How to speed up order picking in the warehouse: 5 technologies that make sense in 2026

Fast order picking is not just about the number of workers. It is also important what technologies the warehouse uses and how many unnecessary steps the warehouse worker has to take during work.

Let's look at 5 solutions that can help speed up picking, improve goods identification accuracy, and simplify warehouse work in 2026.

1. Wearable scanner - a hands-free solution for faster picking

With frequent scanning, a classic barcode scanner can slow the worker down. They have to take it in hand, put it down, and pick it up again. The solution is wearable scanners, or hands-free barcode readers.

Zebra RS6100

is a wearable Bluetooth scanner suitable for warehouses, logistics, distribution, and manufacturing.

It can be worn, for example, on a finger or on the hand, allowing the worker to scan and handle goods at the same time. Supports 1D and 2D barcodes and, depending on the configuration, can read selected codes from up to approximately 12.2 meters.

Main advantages:

• more freedom of movement when handling goods
• less putting down of the scanner
• faster repeated scanning
• use in picking, receiving, and shipping

2.

Data terminals - information directly with the warehouse worker

The warehouse worker needs to know what to pick, where to find the item, and in what quantity.

For this purpose, data terminals.

The warehouse terminal can display, for example:

• order items
• storage location
• required quantity
• inventory status

Terminal + wearable scanner

The mobile terminal and wearable scanner complement each other well during picking.

The terminal provides information, while the reader ensures fast barcode scanning. This way, the warehouse worker has the data and scanning directly at hand.

3. Label printers - a clearer warehouse and faster identification

Fast picking starts with proper warehouse labeling.

Label printers can be used for labeling:

• products
• racks and shelves
• storage locations
• crates and pallets
• shipments

A clearly readable barcode or 2D code helps determine more quickly what the given item is and where it belongs.

Label printing is not just for shipping

Label printing helps create a clear labeling system for the entire warehouse.

The simpler the orientation among racks and storage locations, the less time it takes to find the right goods.

4. Mobile printers - a label exactly where it is needed

If a worker has to walk to a stationary printer for every label, it creates additional unnecessary delays.

Mobile printers allow you to print a label directly in the warehouse.

They can be used, for example, for:

• goods receiving
• restocking storage locations
• relabeling products
• inventory counting
• order picking and shipping

Fewer trips around the warehouse

The main advantage is simple: the printer follows the worker, not the worker the printer.

In larger operations, mobile printing can save a number of unnecessary trips.

5. RFID: fast identification without direct targeting of the code

With a classic barcode, the reader must see the code. RFID uses radio waves, so direct line of sight is not required, and depending on the specific solution, multiple tags can be read simultaneously.

In the warehouse, RFID is used, for example, for:

• inventory records
• goods receipt and issue
• stocktaking
• tracking pallets, crates, or assets

RFID does not have to replace barcodes

In many warehouses, a combination of barcodes, scanners, mobile data terminals, and label printers remains fully sufficient.

RFID provides the greatest benefit where it is necessary to quickly identify multiple items or work without directly aiming at each label.

So how can order picking be sped up?

Every warehouse operates differently. The best result is therefore achieved by the right combination of technologies:

Wearable scanner
→ faster scanning and hands-free operation

Data terminal
→ order information directly with the worker

Label printer
→ clear labeling of goods and storage locations

Mobile printer
→ print the label directly on site

RFID
→ fast identification of multiple tagged items

A modern warehouse is not just about faster scanning

When looking for ways to speed up order picking in the warehouse, it makes sense to focus mainly on small delays that recur throughout the day.

Less searching, less switching, and simpler handling of goods can ultimately significantly speed up the entire process from picking to shipping.

 

Bára from CDRmarket