SLIDE 01:

Order picking and packing are two key processes warehouses use to fulfil customer orders.
This process involves retrieving items from their designated storage areas, often guided
by a picking list or electronic device, and consolidating them for packing and shipping.
This involves packaging items securely, often using appropriate materials such as boxes,
bubble wrap, or other protective measures, to ensure safe transportation and delivery.

Imagine you run an e-commerce business that sells a variety of products, ranging from
electronics to clothing. Efficient order picking and packing are essential for ensuring that
customers receive the correct items in a timely manner. Let's break down how this
process affects both customer satisfaction and cost savings:

Customer Satisfaction:
1. Let's say a customer places an order for a laptop, a pair of headphones, and a
backpack. If your warehouse staff efficiently pick and pack these items without
errors, the customer will receive exactly what they ordered, and they're likely to be
satisfied with their purchase experience. However, if there are mistakes in picking
or packing, such as sending the wrong item or forgetting an item altogether, the
customer's experience may be negatively impacted. They may have to go through
the hassle of returning incorrect items, leading to dissatisfaction and potentially
lost future business.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings:
2. Efficient order picking and packing contribute to streamlined warehouse
operations, leading to cost savings in several ways:
● Labor Costs: Efficient order picking and packing reduce the time and labor
required to fulfill orders. With optimized processes, your warehouse staff
can fulfill more orders in less time, allowing you to potentially reduce labor
costs or allocate resources to other areas of the business.
● Inventory Management: Accurate order picking and packing help prevent
errors such as stockouts or overstock situations. By maintaining optimal
inventory levels and minimizing the risk of stockouts, you can avoid lost
sales opportunities and the costs associated with excess inventory
storage.
● Shipping Costs: Properly packed orders reduce the risk of damage during
transit, minimizing the need for replacements or returns. Additionally,
optimizing order picking processes can lead to better route planning and
consolidation of shipments, reducing overall shipping costs.
During the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, advancements in manufacturing

techniques led to the mass production of goods. This resulted in increased demand for efficient

order fulfillment processes to manage growing inventories and meet customer orders in a timely

manner.

Retailers and wholesalers played a significant role in shaping the practices of picking and

packing as they developed methods to organize, store, and retrieve merchandise within

warehouses and distribution centers. These establishments needed systematic approaches to pick

items from shelves or storage locations, pack them securely for transportation, and prepare

orders for delivery to customers or retail outlets.

SLIDE 02:

POSTPONEMENT

Logistics postponement, also known as postponement strategy or delayed

differentiation, is a supply chain management strategy aimed at delaying the final

configuration or customization of a product until closer to the time of consumption or

delivery. This approach involves keeping products in a generic or standardized form for

as long as possible in the supply chain, and then customi

The key principle behind logistics postponement is to minimize risk and maximize flexibility in the

supply chain by deferring product differentiation until there is more certainty about customer

preferences, market demand, or other relevant factors. By postponing customization, companies

can reduce inventory holding costs, mitigate the risk of obsolete inventory, and respond more

effectively to changes in demand or market conditions. Packaging postponement can reduce

inventory and transportation costs. It can reduce the risk of misforecasts and ®nancial losses due

to obsolescence and package damage. Postponement can reduce the risk of loss. It can reduce the

risk of having the wrong product at the wrong place at the wrong time in the wrong condition. It
can reduce the need for unpacking and reworking product that is no longer suitable for a given

market

Packaging Postponement: Packaging Postponement: Keeping products in generic

packaging until they are closer to the point of sale, allowing for customization of

packaging based on factors such as regional preferences, promotional campaigns, or

special events.

Hewlett-Packard produces generic printers at its factory and distributes them to local distribution

centers, where power plugs with appropriate voltage and user manuals in the right language are

packed

Postponement is a popular approach for chemical liquids, for example. Companies

might ship bulk chemicals to a distribution center, where they are later repackaged into

smaller containers that are suitable for end-user applications. This method is often used

for industrial chemicals, lubricants, and similar products.

