Warehouse Picking Staffing Requirement
Translate forecast pick volume into required picker headcount using your productivity target, shift length, and optional staffing buffer.
Planning tool only. Confirm staffing plans with labor relations, safety requirements, and facility-specific operating constraints.
Examples
- 18,000 picks, 55 picks/hour, 8-hour shift, 0.5 non-productive hours, 10% buffer ⇒ 48 pickers required (48.00 exact).
- 6,000 picks, 50 picks/hour, 6-hour shift, non-productive blank, buffer blank ⇒ 20 pickers required (20.00 exact).
FAQ
Should I use average or peak pick volume?
Use the forecasted volume for the specific shift you are staffing. For surge planning, run a separate scenario with peak volume assumptions.
How do I pick the productivity target?
Use historical productivity benchmarks, adjusted for product mix and picking method. Validate against the most recent 4 to 8 weeks of performance data.
What does the staffing buffer represent?
It covers variability from absenteeism, equipment downtime, or unplanned rework. Use 5% to 15% depending on operational volatility.
Does this include supervisors or support roles?
No. Add supervisors, quality auditors, or material handlers separately based on your span-of-control standards.
Additional Information
- Result unit: required pickers per shift, rounded up to a whole person.
- Non-productive hours default to 0 when left blank.
- Staffing buffer defaults to 0% when blank and should reflect variability in volume or performance.