Orders picked at the store or dark store leave quickly
HaROS manages high SKU turnover, expiry and batch tracking, out-of-stock substitution and orders from all channels on one platform. Dark store (a warehouse-store serving online orders only) and in-store picking run in the same system.
Grocery needs speed and accuracy at the same time
Grocery and online grocery are retail's fastest-turning area. A wrong pick, a late delivery or a missed expiry date means a lost customer.
The pressure of fast delivery
The online grocery customer expects the order fast. This promise cannot be made unless picking, packing and courier assignment all speed up together.
fast delivery · dark storeExpiry and batch tracking
Tracking expiry dates for food is both a legal requirement and customer trust. When FEFO (first expired, first out) is applied by hand, errors and waste increase.
FEFO · expiry alertMissing item substitution
A high SKU count and fast turnover create gaps on the shelf. Suggesting the right substitute in time and getting the customer's approval requires a substitution engine.
substitution engine · customer approvalHigh SKU turnover
Thousands of SKUs move many times a day. When counting, replenishment and shelf layout are managed by hand, the operation cannot keep up.
stock count · replenishmentMulti-channel order chaos
If app, web, kiosk and marketplace orders are tracked in separate systems, stock conflicts and customer satisfaction drops.
omnichannel · one poolRegulatory compliance and traceability
Food regulation requires batch-level traceability and temperature records. Paper-based processes increase both audit risk and workload.
traceability · auditEvery step from picking to delivery on one screen
HaROS WMS manages dark store and in-store picking end to end, including FEFO sequencing, a substitution engine and courier integration.
- When an order arrives, HaROS WMS assigns the picker a task and works out the shortest route
- Every time a product is scanned, the expiry check is made and FEFO is applied automatically
- If there is no stock, the substitution engine suggests an alternative and the customer is notified
- When packing is complete, HaROS TMS (Shipment Management) triggers the courier assignment flow (roadmap)
- All movements are reflected in HaROS OMS instantly
WMS picking screen — illustrative data
The modules that carry grocery operations
HaROS WMS is the backbone. HaROS OMS manages the order and HaROS TMS completes the last mile. Together they bring the fast delivery flow onto one platform.
HaROS WMS — Warehouse Management
Warehouse processes suited to dark store and in-store picking. FEFO runs as a must, the substitution engine comes built in, and picker routes and tasks are assigned automatically.
HaROS OMS — Order Management
Collects web, app, marketplace and kiosk orders in one pool. Fulfills stock without conflicts and manages delivery windows.
HaROS TMS — Shipment Management (roadmap)
Courier assignment once the package is ready, route planning, driver tracking and a live location link to the customer are the targeted last-mile flow.
Results measured in grocery operations
Figures reflect platform-wide outcomes; they are not a published result for this sector.
Demand fluctuation and peak-period planning: Planning →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dark store setup and in-store picking?
A dark store is a warehouse-store that serves only online orders and is closed to customers; HaROS WMS works here for short routes and fast consolidation. In in-store picking, the order is prepared while customers shop; the route is planned so as not to disturb customers at busy hours. Both models run on the same HaROS WMS.
How do FEFO and batch tracking work?
HaROS WMS records products with expiry date and batch number at warehouse entry. At picking time the batch that expires earliest is always brought forward (FEFO). If the wrong batch is scanned, a warning appears and the operation can be stopped. You can define shelf alerts and campaign rules for products nearing expiry.
How does the missing-item substitution process work?
If a product cannot be found during picking, the substitution engine suggests an alternative according to defined rules (category, brand, price range, weight). The customer is notified right away. If they approve, the substitution is applied; if they decline, the item is removed from the order. All decisions are recorded in HaROS OMS and reflected on the invoice.
Are cold chain and temperature-sensitive products supported?
Yes. HaROS WMS separates the warehouse into temperature zones; the zone each product was picked from is recorded. Cold chain alerts and temperature tracking at delivery are set up together with our integration partners.
Is it compatible with my existing e-commerce or marketplace integrations?
HaROS comes with 100+ ready-made integrations; connections to major marketplaces and e-commerce platforms are made through OMS. Order, stock and price synchronization works in both directions. REST API and webhook support is available for custom integration needs. For details see the integrations page.
Speed up your grocery operation
Dark store, in-store picking or both: HaROS takes shape around your operation and manages every step, from expiry date to the last mile.
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