In business, you can’t do things 99 percent of the way. This is especially true when selling physical products, as the last one percent requires you to pick, pack, and safely ship or deliver the item to the customer. If you mess this part up, all of the legwork required to get the sale no longer matters.
The good news? With a few strategic changes, you can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of your picking and packing workflows.
The Top Ways to Improve Order Efficiency
Every organization runs things a little differently, but there are some tried and true principles that tend to work well across the board.
Here are six ways to make your warehouse operations more efficient without compromising on the little things.
- Build the Right Tech Stack
Relying on manual processes for tracking and managing inventory is a recipe for errors. Thankfully, barcode scanning and warehouse management systems (WMS) are extremely helpful tools for improving picking and packing accuracy while also saving time.
A barcode scanning system ensures that the correct items are picked for each order by cross-checking the barcode on the product with the order details in your WMS. This minimizes the risk of human error and ensures customers receive exactly what they ordered.
A well-vetted WMS goes further by helping you optimize inventory storage, track orders in real time, and streamline communication between team members. By integrating these technologies, you create a more seamless and efficient workflow.
- Tweak Your Warehouse Layout
A poorly organized warehouse can add unnecessary time and effort to the picking and packing process. To boost efficiency, we recommend that you evaluate your warehouse layout and make adjustments that reduce travel time and streamline workflows.
Start by grouping high-demand items near packing stations to minimize the distance workers need to travel. Place frequently purchased products together and arrange items in logical, easy-to-access locations. Clearly label shelves and bins to reduce confusion and speed up the picking process.
Additionally, consider implementing vertical storage solutions if space is limited. By making better use of the available space, you can store more inventory without overcrowding your floor.
- Use Batch or Zone Picking Methods
For larger orders or warehouses with high volumes, batch and zone picking methods can significantly improve efficiency.
- Batch picking involves grouping multiple orders with similar items and picking them in one trip. This reduces the number of trips workers need to make and speeds up order fulfillment.
- Zone picking assigns workers to specific areas of the warehouse. Each worker is responsible for picking items within their zone, and orders are later consolidated at a central packing station.
Both methods reduce travel time and streamline the picking process, especially in larger warehouses. Choose the approach that best fits your team size and workflow.
- Work With a Production Solutions Company
Sometimes, the best way to improve efficiency is to delegate specific tasks to professionals. Outsourcing functions like wrapping, packaging, mechanical assembly, and kitting to a production solutions company can save time and ensure higher quality.
A production solutions company specializes in handling repetitive tasks that require precision and consistency. By outsourcing these tasks, you free up your internal team to focus on core operations, like managing inventory and processing orders.
For example, if your business frequently bundles products into kits, outsourcing this process ensures it’s done efficiently and accurately. Similarly, professional packaging services can provide custom wrapping and branding that enhances the customer experience while reducing errors.
- Invest in Advanced Automation
Automation is no longer a luxury for warehouses– it’s a necessity for businesses looking to scale. From conveyor systems to robotic pickers, advanced automation can transform your picking and packing workflows.
- Conveyor systems move products from one station to another with minimal human intervention, speeding up the process and reducing labor costs.
- Robotic pickers can handle repetitive tasks like retrieving items from shelves or bins, improving accuracy and allowing your team to focus on more complex responsibilities.
- Automated packing machines streamline the packaging process by sealing, labeling, and preparing items for shipment.
- Focus on Continuous Training and Improvement
Even the best systems and tools won’t deliver results if your team isn’t properly trained. Investing in ongoing training ensures your workers understand the processes and know how to use the equipment effectively.
Hold regular workshops or training sessions to introduce new tools, techniques, or updates to your workflows. Encourage team members to provide feedback and suggest improvements, as they’re the ones on the floor every day and may have valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not.
Prioritizing Picking and Packing Efficiency
Improving your picking and packing process does a couple of things for you. First, it saves time and allows you to apply that time to other core tasks and areas of focus for your organization. Secondly, it builds trust with your supply chain partners and customers. (When orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately, customers are more likely to return and recommend your business to others.)
By implementing the six tips we’ve covered in this article, you do more than just optimize your warehouse. You also ensure your business’s long-term success.