As the eCommerce and warehouse space continues to expand, more 3PL software cloud-based solutions are available. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which is right for your business needs. We’ve compiled the best cloud-based 3PL software to keep warehouses operating at peak efficiency in 2023 and beyond.
What is 3PL Cloud Software?
3PL Cloud Software is a revolutionary tool that 3PL companies can use to turbocharge their operations. With it, 3PL professionals can remotely access the software from any location with an internet connection and manage their inventory, logistics, and transportation effortlessly. And 3PL Cloud Software isn’t all business as usual — it comes with some real boosters such as real-time tracking, automated reporting, and integration with other systems and platforms that make the 3PL process more efficient.
Benefits of Third-Party Logistics Software
Companies that use cloud-based warehouse management solutions can gain many benefits, including:
- Increased Efficiency: Using third-party logistics software can streamline several fulfillment operations, such as tracking and reporting, saving time and reducing errors. In addition, it can help companies ship and handle a much higher volume of orders while providing a higher accuracy in shipments.
- Centralized Visibility: By utilizing 3PL software, companies can monitor the status of orders and shipments with complete visibility and make adjustments when necessary. As a result, companies can identify problems faster and resolve them more efficiently.
- Better Inventory Management: Using 3PL warehouse management software, companies can track inventory levels and manage stock, preventing stockouts and overstocks.
- Cost Effective: Companies can reduce costs by optimizing logistics processes and identifying opportunities to improve logistics processes with third-party logistics software. Suppliers and carriers may also be able to negotiate better rates.
- Improved Customer Service: By providing real-time tracking and delivery updates and handling customer inquiries and complaints more efficiently, 3PL software can help companies improve customer service.
- Integrations: Integration with other systems, such as ERP, accounting software, CRM, etc., is common in most 3PL solutions. By doing this, the company can better understand its business and make more informed decisions.
- Scalability: Businesses of all sizes can easily use 3PL software because it can scale up for fast-growing businesses or down as their needs change.
Maximize the Benefits of 3PL Software
3PL cloud-based warehouse management solutions offer many opportunities for businesses and online retailers alike, to work smarter and save time, but to truly maximize the benefits of 3PL software, you must do more than just “set it and forget it.”
Integrating 3PL with other systems like ERP and accounting software can reduce troublesome data entry tasks. Once integrated, ensure that everyone using 3PL is appropriately trained to know precisely how to take advantage of its features.
Reviewing your 3PL data regularly gives you insight into your warehouse management capability and helps you make informed decisions based on accurate information. You can also use 3PL’s customizability options to tailor the system according to your needs, keeping staff and third-party logistics providers in sync beforehand.
Automation is also key – use 3PL to its full potential by putting as many small processes on automated repeat as possible – freeing up time and generating fewer errors along the way! Fewer errors lead to a better customer experience and increased customer satisfaction.
Get Started Guide for 3PL Software
Getting started with 3PL software solutions can be a straightforward process, but it’s essential to take the time to plan and prepare beforehand to ensure a smooth implementation. Here are some steps you can take to get started:
- Research different 3PL software options to find one that best fits your needs and budget.
- Identify your specific business requirements, such as inventory management, shipping, and tracking, and make sure the software you choose can meet those needs.
- Set up a meeting with the vendor to discuss the software in more detail, ask any questions, and get a demo.
- Once you’ve decided on software, work with the vendor to plan the implementation.
- Create a project plan that includes a timeline and milestones for the implementation.
- Identify key stakeholders and assign roles and responsibilities for the implementation.
- Train all employees using the software to ensure they understand how to use it effectively.
- Test the software thoroughly before going live to ensure it meets your business needs and has no issues.
- Once the software solution is live, monitor its performance and make necessary adjustments.
It’s also important to note that replacing all of your existing software with 3PL software is unnecessary since most can be integrated with your existing tech stack. The goal with any 3PL software is smart warehouse management.
What Features Should You Look For in a Cloud Software
When looking for cloud-based 3PL software, there are several key features to consider:
- Inventory management: The software should allow you simple inventory control including real-time updates on stock levels and the ability to set reorder points.
- Order management: The software should provide a complete view of the order process, from purchase order to delivery, including the ability to track order progress and view customer information.
- Shipping and tracking: The software should integrate with major carrier companies and provide real-time carrier tracking information.
- Reporting and analytics: The software should provide detailed real-time visibility reports and analytics on key performance indicators, such as sales, stock movements, inventory levels, and shipping costs helping with operational processes.
- Automation: Look for features that automate repetitive tasks, such as order processing, inventory management, and shipping, to save time and reduce errors. Automation rules help everything from operational efficiency to fulfillment processes.
- Scalability: As your business grows, you’ll need software that can scale, so look for a solution that can handle increasing volume and complexity.
- Integration: Make sure the software can integrate with other systems, such as your ERP, accounting, and e-commerce software, for a seamless data flow.
- Security: Confirm that the software provider has proper security measures to protect your data and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Support: Look for a provider that offers 24/7 support and a dedicated account manager to help you implement and use the software.
How Much Does a 3PL Cloud Software Cost?
The cost of 3PL cloud software can vary depending on features and capabilities, the size of your business, and the number of users. When it comes to billing, some software providers offer a monthly or annual subscription, while others charge per user or transaction.
