Efficient strategies and characteristics of wave picking management
In modern logistics and warehousing management, “Wave” management, also known as distribution operations, is an effective strategy for classifying orders and filtering “Picking Lists” through rules. The effective creation of waves directly affects the efficiency of goods processing. This process involves multiple orders (Order) and their order lines (Order Line), that is, the number of SKUs, thereby generating one or more picking orders.
Wave management is a combination optimization of the order pool based on specific rules. The system automatically arranges waves and generates picking instructions, which are then sent to the PDA (handheld computer) for the picker to pick up and perform distribution tasks with one click. . Effective wave creation usually follows several principles: reducing walking distance, reducing handling processes, reducing search time and avoiding task duplication.
In the practice of wave management, some common methods can be used to improve overall efficiency. For example, the system usually prioritizes cargo sorting based on the ABC classification of the cargo. In self-operated warehouses, the storage capacity of Class A products is concentrated in 10% to 20% areas, and is divided into different areas such as full box storage, bulky goods, and picking based on product characteristics. In addition, the PCB analysis method can be used to realize the whole box and pallet delivery.
In order to optimize the picking process, the wave strategy for SKU is also particularly important. The EIQE analysis method uses characteristics such as order items, product specifications, product quantities, and distribution channels to conduct warehouse distribution and shipment analysis to help decide which orders should be merged into the same wave. In addition, separating the waves of pre-order and post-order orders is also an important strategy to improve efficiency.
In the choice of wave picking method, the seeding method (picking by batch) often provides higher efficiency than the fruit picking method (picking by order), so the process of optimizing the fruit picking method into the seeding method It has also become a key measure in operations. At the same time, by merging orders with high product overlap rates for picking, the strategy of picking and sorting can be implemented simultaneously in the processing of scattered orders, further improving operational efficiency.
It is particularly worth noting that in large warehouses, through wave picking combined with zone picking, the overall warehouse management efficiency can undoubtedly be improved. At the same time, for cross-border orders, since there are fewer order lines and most of them are single items, a picking list of 50 to 100 orders can usually be formed, which brings convenience to distribution.
Through the application of the above strategies, wave picking management has shown great potential and value in improving logistics efficiency and optimizing warehousing operations.