Direct answer. Packing is the operation of packaging the items picked during order picking into a parcel ready to ship: boxing or bagging, cushioning and protecting the goods, adding the necessary documents (delivery note, packing list) and final labeling. It takes place right after picking and directly precedes shipment.
Packing, the second step of "pick & pack"
In the order-fulfillment flow, packing immediately follows picking: once the items are gathered, they are moved to a packing station where the operator chooses the right container (box, envelope, crate), adds the necessary cushioning (bubble wrap, air pillows, separator cardboard) to prevent damage during transport, then applies the shipping label and accompanying documents. For a pallet rather than an individual box, this step overlaps with palletizing: securing, wrapping and labeling the complete handling unit.
The number of units grouped into a single parcel, often called the packing configuration, is a key parameter of packing: it determines the final weight and volume of each parcel, with a direct impact on shipping cost. Packing stations increasingly integrate support tools (connected scales, automatic box-size selection, built-in label printing) to make this step more reliable and reduce errors before shipment.
The packing station is also a natural quality-control point: it's often here that the last picking errors (wrong reference, incorrect quantity) are caught before the parcel leaves the warehouse, which makes it a decisive step for hitting a high order-accuracy target.
FAQ
What's the difference between picking and packing?
Picking consists of retrieving the ordered items from their storage locations. Packing comes next: it consists of packaging them into a suitable parcel, with cushioning and labeling, before shipment. The two steps are often grouped together under the term "pick & pack."
Can packing be automated?
Yes, partially: automatic packaging machines adapt the box size to the order's actual volume, and automatic labeling systems speed up the final step. Choosing the right container and quality control, however, are still often overseen by an operator, especially for fragile or customized orders.
Related terms
Picking · Packing configuration · Kitting · Co-packing · UVC / UM · Palletizing · Order picker (job).
See also: warehouse picking methods.
Let's check your aisles before everyone else
Rollout is starting soon in France. In the meantime, four questions are enough: your regional contact sends you back a written verdict on your site, with no price and no date attached.