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Vedel Malling posted an update 2 years ago
Order processing is an important process or work flow related to the packing, picking and delivery of the goods to a customer and is usually a critical step of order fulfillment. Order processing operations or centers are also commonly known as “order handling facilities”. They are generally located in warehouse or shipping yards. The most common areas for these operations are in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego, Tampa, Phoenix and in some instances, New York. Most large centers are located in the United States and have extensive international connections to other countries.
There are three major types of Pick and Pack: direct pick and pack, multi-zone pick and pack and multiple zone multi-zone pick and pack. In this article we will discuss only the first two – direct pick and pack. This type of operation is more difficult and expensive because it requires warehouse and shipping space as well as understanding the shipment flow. Furthermore, the physical location of the warehouse plays an important role in the efficiency of this operation.
It is important to realize that the most economically efficient method of delivering products in bulk is to use multi-zone packing. Multi-zone packaging involves placing one order at a time in boxes that are then stacked on top of one another. Most multi-zone packaging involves trucks, airplanes and other carriers.
Another efficient and cost-effective method of distributing pick and packs is to utilize order fulfillment. In this type of operation the pick and pack warehousing and pick and pack fulfillment are combined into one. In this instance, warehouses would be where the orders are received and inventory unpacking occurs. Once orders are received, the pick and pack fulfillment unit would then place the orders on the appropriate zones. Some distribution centers utilize more than one zone. Others only utilize two or three zones.
Many businesses utilize different ways of utilizing their warehouse space. One method is to employ full-time employees who pack orders according to the requirements. Another way to handle the packaging process is to utilize different ways of packaging: full-time piece pack fulfillment, where the person packing the items actually picks the items up from the warehouse and places them on conveyor belts through the various zones of the facility, or piece pack fulfillment, which utilizes automated systems that load individual pieces of merchandise in boxes and package them according to the packaging instructions provided by the manufacturer. Other methods used include both piece picking and full-time piece packing, which utilize different transportation methods. These different methods can increase the costs associated with full-time pick and pack fulfillment, especially for smaller operations.
The other cost-effective and efficient method is to contract with a third-party logistics fulfillment partner. Logistics fulfillment partners generally offer services which include pick and pack; they will also provide warehouse management systems, inventory control and shipping solutions, as well as full assortment support. They can help reduce the labor costs required for the pick and pack process, as well as help to ensure that your finished product arrives on time. Depending upon the size of your operation and the volume of orders you receive, you may be able to significantly reduce the amount of man hours required to fulfill orders by engaging a logistics fulfillment partner. Many fulfillment centers are located strategically in areas experiencing higher volumes of manufacturing, such as near shipping locations, because they can more efficiently transport products and eliminate the need for additional vehicle travel, employee travel time and fuel costs.
Pick and pack fulfillment centers may also provide a number of customer service options, including order pick and pack, order dispatch, pick and pack distribution and pick and pack deliveries. A major benefit of working with a pick and pack fulfillment center is the ability to provide personalized customer service. In the packaging and pick and pack process, customers often have specific requests, such as extra goods or products, or specialty items. Fulfillment centers can customize services in a variety of ways, including providing a quote or an estimate of services and making sure that the products available meet individual client requirements. Many warehouses offer pick and pack services nationwide, so even if one warehouse is located within a different state, their expertise will be invaluable.
In addition, warehouses providing these services can provide storage for excess stock, and may need access to facilities to store finished products until they are ready to be shipped. They can also provide assistance with loading and unloading products, providing businesses with an affordable, efficient means of shipping goods. Depending upon the type of business you run and the size of your operations, you may need temporary space for a pick and pack fulfillment center. For small businesses, it may be possible to rent a space for a few weeks, while a larger company may require several warehouse floors or locations. For larger companies, it may make sense to locate the fulfillment center near your place of production, which will allow your employees to spend more time working and less time waiting for items to be picked and packed.