Tag: warehouseoperations

Prominent Tips to remember while choosing an E-commerce Warehouse

Are you forgetting something important in the hassle and excitement of setting up an e-commerce store? We just wish you are not forgetting the most important aspect i.e. Warehousing, which is the heart of any e-commerce company and can make a huge difference to your bottom line. A good warehouse and inventory management system can let you save a huge sum of money while meeting your customer demands at the same time. Well, we all know that a good warehouse has infinite benefits to your e-commerce business, but the question is ‘How can we select a good e-commerce store’. Well, we are here with the ultimate solution.

“An e-commerce warehouse is a lot more than a place for just storing your goods. It is a place that keeps your goods safe and secured, helping you track their movement.”

Factors every e-commerce merchant must keep in mind while selecting a Warehouse!

1. Location proximity

proximity

There is no benefit of having a warehouse that is distant from your consumers as it will take huge travel costs and time, which will eventually dissatisfy your customers. But on the other end choosing a warehouse close to your customers can reduce your travel costs and time. This way you can make your customers happy. Your first step before selecting a warehouse must be determining your consumer base by pinpointing the regions you are thinking to serve.

Quick Tip: In the process of choosing a warehouse, you must ensure that it has substantial prerequisites for your goods

2. Number of SKUs

Warehouses not only store goods but also serve us with functions like tracking inventory items, estimating adequate storage, and calculating storage charges. Well, these functions are completed by Stock Keeping Units. This is the ultimate solution for companies who deal in a diverse and variety of products as they are able to determine stock levels easily. They don’t have to pay much and are able to turn over their inventory quickly and efficiently. Large companies have plenty of SKUs in their warehouses and that is the main reason for their smooth operations. That’s why you must see the number of SKUs before selecting any warehouse.

Quick tip: If you have large SKUs and slow turnover rates, standalone warehousing will be a cost-effective solution for you.

3. Integration of Advanced technology

technology

With the development of technology, warehouse operations are drastically evolving day by day. It provides a number of benefits such as faster production times, diminished risk of processing errors, better management of inventory, and many more. Well, this makes one thing clear that a warehouse must be integrated with the best and advanced technology to get smoother operations. Enhanced services driven by advanced technology such as pick by vision, drones electronic data interchange, etc. are a must in warehouses these days.

Quick tip: Softwares are less expensive and offer you a better rate of investment than automated solutions.

4. Availability of Workforce

workforce

The physical space of your warehouse is not just a location as it has many more factors inclined to it. One of the prominent factors is the availability of the workforce. Well, the workforce is not just people willing to work but people with proficient skills willing to work at the right price. It’s better to determine your workforce needs beforehand. You can do that by researching the demographics of the area by gathering knowledge on their education level and average incomes. Your work doesn’t end by hiring the right set of the workforce as you need to even understand them well as this will affect your turnover rates, employee retention, and productivity.

Want to know the complete process of order fulfilment? Read on 

5. Flexibility and longevity

It is integral to think long-term and understand the potential of your warehouse. For that, you must analyze the growth of your company in the future. For instance, if you think there is room for expansion in the coming years then your warehouse must be flexible enough to adapt to the change and accommodate the growth. 

6. Return Management

If you are running an e-commerce business you already know that returns are a vital part of this business. It’s very important to manage the returns successfully as it is normal for people to return items that do not meet up their expectations afterward. To execute return management efficiently, your warehouse must have all the functions to handle the return process efficiently once the goods arrive back at the warehouse. The warehouse must refurbish the returned stock properly for a quick turnaround in inwarding, resulting in less blocked inventory. Also, it saves time and cost.

Quick tip: Don’t know how to manage order returns? Leave everything to ANS Commerce as we assist businesses with an efficient return management system that too with JIT Flexibility as per business requirement for fresh and returns inward management. Request your free DEMO now!

How can we assist you?

If you are worried about how to manage your inventory, then we are here to assist. With end-to-end fulfillment and logistics- from the product in warding to delivery, ANS Commerce is specialized to cater to all your e-commerce needs. We manage the warehouse and supply chain across all channels, including multi-category storage support and return management with JIT flexibility. Request your free DEMO now!

What can you expect from ANS Commerce?

  1. Order processing: We handle the complete ‘pick-patch-dispatch’ process and the manifestation of your B2C orders, including B2B marketplace delivery with integrated logistics
  2. Return Management: We receive, re-label, and pack products with better QC standards; report cancellations, and returns
  3. Third-party coordination:  We ensure timely delivery with an optimized cost for both domestic and international inventories. Also, we enable marketplace shipment with trusted partners – Delhivery, Bluedart, FedEx, India Post, etc.

Choosing a warehouse is not an easy task as it requires a lot of planning and researching. But we assure you that keeping in mind these factors you will be able to choose the best warehouse for your e-business that will make the best of its potential.

Comprehensive Overview of E-commerce Order Fulfilment Process

The commitment to deliver the products coupled with potential difficulties completes the definition of order fulfilment. From receiving the order to packing and shipping it, order fulfillment is more than what it looks like. It’s rather a promise to serve your customers at the right time and the right place. 

