Blogpost
In the world of eCommerce speed is everything to meet customer expectations and stay ahead of the competition. Shopify merchants especially those with large inventory and many products need a streamlined solution to manage their warehouse.
A dedicated Shopify Wearehouse management system can boost order processing efficiency especially by optimizing batch picking and wave picking. These picking methods are key to reducing costs, errors and timely order fulfillment.
In this article we will look at the benefits of batch picking and wave picking and how a dedicated Shopify Warehouse management system can help.
We will get into the details of these pick methods, compare them and provide tips on how to implement a picking strategy to boost warehouse productivity.
Batch picking is a method where a picker picks multiple orders at once instead of one order at a time. This is useful when several orders have the same items or products that are located near each other.
By grouping orders warehouse managers can reduce walking and increase overall productivity.
This picking system is most effective when there is high volume of single order pick which is picking fewer items per order but across multiple orders.
Route Optimization: Since multiple orders are picked at once, the routes can be optimized to save time and reduce the distance pickers need to walk.
Labor Costs: Fewer pickers are required for batch pick as they can pick more orders in less time compared to single order pick.
Errors in picking: With mobile scanners and picking list batch picking helps in picking the right products accurately thus reducing errors.
Packing Process: By collecting items for various orders in one trip the process becomes more streamlined and faster fulfillment turnaround times.
Wave picking is a more advanced order picking strategy that breaks down the picking work into specific time slots or "waves". In each wave pickers focus on pick products for a batch of orders which are grouped based on factors like delivery time, product type or shipping location.
Wave order picking helps in managing inventory better and ensures orders are fulfilled within the shipping schedule and in time.
Increased Efficiency: By grouping the orders into waves, wave picking reduces the need for multiples trips to the same location. Multiple Pickers can pick orders fast and efficient.
Labor Costs: Like batch picking wave picking optimizes labor schedules by planning when and how orders should be picked thus reducing idle time for workers.
Order Fulfillment process: Wave picking ensures orders are processed and ready to ship based on priority so it’s easier to meet deadlines and customer delivery expectations.
For Shopify merchants a dedicated WMS can automate wave picking by creating picking list, grouping orders and coordinating with packing and shipping departments thus faster fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
This popular picking methodology is key to fulfillment especially for warehouses with multiple orders with similar or identical items.
By grouping the orders batch picking allows pickers to pick for multiple orders at once so they don’t have to navigate the warehouse as much and speed up overall order processing.
Let´s dive into the batch picking process
Order Batching: Orders are grouped together based on similarities, items that are the same or items in the same picking station. This is the most important step to make the order picking as efficient as possible.
Picking List Creation: The WMS creates picking lists that guides the picker through the optimal route, minimizes distance and makes picking efficient.
Operator Picks Multiple Items: During batch picking the operator picks items for different orders, reduces trips to the same storage location.
Packing and Shipment Preparation: After the pick, the items are moved to the packing stations where they are prepared for shipment. This process is faster because all items for diverse orders are already gathered, so packing time and shipping management is more efficient.
Time Saving: By batch picking warehouses can save time by grouping similar orders and reduce single order picking. This means faster fulfillment which is crucial to meet customer delivery expectations.
Labor Cost Reduction: Fewer workers can handle the same volume of orders so batch picking reduce labor costs, wich is good for businesses of all sizes.
Better Packing Process: Batch picking allows better organization at the packing stations so items are packed accurately.
For Shopify merchants batch pick in their WMS can significantly improve order fulfillment process efficiency. This means orders are processed fast, accurate and according to customer expectations which is key to a good customer experience.
Wave picking is an advanced strategy that groups orders into manageable batches or “waves” based on specific criteria like shipping deadlines, product types or warehouse zones.
This method is best for picking, packing and shipping orders on time and in sync with the schedule.
Pre Wave Picking Planning: Orders are analyzed and the WMS creates batches based on delivery times and shipping locations. This step makes sure the warehouse can manage multi order picking efficiently.
Grouping Orders into Waves: Orders are grouped into waves based on pre determined criteria. This could be time of day, order volume or priority level.
Wave Picking: Unlike batch picking, Pickers pick items from different orders that are part of the same wave, following an optimized route to reduce picking time.
Post Wave Picking Coordination: Once all items in a wave are picked they are sent to the packing stations where they are prepared for shipment.
This step coordinates the pack process with the transportation schedule so all items are shipped together.
