Configure wave and batch picking in a WMS via API to increase pick throughput

Steps

1. Understand the distinction: batch picking groups multiple orders into a single picker trip (one picker, many orders); wave picking releases groups of orders to the floor in scheduled waves to coordinate picking, packing, and shipping.
2. Use your WMS API to query open orders filtered by criteria such as shipping deadline, carrier cut-off time, zone, or product location; these attributes drive wave or batch grouping logic.
3. Create a wave by POSTing a wave definition to the WMS wave endpoint with the selected order IDs, the target release time, and the picking method (batch, zone, or cluster); the WMS returns a wave ID and generates pick tasks for warehouse staff.
4. Retrieve pick tasks assigned to each wave via the pick task query endpoint; distribute tasks to mobile scanning devices or automated picking systems via the task assignment API.
5. As picks are completed, the WMS updates pick task status in real time; subscribe to pick-complete webhooks or poll the wave status endpoint to monitor wave progress and trigger packing station prep.
6. Release subsequent waves only when capacity at packing and shipping stations allows, using wave status data to pace throughput and avoid downstream bottlenecks.