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Packlist Automation

Overview

In order fulfillment as most endeavors, it’s not done until the paperwork is completed. Unfortunately there is a lot of labor, and room for potential errors involved in getting the paperwork right. Usually paperwork involves pick and/or packlists, invoices, return documentation and other forms required by regulation, good practice or customer needs. In a legacy paper based picking system, picking ticket often functions as a packlist and invoice. As you begin to automate your picking and packing, the paper pick ticket may become redundant, and you may use various electronic pack verification means to ensure the accuracy of your orders. This is a perfect time to consider automating your documentation.

Start with your customer

When evaluating these technologies, the first requirement is to fully understand what your customer requires. Do they require plain paper for filing? Does the packlist contain sensitive information? Knowing these answers will enable you to eliminate various alternatives and move forward with the best solution. The second requirement is obvious – volume. Some solutions may have a lower variable cost but more upfront investment. Generally 1,000 cases per day is a good thumb to rule minimum point to start considering these types of automation systems.

Offset Label Systems

The lowest cost automation, if your process and customers allow is to simply apply a label with packlist information to the outside of the shipper. In the picture below, two blade stops are used to position the box for ship label or for packlist application. Incremental cost for this automation is very low and the label cost is low.

Pocket Labeling Systems

Another method is to apply the packlist then the shipping label on top of the packlist. This method has the advantage that the packlist is now hidden and protected. It requires an electric tamp labeler. A second labeler is needed for the ship label. Considerations for this system are the relatively high cost of the proprietary label supplies, the need for the 2nd printer and need for multiple pack labels if the number of lines per order is high. A new 2-sided version developed in March 2009 eliminates the need for the 2nd printer and saves on consumables.

Plain Paper Systems

Plain paper systems such as the PrintFeeder and AutoSlip are more initially more expensive but have the most flexibility and very low variable and operating cost. Extremely high duty cycle laser printers with very low toner costs provide a high degree of reliability. Packlslips can either be folded, jacketed and applied to the outside of the box or inserted inside. Customers tend to like the plain paper best for ease of filing.

StreamTech is familiar with all of these systems and we can help you make the best choice based on your budget, volume and operational requirements.