Pick and Pack Order Fulfillment
The order fulfillment pick and pack process is the key factor in how efficiently the warehouse operates. The pick and pack process starts at receiving, as client product is slotted together in front stock locations for picking. This allows for the most efficient picking workflow while consolidating each client’s footprint. From there, our warehouse management software uses advanced logic to batch orders together to choose the correct batch sizes and best routes in the warehouse to process orders efficiently. The product is scanned at both the pick and pack process, which enables the industry's best order fulfillment accuracy of 99.9%
The order fulfillment pick and pack process is the culmination of various warehouse processes that determine how efficiently and quickly the warehouse is able to process orders. Order integration and processing involves our warehouse management software connecting to one or multiple sales channels to pull in the orders that need to be processed. Our warehouse management software directs the order-picking process and is deployed to handle held scanners that batch-pick orders into individual bins. The order-packing process involves scanning each product’s UPC to confirm accuracy and then securely packing it into the appropriate box or polybag.
Encore’s warehouse management system connects to the most popular e-commerce sales channels, enabling true omnichannel order fulfillment. If a direct integration is not prebuilt, third-party integration software and custom API options allow flexible and fast integration. As orders are imported, predefined rules are applied to each order to ensure brand guidelines, shipping rules, and shipping deadlines are all met. Finally, advanced logic is applied to the orders to batch and route them in the warehouse for the most efficient pick processing.
Encore’s warehouse management software defines the order-picking process. At Encore, we segregate order picking into three separate categories: batch picking of the same orders, batch picking of like orders picked to a pick cart, and wholesale picking. For standard e-commerce orders, the processing logic batches these into the same orders and like orders and then routes them to the warehouse for picking. Wholesale picking is directed to pick from bulk storage locations to reduce replenishment of front stock and increase efficiency.
The order-packing process is the final check to ensure order accuracy and optimized package use for shipping. At packing, each item is UPC scanned to ensure order accuracy. From there, our packers are trained in brand presentation and packing protocol. Finally, our packers use the smallest viable box to minimize dimensional weight and optimize shipping.
Encore’s order shipping is fully automated after the packing process. Our shipping software scans the package identifier applied on each package during the pack-out process to pull up the shipping details.. From there, our shipping software scans the exact package dimensions and weighs each package. Next, our shipping software checks the address on the orders and applies any address corrections. Finally, our software true rate shops the shipment based on the shipping group selected to select the cheapest shipping option while making sure the shipment is delivered on time.
Customizable branded packaging and inserts are one of the primary ways that clients use to enhance the delivery experience. Our options to customize packaging, inserts, and other value-added touch points are completely system-driven. This ensures that our client’s brand is delivered according to their brand standards and expectations each and every time.
Throughout the order fulfillment process, we manage our clients' inventory to optimize for accuracy and efficiency. For accuracy, this includes internal protocols to ensure that our receiving, picking, and shipping meet industry-best standards. For efficiency, we optimize by slotting client products together in front stock for picking while utilizing available higher-level rack locations for back stock.
Whether selling on a single platform or through multiple sales channels, our software makes connecting easy. We support direct integrations with major ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, etc. For sales channels that are not supported, we can connect to 100s of other platforms via a 3rd Party integration partner. Finally, if needed, we can support connecting via API if a custom connection is required.
We partner with companies that need hassle-free, flexible order fulfillment. Our concierge service and support allow our partners to focus on growth while we efficiently handle their warehousing and order fulfillment. Encore’s on-site account managers act as an extension of each partner brand. The culmination of our experience, processes, and software ensures that each brand is set up for success.
Customizable branded packaging and inserts are one of the primary ways that ecommerce brands use to enhance the delivery experience. Our options to customize packaging, inserts, and other value-added touch points are completely system-driven. This ensures that our client’s brand is delivered according to their brand standards and expectations each and every time.
Shipping is one of the largest costs associated with running an ecommerce business. At Encore, we leverage our combined shipping spend and relationships with carriers to deliver our clients the most competitive rates possible. Additionally, our software utilizes a true rate shop on every shipment to select the cheapest shipping option while delivering within the expected timeframe.
Inventory can get messy fast, causing oversells, which can lead to a customer service nightmare and negative customer experience. Our software provides our clients with full access to real-time inventory reporting. For each product, it tracks the quantity on hand, quantity reserved, quantity on back order, and quantity expected. Additionally, the software provides full transaction history for each SKU. Finally, there’s an extensive list of prebuilt reports for those who want to track product usage, sales velocity, and other key metrics.
Encore’s software provides full visibility of each order's status. This enables tracking order progress through the warehouse to final delivery to the customer. This gives our clients peace of mind when tracking the status of important orders within the warehouse. Additionally, this visibility allows our clients to quickly answer questions and deal with customer service issues as they arise.
Order accuracy is one of Encore's pillars. We require that all inventory have a UPC, which allows us to achieve the industry-best order accuracy of 99.9%. This order accuracy achieves multiple efficiency gains in the warehouse and for our clients. It improves inventory accuracy because orders are sent out correctly. Additionally, it reduces customer service burden because customers receive their orders correctly the first time.
Delays are expected when producing or importing goods, which can cause issues with out-of-stock inventory or missed marketing deadlines. Often, the product is behind schedule at the manufacturer, delayed at customs, or rescheduled by freight carriers. At Encore, we know that timely receipt of expected inbounds is essential for our clients to hit their goals and continue to scale. By following our inbound process, we receive and slot clients' inventory within 1 to 2 days of it arriving at our warehouses.
We understand the compounding burdens that occur when things do not ship out correctly: incorrect inventory, additional shipping costs, lost product costs, and negative customer feedback. While we strive to be perfect (99.9% is close), we know that issues will happen in the warehouse. In the instance that we do make a mistake, we cover the cost of our mistakes to align our incentives with our clients.
For growing brands looking for a hassle-free, flexible order fulfillment partner, Encore is the best choice. From our dedicated service and onsite account managers to our exceptional software and robust processes, we provide the operations that allow businesses to scale. If you are a growing brand that needs a best-in-class fulfillment partner that you can trust, Encore Fulfillment is here to help. Get in touch with us today!
© 2024 Encore Fulfillment, Inc. All Rights Reserved