Optimization of logistics process with StackAssist for FittinQ
FittinQ is an e-commerce supplier and provides parcel shipping, logistics, procurement, marketing and customer service for several webshops. Among others for Lampenlicht, one of the Netherlands' largest online retailers in lighting. Seven days a week FittinQ sends packages to consumers (B2C).
To optimize their logistics process, e-commerce company FittinQ switched to Faes’ StackAssist software tool in 2019. And with success, because this enabled FittinQ to realize a huge efficiency gain in a short time and with little effort.
Pick-and-pack soon proved obsolete
When FittinQ settled in Hapert in 2017, they were still working with a standard pick-and-pack method. That could be better, they soon thought. In e-commerce, everything is about speed, so the more streamlined the logistics process, the better. To realize that acceleration, FittinQ switched to the pick-in-the-box method. Here, the order picker no longer collects the products in a collection box, but directly in the correct shipping box. So the picking box no longer has to go to the packing station to be repacked into the shipping box. The process becomes much more efficient by eliminating this process step.
StackAssist makes pick-in-the-box easier
Now that sounds very simple and obvious, yet the pick-in-the-box method is still quite complex in execution. First of all, the picker has to know in advance what size shipping box is best to use. And he must get all the items to fit properly in the box. To eliminate chances of error in this method and keep the process running smoothly, the StackAssist program offers a solution.
Here's how StackAssist works
The Produmex Warehouse Management System (WMS) automatically transmits all orders to StackAssist. With that, the stacking algorithm goes to work to virtually stack the products very quickly, in different scenarios. Taking into account the available range of boxes and pallets, Stackassist calculates the most efficient packing and stacking method. So before the picking process starts, the order picker already knows what packaging he needs. He can start working with this immediately.
One packer to four order pickers
Director Bas Lemmers speaks enthusiastically of a major efficiency gain:
“Previously, packing products was the bottleneck in the process. For every order picker we had two packers. Now the roles have been reversed; four pickers are now active for each packer. Thanks to the pick-in-the-box method, the picker packs the products directly into the correct shipping box. Especially in e-commerce, which often involves low quantities per order, this acceleration makes all the difference. I can safely say that our logistics process is about 50% more efficient thanks to StackAssist.”
Also saving on transportation costs
Thanks to StackAssist, FittinQ is also able to ship in a more environmentally friendly and economical way. StackAssist calculates down to the millimeter what the best fitting box is. Across the board, this means fewer large boxes are needed, shipments contain less air and therefore there are fewer shipments. A nice savings in all respects.
Improvement of total logistics process
Another important advantage is that the chance of error has dropped considerably since the introduction of StackAssist. FittinQ carries several brands and each brand has its own packaging, with its own distinctive printing. Because from now on the pick order clearly states which shipping box is needed, the customer always receives the correct packaging. This has greatly improved the logistics process in all respects.
Next phase already in preparation
For Lemmers, these results taste like more:
“The transition to StackAssist went very smoothly and brought many tangible results in a short time. That is why we are working on the next step. From now on, we want to register packages directly for transport via the Transport Management System (TMS). That way we can also print the transport labels directly ourselves. Then we can ship even faster.”
Also read the interview with director Bas Lemmers.
Want to know more?
Do you also want to bring down your transportation and shipping costs? And make a big efficiency improvement? Our packaging experts are ready to discuss the possibilities of StackAssist with you. Contact us and we’ll get back to you.