Nov 25, 2022 | Blog
In five years, it won’t just be robots hard at work on the warehouse floor but digital systems and platforms that will run the entire operation. Warehouses of the future will operate with increased efficiency and accuracy, reducing errors and cutting costs. With customer demands continually rising, digitized warehouses will also be able to better meet those requirements by providing faster delivery times. It’s an exciting time for warehouses as they progress toward digitization.
What Does Warehouse Digitization Mean?
Warehouse digitization means automating everything from inventory tracking to order fulfillment, and it’s set to revolutionize the industry. By utilizing intelligent and automated systems, warehouses can make the most efficient use of their equipment and personnel. In fact, warehouse digitization is becoming such an integral part of warehousing that companies who fail to embrace it risk falling behind their competitors.
How Warehouse Digitization is Changing the Way Warehouses Operate
Gone are the days when warehouses were just dusty storage units – today, they’ve evolved into major players in global supply chains. However, many rely on outdated manual processes and technologies and need help to keep up with the demands of higher volume, small orders, and an ever-growing eCommerce market.
This is where warehouse digitization comes in. By integrating modern technology, warehouses can streamline their processes and stay ahead of the game in an industry that will only become more competitive.
How to Prepare your Warehouse for the Future
Thanks to warehouse digitization and increasing automation, warehouses are becoming leaner, more efficient operations that can quickly fulfill orders and provide real-time inventory updates. From robots to mobile devices, technology is changing how warehouses operate. Here are a few types of digital warehousing technology that are on the rise and will eventually become standard practice.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
The warehouse management system is like a trusty sidekick, always there to help you with inventory organization and optimization. It eliminates guesswork and human error, leading to streamlined operations and increased efficiency.
And why stop there? In addition to inventory management, a warehouse management system can handle order processing and offer insight into potential improvements for maximum productivity. A warehouse management system is the superhero of warehouse technology.
Digital Twins
The digital age has come for warehousing, bringing digital twins with it. These digital replicas of real-world environments bring greater visibility and insights, allowing for proactive decision-making. In the warehousing world, this means knowing where every pallet is in real-time, thanks to a network of sensors and software feeding the digital twin up-to-the-minute updates. And the more comprehensive your network, the higher the fidelity of your digital twin.
Real-Time Inventory Management
Can you imagine a life without real-time inventory management? The days of manually counting inventory every few weeks or months and then finally updating your records to see how much inventory you have on hand. Yikes. Real-time inventory management eliminates all that manual, tedious work and immediately provides up-to-date information. And not only does it save time, but it allows for more efficient supply chain operations. No more overstocking or running out of a particular item unexpectedly.
Real-Time Data Exchange
Shipping is only half the battle – it’s all about what you do with the data collected during the process. Savvy retailers know that by using ShipHero’s measurement and tracking tools, they can turn those numbers into valuable insights and stay ahead of the competition.
With real-time data warehousing, you don’t have to wait for outdated information – you can instantly refresh your data and set up dynamic reports on the fly to make expert business decisions. Don’t let shipping be your weakest link – use it as a weapon in your eCommerce arsenal.
Wearable Technology
The phrase “wearable technology” often conjures images of modern smartwatches and audio-enabled glasses. But in the warehouse industry, wearable technology goes beyond fashion statements. These devices, ranging from wristwear to drones, are quickly becoming essential tools for worker efficiency and improved working conditions. And with the bonus of increased precision and accuracy, these wearable gadgets aren’t just convenient – they’re also highly effective. It just might revolutionize your job (and possibly your wardrobe).
Warehouse Automation
Let’s face it, robots don’t need coffee breaks or sick days and can work around the clock. But there’s more to it than just freeing up employees for other tasks – automation enables precision, accuracy, and consistency in inventory management and order fulfillment. And with less human error comes potential cost savings.
Warehouse automation may seem like a scary step at first, but properly implemented sophisticated technologies can lead to a smoother supply chain operation and a significant boost to your bottom line. Don’t let fear stand in the way of progress – embrace warehouse automation before your competitors snatch up all the robots. We can answer all of your automation questions in our ShipHero blog.
