Wave Configuration
The Wave Configuration page controls how pick tasks are sent from the system into Voyager WCS, ensuring that users at the port have work to complete. It functions similarly to the Batch Configuration page but is specifically designed for WCS/AutoStore operations.
Overview
Section titled “Overview”Waves are automatically triggered every 15 minutes, but users can also manually request a wave. The Wave Configuration determines how shipments are prioritised, grouped, and sent to the WCS system for processing.
Key Configuration Elements
Section titled “Key Configuration Elements”Pick Category
Section titled “Pick Category”- Defines the type of pick task (e.g., Premiums Pick Pack)
- Links to the WCS workflow interface
- Determines which users can select this work type at ports
Voyager Pack Behaviour
Section titled “Voyager Pack Behaviour”- Determines what process the shipments will follow after being picked in Voyager WCS
- Controls downstream processing workflows
- Integrates with broader Voyager WMS operations
Waving Algorithm
Section titled “Waving Algorithm”Controls how shipments are prioritised and grouped:
PREMIUM_THEN_DEADLINE
Section titled “PREMIUM_THEN_DEADLINE”- Prioritises premium orders first
- Secondary prioritisation by deadline
- Ensures high-value customers receive priority service
PREMIUM_THEN_DEADLINE_FOR_SINGLES
Section titled “PREMIUM_THEN_DEADLINE_FOR_SINGLES”- Same as above but specifically for single-item orders
- Optimised for single-SKU shipments
- Reduces complexity while maintaining priority handling
PREMIUM_EDD_THEN_CREATED_DATE
Section titled “PREMIUM_EDD_THEN_CREATED_DATE”- Premium orders receive first priority
- Secondary prioritisation by earliest delivery date (EDD)
- Tertiary prioritisation by creation date
- Comprehensive priority hierarchy
SEEDED_SINGLES_BATCHING
Section titled “SEEDED_SINGLES_BATCHING”- Fills totes with the same product using PPT estimates
- Optimises container utilisation for single-product picks
- Reduces pick complexity and improves efficiency
BATCH_FACTOR_OPTIMISATION
Section titled “BATCH_FACTOR_OPTIMISATION”- Optimises batch sets specifically for WCS efficiency
- Considers AutoStore operational characteristics
- Balances throughput with resource utilisation
BATCHABILITY_OPTIMISATION
Section titled “BATCHABILITY_OPTIMISATION”- Selects orders based on batchability percentage
- Maximises picking efficiency through intelligent grouping
- Considers SKU overlap and location optimisation
Shipments Per Batch
Section titled “Shipments Per Batch”- Sets the maximum number of shipments per picklist
- Controls batch size for optimal handling
- Balances efficiency with manageable workload
Wave Status
Section titled “Wave Status”- Wave Enabled: Green check indicates active waves, red cross indicates inactive
- Controls whether the configuration is currently processing waves
- Allows temporary suspension without deleting configuration
Control Parameters
Section titled “Control Parameters”Min/Max Shipment Lines
Section titled “Min/Max Shipment Lines”- Min Shipment Lines: Threshold to start sending shipments
- Max Shipment Lines: Threshold to stop sending shipments
- Controls wave release based on active line counts
- Prevents system overload and ensures consistent workflow
Pooling Threshold & Pool Size
Section titled “Pooling Threshold & Pool Size”- Pooling Threshold: When to start allocating more shipments
- Pool Size: How many shipments to keep allocated
- Manages inventory allocation and resource planning
- Ensures continuous work availability while preventing over-allocation
Line Type & Packaging Group
Section titled “Line Type & Packaging Group”- Filters which orders are included in the wave
- Controls product categories and packaging requirements
- Ensures appropriate orders are grouped together
- Supports operational segregation requirements
Allocate on Arrival
Section titled “Allocate on Arrival”Controls whether shipments are allocated immediately upon creation:
- Allocate shipments immediately when they arrive in the system
- Provides fastest response time for order processing
- Suitable for high-velocity operations
ON_FOR_PREMIUMS
Section titled “ON_FOR_PREMIUMS”- Allocate only premium shipments immediately
- Standard orders remain in pending state until waved
- Balances priority service with resource management
- Leave all shipments in pending state until waved
- Provides maximum control over allocation timing
- Allows for strategic release planning
Available Actions
Section titled “Available Actions”Request Wave Button
Section titled “Request Wave Button”- Allows manual triggering of a wave outside the standard 15-minute cycle
- Useful for urgent orders or operational requirements
- Provides immediate wave processing when needed
Search and Filter
Section titled “Search and Filter”- Search Bar: Filter by Pick Category, Pack Behaviour, Waving Algorithm, etc.
