Paper-based picking involves using printed documents to guide warehouse staff through the picking process. The picklist includes SKUs, quantities, and locations, but lacks real-time updates or validation. Mistakes like mispicks or out-of-stock errors often go unnoticed until packing or dispatch. For instance, a picker using a printed list might retrieve 5 units of a SKU, unaware that only 3 were actually available—leading to packing delays or inventory inaccuracies. While still used in smaller or legacy operations, paper-based picking is being phased out in favor of digital systems.