When it comes to order fulfilment, picking and packing are the backbone of the entire process. Whether you’re running a growing eCommerce business or a well-established online store, ensuring that orders are accurately picked and packed is crucial to keeping customers happy and avoiding costly mistakes.
At PackPro Fulfilment, we specialise in providing efficient, accurate, and cost-effective picking and packing services that help businesses scale without the hassle of handling logistics themselves. But what exactly does pick and pack involve, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.
What Does Pick and Pack Mean?
Pick and pack is the process of selecting items from storage (picking) and packaging them (packing) for shipment to customers. It’s an essential part of order fulfilment, ensuring that the right products reach the right customers on time and in perfect condition.
For businesses using a fulfilment centre like PackPro, this means outsourcing the entire process to experienced professionals who can handle high order volumes efficiently and accurately.
What Are the Objectives of Picking and Packing?
The main goals of an effective pick and pack system include:
– Accuracy – Ensuring the right items are picked and packed correctly to avoid errors and returns.
– Efficiency – Speeding up the process to meet customer expectations for fast shipping.
– Cost-effectiveness – Reducing manual labour and minimising waste in packaging materials.
– Scalability – Allowing businesses to handle increased order volumes during peak seasons without delays.
– Customer Satisfaction – Delivering well-packaged orders that arrive in perfect condition, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
What Does Pick Packing Involve?
Picking and packing involves several steps, each crucial for a smooth fulfilment process:
1. Receiving Orders
Once an order is placed, it enters the fulfilment system. At PackPro, we integrate with various eCommerce platforms to receive orders automatically in real time.
2. Picking the Items
Warehouse staff receive a picking list that details the products, quantities, and locations within the warehouse. Depending on the method used, pickers will retrieve the required items.
3. Packing the Order
After picking, items are packed securely using the most suitable packaging materials to prevent damage in transit. This step may also involve:
– Adding branded materials, inserts, or promotional flyers.
– Including return labels (if required).
– Ensuring the right shipping labels are applied for correct delivery.
4. Shipping the Order
Finally, the packed order is handed over to the courier for dispatch, with tracking information sent to the customer.
Interested in how the whole 3PL order fulfilment works? Check out this blog ‘ What is 3PL?: How Does 3PL Work? ‘
Different Pick and Pack Methods
There are several methods of picking and packing, depending on the size of the business and order volume. At PackPro, we use different approaches tailored to the needs of each client:
Piece Picking
Ideal for small-scale operations, this involves picking one order at a time. It’s simple but can be inefficient for high-volume fulfilment.
Batch Picking
Multiple orders containing the same items are picked simultaneously, reducing trips through the warehouse and improving efficiency.
Zone Picking
The warehouse is divided into zones, and pickers are assigned specific areas. Items from different zones are later consolidated before packing.
Wave Picking
A combination of batch and zone picking, this method organises picking based on specific time slots or shipping deadlines to optimise fulfilment speed.
How Pick and Pack Software Works in a WMS
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) plays a huge role in making the pick and pack process efficient. At PackPro, we use advanced fulfilment technology to ensure accuracy and speed.
Key Features of Pick and Pack Software in a WMS:
– Order Automation – Orders are received and processed automatically, eliminating manual entry errors.
– Real-Time Inventory Tracking – Ensures stock levels are up to date to prevent overselling.
-Optimised Picking Routes – Guides warehouse staff to the most efficient path for picking items.
– Barcode Scanning – Reduces picking errors and improves order accuracy.
– Shipping Integration – Automatically selects the best courier based on cost and delivery time.
Why Choose PackPro for Picking and Packing?
At PackPro Fulfilment, we provide expert picking and packing services designed to help businesses grow. Our system ensures that every order is handled with care, accuracy, and efficiency, all while keeping fulfilment costs low.
What Sets Us Apart?
– Competitive Pricing – Our picking services start at just £1.30 per order, making it affordable for businesses of all sizes.
– Flexible Courier Options – We integrate with your chosen couriers, giving you full control over your deliveries.
– Scalability – Whether you’re processing 10 or 10,000 orders a day, we’ve got the capacity to handle it.
– Technology-Driven Fulfilment – Our WMS ensures fast, accurate, and automated order processing.
Picking and packing may sound simple, but it’s one of the most crucial aspects of fulfilment. A well-optimised system not only improves efficiency but also ensures a smooth customer experience.
By outsourcing to a professional fulfilment provider like PackPro, businesses can focus on growth while we handle the logistics. Whether you’re an eCommerce startup or a large retailer, our picking and packing services are designed to help you scale without the hassle.
Need a reliable fulfilment partner?
Get in touch with PackPro Fulfilment today to see how we can help your business manage order fulfilment with accuracy and efficiency.