Make the handoff easy to act on

For the Harbor & Pine example order, the pick is one ceramic mug and one notebook. The picking colleague checks the order in the authorized system, then gives the next role a concise update tied to that order—not a separate copy of customer or payment details.

A person packing a cardboard parcel at a worktable

From order to next owner

Keep the order record current and make each handoff explicit.

  1. 1

    Read the assigned path

    The picking colleague checks the fulfillment method and item list in the authorized order system before starting.

  2. 2

    Pick and compare

    Locate the ceramic mug and notebook, then compare the items with the order. If an item is missing, pause the affected path and use the exception guidance.

  3. 3

    Prepare for the path

    For pickup, place the prepared order in the designated pickup area. For ship-from-store, pack the order according to local shipping guidance.

  4. 4

    Record and hand off

    Update the order using the authorized system. Tell the next role the order reference, what is complete or missing, the current location or packing state, and the action still needed.

What a useful handoff includes

Share only the operational details the next owner needs; keep customer and payment details in the authorized order system.

Pickup handoff

The pickup or service colleague needs to know what is ready and where it has been placed.

  • Order reference from the authorized system
  • Items picked, or the item that could not be found
  • Pickup-area location and any action still outstanding

Shipping handoff

The shipping colleague needs to know what is packed and what remains before the order can move on.

  • Order reference from the authorized system
  • Items packed, or the item that could not be found
  • Current packing state and next action under local shipping guidance