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Batch Picking - Wave Picking

How to Use Wave Picking with the Barcode Scanner

Wave Picking is an advanced picking method in Finale Inventory that allows you to pick and pack multiple orders at the same time, using a single trip through the warehouse. With the mobile barcode scanner and Finale Data Collector, orders are organized into slots on a cart so that you can fulfill them efficiently in one pass.

https://youtu.be/HbYxuVAMUgk


What Is Wave Picking?

Wave picking is the process of fulfilling multiple orders simultaneously during a single trip (or “wave”) through your warehouse. Instead of picking one order at a time, you:

  • Use a mobile cart with slots (bins, boxes, or containers).

  • Assign each order to a slot.

  • Pick products in the most efficient route through the warehouse.

  • Place items into their assigned slot as you go.

This method minimizes travel time and maximizes efficiency for large batches of orders.


Setting up for Wave Picking

  1. Prepare your orders in Finale (or via ShipStation integration).

  2. Print the packing slips for each order.

  3. Place the packing slips into bins or attach them to slots on your mobile cart.

    • Each slot represents one order (Slot 1, Slot 2, etc.).


Start a Wave Pick on the Scanner

  1. On the scanner main menu, select:

    • Pick > Wave

  2. For each order:

    • Scan the Order ID from the packing slip.

    • Scan the Slot barcode to assign the order to a bin.

  3. Repeat until all orders are assigned to slots.

Once all orders are loaded, press Menu > Start Picking.


Picking Process in the Warehouse

The scanner will guide you through the warehouse in alphanumeric location order.

At each location:

  1. Scan the location barcode (e.g., A04).

  2. Pick the required product(s) (e.g., Yellow PVC Card).

  3. Scan the product barcode.

  4. The scanner will display which slot to place the item into.

  5. Confirm by scanning the slot barcode.


Complete and Sync

  1. Once all items are picked, the scanner will confirm: All orders are done.

  2. Press Complete on the scanner.

  3. Connect the scanner to your workstation and upload the data to Finale.

  4. In Finale, orders will now display as Packed and ready for shipment.


Tips

  • Use mobile carts with multiple bins to maximize efficiency.

  • Always scan both the product and the slot to ensure items are placed correctly.

  • The scanner provides live confirmations of:

    • Remaining stock in the location.

    • Correct slot placement.

    • Next pick location.


Need Help?

For more information about wave picking or scanner workflows, check out other Finale Inventory help articles or contact our support team.


Frequently Asked Questions

What plan level is required for access to the mobile barcode scanner?

The mobile barcode scanner is available on Gold Plans and above.

Is the physical scanner included with my Finale Inventory subscription?

We do not provide or sell any hardware. If you are upgrading your plan for access to Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanning features, you must purchase a scanner on your own, and can use one of our preferred vendors if you wish.

What are the hardware requirements for the mobile barcode scanner?

ANDROID-OS Based Minimum hardware requirements:

Operating system version: Android OS 8.1 or greater

Hardware specifications:
• WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n
• Touch Display
• 1GB RAM / 8GB Flash
• 1D/2D barcode scanner or embedded camera

I am using the free trial of Finale Inventory, how do integrate my mobile scanner with my trial account?

Please contact Descartes Customer Support or your Implementation Consultant directly to enable access.

How do I change the Orientation of the Barcode Scanner screen?

The mobile barcode scanner software has a toggle screen hot spot on the top of every screen in the app. Click the area under the title bar to swap your orientation.

How do I type a quantity on the scanner?

Press the Up arrow, on the bottom-of your screen in the app, BEFORE you scan the items you intend to receive or count. That will open up a quantity box for you to type into.

How do I use my own scanner with the Finale Inventory scanner app?

Ensure that your scanner is running on Android-OS 8.1 and that you are on the appropriate plan level to access Finale's barcoding features. The barcoding app can be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store.

Where do I purchase the scanner?

We have two preferred vendors that are recommended to purchase your scanner with however you may ultimately purchase a scanner from anywhere you wish. Our preferred vendors are Barcode-Arena and AML. Please note that Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanner app is only compatible on Android devices.

How do I know what version my scanner is running?

From the main screen of the Finale IMS Barcode Scanner app, click More until you reach option #18 About. Selecting this option will tell you exactly which version of the app you're running on that device.

What is the difference between a USB/Bluetooth scanner and a Mobile Scanning device?

USB/Bluetooth scanners can plug directly into a phone or computer for the purpose of scanning a barcode, whereas a Mobile Scanning Device acts as one handheld tool to run Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanner app and scan barcode information simultaneously.


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