The Picking and Packing Pressure Cooker
Fulfillment speed makes or breaks warehouse success. Optimizing the picker packer workflow is how you win the race. The rise of 1-day and same-day delivery has raised the bar for speed and accuracy. Picking and packing can account for over 50% of total labor costs in most warehouses.
The challenge is balancing speed, accuracy, and labor efficiency. Tech data, and flexible temp labor are reshaping how warehouses stay competitive. Fulfilment speed starts with your workflow and the people who power it.
Step 1: Map and Simplify Your Picking Paths
Most slow-downs happen between picks, not at the packing table. Analyze current routes using data from your WMS or manual time studies.
Reduce travel distance by grouping SKUs that are frequently ordered together. Implement zone picking or batch picking to minimize cross-aisle congestion. Use vertical space and smart slotting to keep high-velocity items near packing areas.
Temporary warehouse workers can assist in re-slotting inventory and rearranging aisles during optimization projects. Warehouse job apps like Bacon let you quickly staff warehouse shifts for these organizations.
With simple picking paths warehouse managers can hire picking and packing workers confidently because they will be already set up for success. This can take pressure off managers trying to source warehouse temp staffing for peak seasons as well.
Step 2: Standardize the Packing Process
Consistency eliminates confusion and confusion kills speed. Create visual SOPs or Standard Operating Procedures for packing common order types. Pre-stage supplies like boxes, tape, labels, and inserts in ergonomic zones.
Assign clear roles to workers like picker, packer, quality check, and labeler. Make sure each worker knows what their role is responsible for.
Use checklists of tablets for order confirmation and real-time updates. During busy periods, use temporary warehouse workers to handle tasks like labeling or boxing.
Traditional temp agencies near you can’t fill shifts fast. Bacon’s on-demand model means you can instantly post and fill positions as volume spikes. On Bacon workers pick up warehouse shifts that fit their schedule so they are more likely to come to your shifts.
Step 3: Use Data and Tech to Track Performance
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Leverage WMS data to monitor picking speed, accuracy, and dwell time. Use scanners and digital dashboards to identify bottlenecks. Recognize top performers, both full-time and temp labor, to encourage respect.
Predict labor needs using order volume trends and schedule temp labor ahead of time. Using platforms like Bacon to post in advance makes it easier to find warehouse staff. The Bacon Score even helps identify top-rated temporary warehouse workers who consistently deliver quality and speed.
Data gives you the roadmap to constant improvement and to scaling labor exactly when you need it.
Step 4: Cross-Train and Build a Flexible Labor Pool
The most efficient warehouses can shift gears instantly when volume surges. Cross-train pickers and packers to handle multiple stations. Rotate workers regularly to build adaptability and reduce burnout.
Use temp labor strategically during seasonal peaks or promotions. This helps bring more workers into your warehouse and helps full-time workers avoid burnout.
Bacon’s on-demand staffing platform allows managers to
- Access background-checked workers instantly
- Fill open shifts fast
- Keep operations moving without adding long-term payroll costs.
Compared to traditional temp agencies who take days to fill shifts, Bacon fills shifts in hours. A flexible workforce is your secret weapon for unstoppable fulfillment speed.
Step 5: Prioritize Worker Morale and Safety
Fast doesn't mean frantic. Safe, engaged workers stay productive longer. Optimize ergonomic setups to prevent fatigue. Such as adjustable tables, lighter totes, and anti-fatigue mats.
Encourage short stretch breaks, which boost accuracy and morale. Recognize great performance with small rewards or shout-out, these go a long way.
Reinforce that quality and safety don’t slow things down, they make speed sustainable. Happy, safe workers pack better, faster, and longer.
Conclusion
Smarter workflows and stronger teams mean faster fulfillment. Efficient layouts, standardized processes, real time tracking, flexible staffing, and morale all drive fulfillment speed.
Bacon bridges the gap between smart processes and a smart way to find warehouse workers. Letting you find pickers and packers fast and scale as demand grows.
Need to speed up fulfillment without burning out your team? Use Bacon to staff warehouse shifts instantly with reliable, rated workers, no waiting, no agency runaround.