Amazon

Amazon often delays the final packaging of products until orders are received to customize

packaging based on specific customer preferences. For example, customers can choose gift

wrapping options or select environmentally friendly packaging materials. By postponing

packaging decisions until orders are placed, Amazon can offer a more personalized shopping

experience while minimizing packaging waste. They offer an option to customers to receive the

item in their original packing or add the Amazon packing with it. This saves them additional cost

of using resources and also adds to using eco friendly packaging methods

Labeling Postponement: Holding products in a generic state and applying labels, branding,

or other product information closer to the time of sale, allowing for flexibility in adapting
to changes in branding or regulatory requirements. Give example of Shan Foods, FMCG

where instructions are written in specific languages

Etsy

Etsy, an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, allows sellers to customize product

labels based on individual customer preferences. Sellers can include personalized notes or

branding materials with each order, which are often added just before shipping. This form of

labeling postponement enables Etsy sellers to create a more personalized and memorable

unboxing experience for customers.

Assembly Postponement: Delaying the final assembly or configuration of products until

after receiving customer orders, enabling customization of features or specifications

according to individual customer requirements.

1. Tesla manufactures its vehicles using standardized production components and

modules. These components include chassis, drivetrain systems, batteries, and

vehicle frames, which are produced in large quantities at Tesla's manufacturing

facilities.

2. Order Customization: When a customer places an order for a Tesla vehicle, they

have the option to customize various features and specifications through Tesla's

online configurator. Customers can select options such as battery size, paint

color, interior finishes, and additional accessories.

3. Production and Assembly: After receiving customer orders, Tesla initiates the

production process by assembling vehicles based on standardized components

and modules.
IKEA

IKEA, a furniture retailer known for its flat-pack furniture, employs assembly postponement by

selling products in unassembled or partially assembled kits. Customers can select and purchase

furniture items online, and assembly is typically completed by the customer upon delivery. This

postponement strategy allows IKEA to reduce storage and transportation costs while offering

customers greater flexibility in customizing their furniture configurations.

SLIDE 03:

Process of Order Picking:

1. Receive Order Details & Inventory Arrival
- Sellers notify warehouse about incoming shipments.
- Receive advance shipping notice (ASN) for incoming goods.
- Bulk shipments arrive and inventory is brought inside.
- Records are updated after receiving.

2. Process Order Data

- Order data is received from the online store.
- Payment and shipping information are collected.
- Order details are sent to the fulfillment company.

3. Pick Items
- Warehouse workers pick items from shelves.
- Items are scanned for accuracy and inventory control.

4. Pack Items for Shipping

- Picked items are prepared for shipping.
- Items are packaged securely using appropriate materials.

5. Print and Apply Postage

- Postage labels are generated based on package weight and size.
- Labels are printed and applied to the packages.

Have you ever ordered something online and wondered how exactly it got to your house? You're
certainly not alone - people may shop online a ton, but the order fulfillment process is still a little
opaque. Online shoppers can go their whole lives without really understanding how items get
from Point A to Point B. And that's the way we like it!

. STEP 1 Receive Order Details & Inventory Arrival

Before we can talk about what happens when you click "buy", we need to talk about how goods
wind up in our warehouse in the first place! Sellers have to ship them to us in bulk, which they
do by booking freight. Freight is how you get large quantities of goods from one place to
another, such as a manufacturer to a warehouse. In any case, in order for us to prep our
warehouse for a big shipment, we have sellers send us an ASN, or advance shipping notice. That
basically tells us when they're shipping items in and what we can expect to find in the truck.
This allows us to make sure we have enough people working a given shift to unload the truck in
a timely manner. Bulk shipments arrive and we bring the inventory inside. When the truck
arrives, goods are typically packed in boxes. If there are enough goods, the boxes will be packed
on pallets and possibly shrink-wrapped to the pallets. Depending on the size and number of the
boxes, we may use conveyors to slide boxes quickly from the truck into the warehouse.
Alternatively, we may use pallet jacks to move entire pallets of goods within the warehouse.
Once we receive goods, we make to update our system to reflect where we are going to store
them. This makes it easy to know where to go when we need to retrieve items for order
fulfillment. We also double-check to make sure we received the correct number of boxes or
pallets based on the information included on the ASN. The items are stored. This part is
straightforward. Either by hand or by using machinery like a pallet jack, we physically store the
items where they need to go.

