Flexible Right-Sizing: A High-Impact Solution for High-Volume Seasons
The holidays approaching is a clear reminder of the challenges that peak seasons can bring to fulfilment pack-out processes. Spikes in demand, limited time offers, and holiday promotions often leave organizations scrambling to accommodate atypical orders with new packaging options. It risks increased costs, disrupted processes, and much more. So, how can your operation address these challenges? One answer is flexible right-sizing. This strategic approach allows businesses to select right-sized packaging solutions that adjust to different product volumes and mixes. It’s a way to accommodate various volumes without extra materials or setup changes, enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainability.
What Lies Ahead?
Bain & Company projects U.S. retail sales to surpass $1 trillion during the 2024 Holiday season. Yes, Trillion with a capital T. That’s why it’s critical to assess whether your packaging strategy can adapt to the volatile spikes throughout the year. As promotions and multi-product orders begin to ramp up, will you feel confident in your fulfillment process’ agility? With the rush of last-minute shoppers in December or the demands of unexpected promotions and multi-product orders, such as “BOGO” offers, traditional packaging solutions can create logistical pitfalls.
Is Your Fulfillment Center Ready?
Imagine a typical fulfillment setup in a bustling warehouse or third-party logistics (3PL) center. Every order has been planned meticulously, with staff trained to handle specific packaging for single-product orders. As promotions drive up multi-item purchases, complicating the process, how will you manage this increased volume? For many operations, the answer is flexible right-sizing.
How Can Flexible Right-Sizing Optimize Your Efficiency?
Rather than adding new materials or setting up multiple pack stations, flexible right-sizing leverages a single adaptable packaging solution that seamlessly accommodates both low and high periods - think, expandable mailers. This means your seasonal workforce, often temporary, can stay focused on efficient fulfillment without the need for additional training.
How Will This Impact Your Bottom Line?
Beyond operational efficiency, flexible right-sizing can benefit your bottom line. The expenses of acquiring multiple packaging solutions, not to mention the extra storage space, can add up quickly. And we all know that downtime from operational disruptions can be costly. With one adaptable packaging type, you reduce overhead while meeting the fluctuating demand during times like the holidays.
You’re Ready for Flexible Right-Sizing. What Should You Consider?
When selecting flexible right-sized packaging solutions, be mindful of options that might compromise your sustainability goals for the sake of efficiency. A solution should meet your standards while maintaining the sustainable brand equity you’ve established with customers. Also, consider how the packaging supports your brand’s unique look, such as custom print options. Finally, efficient packaging should save valuable warehouse space and lead to a streamlined space-saving process.
Have questions? Reach out to Pregis to explore how flexible right-sizing can support your unique fulfillment needs.
*Cheris, A., Grichel, K., Koszyk, S., Rigby, D., & Tager, S. (2024, September 10). 2024 holiday shopping outlook. Bain.
