Warehouse Pick Rate Calculator
Calculate Units Per Hour (UPH) to measure fulfillment efficiency.
Average Pick Rate
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Units Per Hour (Per Picker)
What is Pick Rate?
Pick rate, often referred to as Units Per Hour (UPH), is a primary Key Performance Indicator (KPI) used in warehouses and fulfillment centers. It measures the speed and efficiency of staff members as they retrieve items from storage to fulfill customer orders.
The Pick Rate Formula
To calculate the pick rate, you divide the total volume of work by the time spent performing that work. The standard formula is:
Pick Rate = Total Units Picked ÷ Total Hours Worked
Real-World Example:
If a warehouse associate picks 800 items over a shift lasting 7 hours and 30 minutes (7.5 hours), their pick rate is:
800 ÷ 7.5 = 106.67 Units Per Hour.
If a warehouse associate picks 800 items over a shift lasting 7 hours and 30 minutes (7.5 hours), their pick rate is:
800 ÷ 7.5 = 106.67 Units Per Hour.
Why Monitoring Pick Rate is Critical
In the world of logistics, labor is often the highest variable cost. Improving the pick rate directly impacts the bottom line by:
- Reducing Lead Times: Faster picking means orders get out the door sooner.
- Optimizing Labor Costs: Higher efficiency means you need fewer man-hours to move the same volume.
- Identifying Bottlenecks: If pick rates are low, it may indicate poor warehouse slotting or inefficient walking paths.
Common Industry Benchmarks
While pick rates vary wildly based on item size and warehouse setup, here are common benchmarks:
- Piece Picking (Small items): 100 – 200 units per hour.
- Case Picking (Heavy items): 60 – 100 cases per hour.
- Pallet Picking: 10 – 30 pallets per hour.
How to Improve Warehouse Pick Rates
If your calculation shows a rate lower than your targets, consider these strategies:
- Slotting Optimization: Place high-velocity (fast-moving) items closer to the packing stations to minimize travel time.
- Batch Picking: Allow pickers to fulfill multiple orders simultaneously to reduce the number of trips through the warehouse.
- Implement Technology: Use Pick-to-Light, Voice Picking, or wearable scanners to reduce the time spent looking for items and confirming picks.