Save money with E-commerce packing cells

The packing department is one of the vital elements of order fulfilment for any eCommerce operation

When an order is picked and enters the packing cell, this is the last opportunity to see the product prior to the customers' all-important first impression.

Using materials suitable for the product being packed and consistent packing methods online retailers can reduce losses & returns, whilst improving the company profile.

Packing personnel within order fulfilment roles are becoming highly valued and skilled as the packing process becomes more complex and time-constrained.

The packers themselves have a large list of tasks to complete in a short space of time:

• Ensure the pack has the correct items for the order
• Check the items are of the correct quality
• Pack items to a high standard using suitable size boxes or bags
• Sufficiently protect items using packing materials such as bubble wrap
• Ensure the package is as small and light as possible to keep carriage costs down
• Correct weighing and labelling

Fast-paced decision making is a recipe for stress and low morale

When multiple products are placed within a single carton, the packer is the one who will make the decision on the box size and void fill used to ensure sufficient protection to protect during transit. The packers also have to consider packing the items attractively to ensure the customer's experience of the seller is as positive as possible. These pressures of processing and packing large volumes of goods can lead to excessive stress, especially if the packing area lacks good ergonomic design and considerations for the packer's process and workflow.

This stress can be lessened by reducing the movement of the packer, ensuring they have the tools, packaging, and IT equipment suitable for the tasks they are carrying out.

Productivity and morale are both vastly improved when the packer always has everything they need at hand to do their job, especially when neatly organised and readily provided in a clean and aesthetically pleasing work environment.

The addition of equipment such as workbenches with height adjustment can also improve operator ergonomics.

Every eCommerce operation has differing requirements

Spaceguard has a wealth of experience in providing lean, well laid out packing workstations that include everything the packer might need to do their job efficiently.

Our packing cells can include a wide range of options and accessories including:

• Lighting rails to help with visibility
• Andon signal lights to call assistance
• Waste management
• Electrical and data sockets
• Ergonomically positioned IT equipment
• Integrated weighing scales
• Storage cupboards, shelves, and drawers
• Packing material roll holders and cutters
• Box dividers

We also manufacture conveyors to help achieve the highest level of productivity possible whilst being as flexible as possible for demand peaks and changes in business needs.

Given the packer is generally the last person to touch the product before the customer receives it, investment in the packer's environment will pay dividends in increased productivity, increased worker morale and retention.