All features of the order picker app
Pick list presets, assigning, batch picking with a sorting step, scanning with checks and labels on shipping: this is what the Afosto order picker app does, explained situation by situation.
Which picking method fits your warehouse?
There is no single best picking method: there is a best method per situation. The order picker app supports both, so you choose what fits at any given moment:
The difference is in the sorting step. With single order picking the box is complete after picking. With batch picking you first pick everything in one round, and then you gather each order at a spot on your pick wall, so every parcel only holds the items of that one order. Batch picking is part of WMS Pro.
Single order picking
one order per pick list, full focus. For large or unusual orders, such as business orders with many lines.
Batch picking
several orders in one pick list, then gathering per order at a spot on your pick wall. For the daily flow of webshop orders with overlapping products.
The features in practice
A preset, one click and the list with your team
Three actions in afosto.app that prepare your picking day: set up a preset, create the next pick list and assign it to your team.
- Preset
Set up once which orders belong on a list
A pick list preset filters pickable orders by channel, shipping method, shipping date, location or SKU, or takes single line orders only. You cap the list at a maximum number of orders, up to 250, or products. Taking the oldest orders first is a setting of the preset.
- Generate
One click creates the next pick list
One click on the preset creates the next pick list, and generating again takes the next orders. Selecting orders by hand and turning them into a pick list works too. Shopify orders land on a pick list automatically.
- Assign
Assign the list to your team
You assign a pick list to one or more members of staff, so it is clear who picks which list. On the scanner every line shows the product with a photo, the location, such as A-01-02, and a counter.
Features
What the order picker app does, feature by feature
The order picker app is part of the Afosto WMS, which starts at WMS Pro. No fees per user and no transaction fees.
Method
Pick + sort
Flow types per device
3
Skipped
Only that item
Label and packing slip
On shipping
Stock reserved
On arrival
Location
In view
In practice
Afosto in numbers
Up to 250
Orders per pick list, set per preset
3
Flow types per device, from scan only to entering a quantity
1 to 2 days
Until a new packer is productive, at FrancisbyFB
75+
Retailers and wholesalers work with Afosto
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the features
In depth for anyone who wants to set up the picking process.
What is the difference between single order picking and batch picking?
With single order picking you pick one order per pick list: clear, but with a lot of walking when there are many small orders. With batch picking you bundle several orders into one pick list and then gather each order at a spot on your pick wall. The Afosto order picker app does both, so you choose per situation. Batch picking is part of WMS Pro.
How does the sorting step work with batch picking?
After picking comes the sorting step: you gather the picked items of each order at a spot on your pick wall. That way every parcel only holds the items of that one order, even if you picked for many orders at once. Then you ship the order with a label and a tracking code.
Can I decide which orders end up on a pick list?
Yes, with pick list presets. You filter by channel, shipping method, shipping date, location or SKU, or single line orders only, and cap the list at a maximum number of orders (up to 250) or products. Taking the oldest orders first is a setting. You can also select orders by hand and turn them into a pick list.
Does Afosto support the ABC method for warehouse layout?
Yes, through the order of your locations. The walking route follows the order of the locations in your warehouse, and you decide that order yourself. Put your fast movers (A items) on locations early in that order, close to the packing table, and most walking distances stay short. For now you create zones by giving locations a prefix. Afosto does not calculate a shortest route itself.
Can several members of staff pick at the same time?
Yes. You assign a pick list to one or more members of staff, so it is clear who picks which list. Stock is already reserved as soon as the order comes in, so no other channel sells the same item while your team picks it.
Can I continue in the app from a printed pick list or packing slip?
Yes. The pick list and the packing slip can carry a barcode. Scan it and the order opens in the scan app, or you print the shipping label of that order with it. When the pick list and the packing slip print and what they look like, we set up per customer based on events: the packing slip can, for example, print automatically on shipping, or earlier if you want.
Do I need special hardware?
No. The scan app runs in the browser at scan.afosto.app and works on handheld scanners, tablets and smartphones. There is nothing to install and updates happen by themselves. The app only works with a network connection, there is no offline mode. For labels and packing slips you connect a printer through the Spooler app.
Try the picking flow with your own assortment
Create a free account and run a first pick round with your own products and locations. Or book a demo, and we will walk you through presets, assigning and batch picking.