What is Hand Inserting & Fulfillment?

By: Andrew Glover
June 28, 2018

When an organization receives an influx of orders, generally the fastest method to successfully fulfill those orders is to use automated packaging machines. These fulfillment machines have the ability to package members’ orders swiftly and accurately. Nevertheless, not every item of a member’s order can be fulfilled through the usage of a machine. Some items, such as a personalized letter or a tangible item, may be better packaged using the precision and attention best provided by human hands. When such items need to be packaged, an organization should consider using the hand inserting method to fulfill a member’s order with accuracy and care.

Hand Inserting and Fulfillment Explained

Order fulfillment involves the steps taken the moment an order is received to when it is delivered. Fulfillment takes into account the processing, handling, shipping, and delivery of the order, which should be completed correctly and with a high level of accuracy. To ensure a member’s order is fulfilled successfully, an organization should go above and beyond using packaging machines.

Incorporating hand inserting services can ensure a member’s order is completed with precision. Hand inserting simply means “inserting” or packaging specific mail items by hand. For items that are delicate or fragile, for example, hand inserting may be the best method.

Hand inserting also comes with a few important benefits when weighed against machine fulfillment. Below are just a few of the benefits of using hand inserting processes:

Eliminates Risk of Machine Malfunction

When using automated machines, organizations face the risk of machine errors or malfunction. Not all machines are perfect and an error can set the order fulfillment process back. By incorporating hand inserting services and not relying completely on automated machines, organizations can reduce the risk of machine malfunction. In the event a machine breaks down or makes an error, a team of individuals can ensure that items are placed into their respective packages successfully and even fix machine errors.

Decreases Maintenance Costs

Machines may help save organizations time and money, but the initial cost of machines are quite expensive. Using hand inserting services can also help organizations save money initially by not exhausting their entire budget on automated machines. Using a mix of machines and trained fulfillment staff can help reduce costs while also increasing the accuracy of packaging. While machines are very accurate on their own, a team of hand inserting individuals can be there to insert items a machine may not be able to handle properly, or to handle delicate items that a machine may be more likely to break, also saving costs in potential item damage.

Increases Flexibility

Machines can be very systematic, even if they allow for customization. Having a hand inserting team increases the amount of flexibility you have in packaging and the way items are packaged. A hand inserting team can rearrange the way items are placed in their package, individualize packages at any given time, or change the style of the packaging altogether. A hand inserting team maximizes the personalization of orders, thus making for a more pleasant experience for the member.

Let Valtim Fulfill Your Hand Inserting Processes

There are times when complex package fulfillment can’t be automated. In these cases, Valtim utilizes our dedicated team of mail insertion specialists who can assemble unique and complex packages with a high degree of accuracy. From building and filling boxes, to component assembly and custom affixing services, Valtim’s hand team can handle any challenge in a fast and accurate manner. Contact Valtim now to see how we can help you fulfill your orders with hand inserting services.

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