The objective of logistics remains to deliver a maximum of orders in a minimum of time and at the lowest cost. Among the processes that make up the supply chain, the order preparation stage is crucial. It mobilizes resources and requires good management to be effective.
And it can be optimized through actions and best practices that help speed up shipments and reduce related costs. We suggest that you take stock of the challenges of order preparation. And we give you 5 tips that will help you optimize it.
In What Way Is The Preparation Of Orders A Key Point For The Success Of Logistics?
The preparation of orders largely depends on the satisfaction of the end customer. Indeed, if he receives his order late or incomplete, his experience becomes decidedly negative. The same applies when the package is damaged or does not include the correct items. However, in the age of e-commerce, an unsatisfied customer is a customer who changes brand.
Highlights of Order Preparation Process
The brand image of the company is therefore compromised. In addition, when poorly managed, order preparation leads to higher costs, whether in terms of human resources or storage costs. This is why it is essential to ensure good management of order preparation. There are 3 highlights in the order preparation process, namely:
- Picking: The items are collected by the operator from their storage location
- Sorting: distribution of items in the respective orders
- Packing: grouping of items and packaging.
The Role of the Order Picker
The order picker is the one who ensures the proper preparation of orders. He collects the necessary information using the cart and picks up the items. To carry out these activities, he selects the equipment and supplies necessary for the shipment (pallets, pallet trucks, pictograms, packaging, etc.) from the documents provided to him.
He checks the articles (compatibility, packaging, quantity), pays attention to the packaging to balance the weight, to the over-packaging, and checks the order. He places the labels on the package or pallet. Each operation is recorded in a computerized management system. All items must be referenced, this will show if the different items are available.
Before shipping the goods to the customer, the preparer is the last link, he plays an important role in monitoring the traceability of the goods. He must ensure compliance with health and safety rules.
You can hire a reputable warehousing company such as Sooner Logistics 3PL Service to help you understand better the order preparation process.