The Difference Between Picking & Packing In Warehousing

Picking and packing encompass a series of tasks executed within a warehouse or distribution center. Below are several strategies aimed at enhancing these essential processes. 

Picking In Logistics

In the realm of logistics, picking pertains to the order preparation process. It includes:

  • Advanced planning.
  • Routes and movements.
  • Picking or extraction of goods. 
  • Verification and preparation of orders for dispatch.

Nevertheless, if we adhere to the precise definition of packing, it specifically denotes the operator’s movement to the shelf to retrieve the required product.

Packing In Logistics

Conversely, packing refers to the conditioning and packaging of orders for their subsequent dispatch. The primary tasks involved in this operation are:

  • Selection of packaging materials: This is conducted based on the size, quantity, and specific characteristics of the product. The durability of the box and the appropriate type of filler are crucial for maintaining the shipment’s contents in optimal condition.
  • Final verification of model, quantity, weight, and cubic size or dimensional weight: This verification is essential for identifying any errors that may have occurred during the picking process and for ensuring that the parcel meets the transport service’s specifications. 
  • Labelling for dispatch: This label is affixed to the exterior of the box and includes the parcel’s reference number, shipping address, and occasionally its tracking number. It also features a barcode that, when scanned, retrieves the associated information, thereby ensuring traceability.

If the goods depart from the warehouse in a palletized form, the packing procedure will also encompass pallet loading. This entails stacking or staggering the boxes, securing them with straps and/or stretch wraps, and attaching their respective labels. Conversely, if pallets are dispatched in their stored condition, the packing tasks may be limited to quality control and labeling of the shipments.

Furthermore, depending on the picking strategy employed by your facility, there may be an intermediary step between picking and packing. This step involves the consolidation of goods, which means reorganizing and grouping the items according to orders. This occurs, for instance, when batch picking or wave picking methods are utilized.

The connection between picking and packing processes in a warehouse

In warehouses that handle a large volume of orders, it is typical to have operators designated for specific picking responsibilities (extraction and movements) and others assigned to packing (verification and final packaging). This arrangement optimizes time by minimizing operator movements and role changes, ensuring that the order preparation cycle remains uninterrupted.

Picking and packing are generally sequential tasks, although the pick to box approach integrates them more closely. For effective coordination, it is advisable to implement a Warehouse Management System (WMS).

How can I enhance the efficiency of my picking and packing operations? 

  • Minimize the number of movements and points of contact. The more you decrease the number of movements and handling tasks, the higher your efficiency will be. Ideally, picking and packing should be executed correctly on the first attempt, as second chances can be prohibitively expensive. To reduce operator movement, ensure that picking stations are equipped with all necessary tools and packaging materials. This approach provides workers with everything they require, thereby preventing interruptions in the workflow. Additionally, evaluate the location management policy being implemented in relation to SKU turnover.
  • Examine the effectiveness of the picking method. Logistical conditions are in a state of constant flux. To uphold high-quality customer service, your facility must adapt to emerging methods and technologies. The successful optimization of picking and packing involves deconstructing both processes into subprocesses and gathering the standard times allocated for each task.
  • Consider automated solutions. One of the areas with the most options and potential for automation is picking and packing. The process of picking, in terms of load extraction and transport, has significantly advanced in logistics facilities. Technologies such as stacker cranes and conveyors are designed to optimize the more repetitive tasks of load transfer and handling. Packing can also be automated using anthropomorphic robots. Furthermore, systems like voice picking devices and collaborative robots (cobots) that assist in order preparation can greatly enhance worker productivity.
  • Do not overlook the importance of packaging. In optimizing packing, it is essential to consider the packaging materials utilized in your warehouse, including the installation of automatic packaging machines, standardization of packaging, and self-assembly boxes.