Different Types of Picking
What are the Different Types of Picking?
Picking is the process of collecting products from warehouse locations so they can be packed and shipped to customers.
Different picking methods are designed to improve efficiency depending on order volume, product types, warehouse layout, and operational requirements.
The three most common picking methods within Pimento are:
Single Item Picking
Bulk Picking
Wave Picking
Each method has its own advantages and is suited to different workflows.
Single Item Picking
Single Item Picking is the simplest picking method.
A picker is assigned an order and collects the products required for that specific order before moving on to the next one.
This approach is often used when:
Order volumes are low
Orders contain unique products
Accuracy is more important than speed
New warehouse staff are being trained
Benefits of Single Item Picking
Easy to understand and manage
High accuracy
Minimal setup required
Simple issue tracking
Considerations
Less efficient at higher order volumes
More walking between locations
Can reduce overall warehouse productivity
Bulk Picking
Bulk Picking allows warehouse staff to collect larger quantities of the same product at once before distributing them into individual orders.
Rather than visiting the same location multiple times, a picker collects all required stock in one trip.
This is particularly useful when:
Multiple orders contain the same SKU
Popular products are being shipped
Large promotional campaigns are running
Benefits of Bulk Picking
Reduces travel time
Increases picking efficiency
Improves productivity during high-volume periods
Minimises repeated visits to the same location
Wave Picking
Wave Picking groups multiple orders together into organised picking runs.
Orders are released in batches (or waves) based on specific criteria such as:
Shipping method
Carrier
Priority
Product type
Warehouse zone
Pickers work through a collection of orders as a single task before moving on to the next wave.
Benefits of Wave Picking
Improves operational efficiency
Helps balance warehouse workloads
Reduces congestion
Supports large order volumes
Improves dispatch planning
When Should You Use Each Picking Method?
Single Item Picking
Best when:
Order volumes are low
Orders are highly customised
Accuracy is critical
New staff are being trained
Bulk Picking
Best when:
Many orders contain the same products
Promotional campaigns are running
High-volume SKU movement is expected
Wave Picking
Best when:
Large numbers of orders need processing
Multiple pickers are working simultaneously
Orders need to be grouped by carrier or shipping method
Warehouse efficiency is a priority
Important Notes
There is no single "best" picking method.
Different clients and warehouses may use different picking methods depending on their operational requirements.
As order volumes increase, Bulk Picking and Wave Picking typically provide greater efficiency than Single Item Picking.
FAQs
Can I use multiple picking methods?
Yes. Many warehouses use different picking methods for different clients, products, or order types.
Which picking method is fastest?
Bulk Picking and Wave Picking are generally faster for high-volume operations, while Single Item Picking prioritises simplicity and accuracy.
Which method should a new warehouse start with?
Most warehouses begin with Single Item Picking before introducing Bulk or Wave Picking as order volumes grow.
