Batch picking¶

Batch picking enables a single picker to handle multiple orders at once, reducing the number of times needed to navigate to a warehouse location. When picking in batches, orders are grouped and consolidated into a picking list. After the picking, the batch is taken to an output location, where the products are sorted into their respective delivery packages.

Since orders must be sorted at the output location after being picked, this picking method suits businesses with a few products that are ordered often. Storing high-demand items in easily accessible locations can increase the number of orders that are fulfilled efficiently.

Batch picking is ideal for industries or warehouses that handle high order volumes with a stable demand. This method increases efficiency by allowing workers to pick items for multiple orders in one trip through the warehouse, reducing travel time and boosting productivity.

Configuration¶

To activate the batch picking option, begin by going to Inventory app ‣ Configuration ‣ Settings. Under the Operations section, check the Batch, Wave & Cluster Transfers box.

Since batch picking is a method to optimize the pick operation in Odoo, the Storage Locations and Multi-Step Routes options under the Warehouse heading must also be checked on this settings page. When finished, click Save.

Create batch transfers¶

To manually group transfers directly from the Inventory app, hover over the desired operation type from the Inventory Overview menu (e.g. the Receipts Kanban card), click the (vertical ellipsis) icon, then select Prepare Batch.

On the batch transfer form, fill the following fields out accordingly:

• Responsible: employee assigned to the picking. Leave this field blank if any worker can fulfill this picking.

• Operation Type: from the drop-down menu, select the operation type under which the picking is categorized.

• Scheduled Date: specifies the date by which the Responsible person should complete the transfer to the output location.

Next, in the Transfers list, click Add a line to open the Add: Transfers window.

If the Operation Type field was filled, the list will filter transfer records matching the selected Operation Type.

Click the New button to create a new transfer.

Once the transfer records are selected, click Confirm to confirm the batch picking.

Example

A new batch transfer is assigned to the Responsible, Joel Willis, for the Pick Operation Type. The Scheduled Date is set to August 11.

Clicking the Add a line button opens the Add:Transfers window, displaying only pickings. This is because the Operation Type was set to Pick on the batch transfer form.

Click the checkbox to the left of the transfers, WH/PICK/00001 and WH/PICK/00002, to include them in the new transfer. Then, click the Select button to close the Add:Transfers window.

Add batch from transfers list¶

Another method of creating batch transfers is available using the Add to batch option in a list. Navigate to the Inventory app ‣ Operations drop-down menu, and select any of the Transfers to open a filtered list of transfers.

On the transfers list, select the checkbox to the left of the selected transfers to add in a batch. Next, navigate to the Actions button, and click Add to batch from the resulting drop-down menu.

Doing so opens an Add to batch pop-up window, wherein the employee Responsible for the picking can be assigned.

Choose from the two radio options to add to an existing batch transfer or create a new batch transfer.

Add a Description for this batch.

To create a batch to be processed at a later time, select the Draft checkbox.

Conclude the process by clicking Confirm.

Automatic batches¶

Batches can be automatically created and assigned based on several criteria. The Automatic Batches option is defined on the operation type level.

To enable Automatic Batches, navigate to Inventory app ‣ Configuration ‣ Operation Types, and select the desired operation type (e.g. Delivery, Pick, etc). Then, select one or more Batch Grouping criteria by ticking the appropriate checkbox. Even if more than one grouping option is selected, only one batch is created.

Batches can be automatically generated based on the following criteria:

• Contact

• Carrier

• Destination Country

• Source Location

• Destination Location

Process batch transfer¶

Handle batch transfers in the Inventory app ‣ Operations ‣ Batch Transfers page.

From here, select the intended transfer from the list. Then, on the batch transfer form, input the Done quantities for each product, under the Detailed Operations tab. Finally, select Validate to complete the picking.

Example

In a batch transfer involving products from pickings, WH/PICK/00001 and WH/PICK/00002, the Detailed Operations tab shows that the product, Cabinet with Doors, has been picked because the Done column matches the value in the Reserved column. However, 0.00 quantities have been picked for the other product, Cable Management Box.

Only in-stock products are visible in the Detailed Operations tab.

To view the complete product list, switch to the Operations tab. On this list, the Demand column indicates the required quantity for the order. The Reserved column shows the available stock to fulfill the order. Lastly, the Done column specifies the products that have been picked, and are ready for the next step.

Example

The product, Desk Pad, from the same batch as the example above, is only visible in the Operations tab because there are no Reserved quantities in stock to fulfill the batch transfer.

Click the Check Availability button to search the stock again for available products.

Create backorder¶

On the batch transfer form, if the Done quantity of the product is less than the Reserved quantity, a pop-up window appears.

This pop-up window provides the option: Create Backorder?.

Clicking the Create Backorder button automatically creates a new batch transfer.

Click No Backorder to finish the picking without creating another batch picking.

Click Discard to cancel the validation, and return to the batch transfer form.