Every e-commerce business depends on a well-designed packaging station to streamline order processing. It doesn’t matter if you are a spare room startup or a large-scale factory, customers expect prompt delivery. Therefore, you need a dedicated area and the right setup. So, how do you organise a packing station?
The 5 S Methodology For Packaging Efficiency
The 5 S Methodology was devised in Japan as a means of preparing factory work areas. It originated in motor manufacturing, yet the principles apply in every industry.
The original version is Seiri, Seiton, Seisou, Seiketsu & Shitsuke. However, an English version with a similar meaning is likely to be easier to remember!
- Sort – plan what needs to be in the packing area and remove everything else. This ensures you have everything required at hand, but nothing additional to clutter the area.
- Straighten – define an appropriate place for everything to ensure the packing station is organised. This makes it easy for packers to quickly find what they need and also helps to identify when stocks are running low.
- Shine – keep the packing area clean and the equipment or tools maintained. A clean workspace is hygienic and essential for avoiding marks and damage to products on the packing line. Equally, a clean and clear floor prevents slips and trips.
- Standardise – train your packing team to return items to their designated places, make checks during each shift, clear up if there’s a void fill overflow and immediately report any issues.
- Sustain – monitor, review and adapt to maintain the flow of the packing station. Have you identified bottlenecks in the process? If so, what can be put in place to address it?
This is a good starting point for organising your packing station, but there are other considerations.
Packing Station Health & Safety
Order fulfilment is repetitive work so ergonomics are important in a packing station. This starts with the height of the bench. It needs to be at a level where your team aren’t bent over to fill the boxes. Equally, consider the width of the bench and access to tools to reduce the need to continuously reach and stretch.
Avoiding excessive bending or stretching must also be considered in other aspects of the setup. That includes the position of picking bins or shelves, boxes and other packaging materials and machinery. What’s more, it’s good to avoid over-stacking, which could result in items falling from a height.
If you sell heavy or bulky products, then equipment and processes to minimise lifting are necessary. Ordering boxes with die cut handles is one minor adjustment that can aid correct handling. Additionally, it can be beneficial to rotate your packing team through different tasks to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury.
Finally, it is important to supply packers with appropriate PPE. As a basic standard, gloves can protect hands from cuts and scrapes while also avoiding fingerprints on the products.
Packaging Inserts for Packing Efficiency
Choosing best fit boxes with inserts for your products is an effective way of boosting packing efficiency. With this packaging, your products have a designated place in the box. They slot in to provide:
- Consistent presentation, which enhances the unboxing experience.
- Optimal protection, which reduces the risk of damages and returns.
- An easy spot if any element is missing from the box.
Best fit boxes with inserts also eliminate the need for void fillers and some styles seal without the need for reams of tape.
Aylesbury Box Company supplies cardboard e-commerce packaging to online retailers of all sizes, as well as fulfilment companies. Contact us to discuss your requirements and to request a quote. Call 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.