STEP 2: Process Order Data

When you place an order online with a company that is using a fulfillment warehouse, a lot of
things happen when you click that Buy button. The store will collect payment from you, and
your shipping information as well as information about the order itself is sent to the fulfillment
company. The specifics of how this happens differ based on what software the company is using
and which fulfillment company they're working with. Let's use a simple and common example
for the sake of conversation. Say you order 10 blue baseball caps from a local Shopify store.
Your mailing address is sent to us via a Shopify-Fulfillrite integration. Along with your mailing
address, we also see which SKUs - unique items - you ordered along with quantities for each. At
this point, we now know exactly what we need to look for in the warehouse, where we can find
it, and to whom we need to send it.

STEP 3: Pick Items

In this step, warehouse workers retrieve the items listed in the order from their designated
storage locations within the warehouse. Typically, warehouses utilize a system of location
identifiers such as aisle numbers, shelf numbers, and bin locations to organize inventory.
Workers use handheld devices or pick lists generated by the warehouse management system
(WMS) to locate the items efficiently. Upon reaching the designated storage location, the
warehouse worker scans the barcode or RFID tag on the item to confirm its identity and quantity.
This scanning process ensures accuracy and updates the inventory records in real-time. If the
item is stored on a shelf, the worker may use a ladder or a picking cart to reach and retrieve it.
For items stored on pallets, a forklift or pallet jack may be used to move the pallet to a picking
area. Once all items for the order are gathered, they are brought to a designated staging area,
such as the packing station, for further processing.

STEP 4: Pack Items:

In this step, the picked items are prepared for shipment by packaging them securely to protect
them during transit. Warehouse workers follow packing instructions provided by the fulfillment
company, which may include using specific packaging materials such as boxes, bubble wrap,
packing peanuts, or polybags based on the nature of the items. Fragile items are placed in rigid
boxes and surrounded by cushioning materials like bubble wrap to prevent damage during
handling and transportation. Non-fragile items may be packaged in polybags or envelopes for
efficient packing. Packing stations are equipped with packing supplies and equipment, including
tape dispensers, scissors, and scales, to facilitate the packing process. As each item is packed, its
barcode or SKU is scanned to update the inventory records and ensure accurate tracking of the
shipment.

STEP 5: Print and Apply Postage

Once the items are securely packed, postage labels are generated and applied to the packages to
facilitate shipping. Warehouse staff use shipping software integrated with carrier services to
generate shipping labels based on the package weight, dimensions, and destination. The shipping
labels are printed on adhesive labels or paper, containing essential information such as the
recipient's address, tracking number, and shipping method. Each shipping label is affixed to the
corresponding package, typically on the top or side, ensuring that the barcode and shipping
information are clear and visible for scanning. After applying the postage labels, packages are
prepared for carrier pickup or drop-off, with appropriate documentation completed for shipping.

SLIDE 04:

Single Order Picking:

The discrete picking method is the oldest technique deployed on shop floors. It involves pickers

with pick lists going through the inventory to find selected items needed to fulfill an order. As

expected, this is the most inefficient method: the picker may have to tour the entire facility to

find individual items, even with an SKU system in place. Thus, it is generally used in small
warehouses or shop floors with a limited number of items. Alternatively, discrete picking is

employed in large warehouses where heavy-duty equipment or items are required to fulfill an

order. Discrete picking relies on manual carts such as shelf carts to aid the picker.

● Example: Etsy, an online marketplace specializing in handmade and unique items, may

employ discrete order picking in its warehouses. Each order is picked separately by

workers, who retrieve all items required for that specific order before moving on to the

next order. This method ensures accuracy and attention to detail for each order, aligning

with Etsy's focus on personalized and artisanal products.

