Good fulfilment services can be largely based on how it manages inventory, whether that be inbound or outbound, stock levels, or order tracking. A warehouse management system (WMS) is an integral part to implement into a fulfilment warehouse. If you are well versed within the world of ecommerce or just beginning to sell products online, a WMS should always become a priority. It is common practice for fulfilment warehouses all over the UK and the rest of the world, to have their own version of a WMS but they all act the same. So how can a WMS help warehouse fulfilment?
How a WMS helps fulfilment services
The right system can make running an ecommerce store change from a time draining activity to a well oiled machine. A machine that enables the user to churn out orders at double speed ultimately meeting customer demand. Here are some examples of the positives a WMS can have on warehouse fulfilment, how it improves fulfilment services.
Variations in Demand
All ecommerce businesses have fluctuations in demand. Some web shops are simple to gauge demand, such as seasonal products. Some stores are less predictable and require much more clarity to manage. fulfilment services that provide a WMS will highlight patterns in demand, consumer trends, and aid in tracking KPI’s. A fulfilment warehouse can track all orders in and out through the use of their WMS. This gives an ecommerce store a clear picture of how demand for their products changes. A fulfilment warehouse such as OnLogistics is entirely capable with adapting to new trends and customer demands with a proven track record working with seasonal products also.
Warehouse Fulfilment and Inventory Management
For any ecommerce store, it is essential to be able to keep track of inventory levels in order to maintain an accurate stock level to keep selling products on your website. Products being sold with incorrect stock levels can lead to unhappy customers with cancelled orders or late deliveries. Most WMS will keep an accurate count on stock levels enabling you full transparency over all operations from our fulfilment services. Inventory levels are updated regularly after every order to avoid the chance of out of stock products.
Ecommerce order returns management
Return rates for an ecommerce business is much more significant compared to a shop front store. Having a WMS that can manage the returns process accurately becomes essential for keeping the supply chain moving smoothly. Fulfilment services that offer an in-depth tracking system for returns makes the whole operation simpler and much more efficient, ultimately improving a customers experience with your business. A fulfilment warehouse such as OnLogistics gives you the option to alter and customise the returns process that best suits your ecommerce business.
Speedier deliveries
The recent boom within the ecommerce market has forced every online store to find that competitive edge. One way to lose customers is to have slow deliveries. With businesses such as Amazon, where next day deliveries are extremely accessible, customers now expect all orders to be the same. Fulfilment services, be that in-house or outsourced, must be able to match this new business model. Using OnLogistics for warehouse fulfilment not only gives the option for next day deliveries, it also opens up a range of carriers to utilise through our connections.
Product management
Well designed fulfilment warehouses can drastically increase outgoing stock purely through warehouse design and technology. Keeping fast moving stock towards the front of the fulfilment warehouse and having top of the range technology to keep picking and packing moving quickly. Fulfilment warehouses such as OnLogistics uses scanning guns to manage product movements, tracking every order in and out, ensuring no lost stock. Have you asked if your fulfilment warehouse is designed to keep fast moving products at the front of the warehouse to make outbound faster?
Improve Growth
As we have established, a WMS simplifies warehouse management. This ultimately gives you back time spent managing a warehouse. Time that can now be used to focus on building your brand and growing. However, you still need to learn how to best utilise a WMS if you have never used one before. This again will take up your time through training. Also, staffing requirements to install the WMS and then learn can put a strain on costs. Don’t fret, there is another option to explore.
Outsourcing your Fulfilment Services
Have you considered outsourcing your fulfilment to a competent fulfilment warehouse such as OnLogistics? Many ecommerce brands feel that outsourcing is the “expensive option”. However, this is far from the truth. There is a cost, as with everything nowadays, but this is heavily outweighed by the level of service you receive through outsourcing. By outsourcing, you free up all of your time that is currently spent on warehouse management. Time that can be better spent on marketing your business. Staffing costs can be significantly reduced, as well as warehousing upkeep costs, and rent. The main takeaway from outsourcing though is you are giving your operations to a business that has more knowledge and expertise in the field. Outsourcing may be in your best interest but it is crucial you find a warehouse fulfilment solution that best suits you. If you’re considering fulfilment operation and would like a free consultation get in touch here