Case Picking

Case picking is something you’ll hear about often in warehouse operations. It’s a big part of how orders get picked, packed, and shipped out. If you’re trying to understand how products move inside a warehouse, this one’s worth knowing.

Case Picking Meaning

Case picking means pulling full cartons or cases of a product from warehouse racks to fulfill an order. You’re not picking individual units. Instead, you’re handling full cases as they are, which makes the process faster and easier for bulk shipments.

What Is Case Picking Used For?

Case picking is commonly used in wholesale, retail distribution, and fulfillment centers. If a customer orders 10 full cases of an item, the picker retrieves sealed boxes rather than opening them.

It’s a preferred method for large orders because:

1. It’s faster than picking item by item

2. It reduces errors

3. It keeps packaging intact

This method works well in a case picking warehouse where space, equipment, and workflow are optimized for moving full cases efficiently.

How a Case Picking System Works

A good case picking system helps warehouse workers locate and retrieve cases with minimal steps. Some warehouses use forklifts or pallet jacks to lift heavier loads from high racks. Others may set up zones so pickers only work within certain sections to reduce walking.

The goal is to speed up the process without compromising accuracy. This is especially helpful in fast-paced environments like e-commerce fulfillment or large retail distribution centers.

Automated Case Picking

Some companies are now using automated case picking to make things even faster. These systems use robotics, conveyors, and software to select and move cases without human labor.

Automated solutions work best when orders are large, repeatable, and need high speed. While setup can be expensive, they offer long-term savings and reduce human error.

Final Thoughts

Case picking helps warehouses handle larger orders with speed and accuracy. At Newl, we support logistics operations that rely on smart picking systems to get goods moving quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s ground freight or e-commerce fulfillment, our team ensures every case is picked, packed, and delivered right.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this method be used for frozen goods?

Yes. It’s commonly used in cold storage environments where bulk items are picked and shipped quickly to maintain temperature control.

2. How does it differ from piece picking?

Piece picking involves selecting individual units, while this method handles full cartons or cases without breaking them open.

3. Are forklifts or equipment required?

In many setups, yes. Especially in high-volume operations, forklifts or pallet jacks help speed up the process and reduce strain on workers.