Multi-Order-Picking, combined with a picking cart and mobile devices, describes an advanced and efficient approach in warehouse logistics, where an employee uses a mobile data collection device (such as an MDE device or a smartphone with a barcode scanner) to pick multiple orders simultaneously in one pass. The employee uses a picking cart, which allows for the organized collection and transportation of items for different orders.
When you receive an order through your shop system, a marketplace, manually, or via imports from third-party systems, it is seamlessly integrated into the shipping process. You can transfer orders to logistics individually or in batches, automatically, and based on pre-defined rules. You then navigate through an optimized pick route using a mobile app and a picking cart to efficiently gather your products. At the packing station, you pack the items, create the necessary documents and shipping labels, and prepare the shipments for handover to service providers like DHL, UPS, or for Click&Collect pickup.
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Multi-Order Picking: This method allows you to collect items for multiple orders simultaneously during a single pass through your warehouse. The goal is to maximize your efficiency by minimizing travel distances in the warehouse.
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Use of Picklist Profiles: With the Picklist Profiles feature, you can effectively sort all your incoming orders. You have the option to organize orders by maximum order or item quantity, by sales channels like B2B, B2C, or Amazon, or to define the number of items per order. Additionally, you can set priorities in terms of time and intervals for the automatic creation of picklists.
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Optimizing the Warehouse Route: By assigning sorting numbers to storage locations, you can optimize the path through the warehouse. For example, you can strategically process B2B orders with pallet goods in a specific corner of the warehouse, while B2C items are distributed across shelves throughout the warehouse. Fast movers, ideal for 1-pick orders, are placed near the packing station, and returned goods are stored in a designated area close to the packing station.
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Picking Cart: Use a mobile cart that carries different containers or boxes where items for different orders are sorted. The cart acts as a mobile station that allows you to work in an organized and systematic way, helping to avoid order mix-ups.
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Mobile Devices: The Mobile Multi-Order Picking app works completely paperless and is perfect for use with MDE devices, which function like smartphones and come with a powerful barcode scanner. This app is an extension of Xentral’s existing web application, meaning that as long as you have a device that can display the mobile-optimized application, you're ready to start right away.
Tip
Here's how to proceed: Equip the picking cart with bins clearly labeled to avoid any confusion. As you follow your optimized pick route, place the items directly into the corresponding bins. This not only makes it easier to find the items but also ensures their proper allocation to individual orders. Once all items are collected, push the cart to the packing station, where the orders can either be packed by you or a colleague.
This method helps reduce errors, saves time, and increases the efficiency of your picking and packing process. It also gives you the flexibility to either distribute the picking and packing tasks among multiple employees or handle everything yourself in one step per picking run.
The shipping handover is the step where you ensure that all verified orders are handed over to logistics and have a green light, such as confirmed inventory, completed payments, correctly calculated shipping costs, and adhered credit limits.
You can hand over these orders individually or in batches, either manually with a click of a button or automatically through pre-set processes. For high order volumes, you also have the option to create pick lists on a timed schedule and automatically forward the orders to logistics.
For more information about the shipping handover and automation options, check out the article: Handover of Customer Orders to Logistics.
Once you initiate the shipping handover, the selected orders are transferred to Xentral Logistics. This means that the orders are systematically processed in the background according to the criteria you have set. Orders are sorted into batches, pick lists are generated, and they are handed over to the 'Shipping Center,' ready for logistics to start the picking process.
For the Multi-Order-Picking Process: The orders are divided into one or more picking runs and made available in the Multi-Order-Picking app, ready to be processed. The pick process can now begin.
Login, start the app, begin a picking run:
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Log in to Xentral on your mobile device (MDE view) and navigate from the homepage to the Multi-Order-Picking app.
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When you open the Multi-Order-Picking app, you will see three buttons: 'Picking run by FIFO,' 'Overview,' and 'To the shipping center.'
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'Picking run by FIFO' is the interface your packing team will use. It always shows the oldest, unprocessed run at the top. If no older runs exist, the most recently created run is displayed. This ensures that the orders waiting the longest or those first prioritized for logistics are handled first.
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'Overview' shows you all current runs. You can select a different run from the list if you need a different priority than “oldest runs first.” For instance, if you have urgent orders like express shipments that need immediate attention, you can prioritize and select that run first.
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'To the Shipping Center' shows you the Xentral Shipping Center view with all individual orders and additional actions. You can use this page if you want to check something without logging into a packing station computer, finish an order quickly on your mobile device, or view any issues.