Autonomous Guided Vehicles
The rise of AGVs has some questioning if robots are taking over the workforce, but in reality, they are simply automating tedious and repetitive tasks that humans shouldn’t have to do in the first place. Rather than replacing human workers, AGVs free them to focus on more important or complex tasks within the warehouse or facility. So while they may not be glamorous, AGVs can seriously improve efficiency and productivity in various industries.
The Future of Warehousing is Here
The future is here – warehouse automation and digitization are no longer just a concept; it’s a reality. As the warehousing industry continues to evolve rapidly, one thing remains clear: those who refuse to embrace future technologies and automation will get left behind. But don’t fret – there’s still time to hop on the digitization train and join the future of warehousing.
But where does that leave us as warehouse professionals? Well, for one thing, it means a more efficient operation with improved accuracy and productivity. It also means constantly staying ahead of the game and adapting to new technologies as they emerge.
So, in five years – we may have some new job titles, but rest assured, we’ll still be at the forefront of logistics technology. And who knows? Maybe even alongside some robot co-workers. One thing is for sure – you’ll want to be a part of it, with ShipHero leading the charge in warehouse digitization.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing industry, partner with a company that understands warehouse digitization and can help you implement the latest technology into your business. At ShipHero, we are constantly innovating and evolving our technology to meet the needs of our clients. Contact us today to see how we can help you future-proof your warehouse operation.
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Talk to our software experts today and learn more about how our warehouse software is built for eCommerce brands.
Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO
ShipHero
About the author: Aaron Rubin is the Founder & CEO of ShipHero. He is responsible for planning and executing the overall vision and strategy of the organization. Rubin’s greatest strengths are leadership, change management, strategic planning, and a passion for progression. He is known for having his finger on the pulse of ShipHero’s significant initiatives, entrepreneurial spirit, and keen business acumen. His leadership of ShipHero is grounded in providing excellent customer service that drives improved business operations. His passion for ShipHero comes from the culture and his ability to impact the lives of employees, customers, partners, and investors.
Follow Aaron on Twitter & LinkedIn.
Nov 18, 2022 | Blog, Warehouse Management Software
The era of mobile commerce and eCommerce has completely changed the game for supply chain management. These days, it’s no longer enough to have a great product – now, you also have to make sure it’s readily available and can be delivered quickly. Consumers want instant gratification, and they want options when it comes to how and when their purchases are delivered. Companies must stay on top of trends and adapt digital supply chain solutions to remain competitive in today’s market. Gone are the days of slow shipping times and limited delivery options – now, customers expect convenience at their fingertips (literally). So if you want to stay on top, take a moment to learn about mobile commerce and eCommerce developments and make sure your supply chain is ready to meet those demands.
What is the Difference Between mCommerce and eCommerce?
eCommerce and mobile commerce may have the same end goal, but they’re not entirely interchangeable. eCommerce refers to all online commerce, while mobile commerce specifically pertains to using mobile devices to conduct transactions. To put it simply, mobile commerce is a subset of eCommerce. Mobile commerce is becoming increasingly important as more and more people rely on their mobile devices for all aspects of their lives, including shopping. Both forms of online commerce offer convenience and ease for customers, making them integral parts of the modern marketplace.
What is Electronic Commerce (eCommerce)?
eCommerce can be as simple as buying a new book on Amazon or as complex as purchasing stocks and bonds through a financial services firm’s website. In essence, it is the act of conducting business online, eliminating the need for physical locations and transactions. eCommerce has revolutionized how we conduct business, making it easier for companies to reach a global audience and allowing consumers to shop anytime, from anywhere.
Types of eCommerce:
- Business-to-customer (B2C): B2C eCommerce companies sell directly to consumers. Instead of distributing goods to a middle-man, a B2C company interacts directly with consumers. This can also be called direct-to-consumer or DTC.
- Business-to-business transactions (B2B): eCommerce businesses can also sell directly to other businesses, normally in a wholesale capacity. Most B2B transactions take place because one business is supplying products or inventory for another to sell. There is often a long lead time, higher order quantities, and greater specifications in B2B transactions.
- Consumer-to-consumer purchases (C2C): Auction-style platforms like eBay and Craigslist postings are examples of consumer-to-consumer platforms. A C2C eCommerce platform enables consumers to buy and sell without requiring companies to be involved.
- Companies-from-Consumers (C2B): Companies from consumers offer their services more easily on modern platforms, especially for short-term contracts, gigs, and freelance opportunities.
