Cluster picking is an efficient way to pick similar (small) items for different orders. Let’s explain this using the following example. Imagine having multiple sales orders with similar items, e.g., AirPods and iPad mini’s. The AirPods are available at location A001 and the iPad mini’s at location B004. The most efficient picking process would be for the picker to pick all items at the same time, first from location A001 and then from location B004, so that everything for the different orders can be picked in one round. In short, what are the benefits for a company?
- Efficiency. The picker needs to go only once to a location for multiple orders.
- Faster pick process. A picker can pick more orders per day, and this way, a company can process and deliver more orders of their customers.
Cluster picking is supported by Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. By configuring a few rules, you can easily make sure items for different orders are being clustered.
Configuration
1. A cluster profile. In a cluster profile you can configure how the system creates the cluster. Important settings are the sorting and the position settings. The sorting settings determine how systems sort within a cluster. The position settings determine the maximum number of containers or boxes within a cluster.
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Mobile device > Cluster profile
2. A mobile device menu item for cluster picking. The setting ‘Directed by’ needs to be set as ‘System directed cluster picking’ and in the field ‘cluster profile ID’, the cluster profile has to be selected.
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Mobile device > Mobile device menu items
3. Mobile device menu with the menu item ‘SD Cluster’
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Mobile device > Mobile device menu
Demonstration
1. Two sales orders with the same items (iPad mini and AirPods Pro)
2. Both sales orders have been released to the warehouse.
3. From the mobile device menu, select ‘Outbound’.
4. Click on the menu item ‘SD cluster’.
5. The automatically created cluster appears. The picker needs to pick two iPad mini’s for both sales orders. After picking, the picker clicks on the confirm button.
6. The picker then enters the position. The position can be a container, a bin, or a box on a cart.
7. The picker receives the order to pick two AirPods for both sales orders. After picking, the picker clicks on the confirm button.
8. The picker enters the position and clicks on the confirm button again.
9. The picker can bring the picked items to the outbound location. After confirmation, the picking has been finished.
10. Shipments of both sales orders being confirmed.
11. Packing slips of both sales orders being posted.
12. Status of both sales orders have been changed into delivered.
