What is the purpose of a wave picking strategy in a WMS?

The wave picking strategy in a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is primarily designed to consolidate orders into batches for simultaneous processing. This approach enhances efficiency by grouping similar orders or orders that share picking paths, allowing for the streamlined movement of goods through the warehouse. When orders are consolidated, warehouse staff can pick multiple items for different orders in one trip, thus minimizing travel time and labor costs. This strategy not only optimizes picking operations but also helps in managing order fulfillment timelines effectively.

By enabling the processing of multiple orders at once, wave picking contributes to improved throughput and better utilization of resources within the warehouse. It aligns well with the demands of high-volume order fulfillment environments, where speed and accuracy are crucial.