SLIDE 05:

Batch Picking
Batch picking, also known as multi-order picking, involves picking multiple orders
simultaneously. Batches usually consist of about eight to 20 similar orders that are consolidated
into a single pick list. Orders that are batched together generally have several of the same items
or even extremely similar pick paths. This method is well-suited for businesses experiencing
increased order volumes or those with similar items in multiple orders.
Examples
To better understand the batch picking process, it can be helpful to consider an example. Imagine
two customer orders that need to be picked:

Customer A

■ 40 packages of AAA batteries

■ 20 units of copper wire LED lights

Customer B

■ 20 packages of AAA batteries

■ 5 units of copper wire LED lights
■ 5 hand trowels
Rather than pick each customer’s order individually before proceeding to the next, a warehouse
worker using batch picking might first pick all 60 packages of AAA batteries for all customers
and place them in a designated tote on a push cart. Next, the picker collects all 25 units of copper
wire LED lights and places them in another tote on the same cart. Then the picker collects the
five hand trowels for customer B and places them in another tote. The picker brings all the
batteries, LED lights and trowels to the sorting area to be sorted and packed for shipping with the
other goods.

SLIDE 06:

Zone Picking

Zone picking, sometimes referred to as pick and pass, is one of several basic methods used in

warehouses to pick products to fulfill orders. Zone picking divides a warehouse into distinct

sections, or zones, where individual order pickers are stationed. Workers pick SKUs from only

the zones they are assigned to usually passing items to the next zone after picking until the order

is complete. Hence the term pick and pass.

Target use zone picking in their warehouses to streamline order fulfillment processes and

improve productivity.

To illustrate the difference, consider a customer’s order to a major retailer. The order includes:

■ 1 can of shaving cream (Zone One, Household Goods)

■ 1 bottle of laundry detergent (Zone One, Household Goods)

■ 2 bags of dog food (Zone Two, Pet Supplies)

■ 1 package of printer ink (Zone Three, Office Supplies)

■ 1 package of replacement windshield wiper blades (Zone Four, Automotive)

Sequential Zone Picking
In sequential zone picking, orders are assembled as they’re picked. For example, a picker in zone
one will pick the shaving cream and laundry detergent and place it in a tote or bin on a cart. The
cart will get passed to zone two, where the dog food will be added. Next, the tote will go to zone
three where the printer ink is picked. This process continues, one zone after the next, until the
entire order has been picked.

Simultaneous Zone Picking

In simultaneous zone picking, several workers will pick all the products in their relevant zones at
the same time. In other words, the pickers in zone one, two, three and four will each pick their
relevant item simultaneously, and then bring their item to the packing area.

SLIDE 07:
Wave Picking

Wave picking, or cluster picking, involves picking multiple orders across different zones

simultaneously. It involves releasing specific orders to the floor for fulfillment, based on a

common factor such as shipping date, like items, warehouse zone, etc. To do so, wave picking

focuses on when orders are picked. The result is that orders are grouped and then picked, but

only at certain times of day. Teams gain efficiency primarily by reducing (or eliminating) picker

idle time. In other words, a wave might not be scheduled until all orders up to a certain deadline

have come in, so pickers don’t have to spend time waiting for instruction.

Pre-wave picking is the work of scheduling the waves according to specific variables. As a

business processes orders, they must be logically grouped and scheduled. If they’re grouped by

shipping time, for example, picking must have enough lead time to pick the orders and get them

packed before the shipping partner’s scheduled departure time.

Performing wave picking is the act of picking. It’s made more efficient with technology like

hand-held mobile scanners that provide digital pick lists and direct pickers to product locations,

instead of paper pick slips.

■ Using a hand-held picking device, wave picking typically works like this:

1. A picker receives the pick list for 4-12 orders per wave.

2. The picker uses a multi-tote cart to keep the orders separate.

3. Pickers are sent to each storage location in sequence, and the mobile device tells
the picker the SKU and quantity to pick. Pickers pull the designated product and

scan its barcode to confirm the pick.

4. Pickers place the product in its appropriate tote and scan the tote’s barcode to
confirm. Pickers might also enter the quantity on the mobile device.

