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Value Added Logistics

Picking and Packing: What’s Involved and Best Practices

Steve Schlecht
Written by
Steve Schlecht
Published on
October 28, 2024
Table of Contents

Picking and packing involve more than just grabbing products off the shelves. The process optimizes workflow, reduces errors, and enhances overall operational efficiency when done right. Let’s dive into how the best practices in picking and packing can help keep up with ever-changing demands and meet customer expectations.

What is Picking and Packing in Logistics?

While it sounds like a simple logistical operation, picking and packing is a complex process that can make or break customer satisfaction. This is especially true for major brands that constantly deal with high-volume orders.

The picking and packing process involves two distinct stages:

  • Picking refers to selecting items from warehouse shelves based on customer orders.
  • Packing comes next, where picked items are securely packed and labeled for shipment. The goal is to ensure the package arrives at the customer’s location undamaged, with the correct contents, and on time.

However, the entire process involves several steps, including:

  1. Order Receiving: The warehouse management system (WMS) generates a list of items to be picked for customer orders.
  2. Item Picking: Warehouse workers retrieve items from designated locations, often utilizing barcode scanners or voice-directed picking technology to ensure accuracy.
  3. Order Consolidation: If items from multiple warehouse areas are required, they are consolidated into a single package for the customer.
  4. Packing: Selected items are carefully packed into boxes with appropriate protective materials and labeled for delivery. It also includes adding shipping labels and confirming the contents of each order.
  5. Shipping: Orders are handed off to the shipping department and ready for dispatch to the customer’s location.

Best Practices for Streamlining Picking and Packing

E-commerce sales are expected to reach over $7 trillion by 2026. As online shopping continues to grow, businesses must ensure their pick and pack processes are both efficient and precise to maintain customer satisfaction.

Expert 3PL providers like Buske Logistics follow proven best practices to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and maintain high fulfillment standards.

Leverage Advanced Technology

Cutting-edge technology greatly benefits picking and packing in warehouses. At Buske, for example, we integrate sophisticated warehouse management systems to speed up the process and significantly reduce errors.

Buske’s e-commerce solutions also include advanced inventory management systems that dramatically reduce cases of overstocking or stockouts. With real-time insights on stock levels, our warehouses, like the one in Fairfield, CA can fulfill orders accurately and promptly on behalf of our clients.

Optimize Warehouse Layout

Strategic layout planning, especially during peak seasons, minimizes travel time within the facility. For example, placing high-demand products in the most accessible areas within the warehouse leads to faster order fulfillment.

Expert facility design is an integral aspect of Buske’s warehousing solutions. It allows us to craft layouts based on a client’s specific needs and enables seamless scalability so that our partners can meet evolving customer demands.

Cross-Training Staff

A well-trained workforce is as critical as advanced technology for efficient pick-and-pack operations. More specifically, cross-training enables warehouse workers to quickly switch roles between picking, packing, and shipping as demand fluctuates.

Tailor Solutions to Client Needs

Each client, even those in the same industry, has unique requirements. Buske’s extensive experience working with major CPG companies like Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch, and Pernod Ricard demonstrates this.

For example, each company’s packaging requirements are different. That’s why tailored packaging solutions are at the top of Buske’s co-packing services. 

We provide flexibility in handling a wide range of packaging configurations—from assembling multipacks for Pepsi to delicate, high-end spirits packaging for Pernod Ricard. So, our clients' products are always delivered in a way that meets their specific branding requirements.

Implement Quality Control Checkpoints

Mistakes during the picking and packing process can be costly. To minimize errors, Buske incorporates multiple quality control checkpoints.

This approach provides two important advantages. First, it ensures that each order is reviewed for accuracy before it leaves the warehouse. Second, it checks that each order is securely packed to meet customers’ expectations.

Reliable Customer Service

Exceptional customer service is just as important as the physical processes of picking and packing. It involves providing our partners with comprehensive reports and actionable insights tailored to their needs.

This proactive approach helps Buske’s clients identify potential issues early and implement solutions before they impact fulfillment.

Challenges in Picking and Packing Fulfillment

Even the most well-oiled logistics operations face challenges. Here are some common issues in pick and pack services and how they can be addressed:

  • Inventory Discrepancies: One of the most common issues is picking the wrong item due to incorrect inventory levels. some text
  • Order Batching Problems: Workers may waste time picking items inefficiently if orders are not batched correctly. some text
    • Solution: Automating batch orders based on factors like proximity of items and SKU frequency reduces picking time.
  • Packing Errors: Packaging mistakes, such as using the wrong-sized box or incorrect labels, can lead to higher shipping costs and damaged goods. some text
    • Solution: Investing in automated packing solutions or providing more training for packing teams can significantly reduce these errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is voice-directed picking? 

Voice-directed picking is a warehouse technology in which workers receive verbal instructions through headsets to guide them through the picking process. Employees use voice commands to locate items in the warehouse, confirm picks, and update the system in real time.

How does voice-directed picking improve efficiency?

Voice-directed picking improves efficiency by allowing warehouse workers to focus on the task without needing to handle paperwork or devices. Workers can move through the warehouse quicker and make fewer errors in picking the correct items.

What industries does Buske specialize in for pick and pack fulfillment?

Buske Logistics specializes in pick-and-pack fulfillment in various industries, including consumer packaged goods (CPG), food and beverage, e-commerce, and retail. Our expertise spans high-volume fulfillment, complex co-packing, and tailored warehousing solutions.

Reach Higher Levels of Efficiency with Buske’s Expertise

Implementing the best practices in picking and packing operations will unlock new levels of operational efficiency. However, partnering with an expert 3PL like Buske ensures that companies have access to technology and expertise to stay ahead of the competition. 

Contact us today to learn how our tailored picking and packing services can streamline your operations and enhance customer satisfaction.