Use case playbook
Wave Picking in LollipopWMS
Group orders into waves that align with cutoffs, inventory zones, and labor capacity so the floor stays calm.
When to use wave picking
Choose waves when you manage multiple carriers, large order counts, or strict dock schedules. Waves help coordinate teams across zones and automate release timing.
Combine with batch picking for SKUs that benefit from shared routes.
Config options
- Create wave templates by carrier cutoff, region, or promise date.
- Set release rules to stagger work for high-volume zones.
- Assign roles to wave monitoring so supervisors can pause or reroute on the fly.
Throughput math
Use productivity dashboards to forecast how many orders each wave can handle. Factor historical lines-per-hour, travel distance, and pack bench availability.
Shopify Plus teams often split waves by storefront to keep branding consistent.
Common pitfalls
- Overloading waves without enough totes or carts on hand.
- Launching waves before replenishment completes, causing shorts.
- Ignoring post-wave audits, which can hide pick variance trends.
FAQs
How many orders should a wave contain?
Start with 40–60 orders per wave, then tune based on travel time and pack bench capacity.
Can waves release automatically?
Yes. Schedule auto-release around carrier pickups or labor shift changes.
What reports track wave performance?
Wave dashboards show pick duration, exceptions, and completion rates by zone or associate.
Plan waves that deliver on time
Use LollipopWMS rules to pace work, balance labor, and protect service promises.