Building Order Accuracy Into Every Stage

Order accuracy is often treated as a single checkpoint: a final scan before a parcel leaves the building. In practice, the businesses that maintain the highest accuracy rates tend to check at several points along the process rather than relying on one.

Where errors tend to originate

Most fulfilment errors are introduced early, during picking, rather than at packing or dispatch. A mis-picked item is far easier to catch on the shelf than after it has already been boxed and labelled. This is why we structure our process to verify at the point of picking, not only before dispatch.

• Verification at the point of picking, not only before dispatch
• Clear item identification to reduce ambiguity on the shelf
• A documented process for handling discrepancies when they occur

Why a single final check is not enough

A final check before dispatch catches some errors, but by that stage a mistake has already moved through several hands. Catching an issue earlier means less rework and a more reliable outcome for the customer.

What this means for customers

In practical terms, staged accuracy checks are intended to reduce how often the wrong item reaches a customer in the first place, rather than relying on returns to resolve the issue afterwards.

Looking ahead

We continue to review our fulfilment process periodically, adjusting checkpoints as order volumes and product ranges change over time.