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While your team is still walking aisles, your competitors are cutting pick times in half with automation. Guess who’s shipping faster and stealing market share?
Automation isn't the future anymore. It's the present. For growing eCommerce brands or fulfillment centers under pressure to deliver faster, cheaper, and more accurately, automated warehouse picking systems are no longer a luxury. They're a necessity.
In this guide, you'll learn how automated picking systems work, the types available, how to choose the right one, and how ShipHero can help you streamline fulfillment processes with confidence.
Automated warehouse picking systems use software, robotics, and real-time data to locate, retrieve, and prepare items for shipment, without relying solely on human labor. Instead of employees walking long distances and manually selecting items, automated systems bring items to workers or direct them with tools like lights, voice commands, or mobile robots.
For example, in the eCommerce space, brands use Goods-to-Person (GTP) systems to increase operational efficiency and efficiently handle large catalogs of SKUs. In retail, where seasonal order surges can overwhelm manual processes, automated solutions help companies double their picking speed and maintain consistent fulfillment even during peak demand.
The process is surprisingly seamless:
This flow is driven by smart software that integrates with warehouse management systems and supports key warehouse processes, including picking, packing, and tracking real-time inventory.
Want a deeper look at the tech behind it? Read this guide on warehouse automation software.
There’s no universal solution for warehouse automation. The best picking system depends on your space, order volume, and the variety of products you offer. Some work better for high-SKU, high-volume operations; others are ideal for smaller, more focused setups. Below, we break down the top systems and which warehouse types they’re best suited for.
GTP systems deliver inventory directly to a stationary picker, eliminating walking marathons. This setup enhances inventory management, reduces physical strain on workers, and improves worker safety.
It also optimizes order accuracy by minimizing human error. By minimizing walking time and keeping pickers in one place, GTP systems significantly boost pick rates while also cutting down on labor fatigue.
Pick-to-Light is an automated solution that uses LED light bars to guide workers to the right location for picking items, enhancing accuracy, speed, and efficiency while reducing errors.
When paired with Pack-to-Light and Receive-to-Light, your entire workflow is streamlined. Pack-to-Light ensures precise packing, while Receive-to-Light optimizes inventory storage and retrieval. Together, these technologies simplify inventory management, reduce labor costs, and accelerate fulfillment.
At ShipHero, we offer all three solutions, Pick-to-Light, Pack-to-Light, and Receive-to-Light, under one roof, seamlessly integrating with your existing systems to optimize warehouse operations. The combination can help boost efficiency by 20% while also cutting costs by up to 30% for batches of 10 to 30 orders.
Pickers wear headsets and follow voice commands to locate items, like a GPS for your warehouse. This hands-free approach automates repetitive tasks, shortens training time, and reduces picking errors, even in noisy environments. It also improves accuracy, even in noisy environments where traditional methods might fall short.
AMRs, or autonomous mobile robots, navigate the warehouse floor independently, delivering items or bins to human workers or packing stations.
Unlike fixed systems, AMRs offer greater flexibility and adapt to varying warehouse sizes, support scalable operations, and offer the flexibility to grow without major infrastructure changes. They’re also highly scalable, which makes them a smart choice for warehouses looking to grow or adjust operations without major infrastructure changes.
These are high-tech racking systems equipped with robotic cranes or shuttles that automatically store and retrieve inventory. They’re especially well-suited for large warehouses with high inventory turnover, where speed and space efficiency are critical.
Businesses that need to maximize vertical storage find these systems invaluable, and industries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, and electronics often benefit the most from their precision and scalability.
Still not convinced? The real-world benefits speak for themselves. Automation significantly reduces human error, particularly in fast-paced warehouse environments where accuracy is crucial. It also speeds up fulfillment, often cutting pick times in half or more.
By streamlining operations, businesses can lower labor costs by either reducing headcount or reassigning team members to more valuable tasks.
By transitioning to automation, companies often see dramatic improvements in efficiency and cost savings. For example, automation can reduce warehouse labor costs by up to 60%, allowing businesses to reallocate resources and scale more effectively.
It’s not always smooth sailing when implementing automated picking systems. One of the biggest hurdles is the high initial investment, as hardware, software, and integration can come with a steep upfront cost.
Staff training is another challenge, as teams need time to learn how to use the new technology effectively. There can also be short-term disruption; installation and onboarding may temporarily slow down operations. But the long-term gains are often worth it.
For example, James Enterprise struggled with paper-based picking and processing delays before switching to ShipHero’s Warehouse Management System.
The transition required workflow changes and staff training, but with proper planning, such as going paperless, reorganizing their layout, and utilizing smart pick paths, they boosted productivity by 38%. New hires cut their pick time from 55 to 34 seconds in just five days, proving that smart automation pays off.
Finding the right automated picking system starts with understanding your specific needs. Warehouse size plays a big role, as larger spaces often benefit most from solutions like AMRs or AS/RS that can cover more ground efficiently. If your business manages a high variety of SKUs, systems like GTP or voice picking can offer the flexibility and accuracy you need.
For those working with tighter budgets, starting with light-based or voice-guided systems can provide a solid foundation without breaking the bank. Regardless of your starting point, scalability is crucial; your system should be able to grow in tandem with your business. Partnering with ShipHero ensures you get expert, customized guidance and future-proof solutions designed specifically for your operation.
Implementing warehouse picking automation isn’t just about installing new tech; it’s about doing it strategically. To get the most out of your investment and avoid common pitfalls, follow these proven best practices:
‍Best Practices for Successful Warehouse Picking Automation
For example, Black Wolf Nation and its 3PL arm, ONE23 Fulfillment, partnered with ShipHero to scale their operations. By adopting ShipHero's warehouse management software, they increased their order volume from 10,000 to over 25,000 per month in less than a year. This strategic implementation allowed them to efficiently manage growth and expand into the 3PL space.
Most companies see a return on investment within 12 to 24 months, depending on the system and order volume.
Yes. Many automated systems are designed to be scalable and cost-effective, which makes them ideal for small warehouses. Solutions like Pick-to-Light and voice picking can start small and expand as your operation grows.
Yes. Advanced systems feature adjustable grippers, sensors, and packaging logic to safely handle delicate or irregularly shaped products.
Warehouse management systems make daily warehouse operations efficient. And wave planning is at the heart of it.
As part of the supply chain industry where efficiency is of utmost importance, the fast-paced environment of warehouse management requires every aspect of operations to work on schedule. This is where wave planning comes into play and brings efficiency to the table.
