E-commerce companies effectively reduce delivery errors by utilizing a modern Warehouse Management System (WMS). A WMS controls physical warehouse processes, while shop systems and ERP solutions manage commercial data. Studies show that the use of barcode scanners and voice-controlled systems like Pick-by-Voice can lower picking error rates by up to 70%. Automated plausibility checks at the packing station further minimize human error prior to shipping. Sources like the study by Müller & Co. (2022) impressively prove these benefits.
Why Do Delivery Errors Occur in Fulfillment?
Delivery errors are a costly problem in e-commerce. They drive up return rates, generate duplicate shipping costs, and damage customer satisfaction. Studies show that up to 30% of manual orders can be affected by inaccuracies. The most common error sources in a manual warehouse include:
- Wrong Item: Employees grab the wrong product because items look similar or are misplaced. An example is confusing products of the same brand.
- Wrong Variant: The incorrect size or color of a product is packed. This happens frequently in apparel logistics when similar items lie adjacent to each other.
- Incorrect Quantity: Too many or too few items are placed in the parcel. This is particularly problematic during promotional campaigns such as “Buy 2, Get 1 Free”.
- Swapped Labels: The right product receives the shipping label meant for another customer. This is especially critical when similar orders are processed simultaneously.
Without system-driven guidance, companies must rely entirely on the concentration of their employees. At peak times, high order volumes inevitably lead to mistakes. Implementing technologies like barcode scanners can reduce error rates by up to 70% while boosting overall efficiency.
System Comparison: Which System Does What?
Many retailers initially attempt to manage their warehouse using their shop platform or an ERP system. However, these approaches usually do not lead to a significant reduction in errors.
| System Type | Main Focus | Contribution to Warehouse Error Reduction |
| Shop System | Sales & Front-end | Very Low: Lacks path optimization and scan verification in the warehouse, leading to frequent errors. |
| ERP System | Finances, Purchasing & Master Data | Medium: Processes orders, but is often too rigid for fast, high-resolution intralogistics workflows. |
| WMS / LVS (e.g., proLogistik) | Intralogistics & Fulfillment | Very High: Guides employees step-by-step and enforces verification via scanning, lowering error rates significantly. |
| Shipping Software | Label Printing & Carrier Selection | Low: Does not prevent picking errors, but ensures the correct carrier label is applied. |
How a WMS Slashes Error Rates
An intelligent warehouse management system intervenes directly at the critical pain points where errors typically arise. It digitalizes the workflow from order entry to the final handover of the parcel, improving accuracy and reducing incorrect shipments.
1. System-Guided Picking
The WMS calculates the most efficient path through the warehouse and sends the order directly to the employee’s mobile device. At the proLogistik Group, we use state-of-the-art industrial hardware. With handheld scanners or Pick-by-Voice systems, hands remain free. Every item must be confirmed via a scan or voice input. If a worker picks the wrong item, the system alerts them instantly, reducing error rates by up to 30%.
2. Real-Time Inventory Tracking
The system updates the stock level of each article in real time. This ensures the online shop is always informed about current availability, preventing customers from ordering items that are out of stock and drastically increasing customer satisfaction.
3. Plausibility Checks at the Packing Station
Before a box is sealed, a final control step takes place. The WMS compares the actual weight of the package with the calculated theoretical weight of the items. Any discrepancies automatically trigger a system halt for manual inspection, minimizing the risk of incorrect shipments before they leave the ramp.
Tailored Solutions from proLogistik
To eliminate delivery errors permanently, software and hardware must work together seamlessly. The proLogistik Group supports e-commerce companies of all sizes with comprehensive supply chain expertise. We provide scalable WMS software and robust industrial hardware “Made in Germany.” Our solutions have already improved order accuracy by up to 30%, giving wholesalers and retailers an efficient all-in-one package that accelerates processes and eliminates mistakes.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What do delivery errors cost an e-commerce company? On average, an incorrect delivery costs an e-commerce company between €15 and €50 per occurrence. This sum includes outbound and return shipping, return processing labor, item depreciation, and customer service overhead.
At what point does a Warehouse Management System become profitable? A WMS can pay for itself starting at around 100 to 200 parcels per day, especially if the inventory contains many similar variants (e.g., fashion, cosmetics, or spare parts). The more complex the assortment, the faster the system amortizes by saving return costs.
Does a WMS replace an existing ERP system? No, the systems complement each other. The ERP system handles invoicing and purchasing master records, while the WMS efficiently manages warehouse execution via interfaces, optimizes picking paths, and reports shipping data back to the ERP.
Conclusion
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is indispensable for minimizing delivery errors in e-commerce. Utilizing technologies like barcode scanners and Pick-by-Voice sharply curtails mistakes during picking and packing. This results in higher efficiency, lower return costs, and happier customers. Discover how tailored solutions from proLogistik can support your business. Contact us today for an individual consultation.