Different between Single picking, batch picking and wave picking in Warehouse Management Solution

📦 Single Picking

Pick one order at a time

Complete order A before starting order B

Simple process

Low system complexity

Higher walking distance

Suitable for small warehouse

Best for low order volume

✅ Recommended Pick Quantity

< 30 order lines per day

Usually 1–4 pickers

10–30 orders/Picker/day (depending on item size & layout)




📦 Batch Picking

Pick multiple orders in one trip

Combine same SKU quantities together

Reduce walking distance

Require sorting after picking

Improve picker productivity

Suitable for medium order volume

✅ Recommended Pick Quantity

300 – 1,000 order lines per day

3–10 pickers

Many small orders with repeated SKUs

30–150 orders/day (depending on lines per order)



🌊 Wave Picking

Group orders into “waves” based on:

Shipping cut-off time

Carrier

Priority

Zone

Release orders by schedule

Control manpower and workload

Help meet delivery deadlines

Suitable for medium to large warehouse

✅ Recommended Pick Quantity

800 – 2,000+ order lines per day

10+ pickers

Multiple shipping deadlines

100+ orders/day (depends on complexity)

By: pang | Date: 26 Feb2026