Visual picking: how it works and its role in the future of logistics

Logistics has gone through a turbulent and innovation-rich period in recent years. The growth of digital commerce, on the one hand, and the development of new technologies, on the other, have contributed especially to transforming the commercial world.

In this article, we will look at one of these innovations, which seems to still be taking its first steps and has the potential to change the day-to-day operations of more and more companies: “visual picking”. We will see here what it consists of, what is needed to put it into practice, and its advantages and challenges from the companies' point of view.

We will also see how the service of InPost could complement an improved order preparation and is designed to provide the ideal tool for the distribution process.

What is visual picking?

Visual picking, or pick by vision, is a technologically sophisticated way of preparing orders using smart glasses with augmented reality.

Instead of relying only on paper, screens, or labels, workers use augmented reality technology to see directly in their field of view overlaid and varied instructions: arrows, locations, quantities, indications.

The idea is simple: reduce the time spent looking for products, avoid errors, and make the “picking” process more intuitive. Although its use is not yet widespread, the potential of this approach is arousing interest among various logistics leaders.

How it works: smart glasses, operational steps, and associated technologies

Although putting it into practice can be complex in several details, visual picking is conceptually simple and aims to be simple for your operator to use. These are the typical steps someone working with a visual picking system follows:

1. The system sends the picking order to the device – installed in the glasses;
2. The glasses show the ideal route step by step to the product location;
3. Upon reaching the desired area, they visually indicate the exact shelf, level, or compartment containing the item;
4. When the worker picks up the item, the visual interface acknowledges it and the system updates the inventory automatically;
5. The process continues until the entire order is complete.

For this to work, it is necessary to combine technologies such as:

• ARKit / ARCore
• Indoor geolocation and 3D warehouse map
• Connection to the WMS (Warehouse Management System)
• Position sensors and real-time synchronization

Advantages for warehouse logistics: efficiency, accuracy, and productivity

Implementing visual picking brings concrete benefits at several levels:

• Greater preparation speed: workers do not waste time looking for product locations.
• Fewer errors: direct visualization reduces product and quantity mistakes.
• Faster training: new workers learn more quickly through visual instructions.
• Better use of space: the system can optimize routes and locations.
• More productivity per employee: fewer pauses and fewer steps required.

Challenges and obstacles

Not everything is easy. Using visual picking involves challenges such as:

• High initial cost: smart glasses, infrastructure, warehouse mapping.
• Integration with the existing system: WMS, inventory control, synchronization.
• Constant updates: changes in the space, such as alterations in the layout of elements, product relocations, or warehouse growth, require updates.
• Hardware maintenance: optical elements, recalibrations, wear and tear, and breakdowns.

These barriers explain why this idea is not widespread. Even so, advances in technology and accessibility are accelerating its adoption, and more and more stores have been investing in these innovations as a way of differentiating themselves from the competition.

InPost: your logistics partner for the last mile

Although visual picking is put into practice inside the warehouse, its impact reaches the end customer: fewer errors and greater accuracy. But the logistics process does not end at the warehouse door.

At InPost, we work every day to be the last-mile logistics partner you are looking for: constant innovation, a hybrid delivery network, Lockers and Pack Points and complete flexibility to integrate with your store.

If you are looking for a more agile, accurate, and innovative distribution solution, at InPost we are ready to support you in this evolution. Discover how our delivery solutions can integrate smoothly and seamlessly into your operations.

Talk to our team and take the next step toward more efficient logistics.