What is Mobile Commerce (mCommerce)?
Have you ever made a purchase on your phone? Then you are part of the mCommerce ecosystem. Mobile commerce (or “mCommerce”) offers convenient options for customers and businesses. mCommerce can include mobile banking, mobile retail platforms, and ticketing systems.
Benefits of mCommerce
- Convenient transactions: With a smartphone, people can complete transactions conveniently everywhere they go as long as they can access Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
- Ease of use: Mobile apps are optimized for the best user experience. It takes fewer taps and less navigation compared to eCommerce websites.
- Portability: Generally, most eCommerce activities take place on desktops or laptops. Devices like these are not as portable as mCommerce devices like mobile phones and tablets.
- Reachability: Mobile commerce will reach a much broader audience than eCommerce due to mobile device portability.
- Push notifications: Merchants can send push notifications to their customers via mobile devices in mCommerce.
- Location tracking: mCommerce applications can track and identify user locations using GPS technology, Wi-Fi, and other technologies, making it easy to provide localized offers.
- Security: Mobile devices are used in eCommerce for 2-factor authentication. mCommerce has the advantage of additional protection via biometrics like fingerprint and face recognition.
The Future of Warehousing is Here, Are You Ready?
Mobile commerce and eCommerce have revolutionized how businesses operate in a world where consumers can purchase almost any product with a few swipes on their mobile devices. These platforms offer various advantages, including cost reduction, access to new markets, and easy tracking of key performance indicators. However, they’ve also significantly impacted warehouse operations and supply chains.
With online shopping becoming more popular, there is a greater demand for efficient distribution networks that can handle the influx of orders. Additionally, mobile trends like buying online and in-store pick-up have created the need for seamless omnichannel experiences. Despite these challenges, mobile commerce and eCommerce show no signs of slowing down – in fact, they are projected to become even more prevalent in the future. Successful businesses must adapt their warehousing and supply chain strategies to keep up with these rapidly evolving industry changes.
Why You Need Warehouse Management Software in a mCommerce World
When it comes to mobile commerce and other eCommerce trends, the need for warehouse management software (WMS) is more important than ever. A WMS allows real-time inventory visibility and improves organization, reducing manual work and avoiding poor customer experiences. It also helps drive productivity and lower labor costs, keeping up with mobile and omnichannel shopping demands. In short, a WMS is a necessary tool for success if you want to stay competitive in today’s mobile world.
Mastering omnichannel logistics is key to thriving in mobile commerce and eCommerce, and that means having warehouse management software that can handle the ever-changing trends of online shopping. Luckily, ShipHero has you covered – our WMS is constantly adapting to meet the needs of our customers. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive in this digital age.
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Talk to our software experts today and learn more about how our warehouse software is built for eCommerce brands.
Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO
ShipHero
About the author: Aaron Rubin is the Founder & CEO of ShipHero. He is responsible for planning and executing the overall vision and strategy of the organization. Rubin’s greatest strengths are leadership, change management, strategic planning, and a passion for progression. He is known for having his finger on the pulse of ShipHero’s significant initiatives, entrepreneurial spirit, and keen business acumen. His leadership of ShipHero is grounded in providing excellent customer service that drives improved business operations. His passion for ShipHero comes from the culture and his ability to impact the lives of employees, customers, partners, and investors.
Follow Aaron on Twitter & LinkedIn.
Nov 11, 2022 | Blog, Warehouse Management Software
While many aspects of the shipping and fulfillment industry have gone fully digital, some still require a physical presence. Whether you’re an eCommerce business storing products in a warehouse or a 3PL managing inventory for multiple clients, inventory management is critical. But managing your physical inventory in a digital world can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you get started.
What is Inventory Management?
Inventory management is the process of ordering, stocking, and using a business’s materials or products. There are various types of inventory, like raw materials, cycle inventory, and MRO goods, which we won’t get into right now. But prioritizing your inventory helps you understand what you need to order or manufacture more frequently to continuously fulfill your customers’ needs.
Being a warehouse employee isn’t just about lifting heavy boxes all day. They also have to keep track of inventory and update information as necessary. When it comes to traditional inventory management, this often means laboriously filling out spreadsheets or keeping physical files updated. But with digital inventory management, they can kiss those days goodbye. Instead of relying on the fallible human memory, the warehouse team can depend on a fully automated system that does the updating for them. Stop worrying about a lapse in record-keeping causing disaster for business operations.
