Deep Dive into Auto-Pick with Helm WMS

Join our Onboarding Specialist, Harry, for a detailed walkthrough of Helm’s Auto-Pick feature and how it helps warehouse teams maintain a smooth, continuous picking flow. 

In this session, Harry will explain how Auto-Pick automatically identifies orders that are ready to be picked and releases them to the warehouse team without the need for manual intervention. 

You’ll see how this feature ensures the pick queue is always active, keeps teams productive, and prevents delays between batches.

The webinar will also explore how to configure Auto-Pick within your own Helm environment, including how to define order criteria, scheduling rules, and task assignment preferences. 

Attendees will learn how to:

• Set up Auto-Pick rules that match their order flow and picking structure

• Automatically release eligible orders for picking as stock becomes available

• Maintain consistent productivity without manual task creation

• Monitor pick progress and ensure efficient task distribution across the team

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear understanding of how Auto-Pick helps remove bottlenecks, reduce manual admin, and keep your warehouse operating at peak efficiency. 

Watch the Recording

Auto-Pick Creation

Harry demonstrates two profile types: Order‑limit to keep loads realistic, and Time‑restricted to run at set times with excluded days and defined work hours. Supported flows include order‑by‑order, bulk, and bulk‑and‑sort, with tote options for multi‑picks. When stock can’t be allocated, orders move to a configurable failed status for correction.

Profiles & Run Sequence

When you run multiple Auto‑Pick profiles (say a standard eCommerce wave alongside a bulky‑items wave) the run sequence decides which profile claims eligible orders first. Think of it as priority lanes: the first profile inspects orders and builds waves to its rules; the next profile only sees what’s left. This prevents overlapping waves and keeps capacity aligned with reality. Typical sequencing puts fragile/bulky or carrier‑specific profiles ahead of general ones, so specialist handling doesn’t get trampled by volume waves.

Tags & Statuses

Tags and statuses are the compass. Use Order Rules to add tags automatically as orders arrive (e.g., fragile, bulky, Royal Mail, DPD, high‑volume SKU). Your Auto‑Pick profiles can then filter for those tags to create precisely targeted waves. Pair tags with a collection status (such as dispatch ready) to define eligibility. Orders move into that status when they’re truly ready to pick; if allocation fails (no stock, wrong location), they’re pushed into a failed/on‑hold status for a tidy triage loop and re‑entry once fixed.

Devices & Assignment

On PDAs, pickers immediately see single and multi waves, guided step‑by‑step through location, item, and quantity: minimal faff, fewer mis‑picks. If you enable unassigned users, waves appear to any logged‑in picker without manual assignment, which is ideal in busy shifts or lean teams. Tag visibility on PDAs is planned; once live, pickers will see cues like “bulky” or “DPD” at a glance, making it even easier to choose the right next wave.

Logs & Updates

The creation logs are your ledger. Every run records what the profile did, which orders were included, and why any picks failed: searchable by order ID when you need answers fast. Keep the Auto‑Pick plugin current via the Plugin Store, and watch the system change log for improvements (including device‑side tag visibility). Staying updated ensures your waves reflect the latest rules, capacities, and handheld behaviour.

FAQs

What is Auto‑Pick?
A Helm WMS plugin that automatically creates pick waves using rules.

What profile types exist?
Order‑limit (min/max orders per wave) and Time‑restricted (run at set times, exclude days, work hours).

How do tags/statuses work?
Order Rules add tags (e.g., bulky/fragile/carrier). A chosen collection status (e.g., dispatch‑ready) makes orders eligible; failed allocations move to on‑hold.

What pick flows are supported?
Single or multi waves; order‑by‑order, bulk, bulk‑and‑sort; totes for multi.

Do pickers need assignments?
Not if “unassigned users” is enabled. PDAs show single vs multi; tag visibility is planned.

How do I fix failed picks?
Check creation logs, correct stock, return orders to the eligible status, next run will include them.

Further Reading

The Benefits of Scheduled & Threshold Based AutoPick

Exploring Order Rules

Final Thoughts

This session is designed to make daily work simpler. The aim is a clear, repeatable setup that reduces manual effort, improves consistency, and gives teams confidence when volume rises. Start with a straightforward configuration, keep the cadence predictable, and let the system handle the routine. Review results regularly, iterate where needed, and stay updated with new features so the workflow keeps improving.