Warehouse Picking Strategies in DeWu WMS

Introduction

Warehouse picking commonly uses two methods: "fruit-picking" (single‑order) and "seeding" (batch picking). Fruit‑picking handles one order at a time, suitable for few SKUs with high order volume. Seeding groups multiple orders, processing them together, suitable for orders with many items.

DeWu's Picking Modes

DeWu processes single‑item orders (S orders) and multi‑item orders (M orders). For S orders, a wave generates picking lists; each picker follows a list and delivers items for anti‑counterfeit shipping.

FlowPick (Dynamic Picking)

FlowPick removes waves and picking lists. Pickers scan any location; the system assigns the optimal pending task, similar to ride‑hailing order grabbing. This improves flexibility but must handle priority orders, congestion control, and missing‑stock alerts.

Multiple‑Item Picking

Multiple orders are classified into large and small batches based on item count, and into big‑item (b) and small‑item (s) categories. Large batches are picked separately; small batches use BatchPick.

BatchPick

BatchPick runs waves, splits orders into batches (e.g., 40 orders per batch), creates picking lists per batch, and may generate multiple picking lists per batch if items span several zones. After picking, items are consolidated and forwarded for anti‑counterfeit inspection.

Batch Grouping Algorithm

A simplified model shows how to partition a wave of six orders into two batches to minimize cross‑zone picking boxes. The optimal solution reduces the number of boxes from 12 to 6, improving density.

Picking Path Optimization

Optimizing the picker’s walking path (S‑shaped, U‑shaped, Z‑shaped) significantly reduces travel distance and increases efficiency. 3D warehouse models illustrate these path patterns.

Conclusion

The article outlines basic principles of various picking strategies and notes that implementation details such as carton packing, automated consolidation, task assignment, and short‑pick handling will be covered later.