More and more entrepreneurs are starting an online store.
The digital revolution continues, and consumers are just a few clicks away from purchasing their favorite items. Online stores come in all shapes and sizes, offering a wide range of products. Starting an online store may seem simple. As an entrepreneur, you undoubtedly have extensive knowledge of the products you offer. However, managing an online store is more than just knowing your products. You also need expertise in the logistics sector. After all, how else will you package and ship your orders?
In this regard, partnering with a fulfillment center offers tremendous advantages. Are you looking for a fulfillment center, or do you manage one? Then inventory management is crucial. A solid warehouse management system (WMS) is the foundation of excellent inventory management. Did you know that there are various 3PL inventory management systems available?
The Benefits of Fulfillment
Not entirely familiar with the fulfillment process yet? Let us explain. A fulfillment center takes over the logistics of your online store. This not only gives you more time to grow your business but also brings in true logistics experts. A fulfillment center like Webship is, logically, specialized in inventory management and logistics. This means that the picking process runs more efficiently, reducing the risk of errors.
Additionally, a fulfillment center has access to a wide range of shipping materials at favorable rates due to bulk purchasing. This ensures that you always have the most suitable shipping box and the best protective materials. The actual shipping of packages also offers key advantages. You no longer need to drive to the post office yourself because a courier picks up packages from the fulfillment center daily. And this comes with discounted rates, as fulfillment centers naturally benefit from lower shipping costs! The fulfillment partner also takes care of package tracking, reducing your workload. Doesn’t that sound great?
What Should a 3PL Inventory Management System Include?
A fulfillment center requires a modern inventory management system to ensure that all clients have a clear overview of their sales order status. The goal is for an online store to outsource logistics while still maintaining control. Many WMS solutions exist, but few are truly suited for 3PL. Why? Many systems are designed for a limited number of users and are not accessible from everywhere. However, accessibility is a top priority for fulfillment clients.
That’s why we always recommend choosing warehouse software that operates in the cloud. This ensures that you can access your inventory system anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet (or 3G) connection.
As a 3PL provider, you want to give your clients the impression that they are working within a software environment branded to your fulfillment center. Therefore, look for a WMS that can be customized to match your corporate identity. This enhances trust and creates a more professional experience. In short, a cloud-based system with personalized branding is essential. Only a few systems meet both criteria.
What Features Should a 3PL System Offer?
In addition to tracking different fulfillment clients, a 3PL system must provide various other functionalities. The system should offer a clear overview of current inventory. A 3PL system like Webship Online not only displays the number of units in stock per product but also shows their exact location within the warehouse.
Processing incoming goods should be straightforward. Fulfillment clients should be able to announce deliveries in advance. This way, the fulfillment center knows when and what will be delivered. Based on the created purchase order, the fulfillment center can process the incoming stock and report any discrepancies.
Sales orders should also be processed efficiently. A 3PL system like Webship Online uses order statuses such as “Ready for Picking,” “Picking,” “Ready for Packing,” “Packing,” “Ready for Shipment,” and “Completed.” These statuses allow fulfillment clients to monitor their order processing in real time.
Additionally, it is useful if a 3PL system can track which packaging materials are used during packing. This allows fulfillment clients to calculate the total cost per order and make adjustments if necessary.
But how do sales orders enter the 3PL system? Of course, you can enter them manually, but if they come from an online store, you need a 3PL system that integrates with your e-commerce platform. Webship Online can be connected to WooCommerce, Lightspeed, Magento 2, and Shopify. However, some stores use other platforms. That’s why flexibility is crucial in a 3PL system. Webship Online allows for custom integrations, making it possible to support almost any online store.
Are You Looking for 3PL Warehouse Software?
Warehouse software is essential for managing inventory and streamlining operations. However, many online stores still use outdated systems. These systems lead to unnecessary time and energy loss, reducing productivity.
If you manage inventory for multiple online stores, Webship Online is the solution for you! Webship Online is specifically designed for Third-Party Logistics (3PL) companies that offer fulfillment services to their clients. The advantage of Webship Online is that you only pay for what you actually use. If you exceed the maximum number of orders per month, you can quickly and easily upgrade to a higher pricing plan.
Grow alongside your clients without excessive software costs! Interested? Contact Webship Online at hallo@webship.online.
