Major Feature Announcement: Batch & Cluster Picking

We are excited to introduce two new powerful, time-saving picking methods in Propago: Batch Picking and Cluster Picking. These new workflows allow pickers to group multiple orders, reducing warehouse trips and increasing efficiency. Both features are opt-in and can be enabled in the Warehouse Settings.

Batch Picking: Combine Quantities Across Orders for Picking

With Batch Picking, pickers can group ready-to-pick orders into a batch and collect all required items in one pass, to be sorted into individual orders after.

Consolidated Pick Sheets: Generate a list combining all items from grouped orders.

Bulk Picking: Collect items in a single sweep, minimizing travel time by consolidating quantities per SKU across all orders in a batch. No need to hit the same location multiple times.

Post-Pick Sorting: Sort product quantities into individual orders after picking.

Cluster Picking: Optimize Warehouse Travel and Sort as You Pick

Cluster Picking allows you to select a cluster of orders, pick all items in one warehouse walk, and sort them into order-specific totes during the process.

• Easy Order Clustering: Create Cluster Picks by choosing from a list of system-generated potential clusters.
• Location Optimization: Items are sorted by their location order for efficient picking.
• Real-Time Sorting: Assign items directly into order-specific bins or totes.
• Print Options: Print individual or multi-page pick sheets for all orders in the cluster.

Once enabled in Warehouse Settings, these new picking methods can be utilized in the Warehouse Window.

Note: We have also added filter options to the Warehouse Window interface. Toggle the checkboxes labeled Show Batches, Show Clusters, and Show Regular Picks to show or hide different pick types. This makes it easier to quickly find and process picks of different types as needed.

Take advantage of Batch Picking and Cluster Picking to streamline the picking process, reduce picker travel time, and enhance overall operational efficiency in your warehouse.

Benefits to You

• Streamlined Workflows: Group multiple orders for a more efficient picking process.
• Reduced Travel Time: Minimize trips through the warehouse.
• Flexible Bulk Picking: Adapt picking methods to suit your needs.

How to Use Batch Picking

Enabling Batch Picking

1. Go to System > Site > Warehouse Settings.
2. Scroll to the Picking Settings section.
3. Set Allow Batch Picking to “Yes.”

Creating a Batch Pick

1. Go to Warehouse > Warehouse Window.
2. Select the orders you want to batch by checking the relevant boxes.
3. Click Batch Pick.

The selected orders will be linked together as a Batch Pick. The order status and “Picker” field will be updated for all selected orders as well.

Orders that have been batched together will still be listed individually in the Warehouse Window, but only one of the orders in the Batch Pick will have a Pick button. Batch Pick buttons can be distinguished from regular Pick buttons by the different icon (a circle with right arrow instead of hand icon).

Generating Pick Sheets for Batch Picks

To print pick sheets for a batch, use the options located next to the Pick button:

1. The first button generates a consolidated sheet combining SKUs and quantities from all orders in the batch.
2. The second and third buttons produce a multi-page pick sheet (available in standard or condensed formats), with each order displayed on its own page.
3. You can also print individual pick tickets for each order in the batch by clicking the Print Pick Sheet buttons located next to the Cancel button.

Picking a Batch

1. Click the Pick button for the batch.
2. Use the displayed Picking Details to gather items.
3. Print pick sheets as needed.
4. Click Save when the batch is complete.

How to Use Cluster Picking

Enable Cluster Picking

1. Go to System > Site > Warehouse Settings.
2. Scroll to the Picking Settings section.
3. Set Allow Cluster Picking to “Yes.”
4. Adjust the Cluster Size (default is 5, with options ranging from 5–10 orders).

Creating a Cluster Pick

1. Go to Warehouse > Warehouse Window.
2. Click Show Clusters to view system-generated cluster options.
3. Select the groupings of orders you want to turn into Cluster Picks.
4. Click Cluster Pick.

The orders will be linked together as a Cluster Pick. The order status and “Picker” field will be updated for all selected orders as well.

Orders in a Cluster Pick will still be listed individually in the Warehouse Window, but only one of them will have a Pick button. Cluster Pick buttons can be distinguished from regular Pick buttons by the different icon (a circle with right arrow instead of hand icon).

Generating Pick Sheets for Cluster Picks

1. To the right of the Pick button, you will find three options for printing pick tickets for the entire cluster.
2. The first button will generate a cluster pick sheet that lists all orders in the cluster and their pick details into a single page.
3. The second and third buttons will generate a multi-page pick sheet (either standard or condensed) that is not consolidated.
4. You can also print individual pick tickets for each order in the batch by clicking the Print Pick Sheet buttons located next to the Cancel button.

Picking a Cluster

1. Click the Pick button for the cluster.
2. Use the Picking Details to gather items, sorted by SKU and order.
3. Print pick sheets as needed.
4. Click Save when the cluster is complete.

Why Use Batch & Cluster Picking?

Batch Picking: Consolidates workflows, enabling bulk picking and post-pick sorting.

Cluster Picking: Optimizes walking paths and integrates real-time sorting.

We hope you find these new streamlined workflow options useful for improving efficiency and saving time in your fulfillment operations. If you have any questions about Cluster or Batch Picking, or need support, contact our support team at support@propago.com.