E-commerce trade in the nation has progressed immensely. From retail giants to small and local businesses, e-commerce has become an integral part. Now the government of India has also introduced some rules and regulations, to assist the e-commerce businesses to run smoothly. But when we go deeper into the process of online delivery, what do you think are the factors involved? And what are the risks aligned with those factors? Well, as said earlier, it is not a process of mere two or three steps, but an amalgamation of procedures to deliver the product.

“If the customers don’t receive their orders in time, they either cancel the order or fail to be on your loyal customers’ list.”

To attain the trust of your customers, you must strengthen your fulfilment services. Not only does it improve your customers’ order journey, but it also improves your reputation in the market. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will enhance your fulfilment process! 

6 steps guide to improving your order fulfilment process! 


1. Storage of Inventory

Also known as warehousing, storage of inventory is one of the crucial steps in the inventory management process. From managing the flow of supply to arranging the inventory in order, inventory storage has to be done carefully. The main chore is to arrange the inventory in suitable shelves and bins while keeping a close look at what order comes in first and what goes out next! There are various ways to determine the flow of your inventory. 

“To avoid any mess, tag the inventory with correct labels, so you won’t lose the count of your inventory.”

Quick tip: Supporting businesses of varying size & complexity including B2B marketplace support & omnichannel use-case, ANS Commerce manages warehousing, and supply chain execution across channels. Request your free DEMO now!

2. Receiving Orders

The second step in the fulfilment process is receiving the order. Either you receive the order manually or incorporate software to get the orders directly. After you have successfully received all the orders, sort them by the dates of the delivery. Make those orders your priority which is to be delivered in a single day. You can start by sending your customers email confirmation, saying you have received the order, and you will get back to them soon. This confirmation works as an assurance message, strengthening your relationship with the customers. 

“Make your email confirmation to the point with customer-friendly content. Add a sense of personalization by addressing them with their names.”

3. Order Processing or Inventory Picking

Picking constitutes checking the storehouse for a suitable order and picking it for delivery. To regulate optimized picking, you must ensure the previous step is done accurately. Order processing can include picking of more than one order to be delivered at more than one location. When your orders increase with time, it is essential you hire a staff to accelerate your growth. You can also outsource order fulfillment services to companies who are specialized in it.

“By outsourcing order fulfillment services, you won’t have to go into the essence of the warehousing and fulfillment process.”

Quick tip: To help you focus on other important things, ANS Commerce India’s #1 full-stack e-commerce enabler manages the warehouse and supply chain across all channels, including multi-category storage support and return management with JIT flexibility. Request your free DEMO now!

4. Order packaging

With packaging, your branding comes into play. It’s one of the elements that reflect your brand’s identity. Focusing on this process is rather important because it’s part of the end product. Your customer won’t just receive the product but your brand’s label. So make it look charming while keeping it sturdy as your package will go through various stages before it will be delivered. Also, the packaging totally depends on the nature of the good. For example: if the product involves a breakable material such as glass, pack it properly with cardboard packaging to ensure it doesn’t break in the shipping process. 

“Use a type of packaging that’s more durable than mere fancy.”

5. Shipping of the order 

To get the goods delivered safely and timely, the shipping process plays an important role. Based on the size, weight, and nature of the order, the best shipping method is used. Generally, businesses contact a third-party carrier for shipping services. Make sure the carrier partner you assign provides your customers with a flawless experience. 

“After you ship the order, send your customer shipping confirmation immediately, maintaining a trusted relationship.”

6. Return Order processing 

Usually, the steps of order fulfillment take a halt before this process. But to be one step ahead of your competition, you must provide a return or exchange service. Depending on the quality of the item or the reason for the return, you can restock it in the warehouse. Furthermore, to ensure the refunding of the products happens efficiently, you may need to set return policies that are in favour of both you and the customer.

“You can also automate the process of return management to avoid any further hassles.”

Quick tip: Return management is effective to boost your sales. If you can’t do it, seek our help for the same. From receiving, re-labelling to packing products with better QC standards, we ensure efficient return management without any hassles. Request your free DEMO now!

How can we help you? 

If you are worried about how to manage your inventory, then we are here to assist. With end-to-end fulfillment and logistics- from the product in warding to delivery, ANS Commerce is specialized to cater to all your e-commerce needs. We manage the warehouse and supply chain across all channels, including multi-category storage support and return management with JIT flexibility. Request your free DEMO now!

What can you expect from ANS Commerce?

  1. Order processing: We handle the complete ‘pick-patch-dispatch’ process and the manifestation of your B2C orders, including B2B marketplace delivery with integrated logistics
  2. Return Management: We receive, re-label, and pack products with better QC standards; report cancellations, and returns

Third-party coordination:  We ensure timely delivery with an optimized cost for both domestic and international inventories. Also, we enable marketplace shipment with trusted partners – Delhivery, Bluedart, FedEx, India Post, etc.

Offer fast and efficient fulfillment services to get your customer’s attention. Also, keep in mind the above six steps to provide seamless delivery. Remember, if they don’t receive their order on time, they wouldn’t bother purchasing from you in the future. To build a future understanding, order fulfillment is the most crucial concept you need to pay attention to. For any further e-commerce queries, you can reach out to us anytime.

