Optimizing the order picking and delivery process to the final recipient

The aim of this study is to analyse and evaluate the order picking process and the transport of products to customers, taking into account the specific characteristics and potential of small and medium-sized industrial enterprises. Scientific standards and selected indicators for measuring the efficiency and quality of transport and order picking processes were used to achieve the intended objectives. The research was conducted in a small, family-owned manufacturing and trading company specialising in the production and sale of wrought iron finishing elements and fences. The analysis covered both internal and external transport processes. It was shown that the order picking process in the studied company is largely based on manual procedures, which, despite high precision, generates time-consuming activities related to the movement of warehouse employees. External transport efficiency indicators showed high efficiency and appropriate use of transport resources. The high quality of deliveries, as measured by on-time and reliability indicators, confirms customer satisfaction. The study was conducted in one company, which is a limitation. Future studies should include more companies from the same sector. Proposed improvements need to be verified sometime after implementation and solutions resulting from data analysis can help SMEs in similar industries to improve their logistics processes. The work brings a new approach to the analysis of order picking and transport processes in the context of SMEs, providing practical solutions and indicating areas for further research. It is aimed at logistics managers, researchers and practitioners interested in optimising logistics processes in the industrial sector.