The Best Layout for a Fast Warehouse Pick Route

Every extra step a picker takes is wasted time—and wasted time is wasted money. A well-optimised pick route isn’t just about organisation; it’s about speed, efficiency, and flow. If pickers are constantly doubling back, walking long distances for fast-moving items, or searching for products, your warehouse is losing time on every single order.

Here’s how to design a layout that speeds up picking:

Place top-selling SKUs near dispatch – The fewer steps needed to grab your most-picked items, the faster your team moves.

Group frequently picked items together – If two products are commonly ordered together, they should be physically close.

Minimize long walking distances – Keep small, high-volume products at the front and heavier, less frequently picked items further back.

Create a logical, one-directional flow – Avoid pickers crossing paths or backtracking by designing routes that loop naturally.

Think about promotions and seasonal changes – If certain items have a temporary sales spike, adjust their locations before demand increases.

Every warehouse is different, but the goal is always the same: reduce footsteps and increase speed. A well-thought-out pick route isn’t just convenient—it directly impacts your bottom line.

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