What is a 3PL Inventory System?

A 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) inventory system offers a sustainable cost-saving solution for businesses that may otherwise have difficulty managing and maintaining their inventory. By outsourcing these tasks to a third-party logistics provider, companies gain access to specialized resources, including advanced inventory management tools and tracking systems.

The advantages of using a 3PL inventory system are numerous, from reducing overhead costs to freeing up internal resources for more strategic projects. Ultimately, this system can maximize efficiency and optimize processes for higher-quality outcomes.

What is 3PL Inventory Management Software?

3PL inventory management software provides various tools and features to help third-party logistics providers manage a company’s inventory more effectively. These solutions streamline processes, providing an integrated and automated business workflow for receiving and tracking inventory, managing orders, creating shipping labels, and producing reports.

The software also brings real-time inventory management visibility into inventory levels from an array of data points, so companies can take advantage of important reorder points or unintentionally order beyond their needs. This offers companies greater efficiency in their supply chain operations and order fulfillment services.

Benefits of 3PL Inventory Management Software

Using 3PL inventory management software has numerous advantages to help your business grow. When utilizing this software, you can enjoy improved accuracy, efficiency, visibility, cost savings, scalability, and flexibility. With real-time data tracking of your inventory levels, you can reduce stockouts or overstock by making informed decisions promptly. Outsourcing your warehouse and inventory management saves costs associated with maintaining them within your organization. Furthermore, the software is designed to quickly scale up or down as needed to accommodate business growth or seasonal fluctuations in demand. And it is also very customizable so that no matter what your business needs are, the software has you covered!

Reduced Costs on Both Ends

3PL (Third-Party Logistics) inventory software allows providers to manage and track their inventory, which can help to reduce costs in several ways. For example, the software can help to minimize stockouts by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels, which can help to avoid lost sales and the need to rush-order items.

Additionally, the software can help to optimize inventory levels by providing insights into sales trends and demand patterns, which can help to prevent overstocking. This can reduce storage costs and minimize the risk of obsolete inventory.

For clients, using 3PL inventory software can also help reduce costs by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and delivery status. This helps to improve planning and forecasting, which helps avoid stockouts and minimize the need for emergency shipments.

Additionally, the software can optimize order processing and fulfillment, which helps to speed up delivery times and reduce transportation costs.

Time Saved Through Automation

3PL (Third-Party Logistics) inventory software can save time by automating many tasks involved in managing and tracking inventory. Some examples of the basic capabilities of automation include:

• Automated inventory tracking: The software can automatically update inventory levels and track stock movements in real time, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors.

• Automated ordering: The software can automatically generate purchase orders based on predefined reorder points, reducing the need for manual order placement.

• Automated receiving and put away: The software can automatically process receiving and put away transactions using barcode scanning and RFID technology, reducing the time required for manual data entry and searching.

• Automated picking and packing: The software can automate the pick and pack process and optimize it for speed, accuracy, and efficiency by using different techniques such as wave picking, zone picking, and more.

• Automated shipping: The software can automatically generate shipping labels and documents, reducing the time required for manual data entry and preparation.

• Automated reporting: The software can automatically generate real-time reports on inventory levels, stock movements, sales trends, and more, providing users with the data they need to make informed decisions quickly.

Overall, the automation features of 3PL inventory software can streamline inventory management, improve efficiency, and save time by reducing the need for manual data entry and repetitive tasks.

Customization and Scalability

3PL (Third-Party Logistics) inventory software can offer customization and scalability in several ways:

• Customizable workflows: Many 3PL inventory software solutions offer customizable workflows that can be configured to match the specific needs and processes of the user. For example, the software can be configured to handle different types of inventory, such as serialized or lot-controlled items, and can be configured to handle different types of transactions, such as receiving, put away, picking, packing, and shipping.

• Customizable reports: Many 3PL inventory software solutions offer customizable reporting capabilities that allow users to create reports tailored to their specific needs. Users can create reports that provide real-time data on inventory levels, stock movements, sales trends, and more.

• Scalability: 3PL inventory software is designed to scale with a company’s growing needs. It can handle different inventory volumes, transactions, and several users. Many software solutions can be easily integrated with other systems and configured to support multiple locations, which can help support a business’s growth.

• Integration with other systems: 3PL inventory software can be integrated with other systems such as accounting, CRM, WMS, TMS, and more. This can help streamline processes and improve efficiency by eliminating manual data entry and reconciliation.

Overall, 3PL inventory software can offer customization and scalability by providing customizable workflows, reporting capabilities, scalability, and integration with other systems, which can support a business’s growth and changing needs.

Lower Risk for Error

3PL (Third-Party Logistics) inventory software can offer lower risk for error in several ways:

• Automated inventory tracking: By automatically updating inventory levels and tracking stock movements in real-time, the software eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of errors.

• Barcode and RFID scanning: By using barcode and RFID scanning technology, the software can automatically process receiving, put away, picking, and packing tasks, which can help to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of errors.

• Real-time visibility: The software provides real-time inventory management visibility and stock movements, which can help minimize stockouts and overstock, reducing the risk of errors in inventory management.