It integrates with warehouse management systems and streamlines end-to-end warehouse operations to meet customer expectations of fast shipping and real-time updates.
Wave planning batches orders for optimized picking routes, shipping, and priority. It supports operational workflows and integrates with warehouse wave picking strategies to maximize productivity, reduce errors, and improve overall daily warehouse output.
This turns warehouse operations into an organized process of handling and systematizing hundreds of orders a day.
Applying the best practices for wave management allows for maximum efficiency in managing daily warehouse operations. Start with these:
Not all orders need to be shipped at the same time. Some can wait, others can’t. Strategic planning means prioritizing orders based on shipping deadlines to ensure they are shipped out and delivered on time. This increases customer satisfaction and overall operational efficiency. To better understand the core workflows that make this strategy effective, explore how we have explained the six key warehouse processes.
Accessing real-time data allows you to monitor every wave that’s happening, from orders getting picked up to those that are delayed. This lets you take action accordingly, especially when spotting issues as they are happening.
Downtimes are red flags in wave management. They are equal to unproductivity and possible shipment delays, both affecting operations to meet quotas and customer satisfaction.
Reduce idle time in operations with these methods:
High-demand periods like holidays, promotions, and occasional spikes can cause chaos, especially if you don’t have a plan in place. That chaos can overwhelm your normal operations and lead to delays and unsatisfied customers.
Avoid this by ensuring scalability for peak periods with effective wave planning:
If you’re preparing your warehouse for high-volume fulfillment, it may be worth exploring how automated warehouse picking systems can make wave execution more efficient and adaptable.
Warehouses have different zones to which pickers are assigned.
Having specific picking zones gives structure to the picking process, making it easier to execute even through high-volume orders.Having defined picking zones helps:
Wave management gives you the flexibility to adapt quickly when an unexpected change occurs during operations.
A common issue often faced in wave management is the sudden changes in order volume. This disrupts the flow of current waves and may have an avalanche effect on the whole operation if not solved immediately.
Here’s how wave management adjusts operations to meet demand fluctuations:
A warehouse management system creates an overall plan that controls the flow of a warehouse's production. Using tools and automation, a WMS simplifies and streamlines wave management to execute warehouse operations from fulfillment to packing and delivery.
The main difference between wave planning and wave management is that the former is where the strategizing happens, while the latter is the execution and overseeing that the plan takes place.
Wave planning is the strategic part of grouping what orders should be fulfilled together, setting the time for wave releases, and adjusting them based on warehouse capacity and labor availability.
Wave management is the main operational part where the production happens. It tracks the real-time progress of wave execution to ensure things are running smoothly according to plan.
The main difference between digital and wholesale waves lies in their order size, wave planning, and operational goal. Due to their differences, each wave type requires different planning and strategy.
Digital waves service the B2C channel, are high in volume, and often have small, single-item orders that require urgent or same-day deliveries. The wave strategy used is frequent and short for flexibility. For this wave type, warehouse managers use WMS-integrated mobile devices for tech support
Meanwhile, wholesale waves are for bulk orders, often for retail distribution, resellers, or B2B supply chains. Wholesale waves have a lower order volume with large shipments and more flexible timelines.
Yes, it can be used if they have large volumes of orders per day, orders with time-blocked pickups, or group orders with shipping deadlines.
Yes. eCommerce and retail, grocery and food distribution, healthcare and pharmaceutical, industrial supply, and consumer packaged goods industries are industries that benefit from wave planning. These are industries with high order volume, delivery sensitivity, and high operational complexity.
Yes, wave management is designed to make warehouse operations, including same-day shipping, possible. Wave management creates a structure that speeds up the order fulfillment, speeding up the process for all warehouse operations, such as same-day shipping.
Your warehouse isn’t slow because your team isn’t working hard. It’s slow because they’re working inefficiently. When every picker is chasing orders in random directions, you lose time, increase errors, and risk customer satisfaction.
Wave picking fixes that by turning chaos into coordination. By grouping orders for optimized picking routes and releasing them in scheduled “waves,” you can streamline picking, reduce walking time, and enhance picking speed, especially in high-volume eCommerce environments.
In this guide, we’ll explain what wave picking is, how it works, and how to use it to run a faster, leaner, and more accurate warehouse.
Wave picking is a warehouse picking strategy where orders are grouped and released in scheduled “waves” throughout the day. Each wave organizes orders based on factors like delivery time, product type, or warehouse zone, to help your team pick faster, move smarter, and stay organized. When paired with automated warehouse picking systems, wave picking becomes even more powerful, and minimizes manual effort while maximizing speed and accuracy.
For example, a warehouse might group all orders that need same-day shipping into a morning wave, while standard shipping orders are picked in the afternoon. This keeps the flow structured and reduces chaos on the floor.
Brands using wave picking have seen measurable results. A study published in Acta Logistica found that accurately batching and releasing orders in structured waves reduced cycle times by more than 13% compared to unplanned methods, proving how it standardizes warehouse processes and improves resource utilization. This demonstrates how even modest changes in picking structure can lead to significant gains in warehouse efficiency.
Wave picking operates through a structured, three-phase process: pre-wave, wave, and post-wave.
Each stage plays a critical role in coordinating order fulfillment, from organizing batches of orders to guiding pickers efficiently through the warehouse and ensuring fast, accurate packing and shipping. Understanding how each phase works is key to unlocking the full efficiency potential of wave picking.
Before picking begins, the warehouse management system (WMS) organizes inventory for efficiency by grouping orders into waves based on factors like shipping deadlines, SKU type, or zone. It then generates batch pick lists, allocates resources, and ensures that equipment and carts are ready, laying the groundwork for a smooth picking process using proven picking strategies.
Good Company, a 3PL provider, exemplified this by leveraging ShipHero's multi-item batch feature. This streamlined their pre-wave setup, enabling them to group multiple orders with shared items into single picking runs. This drastically reduced picker travel, and as they scaled from 500-600 to 6,000-10,000 units daily within 18 months, allowed them to halve their pick time. This demonstrates the immense power of an optimized pre-wave process.
Once a wave begins, pickers follow optimized routes through the warehouse to collect items. The goal is to reduce backtracking and congestion by assigning pickers to specific zones or paths.
E-Commerce Xpress, an eCommerce fulfillment provider, has significantly streamlined its picking process by adopting ShipHero's Warehouse Management System (WMS). Their previous manual methods caused inefficiencies and excessive picker travel. By using ShipHero's multi-batch order feature, they transformed their picking phase. This technology groups multiple orders into single runs, creating highly optimized routes and eliminating unnecessary trips. The result was profound: E-Commerce Xpress could fulfill 200 orders in just 2 hours with one person, a task that previously required four staff members 4-5 hours. This showcases how wave picking handles peak operational loads and supports multi-order fulfillment with ease.
