Picking by Source is a warehouse picking method where items are selected from specific locations based on their origin, typically determined by the shipping or inventory requirements of different sources, such as suppliers or storage locations.
Picking by Source allows warehouses to streamline order fulfillment by directing pickers to select items based on where they are stored or from which source they are coming. This approach helps to better organize inventory and ensures that orders are fulfilled more efficiently, particularly when dealing with multiple suppliers or stock locations. In 3PL logistics, this method reduces the risk of errors and boosts productivity in both large and small-scale operations.
Picking by Source works by organizing your inventory in a way that items are chosen from their designated sources based on orders, improving the flow of goods and reducing the need to move between unrelated inventory sections. For your business, this means faster order fulfillment, more accurate inventory tracking, and fewer errors during the picking process.
When your team knows exactly where to find the products they need, your overall efficiency increases, ultimately boosting your bottom line. This method is particularly beneficial for 3PL logistics operations, where managing multiple sources and suppliers is key to keeping the supply chain running smoothly.
Buske Logistics is a Top 40 3PL with over 35 warehouses across North America, specializing in warehousing, transportation, and value-added services. We provide tailored logistics solutions serving major Fortune 500 companies.
Picking by Source is crucial because it helps optimize the flow of goods and enhances order accuracy, which directly impacts inventory management. By reducing the number of steps involved in picking, it minimizes human errors and speeds up order fulfillment.
For example, in a warehouse that handles multiple vendors, picking by source would allow a picker to gather products from one location for a specific order, reducing unnecessary backtracking and speeding up the entire process. This method ensures quicker and more accurate shipments, benefiting both logistics providers and customers.