Let’s face it – warehouse work can be physically demanding without worrying about the warehouse’s physical inventory process. Digital inventory management allows businesses and warehouses to focus more on regular tasks while letting technology handle the rest.
Digital Inventory Solutions
Digital inventory solutions can help automate and streamline your inventory procedures. You can improve your bottom line by using inventory management software and other inventory control technologies, like barcoding and RFID tagging. Automating your inventory management processes can help reduce errors, increase efficiencies, and allow you and your team time to focus on other tasks.
Manual processes can often lead to errors and missed opportunities when managing your inventory. But automating your inventory with a digital inventory management system like ShipHero ensures accuracy and frees up time for you and your team to focus on the important stuff. Constant communication with your sales channels means you’ll always have up-to-the-minute information about what’s in stock, what’s sold out, and what needs to be replenished. Gone are the days of physical inventory count headaches and lost sales – let technology do the heavy lifting for you.
Inventory Tips and Tricks
Here are a few methods you can use to streamline your inventory management, no matter where you are in your process:
- Define your objectives and KPIs: What do you want to achieve with your inventory management process? You can develop KPIs to track progress if you reduce stock levels, increase turnover rates, or improve customer satisfaction.
- Develop standard operating procedures: Documenting your procedures helps ensure everyone on your team is on the same page and following the same process.
- Utilize technology: As we mentioned before, technology can significantly help manage inventory. From barcoding and RFID tagging to automated reordering systems, various technology solutions are available to help streamline your process.
- Conduct regular audits: Regular audits help ensure accuracy in your data and catch any errors that may have slipped through the cracks. Auditing also allows you to identify improvement areas in your process and make changes as needed.
- ShipHero Cycle Counts: Cycle counting helps to ensure that your physical inventory matches what you have recorded in the system, keeping everything in check. It also allows you to count smaller sections at a time, rather than having to shut down operations for a complete physical count. In other words, cycle counting helps prevent any potential inventory-related chaos and keeps your whole process running smoothly.
- Communicate with stakeholders: Good communication is critical in any business operation, but it’s imperative when managing inventory. Ensure everyone who needs to be informed about changes in inventory levels is kept in the loop. That way, there are no surprises down the road.
Digitize Your Inventory Management Process
In the digital era, physical inventory management can feel like a relic from the past. But efficient inventory management software allows you to have your cake and count it too. By automating the mundane tasks associated with physical inventory, you can spend more time checking things off your to-do list and less time inputting data. Why suffer through tedious physical inventory counts by hand?
You can make this process much easier with the right tools and solutions. At ShipHero, we specialize in helping businesses streamline their inventory management process so they can focus on what they do best – running their business. If you’re looking for help managing your inventory, contact us today to see how we can help.
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Talk to our software experts today and learn more about how our warehouse software is built for eCommerce brands.
Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO
ShipHero
About the author: Aaron Rubin is the Founder & CEO of ShipHero. He is responsible for planning and executing the overall vision and strategy of the organization. Rubin’s greatest strengths are leadership, change management, strategic planning, and a passion for progression. He is known for having his finger on the pulse of ShipHero’s significant initiatives, entrepreneurial spirit, and keen business acumen. His leadership of ShipHero is grounded in providing excellent customer service that drives improved business operations. His passion for ShipHero comes from the culture and his ability to impact the lives of employees, customers, partners, and investors.
Follow Aaron on Twitter & LinkedIn.
Nov 4, 2022 | Blog, Fulfillment
The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with numerous geopolitical factors, has resulted in major disruptions to the supply chain in recent years. In particular, US companies that rely on China for manufacturing have suffered issues related to frequent lockdowns. In light of these problems, the country is reconsidering its traditional approaches to manufacturing and logistics, and businesses need to stay abreast of the latest laws and policies if they hope to stay competitive. Read on to learn how retailers are future-proofing their supply chain in light of US manufacturing reshoring.
Is US Manufacturing Coming Back?
Manufacturing in the US vs overseas has been a topic of debate for years. However, recent legislation is causing many businesses to reassess their current retail expansion strategies. In February of this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the America COMPETES Act of 2022. Along with increasing the competitiveness of American companies, the bill aims to improve supply chains and reduce the shortages that have become common in recent years.
