Efficiency is at the core of successful order fulfillment. Whether you use online marketplaces or sell directly to customers, you should focus on improving efficiency. You can leverage modern technologies, work with 3PL companies, and master inventory planning to eliminate delays. Efficient fulfillment also increases customer satisfaction and retention. Here are six ways you can accelerate your fulfillment process:
1. Â Work With a 3PL Company
Employing a third-party logistics company is the best solution when your inventory outgrows your warehouse. 3PL companies have the infrastructure and experience to complete customized fulfillment for B2B and D2C sellers. The 3PL company will pick your inventory, take orders across your online stores, and complete packaging and shipping.
Leading 3PL companies cover the storage, picking, packaging, shipping, preparation, pallet in/out, kitting, and drayage requirements. Working with experienced logistics companies allows you to focus on marketing and growing the business. The companies will take care of inventory management, orders, shipping, OMNI channels, reports, and automated billing.
2. Adjust Your Inventory Accordingly
Inventory planning can help you achieve timely deliveries. Adjust the inventory to feature enough products if you have a seasonal or product-specific promotion. You can also position the products in easily accessible locations to reduce delays. Adjusting the inventory allows you to stock enough high-demand products to streamline picking, packing, and shipping.
You can arrange the inventory according to velocity to prioritize high-velocity products. Data analytics and demand trends can help you identify shopping patterns and preferences. 3PL companies can take care of inventory adjustments, but you should communicate early in the process. The goal is to reduce order fulfillment duration and improve customer satisfaction.
3. Employ Modern Fulfilment Software
Fulfillment software can reduce the effort needed to ship products to customers or other businesses. The sophisticated algorithms are also more efficient in eliminating redundancies and human error. You can leverage modern shipping, inventory, and warehouse management software to streamline the fulfillment process.
Leading 3PL companies use cloud-based software management systems you can access remotely. Using software eliminates cumbersome spreadsheets and makes tracking inventory levels across multiple sales channels effortless. You can identify the best-selling SKUs, get low stock alerts, blacklist old SKUs, and enjoy complete inventory control and visibility.
4. Employ Kitting & Preassembly
Kitting and preassembly can expedite fulfillment for products sold with standard accessories. You can leverage preassembly if you sell products that require extras, such as carrying access, chargers, promotional samples, and accessories. The process involves grouping and preassembling items sold together for easy picking, packing, and shipping.
Some customers prefer to purchase the accessories separately, so you shouldn’t kit all your inventory, or you’ll have to disassemble others. Working with experienced 3PL companies can help you use trends and demand studies to forge an efficient kitting strategy. The goal is to reduce fulfillment time by completing the preassembly before customers place the order.
5. Leverage Autofill & Multiple Choices
Fulfillment begins when a customer orders on your website, but you can improve efficiency before that. One way to simplify order placement is by removing lengthy/detailed order forms that require typing. You can use autofill options and multiple choices on your form. Clicking through drop-down menus is much faster than manually typing items on a form.
Autofill and multiple choices can automate the fulfillment process by restricting customers to specific options. 3PL companies can help you identify patterns to optimize the order placement forms and cover all preferences. The selections are also easier to integrate into order/inventory management software. You can collect customer data to personalize the experience.
6. Keep Support Channels Open
Forms shouldn’t be the only way your customers can reach out to your business. You should feature multiple communication channels and keep them open 24/7. 3PL companies can help you set up face-to-face meetings, e-mails, telephone, and online chat services. Effective communication helps to build trust and increase the number of incoming orders.
You should also maintain a good return policy to assure your customers that all shipped products will meet quality standards. Open communication channels and a good return policy can attract customers and provide valuable feedback. You can leverage customer feedback to optimize picking methods, kitting options, and payments.
Using 3PL Order Fulfillment Services
The best way to accelerate order fulfillment is to leverage the capacity and professional experience of 3PL companies. Working with experienced logistics companies frees you from inventory storage and management, software maintenance, shipping, and other fulfillment responsibilities. The companies also bring accountability and efficiency. Stick to reputable 3PL companies that can guarantee customized fulfillment experiences for your customers.
