Wave Consolidation Management Based on the Warehouse Management System (WMS)

The wave consolidation management of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) performs multi-modal calculations on planning data, inventory data, and resource status through rule definition and algorithm models. It enables the intelligent merging and grouping of orders as well as the creation of wave tasks, serving as the technical core for balancing production execution and material distribution. This approach not only ensures the orderly progress of production but also improves warehouse operation efficiency.

The core logic of wave consolidation is built around a closed-loop system encompassing the four key elements: planning, inventory, resources, and efficiency. This ensures that the outcomes of wave consolidation calculations not only meet production execution requirements but also align with warehouse operational capabilities. By integrating multiple orders or production tasks into a single wave based on predefined rules, the system achieves centralized stock picking, centralized sorting, and centralized delivery and outbound processing, thereby enhancing both warehouse operational efficiency and logistics delivery timeliness.

Wave consolidation is not a simple superposition of orders; instead, it requires the precise formulation of consolidation rules based on principles such as production takt time, capacity status, and operation lead time. These rules include consolidating regional orders by line-side addresses, merging warehouse area orders by storage locations, and grouping orders by delivery time windows. These rules can be applied individually or combined according to actual needs to ensure the rationality of wave tasks.

Within a limited operational time frame, wave consolidation can improve warehouse picking efficiency by reducing unnecessary movement of warehouse staff between storage locations. It optimizes the allocation of human resources, forklifts, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and other equipment resources, avoiding resource waste caused by redundant scheduling. Ultimately, wave consolidation can reduce line-side inventory levels while ensuring the orderly execution of production.