> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pixasoftware.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Pick and Pack Orders with Smart Routing in Pixa WMS

> Use Pixa WMS smart routing to guide pickers along the shortest warehouse path, then validate every item at the packing station with barcode scanning.

Pixa WMS turns every order into a step-by-step digital workflow that guides your team from the first shelf location to the sealed carton, using barcode scanning at every stage to eliminate errors. The pick-and-pack process works on hand scanners, desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones, so your team can use whatever hardware fits your operation.

## Picking

### How Smart Routing Works

When you start picking an order, Pixa WMS analyses the locations of all required products and calculates the shortest path through your warehouse. Pickers receive a sequenced list that minimises backtracking — starting at one end of the warehouse and working toward the other without doubling back. For multi-order batch picks, the engine merges locations across all orders in the batch into a single optimised route.

### Devices

Open the Pixa WMS interface on any device connected to your network. Hand scanners display a simplified pick-list screen; computers and tablets show the full interface with map-style location highlights. No dedicated app install is required — the interface is browser-based.

### Prioritisation

Before starting a pick run, filter and prioritise orders by:

* **Carrier deadline** — fulfil time-sensitive carrier cut-offs first.
* **Order type** — separate marketplace orders, web store orders, or wholesale picks.
* **Zone** — run zone-specific pick batches to keep teams from crossing each other's paths.

### Picking Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Orders Queue">
    Go to **Orders → Pending Picks** and select the orders you want to pick. Use the filters to prioritise by carrier, channel, or order date, then click **Start Picking**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow the Optimised Route">
    Pixa WMS displays the first location in the route. Walk to the indicated aisle, shelf, and position. The screen shows the product name, SKU, and quantity required.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan the Product Barcode">
    Scan the barcode on the product (or the shelf label) to confirm you have the correct item. The system registers the pick and immediately advances to the next location.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Repeat Until Complete">
    Continue along the route, scanning at each location. When all items are collected, the picking stage closes and the order moves automatically to **Packing**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Packing

At the packing station, every item is scanned a second time before the order is sealed. This double-check catches picking errors before a wrong product leaves the warehouse.

### Barcode Validation

Each item you place in the box must be scanned against the order. If the barcode does not match an expected item, Pixa WMS plays an alert and prevents you from confirming the pack. This validation step is mandatory and cannot be skipped.

### Packing Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Packing Queue">
    Navigate to **Orders → Ready to Pack**. Select an order to open the packing screen. The expected item list is displayed with quantities.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan Each Item">
    Pick up the first item from the collected goods and scan its barcode. The item is checked off the list. Repeat for every item in the order.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the Pack">
    When all items are scanned and quantities match, click **Confirm Pack**. Pixa WMS marks the order as packed and triggers automatic cargo label generation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Print the Label and Ship">
    The shipping label prints automatically on your connected label printer. Attach it to the parcel and hand it to the carrier. See [Shipping](/pixa-wms/shipping) for details on label generation and carrier hand-off.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Barcode validation at the packing station is the primary safeguard against wrong-item shipments. Keeping all product barcodes up to date in your catalogue ensures this check works correctly every time.
</Note>