Pick and pack is a vital component for eCommerce order fulfilment. Online retailers are reaping the rewards of using a pick and pack warehouse as it provides a host of benefits for eCommerce businesses.
Essentially, with the rise of online retailers, order fulfilment has expanded rapidly in recent years. Hiring the services of a pick and pack warehouse is a safe bet for eCommerce retailers. Time and money are invaluable assets to online merchants, so the need for streamlining business processes to maximise sales rests with effective eCommerce order fulfilment.
At The Storage Place, we want to provide online retailers with industry insight to cover all the things you need regarding order fulfilment. Our blog below will help outline all the benefits a pick and pack warehouse can provide for retailers so that you can maximise the potential of your eCommerce business.
What is pick and pack?
Essentially, pick and pack describes the process of picking orders of products from a fulfilment centre, which are then packaged as orders ready for distribution. At TSP, our cloud-based inventory management system ensures all shipments are tracked from the moment we receive them.
A pick and pack warehouse comprises several different processes that allow for good, efficient pick and pack services. The size and usage of your business will determine which pick and pack method is the most effective for you.
Why choose pick and pack?
There are several types of picking. All methods aim to maximise efficiency for orders, with speed and accuracy at the forefront of each process, meaning more orders can be processed for eCommerce businesses.
Depending on the nature and size of your business will determine which of the various pick and pack methods are most effective for you. All pick and pack methods have their own unique benefits, and it is just how best they are utilised when it comes to your eCommerce business.
Different types of pick and pack
Robotic picking describes the process of an order fulfilment system that utilises mobile fulfilment robots together with an order management software system. By adopting these methods, you can automate as much of the picking process as necessary within an ecommerce warehouse.
In the simplest of terms, a robotic picking system is an order fulfilment system that uses mobile fulfilment robots and order management software to automate all or part of the picking process in an e-commerce warehouse.
These systems work alongside your warehouse staff.
Zone picking is an efficient method as it involves designated zones to where order-pickers are assigned to. The zones are typically quantified by factors such as different industries or storage of a product, for example, refrigerated goods. Goods are passed through each zone until the completed order reaches the packing stage.
Rather than a split into zones, wave picking focuses on a time-saving method that ensures productivity, as order-pickers have a scheduling window so that picking is carried out at times of the day that are most convenient.
Piece picking is a straightforward option for small retailers, as it involves picking and packing single orders individually. Although if you are a retailer with large amounts of orders, this may prove to be ineffective.
Arguably the most effective non-robotic pick and pack method for eCommerce order fulfilment is batch picking. As pickers can select products in batches rather than individually, this will ensure your picker productivity is maximised, enabling multiple orders to be distributed at once.
There are other methods of picking, such as cluster picking and multi-batch picking, that can be utilised, but generally, these are less common methods.
Maximise pick and pack order fulfilment for your business
As there are many methods of pick and pack that can be utilised for your eCommerce business, knowing which method to adopt and why may seem challenging.
This can often determine how quickly you can distribute orders, and ultimately, this is the barometer used by customers as to how trustworthy your business is. If you can cement reliability as part of your brand, you are well on the way to building a successful eCommerce business.
Customer satisfaction
Essentially, customer satisfaction for the delivery of goods is the most important aspect for customers who order online by far. Merchants who can offer next-day delivery options are far likelier to reap the benefits and maximise their customer base than those who cannot.
Customers expect to be able to receive their goods within 24-48 hours of buying online. Therefore, having this option available by optimising your order fulfilment is pivotal to the success of your eCommerce business.
Be efficient and save on time
Saving time and driving efficiency are key components of pick and pack approaches. By increasing the speed of your order fulfilment, goods can be stored, picked and packed efficiently, all in one centralised location. Reducing the need for unnecessary journey times between the warehouse for your products all helps to boost efficiency.
Pick and pack warehouses tend to operate a management system for the warehouse, where it is possible to track orders from the beginning to the end of the process, with updates on any issues communicated to merchants the minute they arise.
This technology provides real-time visibility for order status. Purchase orders and efficient processes can be implemented as a result of the advanced technology afforded by having a fully integrated system.
Cost-effective
Of course, any business process needs to be cost-effective. By opting for a pick and pack fulfilment method and access to a cloud-based management system, you can ensure costs are cut throughout your business. A management system can help with collating data on operations, inventories, and packaging information, which aids in optimised storage and fulfilment of orders.
With a central system that can collate all the vital information needed to help you keep track of your orders, your business is streamlined, efficient and has ample ability to grow bigger and bigger. Choosing a pick and pack warehouse enables you to obtain the benefits of a management system and, in turn, minimise operational costs.
TSP – the pick and pack warehouse for you
Pick and pack fulfilment provides online retailers with many benefits to speed up orders and grow their business faster. At TSP, we want to help all our merchants grow their business smarter, faster and efficiently.
To learn more about the pick and pack fulfilment options we provide, contact us today to discuss your options and obtain a quote. We look forward to hearing from you to help you grow your eCommerce business.
