Pick Lists & Fulfillment
Create pick lists, choose picking strategies, pack shipments, and streamline order fulfillment.
Batch and Wave Picking
Advanced Picking Methods For high-volume operations, batch and wave picking improve efficiency. Batch Picking Combine items from multiple orders into a single pick run: One picker collects all items for several orders simultaneously After picking, items are sorted by order at a packing station Reduces travel time in the warehouse When to use: Multiple orders containing the same products. Wave Picking Release groups of orders for picking in scheduled "waves": Orders are grouped by criteria (carrier, priority, zone) Each wave is released at a specific time Coordinates picking, packing, and shipping in synchronized batches When to use: Large warehouses with scheduled shipping windows. Zone Picking Assign pickers to specific warehouse zones: Each picker only works in their assigned zone Items pass from zone to zone until the order is complete Reduces training (pickers only need to know their zone) When to use: Very large warehouses with specialized storage areas. Setting Pick Type When creating a pick list, select the pick type: Standard (default) Batch Wave Zone Note: Batch and wave picking are most effective with 10+ orders per day. For lower volumes, standard single-order picking is usually more efficient.
How Do I Create a Pick List?
How Do I Create a Pick List from an Order? Pick lists guide warehouse workers to collect items for an order. From a Single Order Open a Confirmed order Click Create Pick List The system generates a pick list with: Product details (name, SKU, barcode) Quantities needed Location where each item is stored Pick sequence optimized for efficiency Pick List Details Field Description Pick Number Auto-generated identifier Status Pending → Assigned → Picking → Picked → Packed → Shipped Priority Low, Normal, High, Urgent Pick Type Standard, Batch, Wave, Zone Assigned To Warehouse worker responsible Assigning to a Picker After creating a pick list: Click Assign Select a team member The assigned user receives a notification They can view and execute the pick list from the mobile app Batch Picking For multiple orders going to the same area, use Batch Pick to combine items into a single pick run, then sort by order after picking. Tip: Assign pick lists from the mobile app for the fastest workflow. Pickers can see their assigned lists, scan items, and mark completion in real time. See also: Picking Strategies, Batch and Wave Picking, Mobile Pick List Execution
Mobile Picking
Picking with the Mobile App The WareSquared mobile app provides a guided picking experience with barcode scanning. Starting a Pick Open the mobile app Go to WMS Hub → Pick Lists View your assigned pick lists Tap a pick list to begin Picking Workflow For each item on the pick list: Navigate — The app shows the location code and name Scan Location — Scan the location barcode to confirm you're in the right spot Pick Item — Take the specified quantity from the shelf Scan Product — Scan the product barcode to verify the correct item Confirm Quantity — Enter the actual quantity picked Next Item — Move to the next line Short Picks If a location doesn't have enough stock: Enter the actual quantity available The system records the short pick Remaining quantity may be sourced from another location or back-ordered Completing the Pick After all items are picked: Review the summary Note any short picks or substitutions Tap Complete Pick The pick list status updates to Picked Tip: Keep your phone's camera clean for reliable barcode scanning. If a barcode is damaged, you can manually search for the product by SKU.
Packing and Shipping
From Picked to Shipped After items are picked, the packing and shipping process gets orders out the door. Packing Verify picked items against the order Select appropriate packaging Include packing slips or invoices Mark the order as Packed Shipping Labels WareSquared integrates with shipping carriers to generate labels: From the order detail, click Create Shipment Select the carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS) Choose the service level (Ground, Express, etc.) Enter package dimensions and weight Get Rates to compare carrier pricing Select a rate and Purchase Label Tracking After shipping: The tracking number is automatically saved to the order Order status changes to Shipped Tracking info is available on the order detail page Multi-Package Shipments For orders requiring multiple packages: Create multiple shipments for the same order Each shipment gets its own tracking number All tracking numbers are linked to the order
Picking Strategies
Choosing a Picking Strategy WareSquared supports multiple picking strategies to match your warehouse workflow. Available Strategies Strategy How It Works Best For FIFO First In, First Out — picks oldest stock first General merchandise, perishables FEFO First Expired, First Out — picks soonest-expiring first Medical supplies, food, cosmetics Nearest Location Picks from locations closest to the shipping area High-volume, speed-focused Manual Picker chooses which location to pick from Flexible, experienced teams Configuring Strategy Picking strategy is set per warehouse: Go to Warehouse → Warehouses Edit the warehouse Select the Picking Algorithm Save FIFO vs FEFO FIFO uses the date stock was received to determine pick order. Oldest received stock is picked first. FEFO uses the lot expiration date. Stock expiring soonest is picked first, regardless of when it was received. This requires lot tracking to be enabled. Tip: Use FEFO for products with expiration dates (cosmetics, medical supplies, food). Use FIFO for products without expiration concerns. Use Nearest Location when speed is the top priority.