Case Picking Services
At Forte Frozen, we pride ourselves on offering diverse cold storage and e-commerce fulfillment services, from pick-and-pack to repackaging, cross-docking and labeling solutions. Case picking is one of our core service offerings, and when it's done correctly, this system can increase large warehouse efficiency.
Warehouse picking systems can sometimes be challenging, making it difficult to find a process that supplements your facility. Luckily, the Forte Frozen team has it all figured out for you.
Case Picking vs. Pick-And-Pack Fulfillment
Pick-and-pack fulfillment typically refers to picking individual items from master cartons and packing them into envelopes or boxes either alone or with other items to ship to customers. Depending on the inventory size and location, warehouse workers may use lifting equipment to access these master cartons or simply pick items by hand where possible.
On the other hand, case picking relates to picking an entire case or pallet from warehouse storage rather than an individual product. Where pick-and-pack fulfillment serves the end consumer, full case picking is generally linked to B2B fulfillment.
Why Case Picking?
Case picking is when a product is pulled for an order in full case quantities. This technique is used mainly in large distribution warehouses where whole cases are transferred to retail or big box stores.
Case picking can improve fulfillment and storage operations in the following ways:
Enhance productivity: Move items faster and in bulk for a more efficient order fulfillment process.
Minimize errors: Case picking can improve order accuracy — especially when using automated processes.
Increase storage space: Keeping items in bulk can maximize your available storage when using pallets, rack shelves, carton flow racks and more.
Reduce costs: Benefit from an overall cost reduction per unit, as a case picking service investment can start paying for itself.
Increase efficiency: Items often combined or in high demand are easier to store and retrieve with a case picking system.
Simplify packing: The shape of a case makes for optimal stacking, storing, organizing and loading, simplifying the packing process.
How Case and Pallet Picking Can Be Challenging
The picking process can produce several benefits for your company when correctly supported. Here are some significant challenges to be aware of when implementing case picking.
1. Lack of Organization
If a warehouse is not organized efficiently, it can defeat the purpose of installing a case picking service in the first place. Whether you have ample space or work with a limited area, ordering and labeling your items can increase efficiency.
In the same way, if an item is placed in an area different from where it was before, workers can become confused and waste time looking for what they need to fulfill an order. This issue can clog packing and shipping processes before they even begin.
2. Manual Picking Process
Carrying out picking processes manually can take longer and be susceptible to human error. Manual processes can look like writing down the order on a piece of paper to locate what is in stock. Automating the process can be much simpler for everyone involved, allowing the worker to see the order and product location all within a system instead of searching for it themselves.
3. Unit Classification Errors
Any errors with classifying units can set back orders moving forward. For example, sometimes, these errors are only found when shipping and require recollection of the order to be shipped out. If the error is missed, the wrong product can be sent to the customer, resulting in decreased customer satisfaction as they wait for what they ordered.
How Forte Frozen Has You Covered
Forte Frozen offers case-picking services to help your company streamline product shipping and reduce mispicks. Your line will be tailored to meet your company's needs, depending on the types of products and your packaging and shipping processes.
We care about our customers and will work one-on-one with you to ensure your products are in good hands. We ship across the country and offer repackaging and cross-docking value-added services.
Why Choose Forte Frozen for Your Cold Storage Fulfillment
When you select us as your cold storage fulfillment service provider, you can look forward to the following benefits:
Fast shipping: With Forte Frozen as your partner, you can expect shipping times of two days or less in the U.S. due to our multiple locations nationwide.
First-class quality: Our continued dedication to ensuring absolute quality in every sphere of our operation is why we have such a phenomenally low miss-pick rate.
Excellent customer service: We aim to provide each customer with the individualized care you deserve, assuring you of the utmost customer service and satisfaction.
Our Unbeatable Value-Added Services
Partnering with Forte Frozen gives you access to our industry-leading value-added services, which include:
Full room freezing: We can store your frozen products, including ice cream products, with our professional room-freezing services.
Picking and packing: Our team picks, packs, and boxes items as needed to fulfill your customer orders.
Stock management: We use cutting-edge inventory management systems to monitor and control your stock levels.
Shipping labeling: Before we ship your customer orders, we can create, print and apply high-quality shipping labels to packages displaying your brand.
Cross-docking: Keep your storage costs low and your supply chain moving efficiently with our convenient cross-docking services.
Product repackaging: We will repackage your products to prepare them for safe shipping or distribution.
Forte Frozen's Fulfillment Operations Near You
Forte Frozen has locations across the United States, so we can be there for all your e-commerce fulfillment needs. Let our expert team take care of your cold storage and fulfillment needs, tailored to meet the unique demands of your business. Find a location near you and contact us today to learn about our case picking services and other capabilities.