Using Wave and Zone Picking
Wave Picking in WMS+ allows multiple orders to be picked in a single guided task. Instead of picking each Sales Order or Transfer Request individually, WMS+ combines them into one Pick List. Wave Picking reduces repeat travel and speeds up the picking process.
Note: For details on pallet handling behavior and item type differences (batch-managed vs non-batch), see the Receiving and Inventory Intake Overview.
How Wave Picking Works
Wave picking in WMS+ is not enabled by a toggle or setting. It occurs when multiple Sales Orders are grouped into a single Transfer Request in SAP Business One.
On the handheld device, WMS+ presents a consolidated item list. The picker collects all required quantities in one guided flow using bin suggestions and sort logic. Items are typically placed onto a shared pallet and staged for the next process.
No Pick List document is required in WMS+ for wave picking. The wave is driven by the consolidated Transfer Request, and WMS+ executes it directly from that SAP Business One document.
Sorting Strategy
During a wave, pickers can reorder the pick screen using the Sort Lines button. Sorting options include:
Bin Code: Alphanumeric bin sequence.
Alt Sort Code: Warehouse-defined picking route.
Document Row Number: Original line sequence, useful for FIFO or truck loading order.
Sorting reduces walking time and allows pickers to follow a consistent path through the warehouse.
Zone Picking
Zone Picking divides the warehouse into defined areas, with pickers assigned to specific zones. Instead of one picker covering the whole warehouse, each picker works only within their zone. Using Zone Picking increases speed, reduces congestion and enables parallel picking.
In WMS+, Zone Picking is achieved through:
Bin location codes that reflect zone structure.
Alt Sort Codes that define pick routes within zones.
Pick Lists that can be filtered or split to keep tasks within zones.
Guided Picking then directs each picker only to the bins in their assigned zone.
Summary
Wave Picking in WMS+ allows multiple Sales Orders to be combined into a single Transfer Request, enabling pickers to fulfill them in one guided task. Sorting options such as Bin Code, Alt Sort Code, and Document Row Number reduce walking time and optimize routes. Zone Picking further improves efficiency by dividing the warehouse into defined areas and assigning pickers to specific zones, with Pick Lists and Guided Picking ensuring tasks stay within the correct locations.