Guide
Batch Picking vs Wave Picking
Understand when to deploy batch or wave picking so your team hits throughput targets without chaos.
When to use batch
Batch picking shines when orders share many SKUs or zones. Operators stay in one aisle longer and tote multiple orders at once.
Review the batch picking playbook for implementation details.
When to use wave
Wave picking coordinates large order volumes around carrier cutoffs and labor availability. Waves release work in controlled bursts.
Check the wave picking playbook to design wave templates.
Throughput examples
A batch team handling 50 mixed orders may average 2.5 lines per minute, while a wave team targeting carrier cutoffs completes 200 orders per wave with three pickers.
Blend methods: start the day with waves, then switch to batches for late-arriving DTC orders.
Selecting a method
- Map SKU commonality and order profiles.
- Audit carrier pickup schedules and labor mix.
- Run pilots with productivity tracking to measure gains before rolling out.
FAQs
Can we run batch and wave together?
Yes. Use separate workflows and dashboard filters so teams stay organized.
How do we transition between methods?
Train leads on both processes, then adjust schedule blocks as data reveals peaks.
What metrics matter most?
Track lines per hour, travel distance, and on-time shipment rates to understand impact.
Match picking to demand
Use LollipopWMS analytics to choose the method that keeps shelves clear and customers happy.