- Filter: Customise displayed configurations based on specific criteria
- Hide/Show Columns: Adjust visible information based on user preferences
Configuration Management
Section titled “Configuration Management”Edit Wave Configuration (Pencil Icon)
Section titled “Edit Wave Configuration (Pencil Icon)”- Modify existing wave parameters
- Update algorithms, thresholds, and settings
- Test changes before implementing in production
Delete Selected Wave
Section titled “Delete Selected Wave”- Remove wave configurations that are no longer needed
- Select using white checkbox (turns blue when selected)
- Access through Page Options button
- Important: No validation exists - deletion is immediate
Create New Wave Configuration
Section titled “Create New Wave Configuration”- Add new wave configurations for new pick categories
- Configure all parameters for new operational requirements
- Use when pick categories are added or operations expand
Export Data
Section titled “Export Data”Download wave configuration data in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format.
Configuration Process
Section titled “Configuration Process”Setting Up a New Wave
Section titled “Setting Up a New Wave”- Navigate to WMS Admin > General Autostore Management > Wave Configuration
- Click “Create New Wave Configuration”
- Select appropriate Pick Category
- Configure Pack Behaviour based on downstream requirements
- Choose Waving Algorithm based on operational priorities
- Set Shipments Per Batch for optimal handling
- Configure Min/Max Shipment Lines based on capacity
- Set Pooling parameters for inventory management
- Define Line Type and Packaging Group filters
- Configure Allocate on Arrival based on service requirements
- Enable the wave configuration
- Monitor performance and adjust as needed
Modifying Existing Waves
Section titled “Modifying Existing Waves”- Use search/filter to locate the target configuration
- Click the edit (pencil) icon
- Modify parameters based on operational feedback
- Test changes during low-impact periods
- Monitor results and fine-tune as necessary
Operational Impact
Section titled “Operational Impact”Algorithm Selection Impact
Section titled “Algorithm Selection Impact”Priority-Based Algorithms
Section titled “Priority-Based Algorithms”- Ensure premium customers receive priority service
- May result in longer wait times for standard orders
- Suitable for operations with clear service tier requirements
Optimisation-Based Algorithms
Section titled “Optimisation-Based Algorithms”- Focus on operational efficiency and throughput
- Balance service levels with resource utilisation
- Ideal for high-volume operations requiring maximum efficiency
Batching Algorithms
Section titled “Batching Algorithms”- Optimise container utilisation and pick efficiency
- Reduce complexity through intelligent grouping
- Suitable for operations with clear batching opportunities
Threshold Management
Section titled “Threshold Management”- Min/Max lines control system loading and prevent overload
- Pooling parameters ensure continuous work availability
- Allocation settings balance responsiveness with resource management
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”Algorithm Selection
Section titled “Algorithm Selection”- Premium Operations: Use priority-based algorithms for differentiated service
- High Volume: Use optimisation algorithms for maximum throughput
- Mixed Operations: Consider time-based algorithm switching based on operational periods
Threshold Configuration
Section titled “Threshold Configuration”- Conservative Approach: Set lower thresholds for stable, predictable workflow
- Aggressive Approach: Set higher thresholds for maximum utilisation
- Dynamic Adjustment: Regular review and adjustment based on operational data
Monitoring and Optimisation
Section titled “Monitoring and Optimisation”- Regular Performance Review: Monitor wave completion times and efficiency
- Seasonal Adjustments: Modify configurations based on volume patterns
- Feedback Integration: Use operational feedback to improve configuration
- A/B Testing: Test different configurations to identify optimal settings
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Common Issues
Section titled “Common Issues”- No Work Available: Check wave enablement and threshold settings
- System Overload: Review Max Shipment Lines and reduce if necessary
- Poor Priority Handling: Verify algorithm selection and premium order identification
- Inefficient Batching: Review algorithm choice and shipments per batch settings
Performance Optimisation
Section titled “Performance Optimisation”- Wave Timing: Monitor automatic wave intervals and adjust manual triggering as needed
- Allocation Strategy: Review Allocate on Arrival settings based on service requirements
- Resource Utilisation: Adjust pooling parameters to optimise inventory allocation
- Configuration Maintenance: Regular cleanup of unused or outdated wave configurations