After items are picked, they move to packing and shipping. This phase includes labeling, verifying accuracy, and dispatching the final product. A well-organized post-wave process ensures orders are completed on time and without mistakes.Consider Vareya, a 3PL and fulfillment company, which dramatically improved its post-wave efficiency and client satisfaction by adopting ShipHero's Warehouse Management System (WMS). Previously, Vareya struggled with disconnected systems, resulting in significant errors and excessive paperwork. By migrating to ShipHero, they automated workflows and shipping labels, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in packing and dispatch. This allowed them to triple business volume and meet customer service levels consistently.
To get the full benefits of wave picking, it’s essential to follow proven best practices that align your people, tools, and workflows. From using the right technology to organizing pick paths and handling carts efficiently, these core strategies—like those in our warehouse picking strategies guide—will help you maximize speed, accuracy, and productivity in every wave.
A powerful WMS like ShipHero automates wave creation, drives real-time decision-making, and optimizes paths. It ensures every wave is precisely executed and synced with inventory.
Calculating optimal picking routes is one of the most effective ways to reduce travel time on the warehouse floor, a major contributor to inefficiency. By using route optimization software, pickers follow the shortest and most logical paths through the facility, thereby avoiding unnecessary backtracking and congestion. This not only speeds up fulfillment but also reduces fatigue and boosts overall productivity, especially in high-volume environments where every second counts.
Efficient cart handling is key to successful wave picking. Organizing carts by order, zone, or SKU reduces sorting time and speeds up packing. This keeps the workflow smooth, reduces errors, and enhances overall fulfillment efficiency.
Wave picking comes in different forms, each suited to specific warehouse needs. Whether you’re handling large SKU volumes, urgent orders, or multiple zones, choosing the right strategy can boost speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
Organizing wave picking by product type allows warehouses to group similar SKUs into the same wave. This reduces picker travel time, as items are often stored near each other, and enables faster, more efficient picking by creating consistent, repeatable paths through the warehouse. It’s especially useful for high-assortment operations where grouping like products streamlines the process.
Wave picking by order priority ensures that urgent orders, such as express shipments or VIP customers, are grouped and processed first. By releasing these high-priority orders in the earliest waves, warehouses can ensure faster turnaround times and meet strict delivery deadlines, thereby maintaining high customer satisfaction and consistent service levels.
Dividing the warehouse into picking zones allows each wave to focus on a specific area, reducing unnecessary movement and streamlining the picking process. Assigning pickers to dedicated zones allows waves to run simultaneously in different zones, reducing congestion and enabling scalability in operations.
Wave picking is a fulfillment strategy designed to group orders into scheduled "waves" based on factors like shipping deadlines, product locations, or customer types.
This method is especially valuable in high-volume or time-sensitive operations where precision and speed are critical. Below are four key benefits of using wave picking in your warehouse:
Wave picking keeps operations structured, which allows you to process more orders per shift without expanding your physical footprint.
By reducing idle time and unnecessary movement, wave picking streamlines the entire fulfillment process. After adopting ShipHero’s WMS, American Tall saw a 275% increase in picking efficiency and cut fulfillment errors by 50%, allowing them to scale operations by 400%—clear proof of how structured picking methods lead to faster, more reliable order delivery.
With batch pick lists, scanning, and real-time tracking, wave picking drastically reduces errors in item selection and order completion.
Fewer errors, faster picks, and optimized labor use = lower costs. Wave picking helps you do more with fewer resources.
The main difference between wave picking and batch picking lies in their timing and level of structure. Wave picking organizes and releases orders at scheduled times throughout the day, which is ideal for high-volume warehouses where precise timing and a smooth workflow are essential. This method offers a structured approach that reduces errors and supports scalability, but it requires more upfront planning and a reliable warehouse management system.
In contrast, batch picking allows warehouse staff to pick multiple orders in a single trip without being tied to a specific schedule. It’s a simpler, more flexible method that’s well-suited for smaller operations with lower order complexity.
While batch picking is easy to implement and has a lower barrier to entry, it becomes less efficient when dealing with large volumes or time-sensitive orders. Choosing the right approach depends on your warehouse size, order volume, and fulfillment goals.
Yes. Wave picking can scale down for smaller operations to help them improve organization, reduce picker confusion, and streamline fulfillment.
No. Only certain WMS platforms, such as ShipHero, offer full wave picking functionality, including automated order grouping, routing, and inventory syncing.
Absolutely. Wave picking was designed for fast-paced, high-volume environments where timing, accuracy, and scalability are critical.
Thanks to recent technological advancements and the demands of omnichannel retail today, RFID technology is now seen in a whole new light within the speed-driven logistics landscape.
Here's what's driving all the attention: businesses today are under incredible pressure. Customers want their orders to be fast and accurate, and they want to know exactly where their order is at all times.
With rising costs, unpredictable supply chains, and customers who expect instant updates, businesses are increasingly turning to RFID technology for faster fulfillment, real-time accuracy, and smarter operations.
But is RFID truly the future of logistics? Or are we simply getting caught up in another tech trend?
In this article, we break down what RFID inventory management really is, how it works, and what makes it superior (or not) to traditional barcode systems. We'll also explore the benefits, challenges, and use cases that matter most to fast-scaling eCommerce businesses and 3PLs.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) inventory management uses radio waves to automate identification and tracking processes throughout a warehouse or supply chain. Compared to manual spreadsheets or barcode-based systems, RFID is faster, more scalable, and more dynamic.
Instead of having your team manually scan barcodes one by one, each item is tagged with a unique electronic identifier (RFID tag). This allows teams to track inventory wirelessly and with greater precision.
You don’t have to shut down your operations to do a cycle count or use math formulas to determine the ideal order quantity. With RFID, your team gains real-time, accurate insights into the location and quantity of everything. All without the need for line-of-sight scanning.
In short, RFID inventory management enhances accuracy in inventory management, reduces manual counting and human errors, and improves visibility across supply chains.
Here’s how an RFID inventory management system works in practice:
RFID makes an even more measurable impact when used for:
Before we dive deeper into RFID's benefits, let's break down the essential building blocks that make it all possible. Here are the three core components that power the system:
RFID tags are the identifiers attached to each inventory item. Tags can be embedded in labels, hangtags, or packaging and support item-level tracking for precise data.