In light of US manufacturing reshoring, companies are asking themselves whether they’re properly positioned to compete for available loans and subsidies. Making changes to your supply chain now could better help you benefit from the new legislation while future-proofing your business against shortages and disruptions down the line. However, not all companies are poised to make the change.
Benefits of US Manufacturing Reshoring
Recent events have left retailers feeling helpless about supply chain issues. However, making the switch to domestic manufacturers can go a long way toward guaranteeing your business a bright future. Here are some ways in which manufacturing goods in the US can help you control your supply chain destiny moving forward.
Save Time on Production
Manufacturing products overseas increases costs along with the time it takes your goods to reach consumers. Not only does moving this task closer mean customers receive purchases faster, improving your service ratings, but the entire sales process is also accelerated. As a result, your company is more agile, and money stays in your pocket.
Save Money on Shipping
It’s no secret that shipping is a significant cost in the eCommerce world. When you manufacture goods closer to home, you spend less money shipping products to customers and shipping supplies overseas. This is particularly important in an emergency, when you may need to air ship items out on a faster timetable.
Enjoy More Control
It’s hard to control what’s happening in your manufacturing plants if they’re located thousands of miles away from your team. One of the benefits of domestic manufacturing is that it gives business owners the opportunity to ensure goods meet their high standards and specifications. In the long run, using lower quality items can cause you to spend more on quality checks, repairs, and even processing returns.
Reduce Errors
Errors are all too common in the supply chain. However, increasing the length of a product’s journey from manufacturer to customer also raises the number of opportunities for mistakes to occur. By shortening that chain, you can reduce the odds of your product being damaged, lost, or even stolen in transit.
As your eCommerce business grows, it can be hard to keep up with your company’s logistics needs. Not only do you have to get goods out the door on time, but you also have to manage reverse logistics for products coming back into your warehouse. By investing in a third-party fulfillment service, you can take the first step toward optimizing your logistics and putting your business in the best position to benefit from US manufacturing reshoring.
To find out more about ShipHero’s fully outsourced fulfillment solution, talk to one of our Fulfillment Experts today.
Maggie M. Barnett, Esq. COO of ShipHero
ShipHero
About the author: Maggie M. Barnett, Esq., is the COO of ShipHero. She is responsible for planning and executing the overall operational, legal, managerial and administrative procedures, reporting structures and operational controls of the organization. Barnett’s greatest strengths are leadership, risk mitigation, change management and a passion for business transformation. She is known for her expertise in delivering operational excellence and an ability to provide guidance and mitigating risk. Her leadership of ShipHero is grounded in a servant mentality, always doing the right thing for our stakeholders. Her passion for ShipHero comes from the ability to drive operational excellence throughout the organization impacting the lives of our employees, customers, and partners.
Follow Maggie on Twitter & LinkedIn.
Nov 2, 2022 | Blog
In the digital age, customer expectations are high. We’ve entered a time where no matter how relevant your message or how unique your product, your customers expect a streamlined delivery experience. Delays in shipping or products harmed along the way turns a loyal customer into a frustrated one. This is why fulfillment is a huge issue across the world during the pandemic. Manufacturing has slowed, carrier rates are on the rise, and ports are congested; resulting in packages getting lost or taking double the time to arrive. For many, investing in logistical infrastructure has become a high priority because efficient fulfillment processes are required for customer happiness and retention.
What is Order Fulfillment?
This is the process which allows you to get a product delivered to your customer after they order it online. Within the supply chain, this process includes inventory receiving, storing, processing, picking and packing, and transporting the items to the shipping destination of the customer. The efficiency of this is measured in the time it takes for an order to get to the customer’s porch once processed. These fulfillment services are complicated. They take a heavy chunk of change to get up and running and if you don’t do them right, they become costly to a business.
This is why many large multi-million dollar companies have their own supply chain infrastructure, but many smaller companies can’t afford to bring those services in house. Which is where a third party fulfillment center can help. They are decked out with the latest technology and streamlined processes so your company doesn’t have to invest in its infrastructure.
Types of Order Fulfillment
There are a few different order fulfillment strategies you can utilize.
