Efficient order picking is the foundation of profitable logistics. At MPT Stanro, we have been optimizing picking processes for over 30 years, eliminating errors and reducing operating costs. Thanks to our Warehouse Management System (WMS) and FIFO and FEFO methods, we guarantee 99% order fulfillment. With us, you gain the assurance of on-time deliveries and a competitive advantage in the demanding FMCG market.
Order picking – what is it and why does it generate the highest costs?
Order picking involves physically removing specific product lines from the warehouse in quantities specified by the customer, then consolidating them and dispatching them for shipment. While this operation may seem repetitive, it is the most labor-intensive stage of contract logistics. Did you know that a poorly organized process can consume more than half of your operating budget?
High costs stem directly from the time your employees spend navigating between shelves and verifying goods. Every mistake in the SKU number translates into real losses for you – from claims costs to damaged customer trust. At MPT Stanro, drawing on experience accumulated since 1991, we transform this process into your financial advantage by:
- Taking full operational management and responsibility for errors.
- Converting fixed costs into a billing model based on actual volume.
- Enabling you to freely scale your business without investing in your own infrastructure.
FIFO, FEFO and LIFO inventory management methods in practice
Choosing the right goods flow strategy directly protects your capital tied up in inventory. Failure to match the correct method to the specific product is the easiest way to create dead stock. At MPT Stanro, we utilize advanced WMS systems that automatically enforce appropriate goods release standards:
| Method | Principle | Application | Customer benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEFO (First Expired, First Out) | Issuing goods with the shortest expiration date. | Food industry, FMCG, pharmaceuticals. | Maximum sales window and product freshness. |
| FIFO (First In, First Out) | Issuance of goods in the order of receipt. | Electronics, clothing, durable products. | Preventing obsolescence of the assortment. |
| LIFO (Last In, First Out) | Issuance of the last received goods. | Bulk materials, block storage. | Space optimization for specific storage. |
FEFO – the foundation of fresh produce logistics
In the FMCG sector, the FEFO method is a standard that cannot be ignored. We define it as prioritizing releases based on expiration dates. Precise tracking of batch numbers in our warehouses eliminates the risk of short-notice shipments, building loyalty among your end customers.
FIFO – standard in the rotation of durable goods
The FIFO principle ensures the smooth rotation of long-lasting goods. This ensures that products don't sit idle on shelves and their packaging maintains its pristine aesthetic. This is key to maintaining the high quality of our products and avoiding losses resulting from the natural wear and tear of raw materials.
Picking strategies – how to adapt picking to the scale of your business?
Effective order fulfillment requires adapting your workflow to the characteristics of your SKUs. As experts, we tailor our strategy to minimize order fulfillment cycle times, using proven operating models:
- Discrete Picking: One employee collects one order, which works well for bulky goods.
- Batch picking: Picking goods for multiple customers at the same time, which drastically shortens the passage routes.
- Zone Picking: Division of the warehouse into specialized sections, eliminating congestion in the aisles.
- Wave picking: Grouping orders into time blocks synchronized with the transport arrival schedule.
Completing online orders and the specificity of FMCG
Order processing in the e-grocery channel is a race against time, with food safety at stake. However, you should be aware that professional handling of fresh and frozen products involves stringent cold chain requirements and defined minimum order quantities (MOQs). At MPT Stanro, we precisely manage these parameters, ensuring your profit.
Our Distribution Center in Goleniów is a hub prepared for the omnichannel strategy, offering support in key areas:
- Full returns handling and professional multilingual labeling.
- Ensuring temperature conditions in line with the highest safety standards.
- Support in deposit systems (e.g. Pfand or Statiegeld) for companies exporting.
Technologies that eliminate errors WMS Stanro24 and automation
At MPT Stanro, technology has one goal: to provide you with peace of mind. We eliminate human error, replacing it with digital precision. Our ecosystem includes solutions that truly accelerate the flow of goods and guarantee process transparency:
- WMS system: Manages locations and release strategies in real time, optimizing every move.
- Stanro24 platform: Your personal command panel for placing orders 24/7.
- Mobile terminals: Scanning each product upon download gives the 99% error-free performance.
- AMRs and automation: Modern systems supporting internal transport from rack to loading.
Why is it worth entrusting your order picking to the experts at MPT Stanro?
Outsourcing your warehouse processes is a strategic decision that frees up your capital. By entrusting us with your logistics, you gain access to knowledge and infrastructure built since 1991. You pay for the operations actually performed, taking advantage of the economies of scale our company generates.
| Area | Own warehouse | Outsourcing at MPT Stanro |
|---|---|---|
| Operating costs | High fixed costs (rent, utilities, staff). | Variable model (you pay for actual volume). |
| Risk of errors | Responsibility lies with the owner. | 99% accuracy guarantee and certification. |
| IT investments | The need to purchase and maintain systems. | Access to the ready-made Stanro24 platform and WMS. |
Your confidence is based on our certified fleet, experience in complex exports, and flawless order fulfillment. We handle the logistics while you focus on your sales strategy and business development.
Optimize your logistics and choose a proven partner. Check out our offer. logistics service
Frequently asked questions about order picking
The FIFO method focuses on the order in which goods are received into the warehouse, which is optimal for durable products. FEFO, on the other hand, prioritizes expiration dates, which is essential in the FMCG industry to provide your customers with goods with the longest possible shelf life.
The biggest challenges are mismatches between similar packages and quantity errors. At MPT Stanro, we eliminate these risks through WMS systems and barcode scanner verification, allowing us to achieve 99% accuracy.
Batch picking involves collecting products for multiple orders in a single pass. It's a useful method when your business handles a large number of small, repetitive orders, which is typical in the e-commerce and fulfillment sectors.
Absolutely. Outsourcing allows you to avoid high fixed costs associated with leasing space, hiring staff, and purchasing IT systems. By utilizing MPT Stanro's resources, you gain access to advanced logistics while paying only for the volume actually handled.
