Picking and packing

We pick in a variety of ways, ranging from fully manual to fully automated. It’s also possible to combine different picking methods depending on the business and the products. When the order reaches the packing station, we can tailor the packing process to your preferences by developing a well-structured packing method.

Picking

Something that most people are interested in, and one of the topics we get the most questions about, is how we pick our orders. If we had gone back ten years, the answer would have been simple, as back then we handled all orders in a single way. That’s not really the case today—instead, we adapt the picking method based on our customers’ products, order types, and many other parameters.

We have a range of picking methods, from fully manual to fully automated. This allows us to offer our customers the most flexible and optimal picking method—or why not combine different methods if there are different flows.

What is picking or order picking?

Before going through the different ways of picking, it can be helpful to clarify what we mean by picking or order picking.

Order picking is exactly what it sounds like: the process of retrieving products from the warehouse in order to complete a customer order. It can be a labor-intensive process if done entirely manually, but it can also be one of the easiest processes when working with a high level of automation.

The work involves, either manually or with the help of automation, retrieving the correct product, verifying the correct quantity, and then sending the product on to the next process, which is almost always packaging. A key aspect of the work is ensuring the right product and the right quantity.

Different picking methods

We are responsible for setting up the absolute best picking methods for our customers. Regardless of the method, everything is integrated with our WMS (Warehouse Management System) and visible in our Partner Portal. Here are some examples of different ways to pick, including manual, semi-automated, and automated methods:

- Manual picking, order by order
- Single order
- Batch picking
- Direct pick
- Zone picking
- Wave picking
- Flowrack
- Vertical lift
- Shuttle
- Autostore

Packing

This is something that both our customers and we consider to be one of the most important aspects. No matter how we store or pick products, it doesn’t impact the end consumer in the same way as packaging does. It is at this stage that we influence what customers see when they receive their order and also their “unboxing experience.”

What do we mean by packaging?

Simply put, packaging means taking the picked products and placing them into some form of container or wrapping that will also serve as the shipping carrier to the customer. Packaging can vary greatly depending on whether it is done manually or automatically. It also differs significantly between customers and what we have agreed upon together. In most cases, the packaging and final result should align closely with our customers’ branding.

Some principles we always strive for are:
- Minimize empty space.
- Use as little packaging and filler material as possible.
- Think sustainably at every step.

Different packing methods

We are responsible for setting up the absolute best packing methods for our customers. The time it takes to pack directly affects the overall handling cost, so it’s important to have a well-thought-out packing method. Regardless of method, everything is integrated with our WMS (Warehouse Management System) and visible in our Partner Portal.

Here are some examples of different ways to pack, including manual, semi-automated, and automated methods:

- Manual packing
- Single pack
- Batch pack
- Subscription box
- Autobag
- B+
- 3D on-demand packing machine
- Fully automated bag packing
- Fully automated box sealing
- Direct pack

In addition to placing products in packaging, there are several supplementary services related to packing. Some examples include:

- Including packing slips, return forms, flyers, etc.
- Customer-specific packaging
- Wrapping
- Personalized messages
- Other value-added services to make the experience even more personal