5. Pickers are then directed to the next pick and the process repeats until all orders
are complete.

■ Post-wave picking occurs after the items are picked. Often, orders are kept separate as
they’re picked; mobile scanners and discrete totes or cartons can make this easy. But if

orders are not separated, the product must be organized for sorting and packed for

shipping afterward. Scheduling waves must allow time for the added sorting and packing

step

IKEA, a global retailer of furniture and home goods, may utilize cluster picking in its e-

commerce fulfillment centers. Similar items are grouped together in storage clusters within the

warehouse (e.g., sofas, dining tables). Workers pick items for multiple orders from each cluster

in a single pass, optimizing picking routes and increasing efficiency.

SLIDE 08:

● Zone-Batch-Wave Picking:

○ Example: Zone-batch-wave picking combines aspects of both zone picking

and wave picking. Orders are first grouped into waves based on criteria

like priority. Within each wave, orders are further divided into batches

within specific zones. Pickers then work through each zone, picking entire

batches of orders simultaneously, optimizing efficiency within each wave

and zone. Wayfair, an e-commerce company specializing in furniture and home

goods, may utilize zone-batch-wave picking in its warehouses. Workers are

assigned to specific zones within the warehouse (e.g., living room furniture,

bedroom furniture). Orders are batched together based on common criteria (e.g.,

delivery location, order priority) and grouped into waves. Workers then pick

items for multiple orders simultaneously within their designated zones and wave

assignments.

● Zone-Wave Picking:

○ Example:In zone-wave picking, orders are grouped into waves based on

certain criteria (like priority or product availability). Pickers then move

through different zones of the warehouse to pick items for multiple orders

simultaneously within each wave. This method allows for flexible picking

routes and prioritization within each wave.Overstock.com, an online retailer

offering a wide range of products including furniture, home decor, and

electronics, may implement zone-wave picking in its warehouses. Workers are

assigned to specific zones within the warehouse (e.g., electronics, home decor).

Orders are grouped into waves based on common criteria (e.g., delivery location,
 order type) and workers pick items for multiple orders within their designated

zones and wave assignments.

● Zone-Batch Picking:

○ Example: Zone-batch picking involves grouping orders into batches within

specific zones of the warehouse. Pickers focus on picking entire batches

of orders within each zone, streamlining the process and reducing travel

time within that zone. Chewy, an e-commerce company specializing in pet

supplies, may employ zone-batch picking in its fulfillment centers. Workers are

assigned to specific zones within the warehouse (e.g., dog supplies, cat supplies).

Orders are batched together based on common criteria (e.g., delivery location,

order size) and workers pick items for multiple orders simultaneously within their

designated zones

Order Packing methods:

SLIDE 09:

Boxes: Cardboard or corrugated boxes come in various sizes and styles. For example, a small

products like cosmetics, jewellery, stationery, food items might be packaged in a standard

shipping box, while larger items like appliances might come in custom-designed boxes with

inserts for protection.

Shrink Wrap: A common example is shrink-wrapped packs of bottled water or canned

beverages seen in grocery stores. The shrink wrap tightly holds the individual items together into

a single unit for easy handling and transportation.

SLIDE 10:

Stretch Wrap: Pallets of goods in a warehouse are often wrapped with stretch film to secure the

items together. For example, pallets of boxes containing electronics might be wrapped in stretch

film to prevent shifting or damage during transit.

Dividers and Inserts: In the case of packaged electronics, foam inserts might be used inside

boxes to cushion and protect delicate components. For example, a laptop might come in a box

with custom-cut foam inserts to hold it securely in place during shipping.

SLIDE 11:

Cushioning Materials: Bubble wrap is frequently used to protect fragile items such as

glassware or ceramics during shipping. For example, a set of drinking glasses might be

individually wrapped in bubble wrap before being placed inside a larger box for shipping.

Kitting: Kitting is a technique where different but related items are ordered, packaged and

shipped together as a single "kit." For example, a seller of auto parts could create a kit containing

everything customers need to overhaul the brakes on their cars. Often, warehouse workers

preassemble the kits so, as soon as orders are received, the company can ship them immediately.

