Pick, Pack, Ship: Know What You Need When Choosing A Full Service Provider

here are plenty of warehousing and packaging companies available to handle your pick, pack, ship needs, but not all of them offer full service customer support or even the appropriate engineering, space or software in order to fully automate your order fulfillment requirements. When you're ready to talk look for an order fulfillment expert, have some questions prepared and be sure you can get the coverage you need for all the operations you want to outsource. Experienced pick, pack, ship providers will be able to answer your questions and outline their proposal clearly so that you know what they can and can't offer.

Voice Pick -- What Version Are They Using?

Voice pick is the newest solution to order fulfillment on the market. No longer in its infancy, voice pick can now provide extreme accuracy and fast picking by using impressive voice recognition protocols that mean multiple users can use the system when necessary. Ask about the database system -- does it offer a way to record voice directed picking activities? Can users easily refer to an order look-up screen as needed? Can the voice activated system be directed to use specific templates for carton, cart or pallet? The more flexibility that's built into their voice system, the less likely it is you'll have to scrap one system for another as you expand your operations.

Does The Company Have In-House Engineering And Development?

It's preferable to work with a fulfillment service that has in-house engineers and developers who can take a novel approach to the pick, pack, ship process and turn it into a customized solution for your business. Hiring a warehousing and shipping business that can't redesign an old system or develop a new one for your shipping needs can't evolve without outside help. Be sure you ask whether they have in-house engineers and designers who will work with your company as your needs change. In-house experts can create customized solutions that will minimize touch, lower labor costs and improve your ROI. Guaranteed validation of the expected results of any customization should also be offered by any pick, pack, ship organization.

Do They Offer Advanced Print And Apply Systems?

Print and apply systems can significantly reduce labor costs when combined with automatic packing. They also improve the accuracy of printed address and packing labels. In fact, you can reduce shipping costs significantly simply by using a print and apply system that lets a single operator do the work of up to 15 traditional work stations focused on manifests and labeling. The best print and apply solutions take into account the size of your product, any special packaging needs and your ultimate cost saving goals.

How Can They Help You Reach Your Goals?

Any warehousing, packing and shipping provider can get the job done, but you're looking for one that can not only get it done, but do so in a way that will improve your bottom line and customer satisfaction. Be very clear about what you're looking for. Is saving time or saving money your primary goal? Do you need to increase order accuracy or delivery times? Will you need substantial warehousing space for your products?

Getting the answers to some straightforward questions will quickly tell you whether a company can combine all your needs, including voice activated automation, print and apply, and pick, pack, ship systems, into one customizable solution.