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By: Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO of ShipHeroHow many seconds or minutes have you ever spent searching for a pen, a folder, a paperclip under piles of paper, on the floor, in the trash can (how did it get in the trash can)? And once you’ve found it, now you’re annoyed you lost it in the first place, and your zen-like state of productivity is long gone.Maybe this isn’t quite as common an occurrence as it once was, but there are always small things that get in the way of us working as efficiently as possible. A lost pen, 10 extra steps in the warehouse, an iPad with a dead battery … all of these take away from the time we could be working and kill our efficiency. This is the story of how one adaptive gaming controller revolutionized our packing station efficiency leveraging our Warehouse Management Software (WMS) along with our strong warehouse processes.
There is no doubt that handheld barcode scanners are a lifesaver, especially when talking about picking and packing in a warehouse. They reduce errors, allow for better quality assurance and save time. However, there is still always a bit of lag between picking up the scanner, scanning the barcode and then placing the scanner down to continue working. Especially when you’re in the critical packing phase of an order. Maybe it’s one or two seconds, but shave those few seconds off every order you pack, and you’ve accumulated a lot of time.This was the challenge for our ShipHero fulfillment centers where we also use our WMS; our packers who were unbelievably fast, wanted to be faster. They were looking for a non-wearable option. However, when the team investigated other options, like buttons for example they were either unreliable, inconsistent or far too expensive to make logical sense. So, maybe the handheld barcode scanner was as good as it gets.
ShipHero employee, Lucas Warner, was still frustrated by this issue. Knowing there had to be a solution to the button issue, he started to think about what type of device currently existed that was durable, adaptive and fairly easy to program. The answer lies in the gaming community. Xbox® released an adaptive game controller meant for gamers with limited mobility and less-than-fine motor skills. This type of device was exactly what could work for packing stations at ShipHero. When combined with a Logitech® button kit and some open source software, a solution was born.
Now with the touch of one or two buttons, packers can instruct ShipHero’s WMS to print the label/invoice and complete the order. The system uses different box sizes as the main differentiator. Once the box barcode is “scanned” - again at the touch of a button, instead of a handheld barcode scanner, ShipHero’s WMS knows what to do. In total, there are currently 17 buttons that can be programmed with different command codes. Two of them are taken by the first two functions mentioned above (print label/invoice, complete the order). The other 15 are up for grabs. The cost to make this upgrade is nominal - in fact, it’s cheaper than a socket mobile scanner, which is what most of our clients use in their warehouses. The only hiccup right now is that, like many electronics devices, adaptive controllers and button kits can be hard to come by. So, if you’re looking to outfit a dozen stations, you might need to do it in waves instead of all at once.
When any new process replaces an older one that seemingly still works, the question is always, “But why?” Why should you bother to make this change?Here are my top reasons:
I realize this last one might seem like a little who cares? But consider your current warehouse situation. Who are you looking to hire? Chances are you need new workers that may be a part of a generation already familiar with gaming and the satisfaction it brings. The gamification of shipping is not a passing fad - it’s more of a long-term solution. For example, ShipHero introduced the Hero Board - a running list of the top packers for the day - and it’s been a huge success. It helps to motivate the entire team to get more done and work more efficiently. Using an adaptive controller adds even more of a game-like feel to this friendly competition.There’s also no discounting the “coolness” factor.
People are always talking about innovation, AI and robotics in warehousing. And that stuff is coming - for some of you it’s part of your daily routine, and for others it’s still on your bucket list. But this type of innovation - a possible 3x upgrade in efficiency for a couple of hundred bucks, might reap bigger dividends in the short term than you could imagine. If you’re a current ShipHero WMS client, for steps on how to adapt your packer stations to game controller buttons, click HERE for the Knowledge Base article. If you’re new to ShipHero, schedule a meeting today with our software experts to learn more about our WMS built for ecommerce brands & 3PLs looking to run their best warehouse and how ShipHero works to ensure that organizations invest in the solutions that match their needs, to improve productivity, revenue, and success.Click HERE to Schedule a Meeting Today Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEOShipHeroAbout 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 major initiatives, his 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 have an impact on the lives of employees, customers, partners, and investors.Follow Aaron on Twitter&LinkedIn.
