Transitioned from single‑order to multi‑order picking in NetSuite WMS to reduce travel time and increase pick efficiency.
When I was working in operations, I noticed alongside the operations manager that while our single-order picking process was relatively efficient, there was an opportunity to drive significantly more efficiency by moving to multi-order picking. The idea was that instead of processing one order at a time, we could batch orders into "waves" and allow pickers to move through the warehouse in a more streamlined path, reducing wasted steps and improving throughput.
To validate and understand the requirements, I took the lead in scheduling and running calls with NetSuite engineers and account executives. Those conversations gave me clarity into how multi-order picking would need to be configured within the WMS, as well as the technical customizations required. NetSuite provided us with a Statement of Work (SOW) that outlined the scope and costs, which would have been around $28,000 if we proceeded with their professional services.
After reviewing the SOW, I worked closely with our IT department to replicate the necessary configurations internally. By taking that route, we avoided the professional services fees while still delivering the same results.
As a result of the change, we increased SKUs picked per hour by 384 percent, raised total fulfillment volume by 275 percent, and saved approximately $200,000 annually in seasonal hiring costs due to the efficiency gains.
Beyond the measurable results, this project also showed me the value of bridging operations and IT, and how leading those vendor conversations gave me the knowledge to translate requirements into internal execution.