One of the most important stages in your company's sales process is order preparation. An error in the products purchased, a package in poor condition or a delay in delivery will have a direct impact on your brand image. What's more, it will slow down your workflow and impact your productivity.
That's why it's vital to be well organized, and to take the time to train the various members of your team in the different stages of this process. You will also need to equip your order pickers with quality handling equipment to guarantee their efficiency and safety.
Order picking stages
An efficient order-picking circuit must be well standardized to minimize the margin for human error at the various stages. In addition, it is advisable to prepare well in advance for the receipt of an order. For example, stocks should be well stocked with best-selling products.
- Picking of ordered items in the warehouse
Once your customer has ordered one or more items, your product pickers will head for the warehouse or wherever you keep your stock. These areas need to be optimized so that staff know exactly where they're going to find what they've come to pick. Roller carts are preferable for storage. Operators should also be equipped with good-quality, functional order pickers or picking carts, to avoid slowing down the process and to protect your goods.
- Packaging and labelling
Now that the various items making up the order have been assembled, it's time to take care of the packaging. Depending on the type of merchandise you're selling, you can opt for bubble wrap, cardboard, wood or plastic... The important thing is that your products are protected and arrive in excellent condition. Before closing the parcel, place the invoice inside. Finally, the parcel should be labelled with the customer's name and address. It will also contain other information useful to your carrier.
- Check
We place this step in third position, but it needs to be repeated at every stage to ensure that there are no errors in the part numbers or number of products ordered. Care must also be taken when labelling to ensure that the order from customer X is not attributed to customer Y. Last but not least, it's very important to weigh the package before dispatch, to make sure it contains the right capacity, and to be clear with your transport provider.
- Shipping and order tracking
The shipping process itself needs to be well structured. It's best, of course, to group several orders together and determine the time at which they will be ready. This way, your carrier will be kept informed of your organization and will know when to pick them up.
The ideal next step would be to have software that allows you to track the flow of products from the moment they leave your store to the moment they are received by your customers.
- Returns management
Fortunately, this is not always the case, but some unsatisfied customers may want to return items for exchange or refund. It's important that you implement a clear and transparent returns policy. In addition, you need to plan for the reintroduction of returned products into your stock, and therefore into your inventory.
Order picking cart
Saving time and improving ergonomics is now possible with the order picking cart. At Rolls Rapides, we've created a range of customizable models to suit your needs.
Why buy or hire handling equipment from Rolls Rapides ?
As you've already understood, material handling equipment is essential for successful order picking, avoiding delays and satisfying customers.
In fact, you'll need rolls right from the outset. This type of tool is perfect for organizing your supplies and stock. Rolls rapides offers a range of models. There's even a made-to-measure model to suit your needs and your products.
Then, when it's time to pick, you'll need picking carts, order pickers or specific equipment. All this is offered by our French SME, with over 30 years' expertise in the field. You can rent or buy new equipment, specially designed for you, or even second-hand. So, even if your budget is limited, you'll be able to meet your objectives in terms of devices and employee safety.
At Rolls Rapides , customer satisfaction is our top priority. From the outset, we'll guide you in your choice of carts or rolls. These are made to the highest quality standards. But if you do have a problem, we'll be happy to help you repair it.
