Warehousing Modes in Helm

Helm offers two distinct warehousing modes to suit the operational needs of different businesses: Basic Mode and Full Warehousing Mode

Where to Change Your Mode

1 Navigate to Settings in the bottom‑left corner of Helm
2 Select My Warehouse from the menu
3 Click Warehouse Mode
4 Choose between Basic or Full

Basic Warehousing Mode

Basic Mode is ideal for smaller businesses or operations with a single warehouse location. It offers a streamlined workflow with minimal setup, allowing users to create shipments and despatch orders quickly without the need for location management or pick lists

Designed for agility and ease, Basic Mode offers:

• Small businesses or start-ups

• Single-location operations

• Fast, no-fuss despatch processes

• Businesses that require fast turn‑around and minimal configuration overhead

Key features:

• No location tracking required

• Manual or automatic shipment creation

• Direct label printing and despatching

• Streamlined inventory records without the need for complex location hierarchies

• Real‑time stock synchronisation across multiple sales channels

• Rapid order despatch capability without generating pick lists

Best For:

Start-ups or operations where speed and simplicity outweigh precision location management

Basic Mode: Despatching an Order

In Basic Mode, the despatch process is simplified - perfect for quick and efficient order handling

Step 1: Open the Orders Page

• Navigate to the Orders tab from the left-hand menu

• Locate the order you wish to despatch using the filters or search

Step 2: Create a Shipment

• Click into the order to view details

• Select Create Shipment

• Choose the items and quantity to despatch

• Click Save to create the shipment

💡 If the courier is already configured, a label will be generated automatically once the shipment is created

Step 3: Print Labels and Despatch

• Navigate to the Shipments tab

• Select the newly created shipment

• Print the label and mark the shipment as Despatched

✅ That’s it! Your order is now on its way

Full Warehousing Mode

This mode provides advanced warehouse management, ideal for larger or more complex operations

Elevate your operation with advanced features:

• All the benefits of Basic Mode plus granular location tracking (aisles, bins, shelves)

• Batch pick list generation to optimise picker routes

• Detailed stock movement logs for precise auditing and traceability

• Full inventory location tracking

• Pick list generation and management

• Support for pick waves and batch despatch

• Accurate stock visibility by location

Perfect for

• Larger warehouses, multi‑zone facilities or 3PL environments

• Businesses requiring stringent inventory control, high pick accuracy and sophisticated reporting

• Businesses with dedicated warehouse teams and multiple storage zones or bins

Full Mode: Adding Locations

Locations are essential in Full Warehousing Mode for tracking inventory accurately

Step 1: Navigate to Locations

• Go to Warehousing > Locations

Step 2: Add a New Location

• Click Add Location

• Enter a name or code (e.g. A1-Shelf3)

• Choose the warehouse site (if applicable)

Step 3: Set Location Type (Optional)

• Define whether the location is:

  • Pickable – used for order picking

  • Bulk – used for overflow or reserve stock

  • Quarantine – used for holding stock on hold or pending inspection

Step 4: Save

• Click Save to make the location available for use

You can now assign stock to this location and include it in pick lists

Full Mode: Creating and Performing a Pick

Picking in Full Mode ensures stock is taken from the correct locations for accurate fulfilment

Step 1: Generate a Pick List

• Go to Warehousing > Picks

• Click Create Pick List

• Select the order(s) you want to pick

• Choose a picking method (e.g. single, batch, wave)

• Click Generate

Step 2: Start the Pick

• Open the pick list

• Click Start Pick

• Follow the system's guide through each item and location

Step 3: Confirm and Complete

• As you collect items, mark each as Picked

• Once complete, click Confirm Pick

The system will automatically create a shipment from the picked items

Full Mode: Despatching Orders

Once orders have been picked, you’re ready to despatch. There are two main methods:

Option 1: Single Shipment Despatch

Ideal for small or low-volume operations

To use:

• Navigate to Shipments

• Open the shipment

• Print label (if courier is integrated)

• Click Mark as Despatched

Option 2: Despatch Terminal

Designed for high-volume operations using scan-and-go stations

To use:

• Go to Despatch Terminal from the main menu

• Scan the shipment or order barcode

• Print the label (automatically or manually)

• System will mark the shipment as despatched automatically

You’re done! Orders are now ready for carrier collection

Which Mode Is Right for You?

• Basic Mode if you value speed, simplicity and minimal setup

• Full Mode if you demand full pick‑and‑pack workflows, multi‑location inventory control and robust auditing

If you remain uncertain, reach out to your Helm onboarding specialist or our support team for tailored guidance and best‑practice recommendations

Where to Change Your Mode

1 Navigate to Settings in the bottom‑left corner of Helm
2 Select My Warehouse from the menu
3 Click Warehouse Mode
4 Choose between Basic or Full

Switch modes at any time - Helm will preserve your existing data and workflows, ensuring a smooth transition between the two operational frameworks