Packing benches are a key part of a packing station. The perfect packing station probably does not exist, but most warehouses can improve the efficiency of their packing stations with better designed packing benches.
How to be more efficient
In warehouses that process a large number of orders daily, it is important that all orders are dispatched as quickly as possible. The time spent picking order items can be reduced by storing top-selling products together. Automated systems can guide pickers to item locations using auditory or visual signals and will plan the shortest picking routes.
Once order items reach the packing station, the packers need access to all the materials needed. The packing bench should be more than just a simple table. Tape and paper dispensers should be in easy reach or attached to the bench. A stand suited to holding a laptop or tablet needs to be close at hand and the labelling printer should be conveniently located. Shelves can be added to packing benches to hold brochures and other materials included with the packed items.
All frequently used material and equipment should be within easy reach of the packer, without the need to stretch or twist the body. The less time spent reaching for materials, the more items packed in an hour.
If the business has the budget, packing stations can be semi-automated with machines that fold box flaps and seal boxes shut with tape.
Bespoke packing benches
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to packing stations. For example, the packing station design will differ in warehouses that sell small items, such as jewellery, to those in a furniture warehouse that handles large items, such as chairs, sofas and beds.
Steely Products works with end users to provide bespoke solutions. If our standard packing benches do not fit your requirements exactly, invite us to the warehouse to see how your packing benches integrate into your packing stations. We will then create custom designed packing benches for you.
A bespoke solution could be as simple as adding some extra features to a standard packing bench, such as more shelving, or fixing wrapping paper dispensers to the top of the bench. A packing bench custom-made to a specific size can make better use of the available space than a standard bench.
Reorganisation
If orders increase, the packing station may not be able to handle the extra demand. It will then be beneficial to reorganise the station and add extra packing benches for new staff. Steely Products can provide the extra packing benches required and can help you to design a new packing station. We can also take a look at your order processing system and suggest items to add from our extensive range of warehouse equipment that makes the order processing operation more efficient.
We may not be able to come up with the perfect packing station, but we can come very close. To discuss all your warehouse equipment requirements, call Steely Products or contact us using the contact form below.
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