How to manage ecommerce fulfillment effectively?

In order for ecommerce businesses to be successful, fulfillment services need to be top-notch. Ecommerce fulfillment is mostly outsourced to a 3PL service provider who takes care of the transportation and supply chain needs arising between the client and its end customer. Fulfillment is the most crucial step in an ecommerce business, hence managing it effectively works in favor of customer retention and their customers’ retention in turn. The major intervention points in an ecommerce fulfillment journey are transport, storage, picking and shipping intertwined with latest technology. Let’s dive into some of the key aspects that facilitate an effective ecommerce fulfillment.

Bring knowledge and expertise to the table: The logistics of supply chain could be really complex. Thus, 3PL companies should be able to leverage their knowledge and expertise in streamlining the process so that the customer could focus on their core competencies and key elements of business. The streamlining of process could be done by employing integrated 3PL warehousing management software that will help to handle the operations with minimal error in minimal time.

Capability to save money and time of customers: The ultimate goal of outsourcing an ecommerce fulfillment is to save both money as well as time. This is made possible as the customer doesn’t have to invest in warehouse space, technology, transportation, and employees for carrying out the logistics operations. Furthermore, the 3PL service provider leverages their warehouse technology to make cost and inventory-related forecasts that help the customer to optimize inventory levels and save time.

Offer scalable operations for flexibility: When a company opts for a 3PL service provider, they want to scale space, transportation, and labor. In order to be able to provide scalable operations, the 3PL companies must have the required tools, technologies, and automation that are capable of providing flexible solutions. They should be able to continuously analyze and monitor their supply chain procedures to eliminate inefficiencies.

Provide stock visibility and tracking: Customers can get real-time update about their stock with the help of warehouse management software integrated with the enterprise resource planning. It provides end-to-end visibility into documents, inventory, and progress to customers and also helps them to seamlessly connect with their shippers. Moreover, customers should be able to have access to data and reports at any point in time from anywhere, even on the go. An all-round fulfillment provider ensures that this requirement is met and also has advance shipping notifications floated helping the customer’s picking and packing demand met.

Besides the above, an effective ecommerce fulfillment is attributed to same day shipping options (if possible), reducing abandoned carts, data tabulation for profits and losses, freight bill audits, customer-centricity, optimized user experience, specialized storage and customized delivery options, labor management, futuristic technologies, and SKU-level profitability. If these areas are taken care of, a successful and effective ecommerce fulfillment experience is guaranteed.