In today’s warehouse operations, speed and accuracy are non-negotiable. Whether you’re fulfilling e-commerce orders or managing B2B logistics, the picking process is a critical link in the supply chain. Yet many warehouses still rely on manual methods—paper pick lists, verbal instructions, and human memory—that introduce costly inefficiencies.

Automating picking with mobile scanning devices isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic investment. It eliminates operational pain points and delivers measurable return on investment (ROI) across labour, accuracy, and throughput.

Let’s break it down

The Hidden Cost of Manual Picking

Warehouses face recurring challenges with manual workflows:

• Mis-picks and shipping errors: Lead to returns, customer complaints, and lost revenue.
• Slow pick rates: Workers spend time searching for items, verifying SKUs, and double-checking lists.
• Paper dependency: Printed pick lists are prone to damage, misplacement, and versioning issues.
• Limited visibility: Managers can’t track progress or pinpoint bottlenecks in real time.
• Training overhead: New hires take longer to onboard and are more prone to mistakes.

These issues quietly erode margins and customer satisfaction.

Mobile Scanners: ROI in Every Scan

Mobile scanning devices, whether rugged handhelds or Android-based smart tools, streamline picking and deliver quantifiable value.

Here’s how:

1. Accuracy That Pays

Barcode validation ensures the right item is picked every time. Wrong scans are
flagged instantly.

ROI impact: Reducing mis-picks by 90% can save thousands annually in returns,
reships, and customer service costs.

2. Faster Picking = Lower Labour Cost

Digital pick lists and optimized routes reduce walking and searching time.

ROI impact: Saving 20 minutes per picker per shift adds up. Across 20 pickers, that’s over 1,700 hours/year—equivalent to a full-time salary.

3. Real-Time Tracking = Operational Control

Supervisors can monitor picking progress live, identify delays, and reallocate resources instantly.

ROI impact: Improved throughput and reduced overtime costs during peak periods.

4. Easier Onboarding = Faster Ramp-Up

Step-by-step device workflows help new hires become productive in days, not weeks.

ROI impact: Reducing training time by 50% lowers onboarding costs and improves
agility.

5. Paperless Operations = Sustainable Savings

Digital workflows eliminate printing, storage, and disposal costs.

ROI impact: Saving £3,000–£10,000 annually in paper, toner, and admin overhead.

Real-World ROI Snapshot

*Estimates based on mid-sized warehouse operations with 20–50 pickers. Actual ROI varies by volume and process maturity.

Use Cases in Warehousing

• E-commerce fulfillment: Speed and accuracy for high-volume, multi-SKU orders.
• B2B logistics: Precise picking for bulk shipments and palletized goods.
• Returns processing: Scan-based validation for reverse logistics.
• Cycle counting: Real-time inventory updates during pick operations.

Final Thoughts

Mobile scanning isn’t just about eliminating errors—it’s about unlocking
operational clarity, labour efficiency, and customer trust. The ROI is real, and it starts with every scan.

If your warehouse still relies on paper and manual checks, it’s time to modernize.
Mobile scanning brings digital precision to the heart of your fulfilment process— where every second and every item counts.