Batch picking in Pickscan

How batch picking works

Batch picking groups multiple orders together so that pickers can collect all required items in one pass through the warehouse, reducing walking time and increasing overall picking efficiency.

The workflow

1. Batch generation

   The system automatically groups open orders into batches based on your configured algorithm (for example, by shipping service or courier).

2. Batch selection

   Pickers view available batches on their mobile devices and select one to work on. When a batch is selected, it is locked to prevent other pickers from accessing it, and a tote is automatically assigned for tracking.

3. Picking phase

   The picker proceeds through the warehouse, scanning all items required for all orders in the batch during a single pass. Items are collected together without being sorted by order at this stage.

4. Packing phase

   Once all items have been picked, the batch moves to the packing station. Items are sorted by order using pack locations assigned to each order. Each order is packed separately.

5. Completion

   Once all orders in a batch have been packed, the batch is marked as complete.

Key benefits

• Reduced walking time — Pickers make one pass through the warehouse instead of multiple trips for individual orders.
• Higher throughput — More orders can be processed in less time.
• Better resource utilisation — Works well with warehouses that have dedicated packing stations.
• Scalability — Particularly effective for high-volume operations.

Trade-offs

• Requires a packing stage — Unlike single order picking, batch picking requires a dedicated packing station to sort items by order.
• More complex workflow — Pickers and packers need to understand the batch and packing process.
• Not suitable for all operations — Smaller warehouses or operations without packing stations may find single order picking more appropriate.

Setting up batch picking

Navigate to Settings in the Pickscan console — the settings icon is in the top right.

Enable the Use Batch Picking toggle.

Scroll down to the bottom of the settings page and tap Save Settings.

Configuration options

Once batch picking is enabled, the following configuration options are available.

Automated generation interval

This setting controls how often the system automatically generates new batches from open orders. The optimal interval depends on your processing rate. A wider interval lets the system optimise the pick batches better, as more data is available.

Options:

• No automated generation — Batches must be generated manually from the Pickscan embedded application within Linnworks.net.
• Every 20 minutes — Suitable for high-volume operations with constant order flow.
• Every 30 minutes — For higher than average volumes.
• Every 45 minutes — The default; a balanced option for most operations.
• Every hour — For lower volume operations.
• Every 90 minutes — For operations with slower order flow.
• Every 2 hours — For operations with infrequent order arrivals.

Maximum items per batch

This setting limits the total number of items that can be included in a single batch.

The default is 20 items.

Considerations:

• Smaller batches (10-15 items) — Easier to manage and faster to pick, but more batches are needed.
• Larger batches (25-40 items) — Fewer trips through the warehouse, but each batch takes longer to pick and pack.