This eliminates the need to individually pick, pack and ship each item.
SLIDE 12:

CURRENT TRENDS

Pick-to-Light:

Pick-to-light systems are technology that helps workers locate and pick items faster and more

accurately. Pick-to-light systems use LED lights and displays to indicate the location, quantity,

and sequence of items to be picked. Workers scan a barcode or RFID tag on a tote or carton, and

the system lights up the corresponding bins or shelves. Workers then pick the items and press a

button to confirm the pick and move on to the next one. Pick-to-light systems can reduce travel

time, errors, and fatigue, as well as enhance visibility and traceability. Start at 1:08

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SQiNzTHVYU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS7DOprWCZQ

Voice Picking:

Voice-directed picking is a technology that uses speech recognition and synthesis to guide
workers through the picking process. Workers wear a headset and a mobile device that
communicates with the warehouse management system (WMS) and tells them where to go, what
to pick, and how to confirm the pick. Voice-directed picking eliminates the need for paper lists,
scanners, or keyboards, and allows workers to use both hands and eyes for picking. Voice-
directed picking can increase productivity, accuracy, and safety, as well as reduce training time
and costs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xfeX0Ouefc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frY6jcANpRk
SLIDE 13:

Robotic Picking:

Warehouse robotics refers to the use of autonomous robotic systems and automation

technologies to perform tasks within a warehouse or distribution center like picking, packing,

sorting, transporting items and storing goods.The individual items are gripped directly by a mobile
shelf robot. The robot is connected to the warehouse management system (WMS) or host (ERP

system) via WLANand receives the picking order directly from one of these systems. As a rule,

several picks are digitally compiled for a tour and processed independently.

There are many kinds of robots used in today’s warehouses, including:

● Collaborative robots that work alongside and share workloads with humans.
● Robotic arms that can pick, pack and move items with speed and precision.
● Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) that move through aisles and
retrieve items from shelves via a crane or lifter.
● Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that navigate through a warehouse via sensors and
on-board cameras, pick items or pallets off shelves, and transport them to the packaging
zone. They can manevour through the obstacles Enovironemnt is flexible
● Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that can carry items along a pre-defined track, like
a wire embedded in the warehouse floor. They cant manevour through the obstacles
repetitive high volume tasks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k8coLHIK-k

Horizontal and vertical carousel modules

There are two main types of automated storage and retrieval systems – horizontal carousel
modules and vertical carousel modules. A horizontal system uses a series of shelving units that
move on an oval track. Each compartment has shelves or bins to separate stock into organized
containers. Operators enter a bin number, part number, or location, and the carousel brings the
relevant unit to the staff member.

This automation of inventory control increases order picking rate and reduces picking errors.

This increases accuracy, reduces picking errors and retrieval time, all while increasing

productivity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVIcjsh7JhM

Vertical Carousel Modules are a series of carriers attached in fixed locations to a chain drive.

Movement is powered by a motor, which sends the carriers in a vertical loop around a track in

both forward and reverse directions—similar to a ferris wheel. Goods are stored or retrieved

through an ergonomically positioned access opening with a work counter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uj7Tio7UsY

The most obvious difference is in the way the machines operate. Both units are rectangular in

shape, with horizontal carousels ranging from 19 to 153 feet long and vertical carousels

varying from 6 to 14 feet wide by 4 to 5 feet deep. Because both carousels are accessed on the

width dimension, vertical carousels are broad and shallow, while horizontal carousels are narrow

and lengthy.

Another significant difference is unit height: Vertical storage carousels begin at just over 7 feet

and can grow to 32 feet tall, whereas horizontal carousels begin at just over 7 feet and can grow

to 13.5 feet tall. Horizontal carousels are an excellent choice for rooms with ceiling heights

below 15 feet, but they can also be double (or triple) layered for higher ceilings, but more on that

later.
Size-
Items are stored on carriers that are 49 to 144 inches wide by 17 to 24 inches deep on vertical

storage carousels. The carrier is about 2 feet narrower than the whole unit, enabling room for

the track on both sides of the carrier. The carrier’s height can range from 8 to 19 inches. Carriers

can be partitioned further with additional shelves to accommodate smaller objects. Smaller parts

can be organised in a high-density storage environment using totes, containers, boxes, or

drawers.

