'''Order processing''' is the process or work-flow associated with the picking, packing and delivery of the packed items to a shipping carrier and is a key element of [[order fulfillment]]. Order processing operations or facilities are commonly called "[[distribution center]]s" or "DC's". There are wide variances in the level of automation associating to the "pick-pack-and-ship" process, ranging from completely manual and paper-driven to highly automated and completely mechanized; computer systems overseeing this process are generally referred to as [[Warehouse management system|Warehouse Management Systems]] or "WMS".