout and volume. In practice, picking types are often combined.
Common forms of organization:
- Individual picking: An order is completely picked one after the other
- Batch picking: several orders are picked together and separated later
- Zone commissioning: The warehouse is divided into areas, each zone picks its share
- Wave commissioning: Orders are bundled in time windows, for example for cut-off times
Common support procedures:
- Paper-based pick lists or mobile data collection with scanner
- Pick by Light or Pick by Voice to facilitate guidance and confirmation
Benefits and typical challenges in order picking
Commissioning directly influences throughput time, error rate and costs per order. Walking routes, search times and clean confirmation steps are particularly relevant.
Benefits of good order picking:
- shorter turnaround times until dispatch
- fewer incorrect picks and less rework
- more stable processes during peak loads
- better predictability of personnel and capacities
Typical challenges:
- unclear storage space logic and long distances
- similar articles, variants and sizes, high risk of confusion
- incorrect or incomplete master data
- missing quality checks or missing scan confirmation
- manual special cases without clear process rules