SLIDE 14:

Wearable:

The visual cues provided by smart glasses and AR headsets not only improve health and safety,
but also help workers benefit from “vision picking.” For example, when a warehouse picker
reaches the desired pick location, a description of the required product and the quantity
needed would be displayed in the operator’s wearable glasses. This eliminates the need
to carry a pick list or handheld device, freeing up the operator’s hands for the actual pick
tasks.That is, picking orders via real-time information in their field of vision, thereby avoiding
the need to constantly look down at a device or pick list. Workers can also scan item barcodes
via the camera in the glasses or headset, plus they can also receive verbal instructions and issue
their own voice commands.

https://youtu.be/dIF3b7MN1To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEpjUHzswT4
Smart packaging

Smart packaging is a term that refers to packaging that has some form of intelligence,
functionality, or communication. Smart packaging can use sensors, RFID tags, QR codes, or
other technologies to monitor, track, or transmit information about the product, such as
temperature, humidity, freshness, location, or expiration date. Smart packaging can also use
materials that can change color, shape, or texture to indicate the product status, such as ripeness,
spoilage, or tampering. Smart packaging can improve customer experience, loyalty, and trust, as
well as reduce waste, fraud, and recalls. Amcor plc is a global packaging company. It
develops and produces flexible packaging, rigid containers, specialty cartons, closures and
services for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical-device, home and personal-care, and
other products. Food and Beverage:

● Nestlé
● PepsiCo
● The Coca-Cola Company
● Danone
● Mondelez International
● Unilever
2. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals:
● Pfizer
● Johnson & Johnson
● Novartis
● GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
● Merck & Co.
● Sanofi
3. Personal Care and Beauty:
● Procter & Gamble (P&G)
● L'Oréal
● Estée Lauder
● Colgate-Palmolive
 ● Kimberly-Clark
● Beiersdorf
4. Home Care and Cleaning:
● The Clorox Company
● Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB)
● Henkel
● SC Johnson
● Church & Dwight
● Ecolab
5. Industrial and Specialty Applications:
● BASF
● 3M
● Siemens
● Bosch
● Dow
● Saint-Gobain
6. Retail and Consumer Goods:
● Walmart
● Amazon
● Target
● Tesco
● Carrefour
● Alibaba Group

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spAH3IySwEA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHDhfRXrpaY
SLIDE 15:

Eco-Friendly Packaging: It includes packaging that is easy to recycle and made from materials
manufactured using minimal impact on energy consumption or natural resources. eco-friendly
packaging is made from recycled materials. It’s commonly referred to as sustainable or green
packaging too.

The eco-friendly packaging done by companies are:

Mushroom Sustainable Packaging

Ecovative creates protective packaging using mycelium, the root structure of
mushrooms. The mycelium is grown around a mold in the desired packaging shape,
naturally binding together agricultural byproducts like corn stalks and husks.

The packaging is durably molded yet completely compostable.

Once used, it breaks down into nutrient-rich soil that can fertilize home gardens or
farms. Ecovative offers alternatives to polystyrene, plastic, and styrofoam with their
renewable mushroom material.
Seaweed Packing

Notpla creates flexible pouches and packaging out of seaweed that are completely edible and
biodegradable in 4-6 weeks. Their material dissolves in water like a soluble film but has
strength for holding dry foods, sauces, condiments and more.

The seaweed packaging adds a burst of flavor when consumed. Notpla offers a plastic-free
biodegradable solution for single-serve liquids and powders. Their material disappears
without leaving microplastics behind.

Water-Soluble Packaging
Water-soluble packaging is designed to dissolve in water, eliminating the need for disposal and
reducing landfill waste. Companies like MonoSol are pioneering the use of water-soluble films
in various applications, including single-use packaging for food and detergents.

Milk Cartons from Paperboard

Tetra Pak produces a gable-top milk and juice carton made entirely from paperboard layered
with polyethylene. The paper comes from Forest Stewardship Council certified sustainably
managed forests.
The polyethylene coating is thin yet strong, requiring 40% less material than a 100%
polyethylene carton. The cartons are lightweight and ship flat to retailers, reducing transportation
emissions. They are also recyclable where facilities exist.

