Xentral offers you a selection of different picking methods and individual configurations for each of these methods.
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You can use picking methods centrally for your company or use them in parallel based on specific channels. For example, you can pick differently for each distribution channel—B2B pallet shipping through discrete picking, B2C Shopify via multi-order picking, and Amazon/Ebay through batch picking.
Additionally, you have the option to filter during the handover of orders to logistics or create fixed pick list profiles that allow you to manage priorities, item dimensions, quantities, special items in orders, and much more. You can manually control these profiles or have them generated automatically.
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Further topics:
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Additional options for processing orders individually in the back office can be found here: Order Processing from the Back Office
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Automation in picking, such as pick list profiles, can be found here: Automation and Process Steps
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The principle of Xentral's logistics process options can be found here: Principle of Logistics Processes: Shipping Handover, Picking, and Packing Processes
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For connecting your data exchange with a 3PL fulfillment provider or linking Xentral systems, see here: Fulfiller Integration (3PL)
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Discrete picking is a method in warehouse logistics where you collect items for each order separately. This process requires you to move through the warehouse individually for each order and package the items immediately after their retrieval, before starting the next order. This method minimizes errors and mix-ups and is particularly effective in handling high-value or specific products. |
Features of Discrete Picking:
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Sequential Processing: Each order is processed one after the other, with the picker collecting all items for one order before starting the next.
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Error Minimization: Since the picker focuses on a single order, the likelihood of errors is lower than in methods where items for multiple orders are collected simultaneously.
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Simple Execution: This method generally does not require complex technology or specialized training, as the process is straightforward and simple.
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Flexibility: Discrete picking can be applied in almost any warehouse environment, regardless of the size or complexity of the inventory.
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Overall, discrete picking is a reliable and accurate method, particularly suited for warehouse operations where order processing precision is a top priority, the warehouse has small dimensions and short distances, or the order volume is relatively low for the warehouse size.
(1) Discrete Picking (with packing slip and printed storage location, optional: packing station scan)
Discrete picking is a process where you collect items separately for each order. Using the packing slip and the printed storage locations, you move through the warehouse to pick the required items. Optionally, you can perform a quality or serial number scan at the packing station to keep your process as error-free as possible.
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Batch picking is an efficient warehouse logistics method in which you collect items for multiple orders simultaneously in a single pass through the warehouse. After all the items have been collected, they are sorted at a central location and assigned to specific orders before being packed. This method reduces the number of trips through the warehouse and increases the efficiency of the picking process. |
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Multiple orders are picked simultaneously by collecting items with the same storage location in a single batch process and sorting them by order later.
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Advantage: Reduces walking distances and increases efficiency.
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Disadvantage: Higher risk of errors when assigning items to individual orders later.
Characteristics of Batch Picking:
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Multiple Orders Simultaneously: Instead of processing each order individually, items for multiple orders are collected in a single pass through the warehouse.
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Increased Efficiency: By reducing the number of trips a picker has to make through the warehouse, time and energy are saved.
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Post-Picking Sorting: After the items are collected, they are sorted by individual orders at a central location or packing station.
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Batch picking is frequently used in warehouses that manage a wide variety of products and handle a large number of multi-item orders. It is particularly suited for companies looking to optimize their warehouse operations and increase efficiency without compromising accuracy.
Batch picking is a process where you collect items for multiple orders simultaneously using a pick list. The items are then assigned to their respective orders at a central location, such as the packing station via Xentral's shipping center. Optionally, you can perform an additional scan per item at the packing station to reduce error rates or capture serial numbers.
Two-Step picking is a process where you first collect all items for multiple orders simultaneously using a web pick list. Each storage location is scanned to ensure the correct items are picked. In the second stage, the items are assigned to individual orders through the Xentral shipping center.
In xentral, you can create pick lists and batches, with the 'Batch Picking' app allowing you to collect items along an optimized warehouse route into a picking cart. The items are then sorted into a shelving system at the end of the picking route by scanning, with each item assigned to a specific order compartment. Completed boxes are finalized at the packing station. An optional quality scan is available.
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In rolling picking, you use a mobile cart to collect items for multiple orders simultaneously while moving through the warehouse. This process allows you to pack the items immediately after they are picked from the warehouse directly at the cart. This is often done "just-in-time," so each order is efficiently prepared in parallel to the picking and is immediately ready for shipping. |
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The picking is done in parallel with packing, meaning items are packed immediately after being picked from the warehouse. This process often happens "just-in-time" while the picker moves through the warehouse.
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Advantage: Speeds up the entire process and requires less interim storage.
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Disadvantage: Unsuitable for complex orders or large shipments.
Features of Rolling Picking:
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Mobility: The picker uses a cart with multiple compartments or bins, which is rolled through the warehouse. Items for different orders are placed into each compartment.
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Simultaneous Picking: Items for multiple orders are collected in a single pass through the warehouse, increasing efficiency.
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Organized Sorting: The compartments in the cart allow for pre-sorted storage of items by order or other criteria, simplifying the subsequent packing phase.
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Rolling picking is especially suitable for medium to large warehouses that manage a wide range of products and need to handle a high number of orders efficiently. It is commonly used in sectors such as retail, e-commerce, and other industries where speed and accuracy in handling customer orders are critical.
Multi-order picking is a combination of single-order and batch picking, where multiple orders are picked simultaneously but are assigned to their respective orders in real time. The picking is carried out along an optimized warehouse route.
Single orders can be handed over to logistics directly via the action menu, regardless of the picking process. This is especially useful when customer service needs to immediately transfer a B2B order to a freight carrier. The order is either manually completed or integrated into a logistics process.
The inventory withdrawal without further process is a quick way to process orders directly from the desk. The order is completed, inventory is booked, and a delivery note as well as an invoice are automatically generated. This method is particularly suited for sample stock or shipping directly from the office, allowing you to print the documents immediately.
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Process Automations in logistics allow for the automatic handover of orders to the logistics system at fixed times or intervals.
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Pick List Profiles enable the establishment of different picking strategies based on product type, volume, and the requirements of various sales channels such as e-commerce, B2B, and offline retail, among others.
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Settings in Logistics Processes allow for the automation of certain intermediate steps, such as skipping the quality scan at the packing station or automatically printing shipping labels without a direct confirmation trigger. An overview of options can be found here: [→A2 Principles of Logistics Processes: Shipping Handover, Pick and Pack Processes].
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If you need to operate multiple packing stations side by side, you can configure different settings for printers, devices, process steps, picking processes, and the division of tasks across two separate user accounts for Pick & Pack.
With the fulfillment integration between Xentral and your logistics partner's warehouse system, you can automatically exchange data. This connection allows you to send orders directly to your fulfillment partner and receive important updates such as inventory levels or delivery status back into your system. This saves time and reduces errors by eliminating the need for manual data entry. Additionally, this module can be used to manage data transfers between two Xentral systems or other external systems, providing you with flexible and comprehensive control over your data flows.