What is an Order Fulfillment Process?
Most manufacturing and
distribution centers follow a similar process for fulfilling orders. Initially,
the customer places an order through an automated eCommerce platform, inventory management software, email,
or phone. The order is then uploaded into a cloud-based ERP system or GST-compliant
accounting software of your choice. The customer is automatically notified
via text or email that their order is being processed. On receiving the order,
it is marked for picking. An operator then picks the order of the storage rack.
Depending on the service you provide, picking may sometimes involve kitting or
minor assembly. After the order is packed, it is labeled before being shipped
to its destination. These fundamental steps are essential to the order
fulfillment process, and a warehouse management service provider can help you
save time and money by optimizing efficiency at every step.
Optimizing the Self-Picking Process with Ease
Most warehousing facilities
follow a general order fulfillment approach. However, warehouse management software can significantly enhance multiple
common picking methods. In this article, we will delve into three primary order
fulfillment strategies and demonstrate how a warehouse and inventory management system such as WrkPlan can improve
them.
Zone order picking - In the
zone-picking approach, operators are assigned to specific zones and are
responsible for picking orders from these physical areas. Each order picker is
accountable for their respective zone where they identify relevant items based
on their unique SKUs. Orders that pass through multiple zones undergo a
pick-and-pass process until the final assembly is complete. Zone picking is
particularly useful for shift-based operators working in larger warehouses that
are in the process of expanding. The designated cutoff times enable workers to
cycle through their shifts more efficiently. To improve zone-picking
efficiency, WrkPlan warehouse management
software determines the number of orders that can be picked per shift and
moves large and small orders around to match your current staffing models. If
you run a shift-based warehouse, automating your zone-picking strategy with a
WMS can lead to significant productivity gains while easing the staffing
management process at the same time.
Discrete order picking - Discrete
order picking is one of the most common strategies used for order fulfillment.
In this process, a single operator picks a single order on a single line. Each
employee receives an initial request and gets another one from the main list
after the current order is packed and prepared for shipment. Warehouses that
are in their early stages usually follow this approach, and for the most part,
orders cannot be rescheduled for specific picking times. While the process is
easy to track, it is also one of the slowest and most resource-intensive
processes. However, with the WrkPlan cloud ERP system, warehouses that depend on discrete order picking can prioritize
orders or adjust their warehouse layout. This system can help maximize operator
productivity as they select and pack goods for distribution.
Cluster picking - In this
method, a team of operators simultaneously picks items from various storage
containers to fulfill multiple orders across different locations. This approach
is called cluster-picking and is effective in warehouses that distribute large
quantities of goods. However, it requires large warehouses with open interior
spaces. WrkPlan uses automated warehouse management software to enhance cluster picking, increasing the picking
speed and simplifying the order fulfillment process. Automated warehouse
management systems also ensure that each order is verified accurately,
eliminating the need for manual checking procedures.
Simplify Warehouse Intricacies with WrkPlan
Efficient management of
warehouse operations is crucial for any business that ships products. A
well-designed warehouse and inventory
management software allows you to combine different shipping strategies
while ensuring that your warehouse can handle multiple orders simultaneously.
At our company, we have developed WrkPlan cloud-based
ERP software which integrates an inventory system and helps you set it up
quickly and easily. With the WrkPlan, you can take immediate control of your
storage and distribution centers, and get real-time visibility into your
operations, leading to increased productivity. To learn more about our cloud
ERP solution and how it can help your business in managing the inventory, visit
our website, and fill out a new customer inquiry, or call 1-800-120-2449 to
speak with one of our expert consultants.