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How can you reduce the lead time of your online shop?
1. Factors affecting lead times.
There is no doubt that the 21st century can be said to have opened up new opportunities and put the focus on online trade. The development of online shops has further accelerated in conjunction with the pandemic. In addition to more choice, customers are tempted by more attractive prices than in stationary shops. When an order is placed, a complex process begins which is carried out or coordinated by the retailer to finalise the order. The goods must be completed and prepared for shipment. The two longest and most demanding stages.
On the other hand, it is at this point that customers push the most and expect their shipments to be prioritised. This is feasible, but only if there are at most a few orders, and such situations are extremely rare.
What can be done about it? How to speed up and improve picking and shipping?
Feel free to read on!
The first activity carried out at this point by the warehouseman is picking. It can be carried out in various ways, usually depending on the characteristics and design of the warehouse in question. Quite often, it is carried out manually, but it must be mentioned that this method is very slow and, in the case of larger areas, very complicated. In addition to being drawn out over time, it is easy to make mistakes, resulting in returns or bad feedback from dissatisfied customers.
The manager in charge of dispatching from the warehouse does not want to lead to such situations and aims to streamline the work.
In order to persuade customers to order more often, you need to make everything attractive – speed, shipping form and lower delivery costs. Failure to respond to customer needs and closing yourself off to innovations in shipping methods may not be well received.
The use of appropriate equipment or warehouse furniture can also help.
2. Solutions to improve work in the warehouse:
If a warehouse prefers manual picking, we recommend using picking trolleys. They facilitate the picking of goods without unnecessary lifting and the transport itself is faster.
Such trolleys come in many versions of design, so everyone can adapt them perfectly to their warehouse and specific work. For the most versatile applications, container / cuvette trolleys can be used. They come in two sizes, standard and enlarged. Containers can be placed on them for direct order picking.
For greater convenience, trolleys with adjustable shelves are recommended. They are adjustable in height and even in angle. Loading materials into the cuvettes becomes easier and much more convenient.
When you are not using bins but are looking to transport large items – we recommend the trolley with adjustable basket. The special mounting system makes it possible to quickly change its hanging height or remove it completely.
Smaller parcels are sometimes easier to transport on special trolleys with sturdy shelves. They are available in several sizes and can always be individually designed. With this option, you will have the opportunity to tailor them exactly to your warehouse specifications.
The items collected in the trolleys travel to special packing tables. Their design allows them to have all the necessary accessories and tools at the operator’s fingertips. The tables have various shelves and holders. Knives, tape or writing utensils can be deposited on them. The laptop and monitor have their fixed places, which do not restrict movement when manoeuvring boxes. Dedicated shelves make it easy to segregate cartons and envelopes, and will also accommodate a code scanner, label printer or even a fitted scale. Wrapping paper and stretch film are robustly attached and easy to reach for at any time.
Tests have shown that packing tables reduce the use of packing materials by 20% and the packages themselves look more aesthetically pleasing. When all materials are in place, packing time is even halved. Ultimately, employees multiply their productivity, their work is much more comfortable and ergonomic.
A solidly packed and secured parcel can be used as an additional advertising space for the shop. Fast shipping, as long as it is not just a slogan but the actual way it is delivered, can be used as an additional slogan for a shop’s advertising campaign. Many potential customers focus on this aspect.
Picking and efficient packing alone are not enough. It is worth having order, both at the packing station and throughout the warehouse. Properly chosen warehouse racks are an important element of the overall appearance and functionality of the rooms. They provide easy access to goods, make it easier to take stock and check the current stock levels.
The robust construction with a minimum of bolted connections ensures their stability and durability for years of intensive use.
d) Accessories
Once you have tables and shelves, it is worth investing in accessories that provide convenience and safety for your work:
- rack for stretch film,
- wall holder for bubble wrap stretch film,
- mobile waste sack holder,
- scale,
- specialised chairs,
- adjustable footrests,
- containers,
- tape,
- knives and spare blades.
Accessories stored in close proximity streamline the work and influence its quality. Evenly cut wrapping paper contributes to the aesthetics of the package.
Nothing gets lost, tape and foil are always close by and replenished on a regular basis. The foil rack means you don’t have to walk extra to pick it up and waste time. The sack holder helps to collect and dispose of the rubbish easily and without cluttering up the work area.
3. Benefits of modern furniture and warehouse equipment.
Thanks to the use of ergonomic products, the work of the entire warehouse is changed, which in turn shortens the delivery time of the online shop. Parcels are prepared efficiently and quickly and are well protected against damage. The customer is satisfied and more likely to place further orders.
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