To understand what sorting and packaging distribution are, it is necessary to understand the basic logistics of order distribution. Once an order is placed, it will go through these processes: receiving goods, storing goods, picking goods, packaging, distributing goods and confirming order processing.
Receive the goods
The receiving process is to take a batch of products out of the packaging and put them into the warehouse. You can perform this operation on a single order or large shipment provided by the manufacturer. After receiving the products, they can be stored until they need to be sorted and packaged.
Goods storage
Storage is an important component of picking and packaging distribution services. Inventory management is necessary for tracking the storage location of each product and the quantity of each item on your hand. This can be done manually by tracking Excel spreadsheets, but if you want to save time and ensure there are no errors, investing in an inventory management system will have a significant impact on your e-commerce business.
Picking goods
Your sorting and packaging provider will have ample warehouse space and provide sufficient space for your inventory. After placing an order, the staff will enter the warehouse and select the goods from the shelves in the way specified in the order. Then, they will take it to the packaging station for packaging.
Packaging
During the packaging process, the items are placed in parcel boxes or envelopes and are ready to be transported to the destination warehouse or directly delivered to the buyer. This may include adding packaging materials around or inside the box or envelope, attaching labels on the outside of the package, labeling the goods inside the package, and placing address information on the package. This step is crucial when sending fragile items or those that are prone to damage during transportation. The packaging stage can also include bundling multiple goods together to create a complete package that contains multiple parts of the order.
Allocation
Once you have completed the picking and packaging process, it’s time to deliver your products to the customers! Outsourcing distribution is the fastest way to achieve this goal. You outsource some or all of these tasks to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, such as SmartDropping, who will handle them on your behalf, allowing your team to freely focus on other business areas, such as marketing or product development.
Order tracking
After the package is sent and delivered, the buyer will receive an email containing tracking information and other valuable details about their order. The entire process is seamless and straightforward, allowing you to have more time to focus on other things.
The picking and packaging methods involved
If used properly, picking and packaging methods can significantly enhance efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase productivity. Understand how they work and when each API should be used. The aim is to have the least unit inventory at the beginning, the greatest flexibility in terms of resources and labor, and the most efficient use of time.
Picking by order: Also known as “single-piece picking”, it is usually carried out in a single warehouse area. This is the most common pick method.
Batch picking: Batch picking combines orders into “batches”, enabling each picker to handle multiple orders at once. This can significantly reduce the travel time between selections.
Regional picking: Regional picking divides the operation center into different regions (for example, product types or SKUs). All orders containing goods from a specific region will be sent to that region for picking, and then combined into batches or picked separately. Area picking can be used in conjunction with single-piece or batch picking.
Why choose SmartDropping
Optimized logistics solutions: SmartDropping offers optimized logistics solutions to ensure that your products can be delivered to customers quickly and efficiently.
Professional warehousing and distribution services: SmartDropping has professional warehousing facilities and logistics networks, capable of providing you with reliable warehousing and distribution services.
Advanced inventory management system: With its advanced inventory management system, SmartDropping helps you track inventory in real time and reduce the complexity of inventory management.
Customized Services: SmartDropping offers customized services to meet the specific needs of different enterprises and ensure the flexibility and adaptability of the logistics process.
SmartDropping is your ideal choice, capable of helping you optimize the order delivery process, enhance customer satisfaction, and take your e-commerce business to the next level.
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