What is Wrong with your Pick and Pack Process?

We’ve talked about “pick and pack” in a previous blog, focusing primarily on what it is and how it can help your fulfillment process. Perhaps you’ve instituted pick and pack in your warehouse, but it isn’t as efficient or cost effective as you had hoped. In this blog, we are focusing on what could be potentially going wrong in your pick and pack process. 

As a refresher, the term “pick and pack” refers to a shipment model where items are picked from the warehouse shelves according to purchase orders collected from a point of sale, packaged on site, labeled and then shipped to the customer. Ultimately, it refers to a process and system that your 3PL partner uses to fulfill quickly and efficiently. 

So, what could go wrong with pick and pack?

Trying to institute pick and pack procedures on your own can have some inherent challenges, especially if the warehouse in question isn’t already optimized with an inventory management system or organized logically. 

Here are some of the things that can happen when pick and pack goes wrong, slowing down your fulfillment process. 

Inaccurate inventory

Without an accurate inventory management system, pick and pack can be a very difficult system to institute. Inefficiently managing inventory can lead to longer lead times, with employees searching for products that aren’t in stock with data entered incorrectly. This can lead to confusion in the warehouse and a steep reduction in customer satisfaction. 

Before starting any form of pick and pack, the warehouse should be equipped with a constantly updating inventory management system. 

Not managing turnaround time

Along the same lines as inefficient inventory management, pick and pack can go wrong when turnaround times are not managed effectively. There are various factors that can increase fulfillment time and should be mitigated as they come up through warehouse optimization and a watchful eye on inventory levels. 

Things like incorrect product placements, inefficient picking methods and an disorganized warehouse will increase order fulfillment time. With less units picked, packed and shipped during working hours, expect customers to move to a competitor with shorter lead times. 

Inaccurate product information

With pick and pack, complete product information becomes even more necessary to fulfill and safely ship. Product dimensions, fragility, and packing supplies should be clearly outlined to minimize damage to the products in shipment. Even if you mastered inventory management and completely minimized any factors leading to long turnaround times, damaged shipments and broken products will upset customers and affect your brand. 

The fulfillment process for any organization is a chain, just one weak link can cause the entire process to crumble. Where does your pick and process fall short and how will you rectify the issue? For some, it’s finding the right 3PL partner that will help you optimize your workflow and satisfy customers. 

CRWS provides pick and pack services for a variety of different industries and will have a flexible solution for your business. For more information or to request a quote, click here.