Cluster Picking
Cluster picking is a method used in warehouse order picking where a warehouse worker picks items for multiple orders at once, instead of one at a time. The orders are grouped into what’s called a “cluster” and handled in a single, streamlined picking process — making it both faster and more efficient. Cluster picking is especially useful in warehouse environments with many small orders and a high order volume, where it’s critical to reduce the time employees spend walking back and forth through the warehouse.
Rackbeat January 16, 2026
How Does Cluster Picking Work?
With cluster picking, multiple orders that need to be fulfilled are grouped into one picking round. Each order is assigned its own container — for example, a basket, box, or section on a picking cart — so items can be placed directly into the correct order as they’re picked.
Imagine three orders with overlapping products. Instead of the picker walking through the warehouse three separate times, they pick all the required items in one round and sort them immediately into the correct containers. This saves time and reduces handling throughout the process.
Benefits of Cluster Picking
Cluster picking is an efficient method that can create significant improvements in daily warehouse operations — especially in fast-moving environments. Here are some of the key advantages:
Time savings through fewer warehouse routes
The picker avoids walking the same routes multiple times and saves time by picking several orders in a single round.More efficient use of warehouse staff
More orders can be handled by fewer employees, which optimizes resource use and makes it easier to scale during busy periods.Less handling and lower risk of errors
Since items are placed directly into their designated containers, there’s less need for sorting afterward — reducing the risk of mistakes.Faster order processing and shipping
More efficient picking means orders can be shipped out faster, improving overall customer satisfaction.Ideal for businesses with many small orders
Especially relevant in e-commerce and retail, where it’s common to process many orders with only a few product lines each.
Cluster picking is particularly beneficial for businesses with a high order flow and fast delivery expectations — such as in e-commerce, retail, and wholesale — where both speed and accuracy are key to operations and customer experience.
Cluster Picking and Rackbeat
While Rackbeat doesn’t offer a dedicated cluster picking function as a standard feature, our Warehouse Management System (WMS) makes it easy to work more efficiently and systematically with your picking processes.
With Rackbeat, you can:
Group multiple orders and plan optimized picking routes
View warehouse locations and streamline your picking paths
Assign picking lists to employees with one click
Use handheld scanners to register and validate picks in real time
Get a complete overview of your orders, stock levels, and purchasing management — all in one system
By combining Rackbeat with a hand scanner, you can reduce manual errors, improve traceability, and speed up your picking process — even when handling multiple orders simultaneously.
In short: Rackbeat gives you the tools to lay the groundwork for an efficient cluster picking strategy.
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