Between 2021 and 2022, 2.3 billion orders were placed on online sales sites, with average shopping baskets up 6.5%, according to Fevad (Fédération du e-commerce et de la vente à distance). With an increase of 13.8%, sales in the dematerialized purchasing sector reached 146.9 billion euros. This market is as dynamic as it is competitive. That's why online stores need to take care of their customers' experience in order to win their loyalty.
Parcel preparation is a strategic logistics function on which customer satisfaction depends. An incomplete or poorly managed shipment means an unhappy customer who is unlikely to make a repeat purchase on the same site. In fact, according to a study carried out by Dynata for Shipup, 77% of customers will not return to an online store if the experience goes badly. So how do you optimize order preparation for e-commerce? D&fiGroupe answers!
What is order picking in e-commerce?
When a customer places an order online, the request is transmitted to thelogistics platform, and the requested items are picked and assembled in the specified quantity before the package is dispatched. Order picking is one of the most cost-intensive stages of e-commerce services, and needs to be optimized for efficiency and effectiveness.
Speed is therefore essential to reap the benefits and meet deadlines. The methods chosen may differ from one company to another, depending on criteria such as :
- the type of products transferred ;
- number of customers ;
- order selection ;
- organization techniques.
In warehouse inventory management, pallets or totes are the preferred loading units. Some orders may include several SKUs, requiring dedicated preparation.
Goods processing and dispatch must be coordinated with supply. Allocating an equivalent workload to the different operators on site helps to balance the preparation stage.
How can you cut shipping times and keep your stock levels up to date?
E-commerce orders are shipped within 24 hours as standard. Some services offer shorter delivery times, depending on the product or location. Optimizing lead times depends on the movements of operators in the warehouse and their actions, which must remain productive. The specific features of the site where orders are stored can also vary the organizational measures taken.
Picking, an order-picking method designed to organize inventory management in an orderly fashion, is crucial at this stage. When carried out efficiently and consistently, picking reduces order returns, a major logistical issue.
Managed via specific software, this phase of order picking considerably reduces the risk of errors. A mobile terminal can be installed to complement the picking devices and help operators to be more productive.
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What are the options for optimal storage?
To achieve controlled storage performance, companies are opting for management strategies across the various order stages. They sometimes rely on dark stores, physical warehouses dedicated exclusively to goods preparation. These are located in strategic urban areas, where they facilitate the logistics process.
Methods such as batch picking, which involves including several units in a single order, can be chosen. These solutions minimize costs compared with standard preparation stages. Storage facilities linked to online sales can opt for industrial mezzanines. These increase the surface area available for goods management.
Manual handling tools can also be exchanged for bin conveyors. These offer a faster flow supply line.
Is there any software for optimizing e-commerce orders?
Manual order picking involves a much higher error rate than an automated process. Software is available to update online registers with physical stock, all in real time. Some set up control panels to monitor transaction progress and analyze performance. This data can then be used to improve the production chain and reduce wasted time.
A stacker crane for bins is a robotized option for automating order picking. All storage and dispatch stages are accelerated, with a productivity boost of up to 25%. With this system, operators no longer need to search for product references, which are directly available on the software.
Is it necessary to use special furniture to store items?
The categorization and storage of goods are essential for fast, efficient order picking. Properly managing these logistical aspects reduces the time spent searching for items in the logistics platform and increases the efficiency of order pickers, which is why it's so important to allocate adequate furniture to them. For optimum integration, indicators such as item size, density and part numbers need to be recorded.
Storage organization is best suited to pallets or racks. Fast-moving items are better suited to dynamic furniture. The rest of the goods with low or normal turnover can make do with standard shelving. Reducing the drudgery of operations by improving workstation ergonomics can also boost productivity.
D&fiGroupe provides you with a logistics platform equipped with the most advanced technologies for optimized order preparation management. We guarantee that your parcels will reach your customers in excellent condition and within the shortest possible delivery times.
How about delegating your order picking to a supply chain expert? Our customer service team is at your disposal to discuss your project and boost customer satisfaction on your e-commerce site.
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