Accurate Inventory Processing: Understanding The Difference Between Verification and Validation
In ecommerce fulfillment, verification and validation are two distinct processes that when used together ensure accurate order processing and ultimately customer satisfaction.
Both verification and validation are used to check that a product, service, or system meets requirements and specifications and that it fulfills its intended purpose. In the case of ecommerce fulfillment this means checking that the units being shipped are the ones that were ordered, and that the correct packaging and delivery methods are put in place.
These are critical components of a quality management system such as ISO 9000. Together, verification and validation minimize errors, reduce returns, and enhance the overall customer experience by ensuring the right products reach customers in excellent condition.
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Verification vs Validation in Ecommerce Fulfillment
- Verification checks the accuracy of the data, in ecommerce fulfillment this means confirming that actual product SKUs, quantities, and addresses within a package match the order details and customer requirements to prevent shipping errors. This step often involves barcode or UPC scanning and software checks.
- Validation is the process of meeting all specified requirements for the customer and or business. A validation process may include validation testing, checking packaging quality, delivery timelines, and regulatory compliance.
There are key differences in how each of these internal processes work, but when implemented correctly they work in tandem to ensure accurate pick, pack and ship for high-growth ecommerce businesses.
What is a Verify Station?
A verify station is a designated area within a warehouse or fulfillment center where orders are checked for accuracy before being shipped to customers. At a verify station, workers or automation systems confirm that items in an order match the end user’s specifications—such as product type, quantity, size, and packaging.
This often involves scanning barcodes, visually inspecting products, and cross-referencing the items with the order details on-screen. Verify stations help reduce errors by catching discrepancies early in the fulfillment process, improving accuracy, reducing returns, and ensuring that only verified, correct orders are sent to customers.
Bottom Line: Why Order Verification Matters
The verification process is a critical component of your fulfillment and order lifecycle because it directly impacts customer satisfaction.
A well-designed verification process starts with a quality control and quality assurance program. You need conformance on all orders to ensure high order accuracy, which results in happy customers. When your final product meets customer expectations, and hopefully exceeds them, your brand has more opportunities to grow.
If you outsource fulfillment and logistics to a 3PL, ensure they follow a rigorous quality assurance methodology to complete each order accurately each time. This is particularly critical for brands with medical devices, dangerous goods (DG) or hazmat, unique assembly requirements, and those following FDA requirements.
Author Bio
This post was written by Maureen Walsh, Marketing Manager at DCL Logistics. A writer and blogging specialist for over 15 years, she helps create quality resources for ecommerce brands looking to optimize their business.
Tags: warehouse management