In-House Fulfillment
This works great when you are small, or if you have millions to invest in a warehouse and the crew required to man it. But unless you have the money to invest in a fulfillment infrastructure and know how to do it well, this isn’t a great option.
Dropship Order Fulfillment
This is where you don’t keep the products you sell in stock. Instead you as the seller would purchase the inventory as needed from a manufacturer to fulfill orders. However this can be difficult due to manufacturing shortages and congestion in the ports. Now your product is stuck and you have any customers who haven’t received an order.
Third-Party Fulfillment
This is a great strategy which gives you control of your supply chain with the help of professionals who know the industry and how to navigate it. When using a third-party fulfillment company you contract them to store, pick, pack, and ship your product all while providing you with key strategies for your logistical needs.
Why Third-Party Fulfillment
Likely, you have already felt the major supply chain disruptions within your own company. So why go to third-party fulfillment? It drives revenue. Because in today’s world eCommerce companies will get ignored if they can’t offer 2-day shipping. This has become such a standard for customer satisfaction it is often highly annoying to clients if they have to wait longer.
You can fulfill your orders in house, but often, this only works for so long. Especially when order volumes become too high and force you to invest in high quality fulfillment infrastructure (staff, technology, warehouses, shipping) which gets pricey!
Often it’s better to work with a third-party provider because they scale up and down in order volume as you need, they have the tools in place to provide customers with a seamless and speedy delivery, and they provide your business with strategic insights. Some of the best fulfillment services help you elevate your eCommerce business with strategies to turn your fulfillment from a cost to a revenue driver.
When picking the best fulfillment center available to you, there are a slew of options. Especially with the continuous improvement of equipment and technology.
Top 10 Order Fulfillment Options for eCommerce
Let’s take a look at a few third-party order fulfillment companies.
ShipHero
If you want to dump the headache of running your own warehouse, or if you want to run your warehouse more efficiently, ShipHero has a solution. With both a stellar warehouse management system (WMS) and a fully outsourced fulfillment option their clients have peace of mind.
The warehouse management system (WMS) streamlines your warehouse’s entire processes and procedures to increase efficiency and make your team more effective. Plus, they offer 30% faster shipping times than many competitors and a highly rated Client Support team which provides you with a fulfillment expert to help you with any questions or concerns on your supply chain.
Overall ShipHero simplifies your picking, packing, and shipping in order to allow your team to pick and pack more in the same amount of time.
If you’re interested in learning more, here is a case study.
Amazon Fulfillment (FBA)
What is FBA? This fulfillment solution allows businesses to outsource their order fulfillment directly to Amazon. Meaning, your business would send its product to Amazon fulfillment centers, then as the customer purchases the product, Amazon will pick, pack, and ship it. And, when an item is sold you pay Amazon a small percentage of the total price (this includes item price, shipping cost, and gift-wrapping costs). The average seller typically pays about 15% of their product’s cost.
Due to their size, Amazon FBA has no maximum monthly order volume which makes it ideal for large operations. They also have more than 200 million Amazon Prime members who search Amazon.com frequently, which means your product gets in front of more people than usual. As Amazon grows it has become one of the fastest growing fulfillment companies for many multichannel sellers.
Red Stag
In their eCommerce fulfillment offering, RedStag has a few benefits worth highlighting. First they have the option of same-day shipping and fulfillment services with as late as a 5pm cut off. Second, their WMS helps you gain visibility into the different phases of your supply chain. Third, they offer eCommerce returns processing. Returns are a common part of the supply chain but unfortunately it can be difficult to have a solution for them. However RedStag offers a reverse logistics process to help you turn a lost sale into a good customer experience. They do this by offering a high speed return process which documents any damage done to the product then they can refurbish and restock the product for you.
They also offer custom packaging and help you source and test appropriate boxes for your product. And when doing this they take into consideration how best to consolidate the items within your packages to help clients lower their number of packages per order and become more eco-friendly as sustainability is top of mind for many eCommerce brands.
ShipBob
A third-party logistics provider who fulfills your eCommerce orders for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Meaning companies who don’t use a middleman like retailers or wholesalers to get their product in-front of a customer. ShipBob will determine where best your product fits in their fulfillment centers based on the most common order locations between their network of fulfillment centers. This way your inventory is strategically split across all their locations so your products are near your customers.
