Issues with shipping could be costly and result in poor customer satisfaction. In addition, shipping costs cannot be repaired, which means any mistakes are likely to be expensive. How can you prevent these mistakes or, better yet, avoid them?
Typical Errors in Warehouse Shipping
The following areas are among the most frequent mistakes in warehouse management, and especially in the receiving and shipping processes.
Inaccurate Information
The most frequent mistake in the process of shipping is inaccurate data. This could be the result of human error, like entering the wrong data into the system, or caused by incorrect scanning of the items that are brought out and into the warehouse. In either case, it could create problems with order accuracy and customer satisfaction.
Inaccurate labeling
A common error made by warehouses is when an item that is not labeled correctly is delivered to the wrong customer. A mistake in labeling could result in the product being shipped to a different location altogether.
Inaccurate Items
Sometimes, the wrong item is delivered to a client. Such errors can occur due to the fact that the worker placed the wrong item inside the package or did not record the correct details.
Unsuitable Packaging and Packing
Another common error made by warehouse workers when shipping is poor packing. It happens when workers fail to properly pack the item, and this can result in it becoming damaged while in transit.
Inappropriate Shipping Method
Some people choose the wrong method of shipping when sending goods. This could result in the item being damaged in the transport process or that it arrives in a hurry.
Late Transporters
Late delivery could have a major impact on the fulfillment process. They could result in late deadlines, shipments that are not delivered, and, ultimately, the dissatisfaction of customers. In some instances, delayed carriers could result in lost sales.
Reasons for Errors in Warehouse Shipping
No Inventory Control
One of the primary reasons for mistakes in warehouse shipping is poor or inadequate management of your inventory. A well-organized inventory management system can help to reduce errors in shipping since it helps you maintain stock of the items you need and ensures that you ship the right products.
In addition, inventory management can make it easier to identify the time when products are at a low, allowing you to buy more in the event that you run out. This means that you’re less likely to be out of stock and then have to purchase more, which means an improved supply chain.
No Picking Technique
One of the best methods to guarantee the accuracy of orders is to utilize a certain selection method.
When items are chosen to be ordered, the same method must be followed every time, so that the picking process is consistent. This will help avoid errors like choosing the wrong item or selecting too many or a small amount of items.
Implementing a system to pick orders will also ensure that the person picking orders knows how to proceed and what time to perform it. A well-organized process for picking will aid in accelerating the process of picking and can be useful in a warehouse that has many customers to choose from.
Customary Order and Inventory Monitoring
In the warehouse, human error is among the biggest adversaries. When warehouse managers have the ability to automate or eliminate human input, the chance of making a mistake decreases.
An inventory management system that is digital can reduce human error by providing accurate details about what items need to be shipped. Automating the process of entering information (adding and taking inventory) is an extremely useful method to avoid errors made in warehouse shipping. With accurate data, the picker will be aware of what they should pick and when, and purchasing teams can make purchases based on accurate levels of inventory.
Poor Design
The layout of the warehouse can have a significant impact on the number of shipping errors that happen. A bad layout can create confusion and disarray, which results in mistakes occurring. Warehouses are all limited in the amount of space, so be sure that you make use of the space as efficiently as you can.
Furthermore, a bad layout could result in employees being forced to walk for miles to get to the things they require, which could lead to frustration and even errors. A proper layout should be simple to navigate and should permit employees to move around with ease. This can reduce the likelihood of errors occurring.
Tips for improving the layout of warehouses:
- Don’t overestimate the size of your receiving area requirements.
- Separate areas for receiving and shipping (or, at a minimum, docks that are separate).
- Improve the lanes and areas within the warehouse to facilitate picking.
- It is imperative to clearly label everything.
- Create a map of your warehouse.
Typical Warehouse Shipping Practices
If you don’t adhere to proper shipping practices, you could end up damaging or losing your goods. Unsuitable packaging can cause damaged items during shipping, as well as using the incorrect shipping company can result in issues. You must monitor your packages to ensure that they arrive on time and safely. The proper shipping procedure is essential to ensure that your items arrive in good condition and on time.
Purchase a WMS (Warehouse Management System).
The warehouse management program is a form of inventory management system that monitors all your inventory levels, shipping, and receiving procedures for you. It frees your employees from having to manually track data, which is extremely inefficient and vulnerable to errors.
Weigh Packages Correctly
It is essential to weigh packages for warehouse order fulfillment since it ensures that the packages meet the weight limits for the transporter. If a package weighs more than the carrier is able to charge an extra cost. This is costly and may result in delays in the delivery of the package.
If the package is too large, it may cause damage to the items in transit. After a certain point, it is more sensible to use pallets and shipping via LTL instead of small parcels. The weighing of packages can help you determine what type of shipping method to use to prevent damage.
Obtain the Correct Packing and Packaging Materials
It is crucial to pack your items from the warehouses. If you fail to properly pack your goods, it is possible that they will be damaged during transport. Unsuitable packaging could result in products being crushed, squished, or even soaked. Be sure to have the proper shipping equipment and package your items correctly to prevent any harm during shipping.
Properly Label Packages
One method of ensuring that your packages are labeled correctly is to use the right shipping labels. Warehouse management systems are extremely useful in making labeling more precise and efficient. This is because it automates the transfer of data from the order to the printer, which reduces human error.
Choose the Right Carrier to Ship With
When shipping goods from a warehouse, it’s essential to select the correct shipping method. The wrong choice of carrier could cause problems, for instance, damaged or lost packages. You should research various carriers before choosing the one that’s best for your requirements.
The most popular carrier types comprise USPS, FedEx, and UPS. Each one of these carriers has its particular strengths and weaknesses. When choosing a carrier, ensure you consider the cost, speed, and quality of service.
When you’ve selected the carrier you want to use, it is crucial to know their shipping policies. Make sure that you pack your items properly and use the appropriate shipping labels. Follow the steps carefully to avoid any mistakes when shipping.
Monitor Your Packages
It is also essential to monitor your packages so you know exactly where they are, as well as when they’re due to arrive. The majority of carriers offer tracking services that permit you to track the progress that your packages are in.
This information could be useful should there be any issues with your shipment. Be sure to monitor your packages frequently so that you are aware of the progress they make.
Conclusions
I hope that the suggestions in this article helped you to identify and start to eliminate shipping and packing errors, or other issues that arise in your warehousing procedures. These tips can help you save money, improve the quantity of stock, and boost the efficiency of order picking, storage space, timely delivery, and other warehousing activities.
