With the rise of eCommerce websites, the challenge of fulfilling and delivering orders received in a timely and affordable manner is an ongoing challenge. One popular method of order fulfillment that has evolved over the years is known as Pick and Pack.
What is Pick and Pack?
In many warehouse distribution systems, items can only be ordered and shipped in bulk quantities. Pick and pack is a system where warehouse workers select (pick) individually ordered items and place them together (pack) in boxes or envelopes to be delivered to the recipient in a single shipment. With proper organization and oversight, this system is quick, efficient, saves handling time, and freight charges are kept to a minimum.
Types of Pick and Pack Strategies
There are four common pick and pack strategies used by fulfillment centers. The size of the warehouse and the amount of orders it serves on a daily basis determines the particular pick and pack strategy likely to be used.
- Piece Picking – For start-up operations and smaller warehouse enterprises, piece picking is the most common pick and pack strategy. In essence, for piece picking, workers service orders one-at-a-time as they enter the system.
- Batch Picking – Rather than service individual orders as they are received, batch picking (as its name implies) involves accumulating a batch of orders before proceeding to pick and pack. This is method is more efficient and enables warehouses to accommodate more orders.
- Zone Picking – Zone picking works by dividing the warehouse into zones and assigning workers to each zone. Workers pick from their assigned zone, and pass boxes (either manually or via conveyor belts, etc.) along to other zones if the order includes items from different zones. This method is another step up in efficiency from the piece and batch picking strategies.
- Wave Picking – Combines batch and zone picking and enables workers to fulfill a greater number of orders during any given time period.
If you have any questions about Pick and Pack, give us a call at 330-597-8560 and learn about options available to our customers.
Photo by Adrian Sulyok
