Why Cluster Picking is a Gamechanger for your Warehouse

In the complex and fast-paced environment of warehousing, the goal is to consistently innovate and discover more efficient methods to maintain the speed and accuracy of picking processes. This quest for efficiency has led to the adoption of various innovative picking strategies, one of which is termed Cluster Picking. Cluster Picking has emerged as a game-changer, offering an intelligent solution to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced order fulfilment requirements. 

Cluster Picking is facilitated by advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and involves picking multiple orders simultaneously in a single pass through the warehouse. Cluster Picking enables warehouse operations to navigate through the aisles, picking items for multiple orders according to the warehouse pick path, minimising travel time and increasing efficiency.

At the time of waving (releasing the order to the warehouse team for picking), the WMS generates a unique wave number, enabling the user to scan a wave number and select a group of orders under that wave.  

Cluster Picking significantly improves picking efficiency by reducing the distance travelled per item picked. This picking efficiency not only speeds up the order fulfilment process but also allows for a better allocation of human resources.

Faster picking directly translates to quicker order fulfilment and enables warehouses to meet tighter shipping deadlines, helping to improve overall customer satisfaction.

WMS will enable the picker to use barcode scanners and RFID tags to help reduce picking errors and ensure that customers receive the correct items.

As businesses grow and order volumes increase, Cluster Picking scales to meet the heightened demand without a proportional increase in labour or resources.

Overall cost reduction for warehouse operations results from efficiencies gained and resource optimisation achieved through Cluster Picking. By minimising travel time, utilising resources more effectively, and improving accuracy, a warehouse can operate more cost-effectively and positively impact its bottom line. 

Cluster Picking is an innovative process that a WMS expert can implement in a warehouse to improve efficiency. By embracing this picking method, warehouses can achieve faster, more accurate, and cost-effective operations and position themselves as competitive players in logistics and supply chain management.

As technology continues to evolve, the future of warehouse management will undoubtedly see even more significant innovations, but for now, Cluster Picking stands out as a key strategy for success. 

For more information on how to utilise Cluster Picking in your warehouse management, contact us.