pickandpack

Pickandpack is a warehousing and order fulfillment process in which items needed for customer orders are first picked from storage and then packed for shipment. The term is common in e-commerce fulfillment, retail distribution, and third-party logistics (3PL) operations. It describes a two-step workflow turning inventory into ready-to-ship orders. Some sources also use the hyphenated form pick-and-pack.

Workflow typically begins when an order is received and inventory is allocated. Workers or automation pick items from shelves according to a picking list or digital cue. Items are verified with scanners or voice-directed picking, then moved to a packing station where they are packed with appropriate materials, labeled, weighed, and sealed. The completed carton is prepared for shipping and inventory records are updated.

Picking strategies vary to balance accuracy and speed. Single-order picking prioritizes accuracy but can be slower, while batch, wave, and zone picking aim to increase throughput. Tools such as pick-to-light, voice-directed picking, barcode scanning, and a warehouse management system (WMS) support these methods and may be paired with automation like conveyors or robotic sorters.

Packaging and quality control address protection and efficiency. Packing guidelines help protect items and optimize carton size; cartonization determines the best carton for contents. Labels and barcodes are applied, and quality checks may confirm contents and packaging integrity before sealing.

Performance and layout considerations affect outcomes. Key metrics include order accuracy, pick rate, packing accuracy, dock-to-stock time, and cost per order. A successful pickandpack operation relies on organized storage, accurate inventory control, and coordination with inbound receiving and outbound shipping.

Variations and scope can occur where pickandpack is part of broader fulfillment, including kitting, returns processing, or cross-docking. The method adapts to product mix and service levels from standard e-commerce to high-value or fragile items.