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TikTok Shop is discontinuing "seller shipping" on February 25, 2026, a move that will halt fulfillment for any 3PL using non-integrated legacy technology. ShipHero's WMS is fully integrated and approved to support TikTok Shop’s new logistics requirements, allowing you to generate compliant labels and avoid a total operational lockout. By migrating to ShipHero before the deadline, 3PLs can eliminate onboarding fees and ensure their clients’ businesses remain active and profitable.
Starting February 25, 2026, TikTok Shop is officially discontinuing "seller shipping" (also known as "bring your own label") for all U.S. local sellers.
This means your clients can no longer use their own carrier accounts for TikTok orders.
As their 3PL, you will be unable to generate labels unless your WMS is directly integrated with TikTok’s new ecosystem. To keep your clients' businesses running, you must transition them to TikTok Shop Logistics Services through a verified partner.
ShipHero can keep your 3PL orders flowing from February 25 onwards.
If you are running your warehouse on legacy systems, you are at risk of a complete TikTok Shop lockout. Your fulfillment—and your revenue—will simply stop that day.
TikTok's latest policy creates a massive bottleneck for 3PLs using legacy technology.
To help 3PLs transition quickly and stay compliant, we are waiving all onboarding fees for new customers who join ShipHero before February 25.
There are only 6 approved ERP/WMS providers globally that meet TikTok’s new integration standards. ShipHero WMS is on that list. Most legacy WMS providers are not currently approved. To avoid a total operational blackout for your clients, you must move to a verified partner like ShipHero.
No. Starting February 25, TikTok will discontinue seller shipping. All shipping must go through TikTok Shop Logistics Services.
No. You can still manage fulfillment from your own 3PL warehouse using ShipHero’s direct integration, which pulls the required TikTok labels and logic directly into your existing workflow.
You will lose the ability to generate shipping labels for any TikTok Shop order. This will result in immediate fulfillment backlogs, client dissatisfaction, and potential loss of contracts.
Yes. ShipHero is the only U.S. based WMS currently supporting these requirements, allowing 3PLs to continue shipping without interruption.
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TikTok Shop is introducing mandatory logistics changes that will stop fulfillment for unprepared sellers on February 25, 2026.
ShipHero's WMS is fully integrated and approved to support TikTok Shop’s new logistics requirements, ensuring your orders keep moving without interruption. By switching to ShipHero before the deadline, brands can maintain compliance and eliminate onboarding fees during this transition. Here’s everything brands need to know to continue fulfilling orders.
Starting February 25, 2026, TikTok Shop will discontinue "seller shipping" for all U.S. local sellers. This means you can no longer use your own carrier accounts to generate labels for TikTok orders. To stay compliant and keep selling, brands must transition to TikTok Shop Logistics Services.
Relying on legacy systems like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa puts your business at risk of account suspension and shipping delays that kill customer loyalty.
If your current WMS or 3PL is not integrated with TikTok Shop Logistics Services, you will face a total fulfillment blackout on that date. Failure to adapt to these changes risks shipping delays that kill customer loyalty and can lead to account suspension on the platform.
For brands onboarding on or after February 9, 2026, these restrictions are already in effect.
ShipHero has done the due diligence and has built a direct integration to ensure that merchants can fulfill TikTok Shop orders themselves while remaining fully compliant with TikTok’s new label requirements.
To help brands and 3PLs transition quickly and stay compliant, we are waiving all onboarding fees for new customers who join ShipHero before February 25.
Currently, there are only 6 approved ERP/WMS providers globally that meet TikTok’s new integration standards. ShipHero WMS is on that list. If you are using legacy providers like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa, they are not currently approved to support these specific TikTok Shop requirements. To avoid a total operational blackout, you must move to a verified partner like ShipHero before the deadline.
No. Starting February 25, TikTok will discontinue seller shipping. You must use TikTok Shop Logistics Services.
You can use Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) to store and ship items through their network, switch to one of the six approved ERP/WMS systems, or use ShipHero's direct integration.
