Order picking terms, explained simply

Updated November 6, 2026

Jump to: Order picking · Pick list · Bin location · Storage unit · SKU · Walking order · Slotting · Discrete picking · Batch picking · Cluster picking · Wave picking · Zone picking · Pick-to-light · Mispick · Order accuracy · Pick rate · Order line · Cycle counting · Packing slip · Fulfillment · Warehouse management system (WMS) · Dead stock

Order picking

Collecting the items for customer orders from where they are stored, so they can be packed and shipped. In most small shops it takes more time than packing. Picking methods →

Pick list

A list of the items and quantities to collect for one or more orders. A good pick list is sorted by bin location, so the picker walks the route once. Pick list guide and template →

Bin location

The named spot where a product is stored, such as a bin, shelf section or drawer, with a short label like A7. Every product should have one. Setting up bin locations →

Storage unit

One shelf, rack, drawer cabinet or wall of bins, treated as a single named area. In pickBlink, each storage unit is one photo with its bins marked on it.

SKU

Stock keeping unit: the seller’s own code for one product variant, such as a size or colour. Pick lists and bins are matched by SKU.

Walking order

The order in which bins appear on a pick list so the picker passes each shelf once instead of going back and forth. Also called the pick path or pick sequence.

Slotting

Deciding which product goes in which location. The usual rule is to put fast sellers closest to the packing area, between waist and shoulder height. Organizing a stockroom →

Discrete picking

Picking one order at a time, from start to finish, before starting the next. Simple and accurate, and the default in most small shops.

Batch picking

Collecting the items for several orders in one walk, then splitting them into orders at the packing table. It saves walking when orders share products or shelves. Batch picking guide →

Cluster picking

A form of batch picking where each order goes into its own tote or box on a cart during the walk, so nothing needs splitting afterwards.

Wave picking

Releasing orders to pickers in scheduled groups, or waves, for example everything that must leave before the afternoon courier pickup.

Zone picking

Dividing storage into areas with one picker responsible for each. An order passes from zone to zone, or is combined at packing.

Pick-to-light

A system of lights on the shelves that show the picker which location to pick from and how many. pickBlink does the same on a photo of the shelf, with no hardware.

Mispick

Picking the wrong item, variant or quantity. The most common cause of wrong orders, usually prevented with clear bin labels and a barcode check. Reducing picking errors →

Order accuracy

The share of orders shipped with exactly the right items and quantities. Small shops typically aim for 99% or more.

Pick rate

How many order lines or items a picker collects per hour. Walking order, slotting and batch picking raise it most.

Order line

One product in an order together with its quantity. An order for two mugs and a tea towel has two order lines.

Cycle counting

Counting a few bins at a time on a schedule instead of counting all stock at once. Best sellers are counted most often. Inventory counting guide →

Packing slip

The paper in the box that lists what the order contains. It lets the customer check the order and helps the packer catch mistakes. Packing orders faster →

Fulfillment

Everything that happens between an order being placed and it leaving the building: picking, packing, labelling and handing it to the carrier.

Warehouse management system (WMS)

Software that runs a warehouse’s stock, locations, receiving and picking tasks, usually with barcodes on every shelf. Built for larger operations. Picking tools compared →

Dead stock

Products that haven’t sold for a long time. Moving them out of prime locations frees space for the fast sellers.