Process and Tips for Pick and Pack Warehouses

Streamlining pick and pack operations increases customer satisfaction and delivers maximum profitability. Pick and pack is an essential component in the supply chain and fulfillment processes. Pick and pack warehouses are positioned to succeed when they implement the following six tips.

What is the pick and pack process?

Integral to all ecommerce businesses is a fundamental process known as pick and pack. This two-step process involves picking the correct products off the warehouse shelves, packing them safely, and shipping them to customers so they receive their orders in a timely manner.

Various picking methods are available to warehouse employees. Businesses might employ batch picking, zone picking, wave picking, or piece picking—all of which maximize efficiency in the picking process. These methods might vary based on the warehouse setup and sales volume.

The second step involves carefully packing the customer’s order in a sturdy shipping box to prevent damage to the product during transit. The order is checked to ensure it contains the correct items and none is missing. The warehouse employee generates a packing slip and shipping label.

What are tips for pick and pack warehouses?

Several challenges may arise in the pick and pack process, such as order inaccuracies, inefficiencies, or failing to optimize warehouse space. These obstacles impact the business, affecting its flow, productivity, and service reliability. Fortunately, warehouses can continually improve their operations.

Tip 1: Use Automation

The modern warehouse that relies on automation in pack and pack fulfillment is efficient. Order errors decrease and accuracies increase when businesses employ guided vehicles, robots, or automated storage and retrieval systems. Automated systems also reduce the time in the fulfillment process.

Tip 2: Choose Optimal Packaging Sizes

Shipping costs are based on the size of the shipping box. While it’s critical to choose a box that adequately protects the goods inside, it’s also cost-efficient to use boxes that are neither too big nor too small. Choosing the right-sized shipping box optimizes carrier costs.

For example, packing a small item in a large box increases the business’s shipping costs. Conversely, packaging the small item in a box that is too small can lead to damage. Avoid risking damage, costly returns, and unhappy customers by selecting the right-sized packaging.

Tip 3: Optimize Warehouse Space

Warehouses are more efficient when the existing space is optimally utilized. Storage solutions ideally make the best use of the given square feet. Improve warehouse organization by placing top-selling items close to packing stations and grouping inventory based on how well they sell.

The warehouse’s layout should support the primary picking method (eg, zone picking or wave picking). For example, a warehouse that uses zone picking streamlines their processes by grouping items by category. Similarly, wave picking should be set up to align with delivery schedules.

Tip 4: Run Pick and Pack Software

Running pick and pack software offers several advantages. Warehouse managers optimize order-picking routes and track stock levels in real-time. The software also prevents overstocking, helps the manager anticipate stockouts, and generates data-filled reports that can be utilized to make decisions.

Data may point to new opportunities for targeted promotions or upselling. Real-time order tracking identifies potential delays, which can be communicated to the customer to best manage expectations. Evaluating key metrics helps warehouse managers optimize the pick and pack process.

Tip 5: Assign a Quality Control Team

A quality control team oversees the pick and pack process, ensuring the correct items are packed and each order is accurate. These individuals also check the package prior to shipping, looking for damage or defects. As a result of the team’s efforts, returns are reduced and customers are satisfied.

Tip 6: Outsource Pick and Pack

Businesses that experience fluctuating order volume or rapid growth should consider outsourcing the pick and pack to a 3PL or ecommerce fulfillment warehouse. An ecommerce fulfillment center provides a range of advantages when consumer orders vary seasonally or change due to market trends.

As a strategic partner, the fulfillment warehouse not only helps with the pick and pack process but also other supply chain considerations, such as labor costs and shipping. These partners are equipped with the infrastructure, technology, and specialized expertise to improve operations.

The ecommerce fulfillment warehouse enhances order accuracy and reduces errors, which allow businesses to focus on other operations, such as marketing and innovations. Scalability, cost savings, and leveraging the warehouse’s shipping network are further benefits of outsourcing pick and pack.

Given their high-tech advancements, fulfillment warehouses for ecommerce make outsourcing a practical solution. They give ecommerce businesses a competitive advantage with real-time tracking, the latest inventory management systems, increased visibility, and control and an ability to ship orders quickly to customers.

When your ecommerce business undergoes seasonal order fluctuations or is growing at a rapid rate, you need a dependable warehouse storage solution. At OLIMP we can connect you with our vast network of warehouses across the country and help you find a solution that lends you the ample space necessary to fulfill orders.

Our network includes ecommerce warehouses that are located throughout the nation, allowing businesses to store their inventory where they need them. With both short- and long-term storage options, you can rent a warehouse for as long as necessary. As an added incentive, we don’t impose minimum storage terms.

Through OLIMP, you can book warehouses that offer a wide range of specialized storage spaces. Businesses that require cold, frozen, or dry storage or HAZMAT warehouses find plenty of options via our network. We also connect businesses with fulfillment warehouses equipped with slip sheet forklifts, clamp trucks, and similar machinery.

Flexible storage is the solution when deliveries are missed. The warehousing and fulfillment services available through our network are ideal for storing all varieties of freight, including one pallet for one day. Many of these facilities offer local delivery, making us the right partner to help you find warehousing solutions that get you back on the road quickly.

Reserve warehouse space easily with OLIMP. Simply fill out our online form to request a quote. We’ll match you with suitable warehouse options where you can drop off your freight. We make ecommerce storage accessible. Visit us online today and secure a warehouse where and when you need it.