They come in two main types:
RFID readers can be handheld devices or fixed-position scanners placed at warehouse entry points, loading docks, or packing stations.
Their ability to read data from multiple items simultaneously allows for faster cycle counts, pallet scanning, or outbound processing. However, its signal strength and reliability can be affected by nearby metal objects or liquids.
This is where all the raw tag information captured by RFID readers gets translated into actionable insights.
Modern RFID systems integrate with warehouse management systems and enable seamless integration with ERP systems, providing:
Very accurate, especially if implemented correctly. In fact, a study by Auburn University’s RFID Lab found that RFID systems can increase inventory accuracy from a rate of 63% to 95%.
This increased precision helps businesses:
Still, RFID isn't bulletproof.
Metal surfaces and liquid products can interfere with radio signal transmission, potentially causing read errors or missed detections. Although these issues are usually mitigated by strategic tag placement or the use of specialized tags designed for challenging environments.
Here’s how RFID stacks up against traditional barcode systems:
Ultimately, the choice between RFID and barcode technology depends on your operational requirements, budget constraints, and the value placed on automation versus initial investment costs.
RFID offers significant advantages. But like any tech investment, it comes with a few hurdles. If you're considering RFID for your warehouse or fulfillment center, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and the potential roadblocks.
RFID isn’t a plug-and-play solution. But for businesses with high throughput or complex inventory needs, the long-term ROI can outweigh the initial friction.
The total cost of a complete RFID system for most mid-sized businesses can range from $10,000 to over $100,000. But this can vary depending on the size and complexity of your operations. To give you an idea:
Yes, but with caveats. Metal and liquid materials can interfere with RFID signals. But specialized RFID tags, shielding materials, and strategic tag placement can address most of these challenges.
Yes, of course. RFID inventory management can benefit small businesses, particularly those handling high-value items and fast-moving inventory.
A phased implementation (starting with one location or SKU category) can make RFID more accessible for smaller operations.
Welcome to the monthly ShipHero Fixes & Features email. Our Product Team has been working hard to bring several new and impactful fixes and features to life.
Have you tried RateShop+ yet? It’s the newest way to get the cheapest rates with the best service level based on your parameters! Plus, we’ve added extra features like weighting different methods and carriers. Do you get cashback on your credit card when you use carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS? You can capitalize on this kind of incentive by weighting these carriers, ensuring they are always the cheapest method for specific service levels.Find out more about RateShop+ in our Knowledge Base. The feature is currently available to all current WMS clients for free!
ShipHero’s Software Customer Support Team has been recognized as a Finalist for the Customer Service Department of the Year by the Stevie Awards. We are so excited to share this news with you. Awards will be given out next month, however, there is still time for us to gain some momentum in the People’s Choice category! By clicking below you can cast your vote for ShipHero. Thank you for your support. Vote for ShipHero here!
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Welcome to the monthly ShipHero Fixes & Features email. Our Product Team has been working hard to bring several new and impactful fixes and features to life.
Have you heard about one of our newest features, Rate Shop+? Gain more control over the shipping methods you use when calculating the cheapest method to use. This includes:
This feature is currently available by reaching out to the Customer Support team. We're offering a 30-day trial to those interested in trying it out. Reach out to your Account Team today!
We now record and show lot details as part of the inventory change log. Ask your Account Team for more details.
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Welcome to the monthly ShipHero Fixes & Features email. Our Product Team has been working hard to bring several new and impactful fixes and features to life.
Just like your teams, ShipHero was busy during Peak keeping everything running as smoothly as possible! We have big plans and big updates coming for 2024, but we also wanted to share some of the awesome stats we saw during Peak 2023!
We wanted to let you know that we also got some big, positive changes happening in Customer Support for 2024 that we know you’ll love! We’ll be sharing more details soon, so stay tuned!
# Shipping Software for E-commerce PackagesAre you tired of spending countless hours managing your e-commerce packages and dealing with the hassle of shipping? Look no further than shipping software. In this article, we will explore why shipping software is essential for e-commerce businesses, the benefits it brings to the table, key features to look out for, and how to choose the right software for your specific needs.## Why Do You Need Shipping Software?Shipping software is a game-changer for e-commerce businesses. It streamlines your order fulfillment process and enhances the overall customer experience. But why do you really need it?Well, let's take a closer look at the benefits of using shipping software for e-commerce businesses.### Benefits for E-commerce BusinessesE-commerce businesses rely heavily on shipping to deliver products to customers. With shipping software, you can accomplish this in a more efficient and cost-effective manner, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Let's dive into some key benefits of using shipping software.**1. Automated Order Processing:** One of the biggest advantages of shipping software is its ability to automate the order processing workflow. Instead of manually entering shipping details for each order, the software can automatically import order information from your e-commerce platform and generate shipping labels, saving you valuable time and reducing the risk of errors.**2. Real-Time Shipping Rates:** Shipping software integrates with major shipping carriers, such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS, allowing you to access real-time shipping rates. This enables you to provide accurate shipping costs to your customers during the checkout process, increasing transparency and reducing the chances of unexpected shipping fees.**3. Shipping Label Generation:** With shipping software, you can easily generate shipping labels in bulk. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that deal with a high volume of orders. You can print multiple labels at once, saving you from the tedious task of individually creating labels for each package.**4. Shipment Tracking:** Shipping software provides you and your customers with real-time shipment tracking information. You can easily track the status of each package, ensuring that it reaches its destination on time. This visibility not only helps you manage customer expectations but also allows you to proactively address any potential delivery issues.**5. Cost Savings:** By using shipping software, you can compare shipping rates from different carriers and choose the most cost-effective option for each shipment. This can result in significant cost savings, especially for businesses that ship large volumes of products. Additionally, the automation provided by shipping software reduces the need for manual labor, further reducing operational costs.**6. Improved Customer Experience:** Efficient and reliable shipping is crucial for a positive customer experience. With shipping software, you can streamline your order fulfillment process, ensuring that orders are processed and shipped quickly. Real-time tracking information also allows customers to stay informed about the status of their shipments, enhancing their overall satisfaction with your business.**7. Scalability:** As your e-commerce business grows, shipping software can easily scale with your needs. Whether you're shipping a few packages a day or thousands, shipping software can handle the increased volume without compromising efficiency or accuracy.In conclusion, shipping software offers numerous benefits for e-commerce businesses. From automated order processing to cost savings and improved customer experience, it is a valuable tool that can help you streamline your shipping operations and drive the success of your business.