Questions about pick and pack? Our professional team is here to help.
For importers, exporters, and manufacturers operating in the e-commerce space, logistics is more than shipping—it’s a competitive advantage. Nowhere is this clearer than in the pick and pack process. As demand for faster delivery and higher order accuracy grows, understanding how pick and pack works—and how to evaluate it—has never been more important.
Canadian Alliance Terminals provides comprehensive fulfilment solutions from our strategically located warehouse in the Vancouver Lower Mainland. This article breaks down the pick and pack process, explores its role in efficient fulfilment, and offers practical advice on assessing whether your current provider meets modern standards.
What Is Pick and Pack?
Pick and pack is the process of selecting individual items from inventory (picking) and packaging them for shipment (packing). It is a core function of any fulfilment centre and sits at the heart of modern e-commerce logistics.
This process involves:
- Retrieving ordered products from storage shelves or bins
- Assembling items into a single shipment
- Packing the order securely with appropriate materials
- Labelling the package for accurate delivery
A well-executed pick and pack system minimizes errors, reduces costs, and ensures timely shipping.
Why Does Pick and Pack Matter in E-Commerce?
Customer expectations in e-commerce are clear: fast, accurate, and reliable delivery. The pick and pack process directly influences:
- Order accuracy and error rates
- Warehouse efficiency and labour costs
- Inventory management effectiveness
- Customer satisfaction and repeat business
For businesses that store products in a fulfilment centre, pick and pack performance is a crucial KPI.
What Are the Different Pick and Pack Methods?
Not all pick and pack workflows are created equal. Understanding the types can help you align your strategy with order volume, product type, and operational goals.
1. Piece Picking
Ideal for smaller warehouses or businesses with low order volumes.
- Orders are picked one at a time
- Simple, but time-consuming
- High labour costs per order
2. Batch Picking
Multiple orders are picked together in a single run.
- Reduces travel time within the warehouse
- Increases efficiency for high-SKU environments
- Requires sorting at the packing stage
3. Zone Picking
Warehouse is divided into zones with workers assigned to each.
- Improves speed and specialization
- Items are moved to a central location for packing
- Good for larger facilities with diverse product lines
4. Wave Picking
Combines batch and zone picking, scheduled by time or carrier pickup.
- Matches labour resources to shipping schedules
- Optimises large-scale fulfilment operations
- Often managed through a warehouse management system (WMS)
How Do You Know If Pick and Pack Is Being Done Well?
Evaluating the effectiveness of your pick and pack process requires more than just looking at on-time shipping. Key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor include:
- Order accuracy rate: The percentage of orders fulfilled without errors
- Pick rate per hour: A measure of warehouse efficiency
- Cost per order: Labour and materials associated with each shipment
- Inventory accuracy: Alignment between system data and physical stock
Your fulfilment partner should provide transparent reporting and real-time inventory management tools.
What Technology Supports Pick and Pack Fulfilment?
Modern fulfilment centres rely on technology to streamline operations. Key systems include:
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Automates picking routes, updates inventory in real time, and supports batch, wave, and zone picking strategies
- Barcode scanning and RFID: Reduces errors during picking and packing
- Automated packing stations: Increase throughput and consistency
If your provider is still relying heavily on manual methods, it may be time to explore alternatives.
What Should You Expect from a Pick and Pack Partner?
Choosing the right fulfilment centre isn’t just about price—it’s about capability. Look for a partner who offers:
- Scalable fulfilment solutions
- Skilled warehouse staff trained in pick and pack processes
- Temperature and security controls where applicable
- Technology integration with your e-commerce platform
- Clear SLAs for order turnaround and accuracy
Ask for references from other clients in your industry and request a walk-through of their pick and pack operation.
What Risks Arise from Poor Pick and Pack Execution?
When the pick and pack process breaks down, the consequences ripple across your business:
- Delayed or incorrect shipments
- Customer complaints and negative reviews
- Increased returns and lost revenue
- Inventory shrinkage and stockouts
Can your business afford those risks?
What Makes Canadian Alliance Terminals a Trusted Pick and Pack Partner?
Canadian Alliance Terminals supports Canadian importers, exporters, and manufacturers with reliable, efficient, and transparent pick and pack fulfilment. Located in the Vancouver Lower Mainland, we provide:
- Accuracy and reliability
- Same day pick and pack
- Flexible picking models: piece, batch, zone, and wave picking
- Seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms
- Detailed inventory management and tracking tools
- Staff trained in modern logistics and safety protocols
We understand that your business depends on more than just moving product. It depends on accuracy, speed, and accountability.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Pick and Pack Fulfilment?
If you’re experiencing frequent fulfilment issues—or your current partner isn’t scaling with your needs—it may be time to reassess. Ask yourself:
- Are orders consistently accurate and on time?
- Can we monitor inventory in real time?
- Is our provider equipped for seasonal surges?
- Do we have the flexibility to adjust picking strategies as we grow?
Canadian Alliance Terminals is ready to help you upgrade your fulfilment process with modern, scalable pick and pack solutions.
Contact us today to explore how we can support your logistics goals.