Picking System: Wave picking handles high volume of orders by scheduling the order pick to maximize efficiency. This means better use of warehouse space and resources.
Shipping Coordination: Pick in sync with the shipping schedule reduces missed shipments and smooths out the picki to packing to dispatch process.
Order Batch Flexibility: Unlike batch pick, wave picking is more flexible and can adjust to changing order volumes and shipping priorities which is very useful during peak sales.
For Shopify merchants wave picking can improve the flow of their fulfillment process.
A dedicated WMS not only supports performing wave picking but also allows for quick changes to waves so orders are always picked, packed and shipped according to customer expectations.
Wave picking can be further divided into two main strategies: fixed and dynamic. Each has its own advantages and which one to choose depends on the warehouse operation.
Both strategies improve pick efficiency but differ in flexibility and execution.
Fixed Wave Picking:
Scheduled Intervals: In fixed, picking waves are scheduled at specific times of the day. Pickers know exactly when to start and finish a wave so labor schedules can be planned and fulfillment process organized.
Consistent Workflow: Fixed waves provide a steady and predictable workflow which is good for warehouses with consistent order volumes and set shipping schedules.
Simplified Coordination: Since fixed waves are planned ahead of time it simplifies coordination with other warehouse processes like packing and shipping. This reduces delays and orders are processed smoothly.
Dynamic Wave Picking:
Real-Time Flexibility: Unlike fixed pick. dynamic picking adjusts in real-time based on order demand. This flexibility allows warehouses to respond quickly to changes such as sudden spikes in orders or special high priority shipments.
Adapts to Short Interval Scheduling: Dynamic waves can be scheduled more frequently or at irregular intervals so warehouses can adapt to changing order volumes throughout the day. This is good for businesses with fluctuating demand such as e-commerce stores running flash sales or promotions.
Resource Utilization: Dynamic pick ensures labor and resources are used more efficiently by adjusting the schedule based on actual order volumes. This reduces idle time for pickers and optimizes the overall pick process.
Both batch picking and wave picking are popular pick methods but they serve different purposes. Knowing the difference between these two can help warehouse managers choose the best picking method for their operation.
Pick Routes and Order Batching:
Batch Picking: Pick various items for various orders in one trip. Pickers follow efficient routes to minimize time and effort, good for warehouses with various orders with items that are the same.
Wave Picking: Combines order grouping with time slots so orders are picked and processed in waves. Good for high volume order fulfillment especially when coordinating with shipping schedules.
Flexibility and Real Time Adjustments:
Batch Pick: More static approach, pickers retrieve items based on a pre-determined list. Good for orders with various items but not shipping immediately.
Wave Pici: Allows real time adjustments, easier to manage last minute orders or changes in shipping priorities.
Both batch and wave picking has its own advantages.
A good WMS for Shopify can integrate both and allow merchants to switch between or combine them based on order volume, customer demand and shipping requirements.
Grouping orders is a fundamental part of batch pick, pickers can collect items for multi order picking in one trip. This reduces unnecessary movement and increases productivity making it a good picking method for Shopify merchants.
By this agrupation of items that have items in commom or are located next to each other in storage, so the logistics operations are imrpoved in the distribution center.
Combining Orders with Same Items: The simplest way is to group orders that have the same items. For example if multiple customers order the same product the WMS can batch these orders together so pickers can get all of them at once.
Picking Stations: Setting up dedicated picking location for grouped orders can help organize the workflow. Pickers can quickly gather the required items and place them at the station for easy packing, reducing the delay between pick and pack.
Strategic Order Batching: A WMS can automatically batch orders based on factors like product type, order destination or picking route. This way pickers don’t have to make multiple trips to the same location.
Batch Order Route Planning: Optimized routes are important for batch order picking. By minimizing the distance between picking points pickers can complete the process faster and save time and labor cost.
Faster Pick Time: Grouping similar orders allows for faster order processing and reduces time per order.
Less Repeated Trips: By batch pick businesses can reduce the number of trips pickers have to make to the same storage location and increase productivity.
Simplified Packing: With all items for grouped orders collected in one trip packing becomes more organized and faster.
Errors in picking can lead to unhappy customers, high return rates and additional re-shipping costs. For Shopify merchants preventing errors is key to maintaining a good reputation and the satisfaction of the customers.
A well designed WMS can help minimize these errors by providing inventory management and pick and pack tools to improve accuracy throughout the picking process.
