In the run up to Black Friday, during a sudden product surge, or through a quieter month, smart companies acknowledge that volumes change, and the supply chain must change with them.
At Lesters Logistics, we work with businesses of every size. The same lesson comes up time and again. Real success is not about last-minute reactions, it is about planning ahead so your pick and pack stays fast, accurate and consistent, regardless of the volume.
Here are some practical lessons we use to keep speed, accuracy and satisfaction in balance when demand rises and falls.
1) Peaks test systems, not only capacity
Busy periods reveal the weak points in any operation. Slow picks, packaging that does not protect, and manual stock checks all struggle when orders spike. The answer is this problem is preparation. We help clients build scalable processes before they are needed, so performance holds steady when pressure arrives. That means barcode-led checks for accuracy, warehouse layouts that reduce travel time, trained temporary labour that can be added quickly, and integrations that remove manual keying. The best time to prepare for peak is before it happens.
2) Lulls are an opportunity to get ahead
It’s easy to overlook quiet periods – but they’re a gift if used wisely.
We encourage teams to review and simplify their SKU list, reset storage locations, run small fulfilment tests, refresh customer touchpoints and update forecasts from real data. A lull is not wasted time, it is your window to get things in order, so the next busy period starts smooth and easily controlled.
3) Flex beats fixed capacity
No two weeks look the same, so one fixed model rarely fits. Whether you are shipping a hundred orders or ten thousand, your set-up should scale without issues. Our approach gives you storage that expands and contracts with demand, fulfilment that you pay for as you use it, and staffing that grows for peak then returns to normal. We avoid rigid commitments and fixed footprints so you can grow without the unnecessary cost.
4) Data is your simplest forecasting tool
You cannot plan for what you do not measure. Make sure to track the basics and you will see patterns you can use. Watch which products spike, daily despatch volumes, how quickly locations turn, and when returns tend to peak. This information guides staffing, slotting, packaging choices and carrier bookings. You cannot remove all uncertainty, but you can see more of it in advance.
5) The right 3PL changes the outcome
A true partner does more than move boxes. They help you stay ahead. At Lesters Logistics, we act as an extension of your team. We support forecasting, tune pick and pack standards, plan for peak, and keep improving during the quieter weeks. The goal for us is simple, keep speed high, keep accuracy tight, and protect the customer experience.
Ready to build a supply chain that works all year round?
When speed, accuracy and satisfaction work together, you can promise later cut-offs with confidence. Plan for peaks, invest in clear data, keep your operation flexible, and use the lulls to sharpen the system. That is how you build a pick and pack flow that performs well all year round.
Contact Lesters Logistics today and we’ll build a plan around your business’ volumes and peaks.