3PL cloud-based software varies widely in cost. The number of features, users, and your business all play a role in the overall price. Some providers also offer custom pricing for larger companies with more complex needs. When it comes to cost, reviewing all of the features provided by the 3PL is key to truly understanding its value.
It’s also important to remember that there may be additional costs for implementation, customization, and training. It’s best to clearly understand your business needs and budget before approaching a provider and to ask for a detailed breakdown of all costs upfront.
It’s also important to note that even though the cost may seem high initially, investing in a good 3PL software can help increase your efficiency, reduce labor costs, and increase your revenue in the long run.
Best 3PL Cloud Software
1. ShipHero
ShipHero is a leader in powerful shipping software and fulfillment solutions. Offering ways to unlock growth potential for emerging brands and take existing business success even further. Their one-click integrations with major online marketplaces help create convenient end-to-end checkout experiences that give customers options when shopping. ShipHero’s reliable partner programs offer the benefit of extensive reseller support, including Shopify Plus certification – making them second to none in the eCommerce market!
Key Features:
- Eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming integrations with shipping carriers.
- Get up and running quickly with our pre-built, cloud-based warehouse management system.
- Streamline your warehouse operations with powerful inventory management features.
- Enjoy a high degree of process accountability and transparency.
2. Fishbowl
Fishbowl’s manufacturing and inventory system offers SMBs the opportunity to revolutionize their processes, increase efficiency, and maximize savings with real-time stock updates. Leverage its powerful control features to give your SMB a competitive edge!
Key Features:
- Reduce inventory stockouts and overages.
- Improve customer service with shorter lead times.
- Make better production decisions with real-time data.
- Streamline purchasing and raw materials management.
3. Infoplus
Infoplus WMS is a powerful warehouse management system tailored to streamline the operations of small and midsize 3PLs, eCommerce Retailers, and Wholesalers. Stay in control with real-time inventory insights across your entire network while optimizing tasks such as shipping and fulfillment!
Key Features:
- Streamline processes for different lines of business under a single software.
- Produce products on demand with print-on-demand capabilities.
- Create and manage unique workflows for iOS or Android devices.
- Handle eCommerce bundles and flash sales with Kit On Demand.
4. Shipedge
Shipedge offers an all-inclusive warehouse management solution for enterprises of any size dealing with various products. This complete warehouse management system technology drastically simplifies inventory tracking and fulfillment automation processes and even provides QuickBooks integration capabilities to streamline operations.
Key Features:
- Maintain control of inventory and orders with easy-to-use tools.
- Reduce the amount of time spent on administrative tasks.
- Ensure the business is running as efficiently as possible.
- Real-time insights into what’s selling, what needs to be restocked, and more.
5. Synapse WMS
Zethcon’s Synapse warehouse management solution is a leading solution for empowering small and midsize businesses by empowering them with advanced warehouse management capabilities. This robust 3PL-centric system works on various platforms, including Mac, Android, and Windows, making it accessible to all organizations regardless of their IT environment.
Key Features:
- Reduce or eliminate data entry errors with 3pl-centric features.
- Integrate with other systems seamlessly.
- Import large volumes of data quickly and easily.
- Get help from warehouse management experts to plan and deploy your solution.
What 3PL Software Does Your Business Need?
When choosing a 3PL cloud software for your eCommerce or fulfillment business, it’s important to identify your specific requirements and look for software that can meet those needs. You should also consider scalability, integration, security, and support factors. It’s also important to research options and compare features and costs before deciding.
Key Takeaways
- 3PL software can help streamline the logistics process and supply chain processes and increase efficiency and visibility.
- For maximum efficiency, it’s important to integrate it with other systems, ensure proper training, and make data-driven decisions.
- When getting started with 3PL cloud software, it’s important to research different options, identify specific business requirements, plan for implementation, and test the software before going live.
- When looking for cloud-based 3PL software, key features include inventory management, order management, shipping and tracking, reporting and analytics, automation, scalability, integration, security, and support.
- The cost of 3PL cloud software can vary widely, and there may be additional costs for implementation, customization, and training.
- Common features typically useful for most companies include inventory management, order management, shipping and tracking, reporting and analytics, automation, scalability, integration, security, and support.
3PL Cloud Software FAQs
What Does 3PL Stand For?
3PL stands for “Third-Party Logistics.” It refers to using third-party logistics companies to outsource elements of a company’s logistics process and supply chain management operations. This can include transportation, warehousing, and distribution services. Using a 3PL provider improves efficiency, reduces costs, and improves the overall supply chain process.
Is 3PL an ERP System?
No, 3PL and ERP are not the same things.
3PL stands for “Third-Party Logistics” and refers to using a third-party provider to outsource logistics and supply chain management operations such as transportation, warehousing, and distribution services.
On the other hand, ERP stands for “Enterprise Resource Planning” and refers to software that helps businesses manage and automate various business processes such as finance, accounting, manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, and more. It’s an integrated system that allows companies to manage and analyze data from multiple business functions, providing an overview of the entire organization.
While 3PL software can be a part of an ERP system, it is not an ERP system. It’s a specialized software that focuses on logistics and supply chain management and can be integrated with an ERP system to improve the overall efficiency of supply chain operations.
How much does a warehouse management system cost?
Depending on the software’s features and capabilities, your business size, and how many users access the software, the cost of 3PL cloud software can vary greatly. The price of certain software packages varies depending on the provider. Some charge per user or transaction, while others offer monthly or annual subscriptions.