## Streamlining Order FulfillmentGone are the days of manually processing orders and printing shipping labels one by one. Shipping software automates this process, saving you time and effort. You can easily import orders from your e-commerce platform and batch-process them. Whether you have ten or a thousand orders, the software takes care of it all.But what exactly does automated order fulfillment entail? Let's dive deeper into the benefits and features of this innovative solution.One of the key advantages of using shipping software is the ability to quickly generate and print shipping labels, invoices, and packing slips. Instead of spending hours manually inputting customer information into various documents, the software seamlessly integrates with your e-commerce platform, pulling all the necessary data with just a few clicks. This not only speeds up your operations but also reduces errors and eliminates the need for manual data entry.Furthermore, shipping software allows you to customize your shipping labels, invoices, and packing slips to reflect your brand identity. You can add your logo, choose specific fonts and colors, and even include personalized messages for your customers. This level of customization not only enhances the professionalism of your packaging but also helps establish a memorable brand experience.Another significant benefit of automated order fulfillment is the ability to streamline your shipping process. The software automatically selects the most cost-effective shipping carrier based on factors such as package weight, destination, and delivery timeframe. This ensures that you're always getting the best shipping rates without the hassle of manually comparing rates from different carriers.Additionally, shipping software provides real-time tracking information for both you and your customers. You can easily monitor the status of each shipment, ensuring that everything is on track and delivered on time. This level of transparency not only improves customer satisfaction but also allows you to proactively address any potential issues that may arise during the shipping process.Lastly, shipping software often integrates with inventory management systems, allowing you to keep track of your stock levels in real-time. This ensures that you never oversell a product and helps you plan for restocking in a timely manner. By having a holistic view of your inventory and order fulfillment process, you can make informed decisions to optimize your operations and reduce costs.In conclusion, automated order fulfillment through shipping software offers numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. From saving time and reducing errors to enhancing brand identity and improving customer satisfaction, this innovative solution revolutionizes the way you handle your order processing and shipping operations.## Enhancing Customer ExperienceShipping is a crucial touchpoint in the customer journey. When done right, it can leave a lasting positive impression on your customers. Shipping software provides real-time tracking updates, allowing your customers to keep an eye on their packages from the moment they are shipped until they arrive at their doorstep.Furthermore, shipping software allows you to brand your shipping experience. You can customize shipping labels with your company logo, include personalized thank-you notes, and even offer package tracking pages with your branding. This attention to detail can help you foster a strong customer relationship and build a loyal customer base.## Key Features of Shipping SoftwareNow that we understand why shipping software is essential let's take a closer look at the key features you should consider when choosing the right software for your e-commerce business.### Automation and BatchingEfficiency is the name of the game when it comes to shipping software. Look for software that can automate order import and processing, as well as batch-processing capabilities. This will save you valuable time and effort.### Integrations with E-commerce PlatformsMake sure the shipping software integrates seamlessly with your e-commerce platform. This ensures that orders flow smoothly from your website or marketplace to the software, eliminating any manual work or errors.### Real-time Tracking UpdatesCustomers love to track their packages. Make sure the shipping software provides real-time tracking updates that can be easily shared with your customers. This gives them peace of mind and reduces customer inquiries about the status of their orders.### Branding Your Shipping ExperienceCustomization is key. Look for shipping software that allows you to customize your shipping labels, packing slips, and invoices. This helps to reinforce your brand identity and create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers.### Finding the Lowest Shipping RateShipping costs can eat into your profits. Look for software that provides you with various shipping options and helps you find the lowest rates. This allows you to save money without compromising on the quality and speed of your delivery.### Multi-Carrier Options and FlexibilityChoose shipping software that supports multiple carriers. This gives you the flexibility to choose the most suitable carrier for each shipment, based on factors like destination, size, weight, and delivery speed. The ability to switch carriers easily can help you optimize costs and meet customer expectations.## How to Choose the Right Shipping SoftwareChoosing the right shipping software can be overwhelming with so many options available. To make things easier, consider the following factors:### Evaluating Features and IntegrationsLook for software that offers the key features we discussed earlier. Additionally, ensure it integrates seamlessly with your current systems and e-commerce platform. This will ensure a smooth transition and eliminate any disruptions to your workflow.### Considering Shipping Volume and Business SizeEvery business is unique, and your shipping software should cater to your specific needs. Consider your shipping volume, the number of orders you process daily, and whether you plan to scale your business in the near future. Make sure the software can handle your current volume and accommodate future growth.### Assessing Support and User ReviewsGood customer support is crucial in the world of shipping software. Look for a provider that offers prompt and reliable support. Additionally, read user reviews and ratings to get a sense of other businesses' experiences with the software. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid any potential pitfalls.## Key TakeawaysShipping software is a must-have for e-commerce businesses. It streamlines order fulfillment, enhances the customer experience, and brings a host of benefits to your operations. Look for software that offers automation, integrates with your e-commerce platform, provides real-time tracking updates, allows customization, finds the lowest shipping rates, and offers flexibility with multi-carrier options.## Frequently Asked Questions### How Does Shipping Software Integrate with E-commerce Platforms?Shipping software integrates with e-commerce platforms by connecting directly to your platform through APIs or plugins. This allows for seamless flow of orders, customer information, and inventory data between your e-commerce platform and the shipping software.### Can Shipping Software Help in International Shipping?Absolutely! Shipping software can help you navigate the complexities of international shipping. It can generate the necessary customs forms, provide accurate shipping rates, calculate duties and taxes, and even handle international returns. This makes international shipping easier and more cost-effective for your business.### What are the Cost Implications of Using Shipping Software?The cost of shipping software varies depending on the provider and the specific features you require. However, it's important to note that shipping software can save you money in the long run. By optimizing your shipping operations, finding the lowest rates, and eliminating manual errors, shipping software can contribute to cost reduction and increased profitability for your e-commerce business.In conclusion, shipping software is a powerful tool that can revolutionize your e-commerce operations. It streamlines order fulfillment, enhances the customer experience, and saves you valuable time and money. By choosing the right shipping software, you can take your e-commerce business to new heights of efficiency and success. Don't wait any longer - start exploring your options and find the perfect shipping software for your needs today!
Managing a warehouse is about more than picking, packing, and shipping. Special projects set you apart from your competition, pad your bottom line, and help your organization to operate more efficiently and achieve its goals.
This article will discuss the role, types, mechanics, benefits, challenges, and considerations involved in special projects.
A special project is any request outside the normal pick-pack, receiving, or shipping processes. These requests could range from designing a custom packaging solution for a new product line to relabeling a batch of products.
