WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PICKING AND PACKING?

Picking and Packing are essential to optimize the management of a warehouse.

THE PICKING

The word "picking" translates from English as "collection, selection, or gathering." It refers to the process of preparing an order, where products are selected and collected from different locations in a warehouse and then organized before being packaged and then shipped to the final recipient. Although picking can be performed manually, the trend is increasingly toward automation to increase efficiency.

The process can be somewhat flexible, adapting to the characteristics and needs of each company. Although each company has its own methodology, the ultimate goal is the same for all.

This process generally involves the following activities:

1. Order reception: This is the first moment in which the company receives the consumer's order and sends the information to the warehouse workers.
2. Warehouse tour: Workers have the order ready to begin collecting the products.
3. Product selection: Workers, using a picking machine, begin collecting the products selected by the buyer and take them to the package to be shipped.
4. Order verification: Once all the products are grouped together, they are verified to ensure they are correct, that is, that they match the end consumer's order.

PACKING

 Once the order has been verified, the wrapping process begins, which is when Packing comes into play, the final packaging process in which the following activities are carried out:

5. Packaging: This involves placing the products, one by one, in the container or box to prevent them from being damaged.
6. Order packaging: the final process of closing the box, container, etc. where the products to be shipped are placed.
7. Order shipping: Packages, grouped on a pallet, are sent through a distribution company to reach the consumer.

The vast majority of logistics companies have this entire process fully automated. Employees are only responsible for reviewing the final packaging, packing, and packing results, which makes it much faster and can also reduce service costs. Once this packaging process is complete, operators begin moving the package to the transport system so it can be sent to its destination.

At this point it is important to mention the differences between:

• Packaging: Main container that contains the product (e.g. water bottle)
• Packaging: Contains and protects several units of product in its packaging (e.g. water pack)
• Packaging: Unifies and facilitates the transport of several units of packaged products (e.g., a box with water packs).

In short, Picking is the process that consists of preparing the order and
Packing is the procedure within a logistics process in which various products ordered by the customer are packaged, wrapped, and packed. The final result of the process is the creation of the package that will be delivered to the consumer. Picking and packing are vitally important tasks because any error during these processes can lead to incorrect deliveries, damaged merchandise, or delivery delays. Thus, for optimal shipping, these two tasks must be combined to provide an efficient and effective service.