Picking times – base time

In picking, the base time is the time required for picking, but only describes organizational activities before and after each picking process.

Picking generally refers to the order-related compilation of items from a range. However, before and after compiling the items, the picker must perform activities that are summarized as base time.

These are the following organizational steps:

• Accepting the order
• Sorting the documents
• Forwarding documents
• Providing aids such as pallets, picking carts, containers
• Delivering the respective picking container to the collection point or directly to the materials handling equipment

For economic reasons, the time required for a picking order should be kept to a minimum. The following applies: The shorter the base time, the more customer orders can be processed.

Factors that have a negative impact on the base time during picking:

• Searching and identifying
• Checking the order (comparing the pick and the order slip)
• Lack of staff training
• Pick containers are not provided in sufficient quantities and at the right time
• Suboptimal picking height for fast-moving items
• Goods are not provided on time (replenishment)
• Tour strategy (route optimization is a must)
• Batch formation optimized for pick density

For more information on picking times, see Travel time.

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