In any warehouse operation, special projects can play a crucial role in helping a business adapt and innovate in response to new challenges or opportunities. By taking advantage of special projects, companies can stay ahead of the curve, improve their processes, and maintain a competitive edge.
The demand for companies to produce more with less has never been more pressing. Process optimization in a warehouse minimizes room for error, resulting in increased productivity and decreased operational expenses.
Using technology integration, companies can leverage predictive analytics to better forecast seasonal trends in demand and allocate resources accordingly.
Every stage of setting up for special projects demands attention to detail, from project planning to monitoring and evaluation. With the right mechanics, special projects in the warehouse can be executed confidently and efficiently.
Work orders are critical for project planning in ShipHero facilities, providing a solid foundation for successful execution. With the ability to attach vital project details like images, videos, and documents, this feature ensures that every aspect of the project is accounted for, minimizing the chance of errors. You can easily track inventory movements in real-time, update progress, and assign tasks.
Watch our video walkthrough right here to learn more about work orders.
Collaboration between people with unique expertise is key to the success of these projects. Investing in employee training and development is also crucial, as it ensures your team has the knowledge and skills needed to tackle any project.
Implementing new technologies like WorkforceHero can connect employees with special projects, track data and locations in real-time, and follow your team's progress. WorkforceHero informs decisions more comprehensively, reduces idle time by allowing you to pre-assign tasks ahead of your team's arrival, and alerts potential improvements.
With the ability to track person-hours dedicated to each job or project, you’ll never forget to bill a client again.
Monitoring and evaluating metrics is important to ensure a warehouse operates smoothly and enables prompt and effective action to prevent supply chain failure.
It's also essential to have a sophisticated system that can analyze and interpret large amounts of data, such as ShipHero WMS and our WorkforceHero. By continually striving for improvement and being adaptable to changing circumstances, your warehouse can thrive and maintain its effectiveness over the long term.
Watch our video walkthrough right here to learn more about WorkforceHero.
Prepping for special projects in a warehouse can offer several benefits to enhance overall efficiency, productivity, and operations.
By implementing special projects in a warehouse, businesses can reap many benefits that improve operations, reduce costs, and enhance their competitiveness.
Special projects in warehouse operations are a unique challenge that requires effective project management.
The primary challenge is time. Effective time management through proper planning, scheduling, and monitoring to meet the deadline is essential.
Then, the project scope must be well-defined, with specific goals and deliverables outlined to ensure focus and desired outcomes.
Finally, it is essential to keep in mind the significant cost constraint. The project expenses include several factors, including monetary fees, labor, vendors, and quality control.
A specific aspect to consider is the potential for workforce training and development. Warehouse workers can easily take on new challenges by providing specialized training.
The commitment and expertise of a well-trained warehouse team make them a valuable asset, enabling your business to stay ahead of the competition and be prepared for any unforeseen challenges.
Warehouse operations can be complex and challenging, from managing space and inventory to mitigating risk and preparing for unexpected fluctuations in demand. Tackling these challenges is easy with the help of a warehouse management system (WMS).
As a smart nerve center for your warehouse, a WMS can provide powerful insights and optimizations that streamline your operations, protect your inventory, and drive profits.
Integration with existing systems is key, and ShipHero offers powerful integrations that ensure every part of your warehouse is covered, giving you visibility into all corners of your operation.
With ShipHero on your side, you can overcome any challenge and take your warehouse operations to new heights.
Special projects can have a significant impact on your warehouse operations. Optimize your processes, collaborate with your team, and train your workforce to ensure their success.
While special projects can improve efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase competitiveness, they can be challenging to implement without proper workforce training and WMS integration. Evaluate your current approach and invest in advanced WMS integration for long-term success.
It’s time to finish up that holiday shopping! We’re highlighting some of our favorite clients and their favorite items for gifting. Check out the goodies below and click through to round out your gift list.
Founded in 1890, Aruba Aloe is one of the few Aloe companies in the world that grows, harvests, and processes its own Aloe on-site.
Aruba Aloe Special Care Lotion 2oz‍
An Aruba Aloe cult classic! Intensely hydrating and with an extra infusion of Vitamin E, this lotion is also blended with Pure Aloe Vera from Aruba and moisturizing Jojoba Oil to replenish dry, irritated skin and help keep skin soft and supple.
A coffee subscription you can feel good about! We source the best beans from small farms in Columbia, send them to you on a regular schedule, and 100% of profits are donated to radically reduce maternal and child mortality in Sierra Leone.
Octavia *Medium-Dark Roast*
‍Octavia is a rich, well-balanced, medium-dark roast of Arabica beans. With tasting notes of dark chocolate and a hint of molasses, Octavia elevates your everyday coffee to truly awesome. Buy individual bags, or subscribe to save 12% each month, and an additional 25% off your first order!
Momofuku Goods gives home cooks access to restaurant-grade products that make cooking more accessible, fun, enjoyable, and delicious.
Momofuku Chili Crunch‍
Meet Momofuku Chili Crunch. This spicy-crunchy chili oil is our go-to way of adding a flash of heat and texture to our favorite dishes.
Developed by David Chang and the Momofuku Goods team, Chili Crunch is restaurant-tested and the result of a decade of research.
With three types of Mexican chilis, crunchy garlic and shallots, Chili Crunch is the perfect balance of spicy and crunchy.
Hundreds of 5-star reviews agree that it’s great for spicing up dips, eggs, noodles, BBQ, and more.
Nomad Cosmetics offers beauty products inspired by captivating destinations from around the world for those that love to explore and discover.
Nomad Air Frequent Flyer Beauty Essentials Collection
‍Dreamed up in the air! Introducing our new Nomad Air 4-piece skin care and make-up collection. These beauty essentials blend the best of what nature has to offer with science-backed innovative ingredients for clean formulas that counter the effects of frequent travel. There’s no added dyes or fragrances - just ultimate hydration - in aircraft-inspired aluminum packaging that is plastic-free.
Finish up that holiday shopping with these unique and special items available from our valued customers. ShipHero prides itself on working with brands and 3PLs that strive for the best in service and customer satisfaction. Our WMS works as the ultimate warehouse operating system to make it easy for all of our customers to run more cost-effective and efficient warehouses. Our full-service fulfillment solution takes away the headache of managing your own DTC and wholesale fulfillment so you can focus on truly building your business.
If you’d like to learn more about how ShipHero can make your DTC, 3PL or Wholesale life easier, reach out today!
Are you feeling the pressure of peak season looming over you? We've been in your shoes and we know how to make it easier. We'll dive deep into how you can improve your kitting services to boost your bottom line, from examining your warehouse layout to implementing practical automation rules.
