Batch Picking Vs Wave Picking – What is what?
In the previous blog on ‘Different Types of order picking in warehouse’, we discussed briefly various types of order picking in a warehouse; in continuation to that, let’s delve in depth into the most common types of order picking, i.e., batch picking and wave picking, the differences between the two methods and when to use what. Batch Picking: This is an order picking protocol that calls for the picker to compile a batch of the orders by picking from a single SKU or one SKU at a time. It helps to fulfill the order very fast by picking multiple orders at the same time. Single picker picks a batch of orders, which helps reduce repeated trips to the same location, essentially one location is visited only once by a picker. Let us illustrate this with an example; Order1: 3 soaps, 5 shampoos, 3 Gels Order2: 8 Shampoos, 5 Soaps In case of batch picking, both the orders are combined for picking & when the picker goes to the soaps section, he picks all 8 soaps; an