goods issue
Outbound goods in intralogistics is a key business process that ensures the smooth outflow of goods from a warehouse or distribution center. This process is crucial because it represents the last step in the supply chain and therefore has a direct impact on customer satisfaction and the efficiency of a company.
Table of contents
definition of goods issue
In contrast to goods receipt, goods issue in intralogistics refers to the entire process by which goods and products are removed from a warehouse or distribution center for shipment to customers, retailers, or other destinations. This process includes the physical removal of the goods, packaging, labeling, and preparation for shipment.
destinations of goods issue
Outbound shipping has several main objectives, including delivering to customers on time, minimizing errors in order processing, optimizing inventory levels, and ensuring the safety and quality of outbound goods:
- Fast and precise delivery of products
- Minimizing errors and damage during shipping
- optimization of inventory and capacities
- Customer satisfaction through punctual deliveries
tasks and processes of outgoing goods
The outbound goods process includes various tasks, including order acceptance, where orders are recorded and checked. This is followed by picking , packing and labeling, preparation for shipping, loading and documentation. Each of these steps is crucial for efficient outbound goods:
- Placing an order: Checking whether the ordered goods are available in sufficient quantities.
- Preparing goods issue: Creating a picking order that lists warehouse locations and required item quantities.
- Order picking: Removing goods from the warehouse, often supported by technologies such as pick-by-voice or pick-by-vision .
- Packaging and preparation of goods: preparation of items for shipment, including the possibility of palletising .
- Outgoing goods inspection: checking the number of items, weight, condition and packaging.
- Loading: Loading the transport vehicle or preparing for collection.
- Posting of goods issue: The goods are removed from the warehouse in terms of posting and sent on their way to their destination.
There are also specific processes in outgoing goods that ensure everything runs smoothly :
- Consolidation function in goods issue: Especially when the picking is divided into several warehouse areas, goods issue has a consolidation function to bring together all parts of a shipment.
- Documents and labels in outgoing goods: Before loading, the required documents and labels must be created and attached on the outgoing side.
- Goods issue recording: Finally, goods issue recording is carried out on the outgoing side to enable a final check for completeness.
Optimization and efficiency improvement in goods issue
Efficiency in outbound goods can be increased by optimizing workflows, training staff and using technology. A smooth outbound goods process with short lead times and punctual processing leads to lower operating costs and higher customer satisfaction. Modern technologies such as barcode scanners or smart glasses for paperless picking , automated conveyor belts and warehouse management systems play a crucial role in improving efficiency in outbound goods.
Continuous improvement of processes is crucial to remain competitive and meet customer requirements. Best practices in outbound goods therefore include:
- Regular review and updating of shipping processes
- Training for employees to increase competence
- Use of tracking systems for real-time information
key figures for goods issue
The profitability, productivity and quality of outgoing goods can be assessed using appropriate warehouse indicators. In the outgoing goods business process, packaged items are collected by the customer according to the pick-up principle or handed over to the recipient according to the bring principle. For the control center, the number of packages and the number of packages sent by CEP, freight forwarder and express are important from this process. The indicators for the following processes play a role in measuring the shipping targets: capacity utilization, throughput time, use of space, work progress, number of packages and the number of corrected invoices. Stakeholders of indicators are the logistics manager, the picking manager and other employees who play a role in the shipping process.
quality control in outgoing goods
The quality of outgoing goods is crucial to meet customer requirements. Therefore, thorough quality control in outgoing goods is essential to avoid errors and damage. Outgoing goods inspection includes:
- Documentation of outgoing goods: creation of a delivery note and other required documents
- Inspection of the delivery: visual and weight inspection, condition of the goods, packaging and labeling
- Temperature control for temperature-sensitive goods
Challenges and future developments
Outbound goods in intralogistics face various challenges, including seasonal fluctuations, high customer demands and the need to coordinate different shipping methods.
The future of outbound goods will be shaped by technological innovations such as the use of AI and robotics. These developments will help make the process even more efficient and flexible.