We also consulted a few kitting pros, Alex Lewkowict of One23 Fulfillment and ShipHero kitting superstar Heather Schwartz, Director of High Touch Fulfillment, PBI, for insight into how to make kitting work for you. Let’s get kitting!
Kits offer best-selling products in one attractive package at an irresistible price. Customers love the convenience of these ready-made gift options (especially during the holidays), making them an easy one-click purchase. By promoting kits, eCommerce businesses can drive sales rapidly and effortlessly. With a little pre-planning, you can meet your client's needs without hassle in your warehouse. Make sure everyone stays merry and bright!
Efficient kitting preparation is essential for businesses to meet peak season demands. One of the significant challenges of kitting is determining the best warehouse layout. Without a defined strategy, warehouses can end up wasting valuable space and manpower, which can lead to delays and errors throughout the shipping process. Planning ahead is essential to optimizing your physical layout for a kitting system that minimizes risk.
It may be worth considering a dynamic "hot" pick zone to balance disruption and efficiency in your warehouse. By analyzing your SKU velocity, you can quickly identify the best locations for your fastest-moving items and create a designated area to improve efficiency.
This approach can be beneficial for high-volume items with low SKU counts and items frequently promoted by your marketing team. By implementing a hot pick zone, you can take control of your warehouse operations and streamline your processes for improved productivity and profitability.
Alex Lewkowict overcame challenges managing kitting demands during past peak seasons by changing the kitting processes in the warehouse. One of his most notable changes was creating a dispatching station outside the pack line to streamline the packaging process.
Additionally, he constructed a more efficient pick wall using three shelves and 17 SKUs to handle the volume effectively. This allowed for quick replenishment of inventory behind the pick wall and placement of products in a temporary pallet location for easy access.
As a result, up to 500 items per hour were processed, and the need for an additional picker was eliminated. With Alex's approach to identifying and addressing bottlenecks, kitting processes at One23 Fulfillment have a near-zero error rate at peak season.
Identifying essential skills can make or break a company's success. For example, Alex flew 10 people out from his Palm Beach warehouse to assist Las Vegas with the sudden surge in demand, exemplifying the importance of adaptability.
By recognizing the strengths of the East Coast warehouse and shifting resources accordingly, Alex was able to maintain a 95% success rate in fulfilling orders within 24 hours. This kind of strategic thinking is essential in navigating the ever-changing landscape of modern business.
From safety protocols to customer service, employees should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle various situations. Properly trained staff can uphold the company's standards, minimize risks and ensure the satisfaction of customers.
Communication is critical, as Alex noted after visiting other warehouses where employees didn't understand the significance of the peak season. It is crucial to ensure that your team is fully equipped to handle the increase in volume while still providing top-notch service.
As we've learned, don’t make drastic changes during peak season. You want to do your best to avoid bottlenecks, delays, and damages during this time. Kitting is huge for your clients, and knocking it out of the park is essential. You can optimize your kitting process and increase transparency with technology like:
The combination of mobile carts and barcodes or RFID tags with an inventory management system can significantly expedite the process.
Effective kitting strategies are critical for managing supply chains during peak seasons. One such strategy that has proven successful is Just-In-Time (JIT) kitting. By assembling kits in the warehouse and delivering them as needed, businesses can be more responsive to demand while keeping inventory levels low. This approach can also streamline processes and make it easier for 3PLs to adapt to changing circumstances.
Automating your kitting system helps you use your warehouse space and resources better and leads to faster product completion and delivery. An automated system eliminates the guesswork for your pickers and packers, ensuring they can complete their tasks quickly and accurately every time.
ShipHero's WMS automation is a straightforward way to automate your warehouse.
Once the pressure of peak season ends, start thinking of reverting changes made to your warehouse during the peak rush.
This means moving items that were temporarily placed closer to packers back to their original positions and considering whether kitted items need to be disassembled and put back into their original inventory areas. Strategic reorganization of your warehouse layout through redesign is a big undertaking, but it is necessary for adapting to ever-changing market demands.
Kitting requires strategic planning and thoughtful execution, considering preparation for items like warehouse layout, employee training, automation rules, and strategic reorganization. Following our advice, you can make this peak season a successful experience.
You now have all the tools to effectively streamline your kitting services for peak season. You can ensure that the process runs smoothly with hard work and dedication. Take charge of your success and start taking action now. Don't let this opportunity slip away; make this your most successful year yet!
Staying ahead of the curve is crucial in the fast-paced third-party logistics (3PL) world. That's precisely what 360Pro Fulfillment, a rising star in the fulfillment industry, achieved by teaming up with ShipHero. In this blog, we'll dive into their journey and explore how ShipHero's innovative software solution turned their challenges into triumphs.
Founded in 2021, 360Pro Fulfillment is a three-person team with big dreams. Their mission? To provide top-notch 3PL services that streamline supply chain operations and put smiles on their clients' faces. In a recent chat with Sean Doherty, Director of 360Pro Fulfillment, we uncovered their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation. With a dynamic team like theirs, 360Pro Fulfillment is undoubtedly one to watch in the coming years.
Before the ShipHero partnership, 360Pro Fulfillment was entangled in a web of frustration. Their previous 3PL software provider left them dealing with inventory discrepancies and needing better process alignment. They needed a game-changer, and it came in the form of ShipHero.
"Sitting in the client seat, we wanted a different system - and then getting to know the other side of that equation where we're the 3PL. I think I have a much different understanding of the system compared to what I did with Shipstation." -Sean Doherty, Director of 360Pro Fulfillment.
ShipHero didn't just solve their problems; it set them up for success. They received a comprehensive suite of services, including 3PL software, client portals, and seamless QuickBooks invoicing through CSVs generated by ShipHero. Even as a remote owner/operator, Sean found the platform incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. And let's not forget the mobile app for order fulfillment, a real game-changer!
But it didn't stop at the ease of use. ShipHero offered invaluable support in onboarding and connecting new clients. This made transitions seamless, fostering better collaboration and a smooth learning curve. Their tech support was top-notch, ensuring quick issue resolution and boosting overall satisfaction.
“One of the most attractive features was the onboarding that was offered. We had weekly calls, and it was a really great introduction. Then, between calls, I could access the different videos and articles to bring myself up to speed.” -Sean Doherty, Director of 360Pro Fulfillment.
Thanks to ShipHero, 360Pro Fulfillment has expanded its client base and improved collaborations. ShipHero's resources empowered Sean to guide clients through integration and connection processes, providing real-time data access for informed decision-making.
