Understanding the Challenges of Order Fulfillment
The order fulfillment process has always presented challenges for small businesses. But with the current demands of today’s consumers, combined with the necessity for even small businesses to think globally, it’s now more challenging than ever to build an efficient and effective fulfillment system. However, if you can wrap your mind around these challenges and operate in a manner that allows for transparency, communication at each step of the process, and a high degree of automation, then the challenges of customer demands and a global mindset actually become strengths. (more…)
How to Improve the Order Fulfillment Process
It seems straightforward enough: Process and deliver an order to your customers on time and with no damage to the product. Unfortunately, order fulfillment is not that simple. Getting a product from point A to point B involves many stages, at many levels. It also involves groups of people who need to coordinate amongst each other if there’s any hope of having that package arrive on time, in one piece, with the proper documentation. The good news is there are ways to better manage this process. The key is to have a system in place that accounts for every step...
How to Determine the Right Warehousing Facility
In product fulfillment, your warehousing facilities can be as valuable to your success as the products themselves. However, the warehouse itself is no longer enough to use your facilities effectively. Here are the other factors you need to consider to determine which warehousing facilities and features will best suit your business. Rentals When researching warehousing and storage, keep in mind that the facility you use likely won’t be yours, but rather another business outsourcing it to you. (more…)
The Advantages of Choosing the Right Warehouse Management System
A warehouse management system (WMS) is, at its core, a tool of optimization, automation, and integration. Although, historically, WMS have been the domain of large and complex distribution networks, this is rapidly changing. Nowadays it is easy for small and medium-sized businesses to harness the advantages of warehouse management systems to better compete in the highly competitive e-commerce marketplace. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a warehouse management system since every business will have different needs based on products, computer systems, and so on. Regardless of the type of WMS you use, however, the advantages it can bring will...
How to Reduce Shipping Costs for Improved e-Commerce Profits
Shipping can be a complex and costly part of e-commerce businesses. Not surprisingly, this is why shipping is often looked at when it comes time to find ways to improve savings and profitability. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce shipping costs that any e-commerce enterprise can take advantage of. Follow just some of these tips for reducing shipping costs, and you'll begin to enjoy a more efficient and profitable business. (more…)The Disadvantages of Public Warehousing
When looking for third-party warehousing solutions, your options will come in one of two types: contract or public warehousing. On the surface, the two can appear interchangeable and it can be hard to tell what public warehousing is when compared to contract options. Each is run by a third-party operation that offers storage space, better shipping rates, seasonable scalability, value added services, and so on. The main differences arise when looking at where each warehouse type places the most focus and how this shapes its relationship with clients. Public warehouses are ostensibly meant for short-term rentals even though they can...
11 Ways to Make Fulfillment Easier
You’re likely more than busy enough running your fulfillment company; after all, today’s fulfillment companies are large, multi-channel enterprises. It’s not just about taking orders and shipping them out; it’s also about delivering quality goods to loyal customers and, above all else, sustaining a high reputation. As such, it can be difficult to keep things running smoothly. However, there are ways to make operating a fulfillment business easier. Check them out: 1. Use Dynamic Pricing Dynamic pricing is when businesses base their prices on current demand, changing when necessary. Companies do this to help deplete excessive stock and remain competitive. If...
Multi-Location Order Fulfillment—Pros and Cons
What Is Multi-Location Fulfillment? Many e-commerce businesses look to order fulfillment as an area in which they can possibly excel over their competition. Having the ability to ship to a consumer faster and for cheaper rates makes a real difference in determining customer retention and loyalty. One option that becomes attractive to businesses as they grow is multi-location order fulfillment. What this involves is building additional distributions centers in closer proximity to the customer base so shipping becomes more efficient. Like any other business decision, there are advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose order fulfillment centers. We discuss some of the...
How to Have a Safer Warehouse
Your warehouse is a key part of your business. It forms the heart of your distribution center as products flow in from suppliers and out to customers. Warehouses are highly busy environments filled with heavy equipment, large boxes, heights, and forklifts. With all of these factors at play, maintaining a safe workplace is essential. Fortunately there are a number of steps that can be taken to further improve warehouse safety. With these tips, you will be able to take pride in knowing that your warehousing solutions are able to provide a secure and safe work environment. 9 Key Guidelines To...
How Logistical Efficiency Supports Brand Marketing
Your shipping logistics processes intersect with many different elements of your business to the point where the efficiency and effectiveness of your logistics can have a very real and tangible impact on how well you market yourself. "Market" in this context, relates more to matters of public perception than direct advertising efforts—but those can be involved, too. Simply put, logistical efficiency is important for marketing because the enhancements that it brings will often directly or indirectly impact the consumer experience. Improving the former will naturally lead to gains in the latter, thus strengthening your brand. (more…)