• Error checking: The software can include features that automatically detect and alert users to potential errors, such as duplicate or missing data.

• Customizable workflows: By offering customizable workflows that can be configured to match the specific needs and processes of the user, the software can help to reduce the risk of errors by ensuring that procedures are followed correctly.

• Audit trails: The software can also provide an audit trail of all transactions, which can be used to identify and correct errors and track inventory movements.

Overall, by providing automated inventory tracking, barcode, and RFID scanning, real-time visibility, error checking, customizable workflows, and audit trails, 3PL inventory software can help to reduce the risk of errors in inventory management.

Insight into Your Clients’ Business

3PL (third-party logistics) inventory software can give insight into a client’s business by providing detailed information about their inventory levels, sales data, and shipping and receiving information. This can include real-time tracking of inventory movements, alerts for low stock levels, and reporting on sales trends and customer behavior.

The software may also provide information on the cost and efficiency of logistics operations, allowing the client to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about their supply chain management. Overall, 3PL inventory software can provide valuable insights into clients’ business complex operations and help them optimize their inventory and logistics processes.

How Does 3PL Software Help eCommerce Businesses?

Cost Reduction

3PL (third-party logistics) software can help online retailers’ businesses with cost reduction in several ways:

1. Automation of logistics processes: 3PL software can automate many logistics processes, such as order processing, shipping, and tracking, which can help reduce labor costs.

2. Route optimization: 3PL software can optimize logistics routes to minimize transportation costs.

3. Volume discounts: 3PL software can help eCommerce businesses negotiate volume discount rates with logistics providers, reducing shipping costs.

4. Inventory management: 3PL software can provide real-time inventory tracking and management, helping eCommerce businesses avoid stockouts and overstocking, which can reduce inventory carrying costs.

5. Reduced errors: 3PL software can help reduce mistakes in logistics processes, saving money by reducing the need for rework and returns.

Increased Transparency

3PL (third-party logistics) software can help online retailers’ businesses increase transparency in several ways:

1. Real-time tracking: 3PL software can provide real-time tracking of orders and shipments, allowing eCommerce businesses to monitor their logistics processes and provide accurate delivery estimates to customers.

2. Inventory management: 3PL software can provide real-time inventory tracking, allowing eCommerce businesses a clear view of their inventory levels.

3. Data analytics: 3PL software can provide data analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing eCommerce businesses to gain insights into their logistics processes and identify areas for improvement.

4. Electronic data interchange (EDI): 3PL software can integrate with EDI systems, allowing eCommerce businesses to exchange data with logistics providers and other partners in a standardized format, increasing transparency and reducing errors.

5. Access to information: 3PL software can provide a centralized platform that allows eCommerce businesses to access all the information they need about their logistics processes in one place, increasing transparency and making it easier to identify issues and make decisions.

Customer Experience

3PL (third-party logistics) software can help eCommerce businesses improve customer experience in several ways:

1. Real-time tracking: 3PL software can provide real-time tracking of orders and shipments, allowing eCommerce businesses to provide accurate delivery estimates to customers and keep them informed about the status of their orders.

2. Automation of logistics processes: 3PL software can automate many logistics processes, such as route optimization, order processing, shipping, and tracking, which can help reduce the chances of errors and improve delivery times.

3. Inventory management: 3PL software can provide real-time inventory tracking and management, helping eCommerce businesses avoid stockouts and overstocking, which can improve availability and reduce delivery times.

4. Returns management: 3PL software can automate returns management processes, making it easier for customers to return items and reducing the time it takes to process returns.

5. Customer service: 3PL software can integrate with customer service platforms, providing customer service representatives with the information they need to quickly and accurately resolve customer inquiries and complaints.

Real-Time Visibility

3PL (third-party logistics) software can help eCommerce businesses gain real-time visibility into their logistics processes in several ways:

1. Real-time tracking: 3PL software can provide real-time tracking of orders and shipments, allowing eCommerce businesses to monitor the status of their logistics processes and respond quickly to any issues.

2. Inventory management: 3PL software can provide real-time inventory tracking, allowing eCommerce businesses to have a clear view of their inventory levels and to make informed decisions about inventory management.

3. Data analytics: 3PL software can provide data analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing eCommerce businesses to gain insights into their logistics processes and identify areas for improvement.

4. Electronic data interchange (EDI): 3PL software can integrate with EDI systems, allowing eCommerce businesses to exchange data with logistics providers and other partners in a standardized format, increasing transparency and reducing errors.

5. Access to information: 3PL software can provide a centralized platform that allows eCommerce businesses to access all the information they need about their logistics processes in one place, increasing visibility and making it easier to identify issues and make decisions.

The Three Types of Logistics Management Software

Warehouse Management Systems

Warehouse management software (WMS) is a third-party logistics software application that helps businesses manage and track inventory levels, orders, sales, and deliveries within a warehouse or distribution center. It is designed to support the day-to-day operations of a warehouse by providing real-time data and insights on inventory levels, stock movements, and order fulfillment.