Misplaced Items: When items are not stored in the correct pick location, pickers will pick the wrong items and errors will occur.
Manual Data Entry Mistakes: Errors happen when pickers manually track items without automated systems. This can result to incorrect quantities or items picked.
Unclear Picking Lists: When picking list are not organized well, pickers will miss items or pick wrong products and orders will be inaccurate.
Scanners: scanners integrated with a WMS will verify the correct items are picked by scanning barcodes. This reduces mistakes and ensures pickers only pick items on their picking list.
Properly Integrated WMS: A dedicated Shopify WMS will integrate the pick process with other warehouse operations from inventory management to shipping. This reduces errors due to miscommunication or manual data entry.
Clear and Accurate Picki List: The WMS will generate precise pick lists to guide pickers and ensure they follow the correct sequence and don’t pick the wrong products.
Optimized Storage Locations: By organizing items according to the pick route a WMS can minimize the chance of pickers grabbing the wrong item especially when there are various items next to each other.
Preventing errors is key to maintaining high fulfillment and satisfaction of the customers.
Shopify merchants can use a dedicated WMS to simplify the picking process, reduce errors and ensure customers get the right products every time.
Both processes are key in fulfillment especially for businesses that rely on timely delivery to keep customers happy.
An efficient picking strategy can help in synchronizing the pick process with shipping schedules so all orders are ready to go out at the right time.
Shipment End Loading Time: A Cut off time define the latest time an order needs to be picked, packed and ready to ship. By sticking to these times businesses can ensure orders are included in the next wave and shipped on time.
Order Processing: Setting clear timelines helps warehouses to prioritize orders based on when they need to be shipped. A dedicated WMS can schedule waves so high priority orders are processed first and meet deadlines.
Transportation Schedule Coordination: Wave picking allows warehouses to plan around transportation schedules so all orders are picked, packed and loaded onto trucks efficiently.
Picking Waves and Shipping Routes: Orders can be grouped by shipping destination so orders can be loaded onto transportation vehicles efficiently. This is useful for businesses that use multiple carriers or ship to different regions.
Order Batches Monitoring: A WMS can monitor batches and adjust pick waves based on changes in shipping schedules. For example if a cut off time is extended the WMS can reorganize the pick waves to include new orders that come in.
Reducing Labor Cost through Scheduled Waves: By scheduling picking waves based on shipping schedules businesses can plan labor shifts better and reduce overtime or additional labor. This reduces labor cost and maintains on time fulfillment.
Sticking to shipping schedules is crucial for smooth logistics. Shopify merchants can benefit from a WMS that coordinates pick, packing and shipping so orders are always ready to go out on time and customer satisfaction and operational bottlenecks are reduced.
A dedicated Shopify WMS can boost both batch and wave picking, In adittion to other picking methods like cluster picking, zone picking and replenishment picking.
By automating many aspects of the order picking a WMS can streamline warehouse operations, reduce errors in and improve fulfillment. For eCommerce businesses this means faster delivery times and higher customer service levels.
Automated Picking List: The WMS creates pick lists that group orders in a way that optimizes picking routes so operators can pick multiple items fast. Reduces time spent searching for items and avoids repeated trips.
Real Time Order Management: With dynamic wave picking a dedicated WMS can adjust the picking schedule based on real time orders so high priority orders are processed on time. Good for peak seasons or flash sales when there’s a surge of orders.
Integration with Mobile Scanners: scanners allow pickers to verify items as they go through the warehouse, minimizes errors and improves picking accuracy. So the right items reach the right customer, reduces returns and re-shipments.
Efficient Route Planning: By integrating picking strategies with route planning the WMS reduces labor costs by having fewer pickers handle more orders. Good for large distribution centers where picking locations are spread out.
In summary a Shopify Warehouse management system can integrate both batch and wave picking strategies so the warehouse manager can implement batch picking or wave picking based on order type. This means a more organized and efficient warehouse that can fulfill orders fast and accurate.
In eCommerce, fulfillment is key to success and for Shopify merchants it’s all about using the right tools and strategies. Batch pick and wave pick are two efficient picking method that when done right can simplify the pick process, reduce labor cost and increase overall warehouse productivity.
.png?width=66&name=PULPO_WMS_logo%20(1).png)
A warehouse management system is software that helps organizations manage inventory, orders, and logistics in their warehouse operations.
