How to optimize picking processes in e-commerce: key strategies

In terms of logistical efficiency, the goal of all e-commerce is to drive down times from the moment the online store receives an order until the package leaves the warehouse. To achieve this,the alignment and coordination of all e-commerce picking processes is essential.

In our article, we review the main strategies aimed at optimizing picking operations in warehouses of online stores.

Strategies to improve e-commerce picking processes

1. Coordinate logistics processes from a centralized system

From the warehouse's point of view, the order cycle starts when a picking order arrives. However, the full cycle includes steps before that, such as payment verification and info gathering. It also includes subsequent steps, such as the delivery of the order to the transport agency.

It is essential that picking operations are coordinated with the other players in the supply chain. This is achieved thanks to themerging of different software programsthat work together. The most common are:ERPs,Warehouse Management Systems (WMSs), transport fleet management software or third-party systems (such as transport agencies).

2. Maximise standardization of packaging and labeling tasks

Like the previous section,process standardizationis a strategy that provides major advantages for optimizing picking tasks in e-commerce. Most standardization efforts focus on two main areas:

• Identification and tracking systems:When using one type of labeling and reference coding or another, the most widespread standards should be considered. You should also try to streamline them as much as possible. There is a common need among online store warehouses to streamline processes with transportation agencies, which theMulti Carrier Shipping Software modulefacilitates significantly.
• Packaging material:to avoid accumulating an excess of empty packaging stock, study and group SKUs by size and characteristics to define an adaptable standard. For example, in many e-commerce facilities, height-adjustable boxes or two or three models of boxes are used. The boxes are then adjusted with filler (this is done inCofan's warehouse in Spain, for example).

3. Run intelligent location management in your warehouse

In e-commerce picking tasks, one goal in improving efficiency is toreduce the travel time.位置管理尤為重要se types of warehouses, as direct access to products speeds up the first stages of picking.

In this sense,management of chaotic locationsmeans not only optimizing picking and order assembly, but also making full use of storage space. To do so, however, two fundamental requirements must be met:

• Prioritize rack flexibility:for example, many logistics operators’ warehouses that service different e-commerce businesses opt forpallet rackingor picking racks, as they offer more adaptability to demands as they occur.
• Have awarehouse management system (WMS)that can organize the position of each product according to the logistic parameters defined by the company.

4. Satisfy the demand easily and select the most suitable picking method

E-commerce picking operations are oftenplanned with very little leeway.To face this challenge, the potential ofWMSs as multi-level picking softwaremust be exploited:

• A WMS has an enormous data processing capacity, whichallows the automatic prioritization of orders to be prepared based on variablessuch as the urgency of the shipment or transport routes.
• This software integrates not only with automated systems but also withpicking assistance devices.Examples of these arevoice pickingor pick-to-light systems, which speed up the process and reduce the number of picking errors.
• E-commerce stores usually have a large number of員工致力於手工挑選. So, it's crucial that staff are organized effectively. WMS systems do their part here, as they make it possible to distribute tasks evenly among workers, therebyincreasing overall staff productivity.

These strategies, among others, are part of the secret recipe for success in organizing e-commerce picking processes. It is worth mentioning that another big advantage of using a WMS in a warehouse is that you caneasily test changes in procedures or new picking strategiesbacked by data. If you want to know more about the Interlake Mecalux Easy WMS,don't hesitate to get in touch — we'll show you a detailed demoso you can see it all in action.