The influence of order picking zone’s configuration on the time of the order picking process

The pressure connected with cost cutting parallel to an increase in consumer service quality as well as speeding up the flow of goods are the result of a worldwide economy trend connected with big competition in the market. That is why in modern economy even small movements of goods at short distances are becoming more and more important. The order picking problems in a warehouse are an important aspect in improving the productivity of modern logistic hubs. According to various estimates, the costs associated with order picking in a warehouse are from 55 to 65% of the total material handling costs. The author, using simulation tools, examines the influence of order picking zone’s configuration on the time of the order picking process. By means of the implemented simulation methods, it is possible to match the appropriate order picking process to the needs of a given enterprise.