Single item batch picking lets you fulfill multiple orders at once when each order contains exactly one item. All orders share a single tote, making it one of the fastest picking methods in ShipHero.
Before You Begin
Review the comparison below to confirm SIB is the right method for your workflow. See How to Optimize Batch Picking and Order Sorting Settings for batch size and sort configuration.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Item Batch (SIB) | Multiple orders, each containing exactly one item. Items can differ across orders. All orders share a single tote. |
| Multi-Item Batch (MIB) | Multiple orders, each containing more than one item. Each order requires its own dedicated tote on the cart. |
| Bulk Ship | Multiple orders that all contain the same item or the same combination of items. |
For an overview of all picking methods, see Overview: Picking Methods in ShipHero.
Table of Contents
- SIB Settings and Cart Setup
- Single Item Batch Picking Process
- Single Item Batch Picking: Feature Walkthrough
- Troubleshooting: Single Item Batch Picking
SIB Settings and Cart Setup
There are several settings and preparation steps to maximize the output of your Single Item Batches.
Exclude Single-Line Item Orders from MIB
To maximize tote capacity for multi-line orders, exclude single-line item orders from Multi-Item Batches. Instead of using a dedicated tote for each single-item order in MIB, those orders are excluded from MIB and picked to a single shared tote in SIB — getting more orders out the door faster.
Go to My Account > Settings > App Settings, enable Exclude Orders containing 1 line item from Multi-Item Batch Picking, and click Save.
Important
With this setting enabled, single-item orders will not appear in Multi-Item Batches — even if single-item orders are the only ones remaining in the picking queue.
Pro-Tip
This setting can be toggled on and off throughout the day. Depending on order volume, you may run SIB batches in the morning and then disable the setting as volume decreases to return single-item orders to the MIB queue.
Managing the Number of Orders in an SIB
The size of your products and available picking carts will determine how many orders should be included in each SIB batch. By default, batches include 30 orders with a maximum of 100.
Go to My Account > Settings > App Settings, enter the number of orders in the Single Item Batch Pick Quantity field, and click Save.
Cart Setup
Prepare your cart before you start picking:
- Picking cart — used to transport items through the warehouse.
- Large tote with a barcode — place it on the cart and attach a unique tote barcode to it.
Small items go inside the tote. Larger items that don't fit go directly on the cart shelf. Everything on the cart — in the tote or not — is associated with the same tote barcode.
Single Item Batch Picking Process
- Open the ShipHero mobile app and navigate to Picking > Single Item Batch.
- Scan your tote barcode.
- Go to the location shown in the app.
- Scan the item barcode to confirm you have the correct product. The app displays the total quantity needed for that item.
- Once you have picked the required quantity, tap Confirm or scan the tote barcode to proceed to the next item.
- The app routes you to the next location. Repeat steps 3–5 until all items are picked.
- After picking the final item, tap Complete. Bring your cart to the pack station.
Pro-Tip
Scan each individual item as you pick it. This confirms accuracy and catches missing or damaged barcodes before they reach the pack station.
Single Item Batch Picking: Feature Walkthrough
Watch this video to see Single Item Batch Picking in action.
Troubleshooting: Single Item Batch Picking
Missing or Damaged Barcodes
If an item has no barcode or the barcode is unreadable, manually log the pick:
- Tap +1 on your mobile screen to increment the count.
- Place the item in your tote.
- Scan the tote barcode to confirm and move to the next item.
Important
Some warehouse configurations require a supervisor PIN before the +1 tap method can be used. If you are prompted for a PIN, contact your warehouse administrator.
Slow or Delayed Batch Performance
To maintain peak efficiency, ensure inventory levels are managed correctly in pickable locations. If you experience performance delays during mobile batch picking, review the Replenishment Report and confirm sufficient inventory is available in pickable bin locations.