![waves power suite waves power suite](https://static.bhphoto.com/images/images500x500/Wave_Arts_11_33003_Power_Suite_5_Mixing_1233256791_585838.jpg)
![waves power suite waves power suite](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9c/f0/04/9cf0040a4764064053c2f27b7687c508.jpg)
Wave duration is usually determined by how many orders are being picked. Wave picking aims to cut idle time by focusing pickers on specific orders within a finite timeframe - a form of short interval scheduling. For example, a picker might need to wait for another picker who is blocking product locations with a forklift. Pickers commonly spend time waiting for clear instructions, and warehouse traffic and poor planning can waste time as well. Without a defined methodology, order picking can become a highly inefficient process with a lot of down time. Shorter waves can help managers identify scheduling issues in the same day, meaning waves can be adjusted as the day goes on, if needed. Each wave lasts from one to four hours, breaking up shifts into manageable pieces. Staff collect multiple orders in specific inventory zones based on their item grouping during specific times of the day.
![waves power suite waves power suite](http://media.musiciansfriend.com/is/image/MMGS7/Power-Suite-5/703030000000000-00-500x500.jpg)
However zones are configured, pickers are assigned to one zone and only pick SKUs from that zone. Sales volume (fastest sellers in one zone or zones and slowest sellers in another).Packing considerations (hazardous materials in one zone).Risk factors (controlled narcotics in a secure zone).Product type (non-perishables in one zone and fresh produce in another).Depending on the size of the warehouse and its product mix, zones may be set up in various ways. But the two approaches are not mutually exclusive - some warehouses use both together. Wave picking contrasts with another popular picking methodology, zone picking, which is defined by where the items are picked. In other words, a wave might not be scheduled until all orders up to a certain deadline have come in, so pickers don’t have to spend time waiting for instruction. Teams gain efficiency primarily by reducing (or eliminating) picker idle time. The result is that orders are grouped and then picked, but only at certain times of day. Management aligns short picking intervals, or waves, that correspond with other warehouse variables, such as the transportation plan or departure schedule. To do so, wave picking focuses on when orders are picked. Rather than scheduling a number of pickers per shift and then hoping that orders flow accordingly, wave picking helps teams to meet specific commitments, such as filling a set number of orders per shift or meeting a shipping deadline. It involves releasing specific orders to the floor for fulfillment, based on a common factor such as shipping date, like items, warehouse zone, etc. Wave picking, also known as cluster picking, is one of several order picking systems used in warehouses to improve efficiency. What Is Wave Picking (or Cluster Picking)? True, 737s are not warehouses, and there are some fundamental considerations when determining whether wave picking is right for your warehouse. What does that have to do with warehouse wave picking? Both are built on a principle known as short interval scheduling (SIS), intended to maximize productivity and minimize inactivity by bundling tasks into a short window of time. Teams of specialists - cleaning crews, baggage handlers, fueling agents and more - work in concert to meet the next scheduled departure time. Once a commercial airliner lands and taxis to the gate, the pressure is on to get it ready for the next flight. Middle East, Nordics and Other Regions (opens in new tab).United States/Canada (opens in new tab).Advertising & Digital Marketing Agencies.Advertising and Digital Marketing Agencies.