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Click on 'Picking run by FIFO.' You will now see the oldest, unstarted picking run and its related information:
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Picking run: Displays the number of the picking run, in this example, it's number 54.
You can also view this number for verification in the desktop view of the shipping center.
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Number of items: Shows you the total number of items in this picking run, in this example, there are 6 items.
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Number of boxes: Displays the number of customer orders and how many shipping cartons will be packed at the shipping station and leave the facility.
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Click on 'Next' to start this picking run.
Assign picking boxes to delivery note numbers:
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In the next step, you will receive the first delivery note number to pair it with a picking box.
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Scan the picking box that you want to use for this delivery note. The delivery note number will be linked to the picking box.
Tip
A physical delivery note is not necessary. The pairing is maintained until the shipping station, where you can scan the picking box and retrieve the associated customer order.
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Scan additional boxes on your cart until you receive the pick for your first item in this picking run.
Picking the first item on the pick route
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For picking the item, you receive the following information:
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Picking Run: Displays the number of the picking run, for example, number '54'.
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Remaining Quantity: Shows the total quantity of items to be picked for this run.
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Storage Location: Indicates the storage location from which you need to pick this item.
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Item: The item number of the item to be picked.
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Quantity, Required Quantity: Quantity: the quantity to be picked for this picking bin; required quantity: the quantity to be picked for this entire picking run.
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Scan the item to proceed to the next step. Alternatively, you can manually enter the number.
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Scan the picking bin and place the item in the box.
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Repeat these steps for each item/storage location until the last item in the pick run.
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Once you have collected the last item of the pick run and placed it in the box, you will be directed to the overview, where you can either bring the goods from the picking cart to a packing station and pack them, or start the next pick run with a new picking cart.
Tip
If you are handling a quantity greater than '1 unit', a confirmation button will appear, allowing you to first confirm the quantity and then scan the item number. (See illustration for item with expiration date).
Picking a Set Item (Bundle, Xentral: Just-in-time Bill of Materials)
Picking an Item with Batch Number
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For picking an item with a batch number, you’ll be prompted to select the batch from the displayed shelf (storage location).
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Scan the batch number or enter it manually and confirm.
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The batch will then be deducted from the inventory.
Note
You set the batch number and expiration date for items in the item master data.
Picking an Item with Expiration Date (MHD = Minimum Shelf Life Date)
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For picking an item with an expiration date, you will be prompted to enter the MHD.
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Scan the expiration date (MHD) or enter it manually and confirm.
Note
You set the batch number and expiration date (MHD) for items in the item master data.
Picking with EAN (European Article Number):
Route Optimization (Example of Route Planning):
The packing process typically includes several specific steps, such as organizing products at the packing station, securing items in boxes, adding packing materials, sealing the packaging, and finally attaching shipping labels or package tags.
Afterward, tracking numbers are sent to your customers, and the goods are picked up by the shipping provider.
In Multi-Order Picking, the packing process is usually separate from the previous picking step:
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Push your fully loaded picking cart into a 'picking cart zone' or directly to a 'packing station' for further processing.
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At the Xentral Shipping Center, the packer can scan the picking boxes to receive the specific order to pack.
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At this point, you can also decide whether to conduct an additional quality check of the items in the shipping box. You may also capture serial numbers, print or email related documents such as delivery notes, invoices, invoice copies, or proforma invoices.
Note
You can find the options for configuring the packing process (using the Xentral Shipping Center) and additional information here:
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Bundling orders into picking runs is also possible in the shipping center.
Setup and Configuration Steps:
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System Activation: Initial activation of the MOP module in the system via project settings. Option for complete digitalization and elimination of paper-based picking lists.
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Order Management Configuration: Definition of the order prioritization method, e.g., FIFO or by urgency. Configurable settings for assigning orders to picking runs.
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Packing Station Adjustments: Configuration of quality scans and document generation (delivery notes, package labels). Adjustable options for printing invoices and handling export orders.
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Other Settings for the Picking Process: Customization of storage route optimization for more efficient picking.
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Configuration Options in the Workflow Process:
Picking Process:
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Order Selection: Options to choose the method for order prioritization and assignment to picking runs via picking list profiles.
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Item Collection: Activation of specific information requirements, such as expiration dates and batch numbers, based on item needs.
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Picking Scans: Option to scan the bin after each pick, or alternatively, scan the bin at the end once all items are packed.
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Completion of Picking: Options to proceed either to the next picking run or directly to the packing station.
Packing Process:
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Packing Preparation: Configurable quality assurance measures and verification procedures.