Minimal and Eco-Conscious Design

Lush, a cosmetics company, is known for its naked packaging concept. Many of their products,
such as solid shampoos and conditioners, are sold without traditional packaging, minimizing
waste and promoting a more eco-conscious approach.

Stores like Unpackt and The Zero Waste Store have adopted a minimal and eco-conscious design
by offering a range of groceries without conventional packaging. Customers bring their own
containers to fill, reducing single-use packaging waste.

Bee’s Wrap offers a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap with its beeswax-coated fabric wraps.
These wraps are reusable, washable, and biodegradable, providing an eco-conscious solution for
food storage.

FUTURE

Case Study: Revolutionising Picking and Packing with Advanced Robotics at Amazon

Introduction:

As e-commerce continues to surge, Amazon remains at the forefront of innovation in warehouse

automation. Recognizing the critical role of picking and packing processes in ensuring timely
and accurate order fulfillment, Amazon has invested in cutting-edge robotics solutions. The
Seattle-based e-commerce company noted that it has more than 750,000 robots working with its
employees to relieve them of repetitive tasks. Recent developments, including the Sequoia
system and Agility Robotics' Digit, exemplify Amazon's commitment to revolutionizing picking
and packing operations.

Agility Robotics' Digit:

In partnership with Agility Robotics, Amazon has introduced Digit, a humanoid robot designed
to assist with picking and packing tasks in warehouse environments. Digit's human-like dexterity
and mobility enable it to navigate complex warehouse layouts and manipulate objects with
precision. By collaborating seamlessly with human workers, Digit enhances operational
flexibility and adaptability, enabling Amazon to handle peak demand periods with ease.
Thel use for this technology will be to help employees with tote recycling, a highly repetitive
process of picking up and moving empty totes once inventory has been completely picked out of
them,” Amazon stated.

“Amazon is a company that is committed to making the work experience of their employees
safer, easier, and less repetitive,” said Damion Shelton, co-founder and CEO of Agility Robotics.
“When we announced our most recent version of Digit earlier this year, this is exactly the type of
repetitive material handling deployment we had in mind—one that enables humans to be more
human.”

“Digit’s size and shape are well-suited for buildings that are designed for humans, and we
believe that there is a big opportunity to scale a mobile manipulator solution,” asserted Emily
Vetterick, director of engineering at Amazon Robotics. “Collaborative robotics solutions like
Digit support workplace safety and help Amazon deliver to customers faster, while creating new
opportunities and career paths for our employees.”

Customers in Amazon's fulfillment network have reported significant improvements in

efficiency and accuracy since deploying Digit in their facilities. With the ability to work
alongside human counterparts, Digit optimizes resource utilization and reduces reliance on
manual labor, leading to a 25% increase in order processing speed. As Amazon expands its
partnership with Agility Robotics, the deployment of Digit is expected to become more
widespread across its fulfillment centers. Customers in the Agility Partner Program can expect
delivery of the first Digits in 2024, with general market availability in 2025.
References:
https://www.mintsoft.com/guides/warehouse-management-systems/picking-and-packing/
#:~:text=Picking%20and%20packing%20is%20the,found%20in%20a%20typical%20warehouse.

https://causeartist.com/sustainable-packaging-examples/
https://packagingrevolution.net/what-is-packaging-postponement/
https://sci-hub.3800808.com/http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/1099-1522(200005)13:3%3C105::AID-
PTS503%3E3.0.CO;2-9
http://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/21594/1/272.pdf

https://www.robotics247.com/article/
amazon_tests_sequoia_system_and_agility_robotics_digit_for_fulfillment

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024174668/en/Agility-Robotics-Broadens-
Relationship-with-Amazon#:~:text=Customers%20in%20the%20Agility
%20Partner,manufacturing%20facility%20in%20Salem%2C%20Oregon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lIdVQbDmXM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWonAz7Kczs

https://www.newcastlesys.com/blog/the-history-of-warehousing
https://logistikknowhow.com/en/warehouse-automation/picking-type-pick-by-robot/