Plain-language questions
Ask for picks per hour per month, customer or product in the SQL Explorer with AI. The AI writes the SQL, you see the query and run it yourself; the AI only receives metadata.
KPI · Logistics
Picks per hour: formula and example.
Picks per hour is the average number of order lines a picker or team collects per hour spent picking. It is the most widely used productivity measure in the warehouse. Together with picking accuracy it shows whether speed is coming at the expense of quality.
Picks per hour formula
Order lines picked ÷ picking hours
Worked example
In May 2026 one picker at Acme Groothandel collected 6,300 order lines in 75 picking hours. That is 6,300 ÷ 75 = 84 picks per hour.
Fictitious figures for Acme Groothandel, a sample wholesaler.
How to read this KPI
More picks per hour means lower labour cost per order, as long as picking accuracy holds up. The figure depends heavily on warehouse layout, order profile and picking method, such as single-order or batch picking. Compare within the same warehouse and zone over time, and always alongside the error rate.
Pitfalls with picks per hour
- Comparing pickers who work in zones with very different products or walking routes.
- Counting all hours worked instead of picking hours only, or the reverse, without recording it.
- Pushing for speed without showing picking accuracy alongside.
SQL & DAX
Calculating picks per hour in SQL and DAX
Two examples on a fictitious data warehouse for Acme Groothandel: a PostgreSQL query and a measure for a Power BI model. Adjust table and column names to your own model.
SELECT date_trunc('week', picked_at) AS week,
picker_id,
SUM(lines) AS lines_picked,
ROUND(SUM(minutes) / 60.0, 1) AS pick_hours,
ROUND(SUM(lines) / NULLIF(SUM(minutes) / 60.0, 0), 1) AS picks_per_hour,
ROUND(100.0 * SUM(errors) / NULLIF(SUM(lines), 0), 2) AS error_pct
FROM picks
GROUP BY 1, 2
ORDER BY 1, picks_per_hour DESC;Pick Hours = DIVIDE(SUM(Picks[Minutes]), 60)
Picks per Hour = DIVIDE(SUM(Picks[Lines]), [Pick Hours])In ENABLE
Tracking this KPI in ENABLE
In your Power BI dashboard
Define the KPI as a measure in your Power BI model and show it in the portal, with "Last refreshed" next to it. Access profiles and optional row-level security decide who sees which figures.
Custom dashboards (pilot)
Add the KPI as a tile to a custom dashboard, compared with last year. The Dashboard Builder is a pilot and can be switched on per client.
Monthly targets
With the built-in Targets app you set a target for the KPI per month, so you see actuals and target side by side.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate picks per hour?
Divide the number of order lines picked by the number of hours spent picking. Decide whether you count lines, units or orders, and whether breaks and walking between orders are included. Apply that definition consistently.
Should picks per hour count order lines or units?
Usually order lines, because each line means a visit to a location. Units per hour can be a useful addition when lines range from one unit to a hundred. Always state which unit you use.
How do you increase picks per hour?
Most picking time is spent walking, so placing fast movers close to the packing station often helps most. Batch picking, where you collect several orders in one round, shortens walking further. Keep an eye on picking accuracy at the same time.
Further reading
- KPI libraryLogistics KPIs: formulas and examplesLogistics KPIs measure whether orders reach the customer on time, complete and at a reasonable cost. The data comes from your WMS, shipping platform and carrier statuses.Read more
- ResourcesHow to build a KPI dashboard: steps and examplesA KPI dashboard is an overview of the key figures you use to steer towards your goals, such as revenue, margin, on-time delivery or absenteeism. A good KPI dashboard does not start with the software, but with the decisions it needs to support. You then choose a limited number of KPIs, define them, sketch the dashboard and only then build it.Read more
- SolutionPower BI dashboard portal: share dashboards securelyShare your Power BI dashboards securely in your own portal, with role-based access.Read more
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