Abstract
Numerous desgin and cost parameters, combined with an endless variety of equipment types, make it difficult to choose the right oder picking system (OPS). In this paper we present a proposal of OPS classification by functioning. Following to the proposed classification, we carried out an in-depth survery on over 40 distribution centres that have been recently built in Italy. The results of critical analysis allowed to develop a first proposal of matrixes to support warehouse designers in choosing the most suitable order picking system.