With their order management software they will also track your shipments from beginning to end so you get clarity into where exactly your product is at any time.
3PL Central
For those of you who want to do self-fulfillment, 3PL Central is a good option. They have a warehouse management software which automates many processes required within your fulfillment process. With this platform they help you optimize your warehouse workflow so your processes and operations are streamlined.
Their WMS is a cloud-based solution and it automates billing, integrates with API, EDI, shopping carts, retailers, and shipper connections. Above all they strive to eliminate manual errors, offer high quality reporting, and help you move to paperless operations. They also integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.
ShipMonk
They offer both a cloud based inventory management software and fulfillment services. Their inventory portal gives you the ability to identify your best selling SKUs and blacklist old skus. What’s more you can track your inventory levels across multiple channels.
And with several fulfillment centers across the US they will split your inventory across locations and help you source the warehouse which offers the best price. They also boast a high performing customer team of “Happiness Engineers” who will spring into action and help when a problem arises.
Stord
This company is a single partner to fulfill your freight, warehousing, and fulfillment needs. Their goal is to make your supply chain a competitive advantage by helping you optimize everything from port to porch. They offer fulfillment, freight, and cloud based software. Their software connects all the programs you use within your supply chain in one place so you have one dashboard to see your entire supply chain process. In addition, it also helps you find shipping rates for different freight loads.
Their focus is a holistic approach to fool-proof your supply chain and they want to help you create a strategy so you can optimize your physical and technological solutions.
Deliverr
Here you get free two day shipping through platforms such as Wish, Facebook, Shopify, Walmart, Google, Ebay, and Instagram. They also have several freight options including drayage, transloading, and LTL services. Their mission is to let any company, regardless of size, offer their customers fast and cost effective fulfillment. Meaning they want to make sure companies who may not have huge order volumes have the same tools as a large company without the cost of the supply chain infrastructure.
In addition they want to provide eCommerce businesses with the tools they need to grow and understand their fulfillment costs so they easily compare fulfillment options.
FlowSpace
You can utilize FlowSpace for eCommerce fulfillment, retail fulfillment, and warehouse storage. They offer both fulfillment services and a WMS which gives you the ability to track both inbound and outbound shipments and even give you real-time inventory management insights and recommendations. These data insights help you forecast your inventory. They have a fulfillment network which will connect to your brand, provide faster delivery, and help you identify key fulfillment centers to reach your customer quickly. Their warehouses are equipped to palletize your inventory and perform customer kitting services.
Ware2Go
This is an on demand fulfillment and warehousing company owned by UPS. They are out to change the traditional 3PL model for companies of all sizes. They have a nationwide network of warehouses and their fulfillment processes are designed for scale so you never outgrow their ability to handle your product. They offer software to help you streamline both of your fulfillment, and sales channels as in this platform the algorithm learns your company’s sales patterns and gives you inventory and distribution insights based on those patterns.
This is their “FulfillmentVu” technology and it combines WMS, OMS, and TMS into one platform. Plus you can integrate your current marketplaces into the software as well.
Pick What Highlights Your Business
Overall there are many third-party order fulfillment options for eCommerce sellers to consider. And each one has unique options available for different business needs. No matter what fulfillment service you use for your eCommerce company, you should consider your options carefully. Especially because those you work with will affect your customers’ perception of your business as a whole. Your fulfillment partner should be one who you trust to have your company’s interests in mind. They should help you generate a strategy to improve your fulfillment as your business grows, and they should relieve the headache of tracking your fulfillment instead of adding to that headache. Because a streamlined order fulfillment process is key to standing it. It means you become a staple household brand by clients who want to repeat a great purchasing experience. Making your pick of a third-party order fulfillment provider a high impact decision.
If you need any help in this decision, we are always happy to discuss. Schedule a time to chat with us here.
Find Out More about Order Fulfillment Options
Check out these blogs that highlight the best order fulfillment options for 9 different eCommerce sellers.
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment for Amazon
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Partners for Walmart
Top 10 Order Fulfillment for eBay
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Options for Wix
Top 6 Best Order Fulfillment Options for Square
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Partners for ChannelAdvisor
Top 6 Best Order Fulfillment Partners for WooCommerce
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Options for BigCommerce
Top 10 Best Order Fulfillment Options for Squarespace
