Title: Investigating the determinants of picker performance and interdependencies between the determinants of third-party logistics industry

Authors: Jinendri Prasadika; Annista Wijayanayake; D.H.H. Niwunhella

Addresses: Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka ' Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia ' Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract: The study focuses on the significance of order picking (OP) which is a pivotal and economically consequential operation in warehouses, emphasising its impact on client satisfaction and overall productivity. The study was conducted for third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses in Sri Lanka and it identifies and analyses 12 key factors influencing picker performance (PP). These factors are categorised into employee factors (EF), management factors (MF) and warehouse factors (WF). The study utilises partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the relationships between PP and its determinants. Additionally, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is employed to reveal causative relationships among these factors. The findings highlight the substantial role of EF, MF, and WF in enhancing PP. Ultimately, the research provides actionable insights for warehouse managers to strategically improve operational efficiency, address picker needs, and create a more streamlined and productive warehouse environment.

Keywords: third-party logistics warehouses; picker performance; warehouse management; order picking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2026.154593

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2026 Vol.54 No.2, pp.143 - 171

Received: 29 Jan 2024
Accepted: 02 Mar 2024
Published online: 07 Jul 2026 *

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