How Should You Manage Warehousing Operations Amidst Festive Season? 9 Tips To Improve Supply Chain Flow For Increased Profits!

From buying new clothes to devouring sweets and savories to purchasing gift items, Diwali season is all about materials management. On average, the month of October and November help businesses to increase their inventory by threefold. To meet a surge in the demand, supply chain processes also increase, leaving entrepreneurs with more stress on warehousing and fulfillment services.

To avoid any error, it is important for businesses to prepare a warehouse plan beforehand that not only eliminates chaos but increases profits with grace.

9 Exclusive Tips To Manage Warehousing Operations Amidst Festive Season!

1. Rent additional or temporary warehouse to cater to the festive need

The festive season demands increased inventory, which calls on for more storage space. Small scale and mid-sized businesses generally face this problem as they couldn’t raise the supply due to a shortage in the space. A warehouse comes as a savior during these situations. To match pent up demand, businesses should focus on renting additional warehouses to fill in the gap between the market forces of demand and supply.

2. Hire additional workforce to tackle the last-minute crisis

The rising expectations and demands of potential customers aim towards hiring an additional workforce. Once you start volumizing the storage space, the next step is to staff up. You can think of hiring both permanent and temporary workforce. Setting up a separate refurbishment team is also a good option. The refurbishment team helps to replenish RTO (return on stock) while ensuring better inventory depth.

Quick tip: To avoid the last-minute chaos, businesses must hire a workforce in advance so that they can get trained to manage the peak days. Also, don’t forget to take COVID insurance for your old and new staff.

Small scale and middle-sized businesses generally hire seasonal workers, as they both cost less and work efficiently during the peak season. 

3. Split your inventory into two or more warehouses

Imagine this; you’ve fully stocked your warehouse with your products to meet the festive sale. But due to a sudden hike in the number of COVID cases in that particular area, the government has red-zoned it. You can’t regulate your inventory, leading to a huge loss to both brand equity and finance. 

Quick tip: To avoid any such mishappening, you must focus on more than one warehouse to ensure the ease of movement and the last-minute chaos.

ANS Commerce provides warehousing operations with the help of the latest devices and software. Currently, we are working with 15+ marketplaces to enable brands’ presence across long-tail marketplaces. Request your demo for the warehousing solution.

4. Hire temporary vehicles for smooth functioning

Businesses can reckon upon hiring a temporary yet dedicated vehicle to manage small scale B2B volumes. Backed by the transport system, not only does it ensure quicker delivery but also helps the business to generate more sales.

5. Adopt new ways to train the staff

Tech-driven warehouses are the best to operate. You can start by installing videos and e-posters on the premise explaining the complete process. This helps newly-trained staff to avoid any mistakes while saving time and efforts of the supervisor, who can focus on other big operations. 

Interactive training sesh also motivates workers to enhance their performance, which reduces absenteeism.

6. Take insurance of all the inventory

You must have a risk management plan to prepare yourself for any future loss or mishap. Taking insurance of your inventory is essential especially during peak season when your inventory levels are relatively higher. The inventory insurance policy usually covers various types of damage including, handling damage, theft, fire, and any natural disaster. 

7. Warehouse maintenance is essential

Your success is directly dependent on how you handle your warehouse. To meet a surge in the business, it is rather important that you do daily-checks of the equipment. From the lift to power conveyors, to scanners, to generators, you must make sure that you have maintained the entire inventory handling equipment before you hit the festive season.

8. Avoid thefts and pilferages

Your warehouse is likely equipped with more inventory than usual. This increases the chance of robbery and theft. Therefore, you must install more security cameras in the warehouse. Also, you must focus on keeping a complete record of your inventory.

Quick tip: You can even think of hiring additional security guards to prevent your business from theft and pilferage.

9. Keep a track of marketplaces restrictions

There are a few marketplaces that place a restriction on the change in the address of the warehouse. If that’s the case with you then figure it out and ensure that the movement takes place before such restrictions are put in.

How to do it?

If you are worried about how to manage your inventory during the peak season, then we are here to assist. With end-to-end fulfillment and logistics- from the product in warding to delivery, ANS Commerce is specialized to cater to all your e-commerce needs. We manage warehouse and supply chain across all channels, including multi-category storage support and return management with JIT flexibility. Request your demo for the warehousing solution.

What can you expect from ANS Commerce?

  1. Order processing: We handle the complete ‘pick-patch-dispatch’ process and the manifestation of your B2C orders, including B2B marketplace delivery with integrated logistics
  2. Return Management: We receive, re-label, and pack products with better QC standards; report cancellations, and returns
  3. Third-party coordination:  We ensure timely delivery with an optimized cost for both domestic and international inventories. Also, we enable marketplace shipment with trusted partners – Delhivery, Bluedart, FedEx, India Post, etc.

Managing warehousing amidst the festive season seems like a complex task but the returns of it go beyond the peak months. Prep your warehouse by planning beforehand; bringing in more workforce, renting more storage space, installing optimized technology, and ensuring regular maintenance.