Picking and Packing in logistics: Differences, types and examples

In the dynamic world of logistics management, efficiency in key processes such as picking and packing is essential to ensure timely and accurate delivery of products to end customers. In this article, we will explore the concepts of picking and packing in depth, highlighting the importance of these processes in the logistics flow and how they contribute to operational excellence. In addition, we will examine how FM Logistic – a global logistics operator, employs specialized logistics solutions to optimize these critical phases, ensuring an agile supply chain adapted to market needs.

Picking is an essential process in the supply chain that involves the selection and picking of specific products from a warehouse to fulfill customer orders. This crucial step ensures accuracy and efficiency in product distribution and is fundamental to FM Logistic’s logistics.

The picking process involves the identification, location and extraction of stored products. From order receipt to delivery, it is carried out using advanced technologies, such as warehouse management systems and scanning devices, optimizing speed and reducing errors.

Examples of picking include voice picking, where operators receive instructions through audio devices to select products, and light picking, which uses light indicators to guide workers to the correct items in the warehouse. Also, batch picking groups multiple orders into a single process, increasing efficiency in picking multiple shipments simultaneously. These methods highlight the diversity of approaches that companies, such as FM Logistic, can employ to optimize their picking operations.

Packing, also known as packaging, refers to the process of preparing and packing products in an adequate manner for transportation, warehousing and logistics services management or distribution. This step in the supply chain ensures that products arrive at their final destination in optimal conditions and in compliance with safety standards. In the logistics context, packing involves selecting the right type of packaging, ensuring that products are properly protected and labeled, and organizing them efficiently to facilitate their handling and your freight forwarding service. An efficient packing process is essential to ensure the integrity of the goods and optimize distribution logistics.

In the packing process, several essential activities are carried out to prepare products for shipment or distribution. These include:

Examples of packing techniques include:

The main differences between packing and picking are:

Picking: Refers to the process of selecting and picking specific products from a warehouse to fulfill customer orders.

Packing: Involves the preparation and packaging of selected products for shipment or distribution, ensuring that they are properly protected and labeled.

Picking: Occurs in the initial phase of the chain, in the warehouse, when products are extracted from inventory.

Packing: Occurs after picking and precedes shipping, since it involves the final preparation of the products before leaving the warehouse.

Picking: Includes identifying, locating and extracting products according to orders, using management systems and technologies to optimize efficiency.

Packing: Involves selecting the right type of packaging, protecting the products, labeling them and organizing them efficiently for transport.

Picking: Ensure accuracy and speed in picking products to fulfill orders efficiently.

Packing: Ensure that products are properly protected, labeled and organized for transportation, maintaining the integrity of the merchandise.

Yes, picking and packing are closely related in a warehouse, forming an integral part of logistics management. These two processes are usually followed sequentially to prepare and ship products efficiently:

In the picking phase, products are selected and picked from inventory according to specific customer orders. Operators use warehouse management systems and technologies such as scanners to optimize picking and ensure accuracy.

After the products have been picked in the picking process, packing begins. In packing, the selected products are packed and prepared for shipment. This involves choosing the right packaging, protecting the products and labeling them correctly.

The efficiency of picking execution directly impacts the effectiveness of packing. Accurate and fast picking provides accurate products for packing, ensuring that the products are ready for shipment in a proper manner. Effective coordination between these two phases is essential to achieve a smooth supply chain and meet delivery deadlines.