7 Tips for Improving Order Accuracy in Ecommerce Fulfilment

Order accuracy is a cornerstone of customer satisfaction in ecommerce. Errors like shipping the wrong product or incorrect quantities can lead to returns, negative reviews, and damaged brand reputation.

With customers expecting seamless and error-free shopping experiences, improving order accuracy is more critical than ever.

This guide explores 7 actionable tips to help you reduce errors, streamline your operations, and maintain high order accuracy in your ecommerce fulfilment process.

1. Standardise Your Ecommerce Fulfilment Processes and Order Accuracy

A standardised process ensures every team member follows the same steps, minimising the risk of errors. Consistency is key to achieving high order accuracy.

Steps to Standardise:

• Document Procedures: Create a clear standard operating procedure (SOP) for picking, packing, and shipping.
• Train Staff Regularly: If you are currently doing in-house fulfilment ensure all team members are familiar with the process. 
• Use Checklists: Implement checklists for each stage of order fulfilment to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Pro Tip: Update SOPs periodically to incorporate feedback and adjust to new challenges.

2. Invest in Warehouse Organisation

An organised warehouse reduces the likelihood of picking the wrong item or misplacing inventory. Make it easy for workers to locate products quickly and accurately.

Warehouse Organisation Tips:

• Label Shelves Clearly: Use bold, visible labels for easy identification.
• Group Similar Products Together: Organise items by category or SKU.
• Implement a Slotting System: Place high-demand items in easily accessible locations to minimise travel time.

Pro Tip: Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure all items are stored correctly and match system records.

3. Leverage Barcode and Scanning Technology

Manual entry errors are a common cause of inaccurate orders. Barcode systems automate identification and tracking, ensuring each product is picked and packed correctly.

Benefits of Barcode Scanning:

• Error Reduction: Automate SKU matching to prevent picking mistakes.
• Speed and Efficiency: Scanning items is faster than manual checks.
• Real-Time Inventory Updates: Maintain accurate stock levels.

Pro Tip: Integrate barcode scanning with your order management system for seamless tracking and error prevention.

4. Double-Check Orders Before Shipping

A final quality control check can catch mistakes before orders leave the warehouse. This additional step may require extra time but can significantly improve accuracy.

How to Implement Quality Control:

• Assign a Dedicated Checker: Have a team member verify that items match the order before packaging.
• Use Verification Software: Employ tools that flag mismatched SKUs or incorrect quantities.
• Create an Accuracy Incentive Program: Reward staff for maintaining high accuracy levels.

Pro Tip: Use random audits to assess your team’s performance and reinforce accountability.

5. Optimise Your Picking Methods

Choosing the right picking method for your business can improve efficiency and accuracy, especially as order volumes grow.

Popular Picking Methods:

• Batch Picking: Group multiple orders with similar items for faster picking.
• Zone Picking: Assign workers to specific zones to minimise movement.
• Wave Picking: Combine batch and zone picking for high-volume fulfilment.

Pro Tip: Analyse your order data to determine which method suits your business best.

6. Integrate an Order Management System (OMS)

An advanced OMS ensures orders are processed accurately and provides real-time updates across channels. It also helps streamline communication between your ecommerce platform and fulfilment team.

Key OMS Features:

• Centralised Data: Consolidate orders from multiple sales channels in one dashboard.
• Error Detection: Identify inconsistencies or missing information before processing.
• Automated Updates: Sync inventory, shipping, and tracking information seamlessly.

Pro Tip: Choose an OMS that integrates with your existing tools, such as your ecommerce platform and shipping software.

7. Partner with a Reliable Fulfilment Provider

If fulfilment is consuming too much time or causing frequent errors, consider outsourcing to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. A reliable 3PL can handle your fulfilment needs with precision and scalability.

Benefits of a 3PL Partner:

• Expertise: Access to specialised tools and trained staff.
• Scalability: Easily adjust to seasonal demand fluctuations.
• Quality Assurance: Fulfilment providers often guarantee high order accuracy rates.

Pro Tip: Look for 3PL partners with a proven track record and advanced error-proofing technologies.

Conclusion

Improving order accuracy in ecommerce fulfilment is not just about reducing mistakes—it’s about building trust, retaining customers, and protecting your brand reputation.

By standardising processes, leveraging technology, and considering expert partners, you can create a seamless and error-free fulfilment operation.

At E-PickPack, we prioritise accuracy with advanced systems, rigorous quality checks, and a 100% accuracy guarantee.

Ready to achieve error-free fulfilment?

Contact us today to learn how we can help optimise your fulfilment operations.

FAQs

Q1: What is the most common cause of order inaccuracies?
The most common cause is human error during the picking and packing process, often due to disorganised warehouses or manual data entry.

Q2: How does barcode scanning improve order accuracy?
Barcode scanning automates SKU verification, ensuring the correct item is picked and packed for each order.

Q3: Should small businesses invest in order management systems?
Yes. An OMS can help even small businesses streamline operations, reduce errors, and scale more efficiently.

Q4: How can 3PL providers improve fulfilment accuracy?
3PL providers have specialised expertise, advanced technology, and trained staff to ensure orders are fulfilled with high accuracy.

Q5: How often should I audit my inventory?
Conduct inventory audits quarterly or monthly, depending on your order volume, to ensure stock accuracy and organisation.