Sean's ambitious goal of reaching one million orders annually suddenly became more achievable as ShipHero proved its mettle during significant events, like a Good Morning America promotion that triggered a flood of orders.
"Have had a goal now to get to 1,000,000 orders on a yearly basis, and that was set because USPS tells me our next price break would be at a million orders. So we haven't reached it yet, but I've always been fully confident that we will get there." -Sean Doherty, Director of 360Pro Fulfillment.
360Pro Fulfillment is a staunch advocate for ShipHero, citing its user-friendly interface, responsive tech support, and robust resources as key strengths. The platform has been the linchpin in their global scaling journey, fortifying their position in the fulfillment industry.
As 360Pro Fulfillment grows, its strategic approach to order fulfillment will revolve around ShipHero's software. This includes delving into bulk shipping and mobile picking features to enhance results and performance.
"Our team is much more a Bulk Ship mentality team. They really like using the Bulk Ship feature and printing through the desktop. They have fun with the mobile app and they're all able to use it." -Sean Doherty, Director of 360Pro Fulfillment.
360Pro Fulfillment's journey is a testament to ShipHero's transformative power. They've achieved seamless and efficient fulfillment services with a user-friendly interface, a reliable support team, and nifty features like Bulk Ship and PostHero. If you're in the 3PL game and seeking a software solution that simplifies warehouse operations and ensures accurate fulfillment, ShipHero should be on your radar.
ShipHero isn't just a partner; it's a catalyst for growth and efficiency in the dynamic third-party logistics world. Don't miss out on the transformation – take your fulfillment game to the next level with ShipHero.
Third-party logistics (3PL) is one of the ways that a company can outsource order fulfillment. An eCommerce order fulfillment process starts when a customer submits the order and finishes when the product reaches their door.
What seems like a simple process can become quite complex depending on the storage location of your company’s inventory, the customer’s location, the size of the order, and the timetable for delivery. It becomes even more complicated when you factor in the potential for returns.
Suppose you can’t handle your eCommerce fulfillment in-house. In that case, it’s probably time to outsource and let a third-party logistics (3PL) company take over.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can look forward to while reading ShipHero’s Guide to 3PLs:
Give a listen: Our newest podcast, PalletSide Chat has a few episodes that directly cover 3PLs. Take a listen here!
When preparing goods for shipment, the packing station is a crucial stage that requires careful attention to detail. Optimizing packing flow and station setup ensures accuracy and speed, thus reducing mistakes and improving the overall efficiency of your fulfillment operation. This article will discuss the importance of packing station setup and flow in successful order fulfillment.
We recommend following a few basic principles.
Watch one of our informative videos where our CEO, Aaron Rubin, shares valuable insights on setting up a successful packing station - right here! Some principles he discusses include minimizing touches, maintaining one-direction flow, and avoiding the use of keyboards and mice.
Determine the primary goal and select the appropriate tools and materials. If you're working at a shipping station, your tasks may include combining orders, performing final quality checks, packaging, addressing and labeling, generating a manifest, and staging.
You can develop a packing station tailored to your requirements by organizing and defining these tasks. Planning final checks to ensure the products are of the highest quality is essential. Identify the locations where the inspections will occur and devise a strategy to manage damaged or defective items.
To optimize your fulfillment process, pay close attention to the flow of your packing station. Ensure that the products are moving clearly and consistently throughout each stage of the packing process. One way is by implementing signs or arrows dictating the proper directions. Additionally, designing your packing station for a seamless transition between each step can lead to a more efficient work environment.
When setting up your workstation, consider how items will be received. Will they come in via a conveyor belt system, or will you need a manual or cart-based system? If you're using a conveyor belt, it's best to have a custom standalone workbench over it.
When setting up a packing station in your warehouse, there are two factors for you to begin with - proximity and materials. It's important to position the packing station close to the picking areas. This will allow for swift movement of items from picking to packing, minimizing delays.
When it comes to materials, prioritize the items used most often. Ensure your packing area has an adequate supply of commonly used items so your employees can keep the orders moving smoothly.
Having the appropriate equipment and tools to create a practical packing station is important. Some essential items to include are:
Once you have the appropriate tools and equipment, your packing station will be fully equipped to handle any shipment promptly.
When planning the layout of a packing station, it is crucial to consider ergonomics. Properly arranging goods and materials reduces the risk of work-related injuries, while worker morale and productivity can be increased.
The necessary tools and materials should be easily accessible to the packer and organized by the frequency and sequence of their use. Remember to include features such as optimal workstation height, sufficient lighting, and comfortable seating.
It's crucial to prioritize the replenishment process, which is often overlooked but can significantly impact operations. You can make the most of your replenishment process by following best practices and choosing the most suitable method for your specific needs.
Also, remember to have a solid emergency plan for replenishment needs. You can streamline this process by configuring triggers in your WMS for automatic re-ordering or using collaborative robots to assist with picking and restocking.
It's essential to maintain an organized and easily accessible stock of packing supplies and tools for your workers. Remember to replenish these items from behind the packing station to avoid hindering workflow in the front.
To guarantee accurate order fulfillment, utilizing technology that automates processes and integrates with warehouse management systems is essential. This can include automated sorting and routing of packages, which can help reduce errors and prevent bottlenecksWe strive to enhance the packing process with inventive solutions, including one-touch and hands-free pack stations. By minimizing the handling of items, we can optimize the process.
We provide adaptable pack stations that cater to different requirements.
Handheld barcode scanners have undoubtedly changed the warehouse picking and packing game. However, there's no denying the lag between scanning barcodes and continuing work can be incredibly frustrating, adding unnecessary seconds to each order. To overcome this inefficiency, our team searched high and low for a non-wearable option that was both durable and cost-effective. Our solution came from an unlikely source: the gaming industry. With the Xbox® adaptive game controller, we found a way to streamline our packing stations without breaking the bank. When paired with the Logitech® button kit and some innovative open-source software, this controller has revolutionized how we pack orders.
As we have seen, the packing station is an important component of any order fulfillment process. It is essential to consider principles such as minimizing touches, maintaining one-direction flow, and avoiding keyboard or mouse use when designing a packing station setup. Furthermore, having the necessary equipment and tools available and being mindful of ergonomic design considerations facilitates accuracy. By integrating warehouse management systems with automation technologies, companies can ensure effective order fulfillment while minimizing errors. Ultimately, it's important to take stock of your current workflow and processes to identify opportunities for improvements that could give your organization an edge in the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape. Now it’s time to ask yourself: How does your packing station add up to the competition?
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