What is pick, pack and ship software (and do you need it?)

Is your business making fulfilment errors? It might be time to upgrade to pick, pack and ship software.



To err is human. But if your business is making a noticeable number of fulfilment mistakes, it's time to ask why.

Mistakes are especially common when warehouses rely on old-fashioned methods. If your pickers use paper lists and your operations are recorded on spreadsheets, mistakes are likely to slip through the cracks.

This is especially true as your business grows. The more data you have to handle, the more difficult it is to rely on manual processes.

This is where pick, pack and ship software comes in. It refers to a range of software solutions that come under different names. These include inventory management solutions, order fulfilment platforms and our speciality, the warehouse management system (WMS).

These streamline the order fulfilment process from start to finish. That means:

Guiding warehouse staff to locate items on shelves (picking)

Making packaging and labelling easier (packing)

Automatically generating courier documents and dispatch notifications (shipping)

All this amounts to more accurate, more productive and more efficient order fulfilment processes. 

Here at Minster WMS, we provide businesses of all kinds with highly capable WMS solutions. So is pick, pack and ship software like ours right for you?

What are the benefits of pick, pack and ship software?

Sometimes, upgrading from manual to digital systems is presented as pure common sense. If you haven't done it yet, they say, it's probably because you're stuck in the past.

We don't share that attitude. Instead, we think the case for digital transformation is still worth making. After all, what good is a solution if it doesn't come with solutions?

With that in mind, what are the core benefits of replacing manual paper-based workflows with pick, pack and ship software?

Accuracy

Pick, pack and ship software boosts accuracy by integrating barcode scanners, pick-to-light systems or voice-picking headsets. These ensure staff pick the right items in the right quantity.

With our CORE and EDGE solutions, picking accuracy can reach 99.9%.

Route optimisation

Pick, pack and ship software optimises physical routes for warehouse staff. Similar orders are grouped together, meaning staff aren't traipsing around inefficiently.

Automated shipping

Shipping, too, is automated. Courier rates are instantly compared and shipping labels are generated. Tracking details are then automatically sent to the customer. As with the picking process, this drastically reduces human error.

Real-time inventory

Inventory is synced in real time, meaning you'll never sell an item you don't have on the shelves. This can help boost customer satisfaction.

Ease of use

Pick, pack and ship software is often intuitive to use. This empowers staff while reassuring employers that they won't be throwing money away on training.

Reporting

Pick, pack and ship software often provides granular insights into fulfilment processes – and it does so automatically.

Where once you'd have to pay for a consultant or team member to audit and assess your operations, these kinds of software solutions do it instantly. This can be invaluable in short-, medium- and long-term planning.

How does it work?

The precise workflow will depend on the solution in question. Most examples of pick, pack and ship software, however, work something like this:

1. Pick

When an order is placed, the system generates a digital pick list. This directs the picker to the aisle and shelf location. The worker then uses a barcode scanner or voice picking headset to verify the item. This tracks inventory in real time, reduces picking errors and optimises picking routes.

2. Pack

Staff bring the picked item to the packing station. The software verifies the item and then directs the packer to the optimal packaging (box size, material, weight). A packing slip is generated for the packer. As with stage one, this helps ensure order accuracy. It also helps reduce shipping costs.

3. Ship

Once the package is ready for delivery, the software generates the relevant shipping labels and packing slips and registers the package with the courier. A tracking number is generated and an automated dispatch notification is sent to the customer.

An example of how pick, pack and ship software works

1. A customer places an order.
2. The software directs the picker to the ordered item.
3. The picker confirms the item has been picked.
4. The picker takes the item to a packing station.
5. The software tells the packer which packaging to use.
6. The software generates a packing slip and shipping label.
7. The inventory is automatically updated.
8. Tracking info is sent to the customer.

Should my warehouse get pick, pack and ship software?

There's a short answer and a long answer to this question.

The short answer is this. Is your reliance on manual processes leading to fulfilment errors and slowing you down? If yes, it's time to make the change.

The longer answer involves looking at this list and checking off all the statements that apply to you:

• We make frequent picking or shipping errors.
• Our staff wastes time looking for inventory.
• We handle multiple sales channels.
• We have difficulty tracking order status in real time.
• We need to add staff to keep up with orders.
• We receive customer complaints about incorrect or delayed shipments.
• Data analysis and reports cost us time and money.
  
  

If more than 50% of these statements apply to you, upgrading to software will almost certainly be beneficial.

If, however, you only process a small number of orders a day and rarely make fulfilment mistakes, there's no reason why you shouldn't rely on pens, paper and spreadsheets. But as you grow, keep in mind warehouse management systems and how they can streamline those essential warehouse ops.

Minster WMS is a UK-based developer of warehouse management solutions. Our software optimises the full spectrum of warehouse operations, from goods in to the last mile. Book a demo today to learn how our systems can transform yours.