You must use TikTok Shop Logistics Services, but with ShipHero, you can still manage the fulfillment from your own warehouse using TikTok’s required labels and logic.
This connection type will not support the new label requirements. You must switch to a direct TikTok Shop connection within ShipHero to avoid fulfillment interruptions.
Yes. ShipHero is currently the only U.S. based WMS that supports these requirements, allowing our customers to continue shipping without interruption.
Imagine running a warehouse where orders are picked quickly, inventory is accurate, and all operations run smoothly without any errors or delays. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence, this can now become a reality with ease.
AI is transforming warehouse management by enhancing efficiency, intelligence, and the ability to meet the rapid demands of today’s eCommerce-driven market.
ShipHero is pioneering this revolution with its AI-powered warehouse solutions, setting new industry benchmarks. This article explores ShipHero’s AI Picking feature, highlighting how it’s transforming warehouse management and enhancing operational efficiency.
The integration of AI technologies, including machine learning, robotics, and predictive analytics, is revolutionizing warehouse operations, driving significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance. These innovations are optimizing processes across various areas, from inventory management to order fulfillment. Below are the key benefits of AI in warehouse management.
A combination of AI technologies is shaping smarter warehouse systems to help revolutionize warehouse management.
ShipHero has taken AI integration to the next level with its AI Picking feature, designed to significantly improve warehouse efficiency. This feature automates the picking process, reducing the reliance on manual labor and enhancing productivity in ways that were once thought impossible.
Let’s dive deeper into how ShipHero’s AI Picking works and the advantages it offers.
AI Picking optimizes warehouse operations in two key ways:
The AI Picking feature delivers a wide range of benefits:
The transformative power of AI extends far beyond just picking. AI is also revolutionizing other aspects of warehouse management, driving improvements in operational efficiency, inventory management, and safety.
AI automates tasks, reducing errors and increasing speed. Automated sorting and real-time inventory tracking ensure accuracy, while real-time monitoring helps managers adapt and ensure timely deliveries.
AI plays a vital role in maintaining accurate inventory levels. By leveraging predictive analytics, AI can forecast demand and optimize stock levels, helping warehouses avoid both stockouts and overstock situations. This leads to better inventory management and fewer disruptions in supply chains.
AI-driven systems can monitor warehouse conditions to ensure safety and compliance with industry regulations. These systems can analyze warehouse data and predict potential hazards before they occur, proactively reducing risks and ensuring a safer working environment.
AI technologies are playing a transformative role in the supply chain and logistics sectors by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing decision-making.
These intelligent systems effortlessly manage supply chain processes by using data to optimize operations, predict trends, and automate routine tasks. This ultimately reshapes everything, from how goods are moved to stored and delivered.
The future of warehouse management looks promising with greater automation and efficiency, but future warehouse digitization brings challenges, such as high upfront costs and the need for skilled personnel.
AI-powered drones, autonomous robots, and IoT integration are smart warehouse technologies that are revolutionizing warehouse operations. Drones will deliver goods quickly, while robots automate sorting and transportation, thereby reducing the need for manual labor.
IoT and AI integration will enable real-time monitoring and optimization of operations. Smart technology in warehouses is leading to fully automated systems that are faster, scalable, and need minimal human input.
While AI offers immense benefits, businesses must also consider certain challenges. High initial investments in AI technology, data security concerns, and the need for skilled personnel are just a few of the hurdles that must be addressed.
However, with a strategic approach, companies can eliminate the challenges and embrace AI’s full potential to boost accuracy in picking and improve overall warehouse operations.
AI minimizes error by automating tasks like inventory tracking, order picking, and sorting, ensuring greater accuracy and efficiency.
Yes, AI-driven predictive analytics can predict demand, track inventory levels, and improve supply chain efficiency by forecasting needs with greater accuracy to help businesses stay ahead of trends and market fluctuations.
AI solutions are becoming more cost-effective thanks to cloud-based services and subscription pricing models. These options make AI technology more accessible to small businesses, allowing them to take advantage of its benefits without large upfront costs.
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