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Document Generation: Flexibility in creating and printing delivery notes and invoices, particularly important for B2B and export transactions.
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Preparation for Shipping: Options for final scanning and tracking assignments to improve accuracy and customer communication.
Shipping Process and Picking Settings:
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Choose the picking method 'Simple Stock Booking + Scan at Shipping Center' if you want to perform a quality check during the packing step at the shipping station by scanning items.
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Select 'Picking Run with Multi-Order Picking'.
Packing Settings at Shipping Station (Level 2):
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Select the option to print the delivery note at the packing station if your customer should receive a paper delivery note in the package.
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Alternatively, you can have the delivery note sent by email when the goods are finally packed into the package. However, this will apply to all shipments assigned to this project.
Note
Printing of all delivery notes for picking and individual sorting and assignment is managed by the digital picking process and is not necessary at Level 1.
Settings for Picking (Level 1)
Note
Level 1 (Picking) is not required for Multi-Order Picking. The picking logic is already preset by selecting the use of MOP and is conducted exclusively digitally (excluding label printing or delivery note printing if you wish to include a delivery note in each box).
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Field Name |
Description |
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Create Partial Order |
If the picker cannot pick enough items, a partial order will be created. |
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Mobile View |
By checking this box, a mobile view for each order can be displayed in the overview. |
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Use Bin Number |
The label code must follow the format WAWISION_X, with X as a sequential number. Bins must be labeled with a sequential bin number in the format WAWISION_X. This allows items to be recorded against the bin number instead of the delivery note. |
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Scan Bins |
Bins must be assigned to the delivery notes. |
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Skip Bin Confirmation |
By checking this box, bin confirmation will not be displayed. |
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Treat BOM Items as Stock Items |
Pick bill of materials (BOM) items like stock items. |
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Print Bin Number on Delivery Note Label |
Optional: When additional labels are generated using the ‘print all’ button, the labels (item label) will include the bin number. |
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Sorting by Storage Row |
Optional sorting function. |
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Scan Delivery Note after Each Item |
Optional: Enforces an additional scan of the delivery note after each item. (Label or delivery note from Shipping Level 1). |
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Ignore Issues from Other Pickings |
Storage locations marked as empty by other pickers will still be suggested. |
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Continue Picking After Problem Cases |
Continue the picking run. |
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Hide Label Printing |
By checking this box, label printing will not be available for open orders in the picking interface. |
For route-optimized picking or MOP, the settings Sorting by Storage Row and Scan Delivery Note after Each Item must both be checked.
In the MOP module (Warehouse and Logistics & Multi-Order Picking), you can set in the Settings tab whether Multi-Order Picking should be used via a mobile interface or the desktop view (e.g., for logistics management), and determine how to handle insufficient item quantities. By clicking the arrow icon next to an order in the overview, the mobile view for that specific order will be displayed.
For Multi-Order Picking, you can create various MOP labels:
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Bin Number Label (Multi-Order Picking)
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Item Label (Multi-Order Picking)
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Delivery Note (Multi-Order Picking)
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Divider (Multi-Order Picking)
The central starting point is Auto Shipping (Sales > Sales order), in which the orders are collected and transferred to multi-order picking as delivery notes once they have been started.
Subsequently, the delivery notes can be found under Fulfillment > Multi Order Picking in the overview of the picking runs. Via the arrow icon you can go to the respective picking run. There the first step is the setup of the picking run. By pressing the button continue the setup is continued.
The delivery note number should be shown on the labels in the form of a barcode. It would be conceivable to stick the label directly on the shipping carton and to create an error-free assignment by entering the individual delivery note items and the corresponding entry of the delivery note number as follows. Here, the product number and the quantity of the delivery note item are posted first.
If only a partial quantity of the article has been picked, the difference can either be added to the clarification list or processed further in the form of a partial order. Subsequently, the delivery note number is counter-posted to complete the assignment. As soon as the picking run is done by counter-posting the last delivery note, xentral jumps to package mark printing.
In the Clarification cases tab, the picking runs are listed in which not the entire item quantity has been picked. Here, the person responsible can view all clarification cases and carry out corrections by clicking on the button Correction.
In the Settings tab, the use of the box number instead of the delivery note number can be activated and the box labels can be generated instead of the delivery note labels.
The following checkmarks must be set:
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Use box number: If box numbers are to be used instead of delivery note numbers, the check mark must be set
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Scan boxes: By setting the checkmark, the box labels will be generated instead of the delivery note labels
In the minidetail of the respective run, you will find the box number to be used for picking.