How to Use Pick & Pack (batch Picking) with the Barcode Scanner
Pick & Pack is a batch picking workflow that lets you fulfill multiple orders with a single, consolidated trip through the warehouse. First, you pick all items needed for the batch into a central packing sublocation; then you pack each order from that staging area. This saves walking time and reduces errors.
When to Use Pick & Pack
Use Pick & Pack when you have several orders at once and want to avoid separate trips for each order. The scanner builds a consolidated pick list to cover all orders in the batch.
Prepare Orders and Documents
In your shipping system (e.g., ShipStation), select the orders you want to batch.
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Print packing slips for each order.
The barcode in the upper-right corner of each packing slip is the Order ID the scanner will use.
(Optional) You might normally print a consolidated pick list—the scanner will handle this for you automatically.
Sync and Open Pick & Pack on the Scanner
In Finale, open Barcode Scanning and connect to the mobile scanner.
Sync to ensure the latest orders are on the device.
On the scanner, go to Pick > Pick & Pack.
Choose Gather (the first phase).
Build the Batch on the Scanner (Picking Phase)
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The scanner prompts for Order IDs.
Scan the barcode on each packing slip
You’ll see the count of loaded orders increase
Press Menu > Start Gather to begin the guided route.
How the guided pick works:
The scanner sends you to locations in alphanumeric order (e.g., A04 ? A05 ? A07 ? A09).
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At each step:
Scan the location barcode
Pick the indicated item and scan the product barcode.
If more than one unit is needed, the scanner says “keep going” until you reach the required quantity.
The screen also shows helpful cues like expected remaining stock at that location and the next location.
Error prevention:
If the wrong item is scanned (e.g., White instead of Black), the scanner warns you so you can correct it immediately.
When all required items for all orders are picked, the scanner confirms the last pick is complete.
Move Items to a Packing Sublocation
When the picking phase completes, the scanner prompts for a packing sublocation.
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Scan the packing sublocation barcode (e.g., the label on a packing table/bin).
This transfers everything from storage locations into a single Pack area so packers don’t walk back into the warehouse.
Pack Each Order from the Pack Area (Packing Phase)
On the scanner, go back to Pick > Pick & Pack > Packing.
Scan an Order ID (from a packing slip).
The scanner tells you exactly what to pack from the packing sublocation (e.g., 1× Red Card).
Scan the product, place it with the order, and follow prompts until the order is complete.
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Repeat for each remaining order.
The scanner confirms when an order’s last pack is done.
Upload Results to Finale
Dock or connect the scanner and upload.
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In Finale, you’ll see:
A transfer from storage locations > Pack sublocation (picking phase).
Shipments (one per order) reflecting the packing phase.
Orders now appear Packed and ready for label creation and shipment.
Tips
Batch thoughtfully: Group orders with overlapping items to maximize walking efficiency.
Always scan location and product barcodes—this prevents mis-picks.
Use a clearly labeled packing sublocation so packers can work entirely from the staging area.
If quantities don’t match what the scanner expects, investigate immediately (potential inventory variance).
Need Help?
If you have questions about Pick & Pack or barcode scanner workflows, reach out to Descartes Customer Support.