What is Pick and Pack Software?

Pick and pack software is a type of warehouse management software that helps businesses with the picking, packing, and shipping of orders. It is an invaluable tool for businesses that operate warehouses and need to accurately and quickly fulfill orders. It streamlines the order fulfillment process by automating picking and packing operations, which reduces the amount of time spent manually gathering items for orders and decreases the chances of errors.

The software is also able to track inventory levels, so businesses know what products are in stock and which have been sold. Additionally, it can generate shipping labels, which speeds up the process of getting orders out to customers. This software is also beneficial in generating reports which allows businesses to track customer orders and identify trends in purchasing behavior. Additionally, it can provide insights into the performance of the warehouse, aiding in the decision-making process. 

Benefits of Order Picking Software in Warehouse Fulfillment

Barcode Scanners Improve Order Picking Accuracy

Barcode scanners have revolutionized order picking accuracy in warehouses and distribution centers. By scanning each item as it is picked, these mobile devices can quickly and accurately determine what needs to be picked, and the quantity, and enhance inventory control. As they increase order accuracy, the need for manual counting is eliminated. It also helps to speed up the order picking process, resulting in faster order fulfillment and improved customer service. Barcode scanning also provides detailed tracking information that can be used to monitor inventory levels and the progress of orders.

Streamline Processes with Pick and Pack Software

As part of an overall warehouse management system (WMS), pick and pack software performs a broad array of tasks to streamline eCommerce order fulfillment and increase warehouse productivity. Order picking software generates pick lists (items, quantities, and storage locations at the facility), analyzes warehouse layout to determine the most efficient pick routes for pickers, and can also create workflows for complex picking methods used to pick orders (batch picking, wave picking, zone picking, etc.).

Regarding packing, pack and ship software can create pack lists to optimize the materials (insulation, parcels) used to pack a given order, and generate shipping labels and packing slips (shipping documents that list all the items that are included in a package).

Warehouse Automation Yields Increased Efficiency in Order Fulfillment Operations

Pick and pack software can help improve warehouse operations in a variety of ways. It can help optimize order picking by determining the most efficient route and automate the packing process to ensure accuracy. Automated shipping options can streamline the shipping process and inventory management can help reduce inventory costs. Additionally, pick and pack software can provide detailed reporting and analytics to help identify areas for improvement. 

Order Picking Software and Pick Lists Reduce Labor Costs

Order picking software and pick lists are effective tools for reducing labor costs in any business or supply chain. By streamlining and automating the order picking process, these tools can help reduce time spent on manual labor. For instance, order picking software can be used to optimize warehouse layouts so that employees are able to pick more items in less time, reducing the total number of employees needed and therefore reducing labor costs. Additionally, pick lists can be used to eliminate errors and unnecessary travel time, allowing employees to work more efficiently and reduce labor costs.

Optimize Your Customer Service with Pick and Pack Fulfillment Software

Pick and pack fulfillment software allows merchants to quickly and efficiently fulfill orders by dividing the process into two stages: picking items for the order and packing the items for shipping. This process enables merchants to quickly select and package items for customers, resulting in faster shipping times and a more efficient customer experience. Additionally, the software allows merchants to customize orders with special packaging and gift options, helping to create a memorable customer experience. By leveraging pick and pack software, merchants can provide customers with faster and more efficient service, while also creating a more personalized and enjoyable customer experience.

Comparing the Different Forms of Pick and Pack Fulfillment Software 

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) Provides Control of Your Warehouse

Warehouse management system software is used to optimize the storage, movement, and tracking of inventory in a warehouse setting. It is designed to help warehouse staff manage inventory, optimize order picking, and track inventory in real-time. 

Order Fulfillment Software Directs the Fulfillment Process

Order fulfillment software is used to manage the entire order fulfillment process, from the moment an order is placed to the point that it is shipped and delivered. It helps streamline the entire process, making it easier for businesses to manage orders and track inventory.

Order Management Software Provides a Clear View of Order Processing 

Order management software is used to manage customer orders from start to finish. It helps to automate the order process, from taking customer orders, to inventory management, to invoicing and payments. It helps businesses streamline their order process, ensuring orders are fulfilled in a timely manner.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Pick and Pack Software

Ease of Use is Paramount for Your Entire Team 

Ease of use is an essential factor to consider when choosing pick and pack software. It is important that the software is simple and intuitive for users to understand, as this will ensure its successful adoption and usage. If a software is confusing and difficult to use, it may create delays and inefficiencies in the pick and pack process, leading to unhappy customers and decreased productivity.

  For maximum efficiency, the software should provide easy access to the necessary information and capabilities. For example, the software should be designed in a way that allows users to quickly find the data they need, and should also be easy to navigate. It should also provide tools and features that are simple to operate and understand. Additionally, it should be designed with a user-friendly interface, providing helpful guides and tutorials to help users understand how to use the software quickly and effectively.

Level of Automation Must Optimize Your Warehouse Picking Operations

A high level of automation is a key factor to consider when choosing pick and pack software because it can help to reduce labor expenses, improve overall accuracy and efficiency, and reduce the amount of time spent on manual processes. Automated pick and pack software can reduce or eliminate the need for manual order picking, packing, and shipping processes, allowing for faster order fulfillment and improved customer satisfaction. Automated software can also provide real-time tracking of inventory and orders, allowing for better inventory management and visibility. 

An Efficient eCommerce Stack Demands Seamless Software Integrations

Seamless integration is a key factor to consider when choosing pick and pack software because it helps ensure that the software integrates seamlessly with existing systems, such as inventory management, order management, shipment management, and accounts receivable software. This helps to streamline the entire pick and pack process and eliminate manual data entry and errors. It also allows for greater visibility and control throughout the process, as well as improved accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, seamless integration with other systems helps to ensure that the pick and pack software is up-to-date with the latest regulations and industry standards.

Cost Must Always Be Part of the Equation

The software should be able to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency in order to maximize return on investment. Additionally, the cost of the software should be weighed against the potential benefits the organization can gain from using it. Depending on the size of the organization, there may be different software packages that offer different levels of functionality for varying prices. It is important to evaluate all options to ensure the organization is selecting the most cost-effective solution for their needs.

Create a Comprehensive System for Your eCommerce Business with SkuNexus Pick and Pack Software

As part of a broad-based fulfillment solution, SkuNexus pick and pack software is designed to have the flexibility to meet your needs. When it comes to deciding on software to manage your warehouse fulfillment operations, think about not only your most pressing current issues, but also how you might like to be doing things 1, 3, and 5 years from now.

For example, the implementation of directed picking might be a vast improvement over current manual processes, but is the system sophisticated enough to run complex strategies that you and your team might need to employ as the company grows?

An automated system should be at the forefront of any solution you consider. The reduction of manual processes within pick-and-pack operations is paramount, from improving picking accuracy to saving employee time to reducing material waste by eliminating decision-making during packing.

Not all platforms are created equal. As your business grows, the ability to easily and seamlessly integrate that growth with your software will let you focus on other things and save countless time, frustration and headaches.

Do not overlook the team behind the software, either. A management software provider should be a consultant and trusted partner, not just another vendor you use. 

At SkuNexus, we take great pride in not only designing flexible systems that grow alongside our customers, but also in the strength of those relationships. Our dedicated support and development team works closely with clients to discuss ideas, provide advice, and help tailor the software to fit their needs.

If you would like to learn more about how SkuNexus can help your eCommerce business, please schedule a demo.