In shortBatch picking means picking the items for several orders in one trip around your shelves, then splitting them into orders at the packing table. It saves the most time when you have many small orders that share products. Start with batches of 5 to 10 orders.
What is batch picking?
Batch picking is collecting the items for several orders in a single walk around your storage, instead of walking the whole route once per order. You pick everything on a combined list, then sort the items into individual orders when you pack.
Batch picking vs picking one order at a time
| One order at a time | Batch picking | |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | One per order | One per batch |
| Best for | Large or urgent orders | Many small orders |
| Sorting | Not needed | At the packing table |
| Risk | Low | Mixing up orders when sorting |
When batch picking saves time
- You have many orders with one to three items each.
- Orders share products, like the same best sellers again and again.
- Your storage is spread out, so each walk takes real time.
If most orders are large, or each needs special handling, picking one order at a time is often simpler.
How to batch pick, step by step
- Choose 5 to 10 waiting orders, often the morning’s orders.
- Combine them into one list, sorted in walking order.
- Walk the route once and pick the total quantity of each product.
- At the packing table, split items into orders using each order’s list or packing slip.
- Check each order before you seal it.
How to batch pick in pickBlink
In the Orders list, select the orders and press Pick together. pickBlink combines them into one list on your shelf photo, with the bins lit in walking order, and completes all the orders when you’re done. You can print packing slips for the whole batch to split items at the packing table.
New to picking workflows? Start with bin locations, or see how pickBlink works.