Using a WMS to Improve Order Picking
In an era where online orders are increasing but efficiency and financial gains are still crucial, every element of the supply chain can face strain. One of the most impactful areas to improve is the order picking process, which can occupy up to 60% of staff time during the day. Enhancing this process can significantly benefit packaging and dispatch operations.
The Role of a Warehouse Management System (WMS)
A robust Warehouse Management System (WMS) can streamline the order picking procedure, reducing wasted time and costs. For example, if you use a batch picking process, a consolidated packing list is created before each item is picked individually or batched. However, these items are then transported to the packing area in an unorganized state, requiring them to be picked again. This inefficiency essentially means orders are picked twice.
Creating a Leaner Picking Order System
Advanced WMS solutions can determine the size and quantity of shipping cartons required for each order. This method minimizes the distance and time spent picking items in the warehouse. Alternatively, using standard-sized boxes for specific orders can further enhance supply chain efficiency.
With this approach, products are picked only once and placed directly into pre-labeled packaging with customer details. This reduces the time spent moving around the warehouse, allowing more orders to be fulfilled quickly and improving customer satisfaction.
Cartonization, or cubing, is most effective when the WMS has accurate details of each product’s weight and dimensions. Some businesses use estimated data, but this is less productive compared to precise measurements.
Benefits of Picking and Packing
While not every operation may benefit from picking and packing, those that do will experience several advantages:
- Reduced Handling of Goods: WMS carrier integration facilitates pre-labeling and carton preparation. This ensures orders are picked and packed into the correct-sized packaging quickly, even when using multiple carriers. Orders can be sorted and dispatched more efficiently.
- Better Management of Large Order Volumes: With the rise of drop shipping, handling higher order volumes is crucial. Picking and packing procedures streamline this process, making it more efficient even with increased order quantities.
- Improved Management of Staff: Pre-prepared cartons reduce the need for a large packing team. This allows more staff to focus on picking, boosting order throughput and enhancing delivery schedules.
- Optimized Dispatch: By improving earlier supply chain processes, orders can be dispatched more quickly. The time saved in picking, sorting, and packing allows for faster customer delivery. If relying on carriers, you can better align with their collection cut-off times.
For tailored advice on optimizing your order picking and packing processes, contact our team today.
2h Storage Solutions Ltd
Tel: 01937 585057
Email: enquiries (at) 2hssl (dot) com