A warehouse management system can also be integrated with other systems, such as transportation management systems (TMS) and supply chain management systems (SCM), to provide a more comprehensive view of the entire supply chain.

Some key features of a WMS include inventory tracking, barcode scanning, order fulfillment, and real-time data reporting. It also helps to improve warehouse efficiency, reduce labor costs, and increase customer satisfaction by providing accurate and timely information.

SCM Suites

SCM suites are software solutions that provide businesses with a comprehensive view of their supply chain. They typically include a combination of different software applications, such as transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, that are integrated to provide a seamless and unified view of all supply chain activities.

SCM suites are designed to help businesses manage and optimize the flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to customers. They can help companies to automate and streamline supply chain processes, such as demand forecasting, production planning, inventory management, transportation management, and order fulfillment. SCM suites can also provide real-time data and insights on supply chain performance, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and improve their overall supply chain efficiency.

ERP Systems

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are software solutions that help businesses manage and automate their core business processes. They are designed to integrate and streamline various business functions, such as finance, accounting, human resources, procurement, and manufacturing, into a unified system.

ERP systems typically include modules for managing financials, accounting, procurement, manufacturing, inventory, and sales, among others. They also provide real-time data and insights on business performance, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and improve their overall efficiency.

ERP systems can help businesses automate and streamline operations, improve data accuracy and visibility, and increase efficiency and productivity. They can also help companies to manage and control their financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

ERP systems can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud and can be customized to meet the specific needs of a business. Some examples of ERP systems include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and Infor.

Key Differences

WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), SCM (Supply Chain Management Systems), and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning Systems) are all software solutions that help businesses manage and automate various aspects of their operations. However, they each have distinct areas of focus and functionality:

• WMS: A Warehouse Management System (WMS) primarily focuses on managing and tracking inventory levels, orders, sales, and deliveries within a warehouse. It provides real-time data and insights on inventory levels, stock movements, and order fulfillment.

• SCM: A Supply Chain Management System (SCM) is focused on the planning, execution, and control of the flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to customers. It helps businesses manage and optimize the entire supply chain, including demand forecasting, production planning, inventory management, transportation management, and order fulfillment processes.

• ERP: An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is focused on managing and automating a business’s core business processes across multiple departments, such as finance, accounting, human resources, procurement, and manufacturing. It provides a unified view of all business operations and helps businesses automate and streamline their operations, improve data accuracy and visibility, and increase efficiency and productivity.

In summary, WMS deals primarily with warehouse and shipping operations, SCM deals with the entire supply chain management, and ERP deals with the core business operations across multiple departments in an organization.

Key Takeaways

Some key takeaways from 3PL Inventory Management Software include:

1. Real-time inventory visibility: 3PL Inventory Management Software provides real-time data and insights across multiple locations, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their inventory levels.

2. Automated order fulfillment software: 3PL Inventory Management Software can automate receiving, processing, and shipping orders, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.

3. Integrated with transportation management systems: 3PL Inventory Management Software is often integrated with transportation management systems (TMS) to provide a more comprehensive view of the entire supply chain, from inventory to delivery.

4. Improved logistics and supply chain operations: 3PL Inventory Management software can help businesses improve their logistics and supply chain operations by streamlining processes and increasing efficiency.

5. Scalable and flexible: 3PL Inventory Management software is often flexible and scalable, allowing businesses to adapt and grow their operations as needed.

6. Cloud-based and accessible remotely: Many 3PL Inventory Management software are cloud-based and can be accessed remotely, enabling businesses to manage their inventory and logistics from anywhere.

3PL Inventory Management Software FAQs

Is 3PL Software?

3PL, or Third-Party Logistics, refers to using a third-party logistics provider to outsource logistics and distribution functions for a company. It is not software but a business service that can be managed through software. Examples of logistics software include cloud-based warehouse management solutions and transportation and supply chain management systems.

What Is the Role of 3PL?

The role of a 3PL or third-party logistics company is to outsource logistics and distribution functions for a company. This can include warehousing, transportation, inventory management, etc.

By using a 3PL, companies can focus on core competencies and leave logistics to experts. 3PLs often have economies of scale and access to resources that allow them to provide logistics services more efficiently and at a lower cost than the company could.

What Does a Warehouse Management System Do?

A warehouse management system (WMS) is a software application that helps companies manage and optimize their warehouse operations. It helps to automate and streamline processes such as inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping and receiving, and more.

The main functions of a smart warehouse management system include the following:

• Inventory management: tracking the location, quantity, and status of products in the warehouse.

• Order fulfillment software: automating the process of picking, packing, and shipping orders.

• Shipping and receiving: tracking and managing inbound and outbound shipments.

• Barcode scanning and RFID: Automating data capture for inventory management and tracking.

• Reporting tools and analytics: Generating reports and metrics on warehouse performance and inventory levels.

• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and Conveyor systems integration.

A warehouse management system can help companies improve the accuracy and efficiency of their warehouse operations, reduce costs, and improve customer service.