Introduction to Wave Picking
What is Wave Picking?
Wave Picking is a warehouse picking strategy where multiple orders are grouped together and released as organised picking runs, known as waves.
The goal is to maximise picker efficiency and reduce warehouse travel.
How Does a Wave Picking Process Work?
A typical Wave Picking process may look like:
Orders enter the system.
Orders are grouped into a wave.
Trolleys and totes are prepared.
Pickers collect products for all orders in the wave.
Orders move to packing and dispatch.
Benefits of Wave Picking
Increased picking efficiency
Reduced travel time
Better labour planning
Faster dispatch operations
Improved warehouse throughput
Setting Up Wave Picking
Successful Wave Picking usually requires:
Picking trolleys
Individual totes
Picking runs
Grouped orders
Warehouse managers should create workflows that support efficient wave allocation.
When Should You Use Wave Picking?
Wave Picking is ideal when:
Processing large order volumes
Managing multiple pickers
Running scheduled dispatch operations
Picking many orders with similar characteristics
Important Notes
Wave Picking requires more planning than Single Item Picking.
Trolley and tote management is critical for success.
Wave sizes should be reviewed regularly for efficiency.
FAQs
Is Wave Picking suitable for small warehouses?
It can be, but the biggest benefits are usually seen in medium and high-volume operations.
Does Wave Picking improve speed?
Yes. When implemented correctly, Wave Picking can significantly reduce picking time.
