The realm of warehouse management and order fulfillment is in constant flux. Technology is rapidly evolving, freight carriers are ever-changing, and consumer expectations are becoming more demanding. Staying on top of everything requires significant investment into specialized systems, management, and labor. That’s why many businesses are outsourcing these services to third-party fulfillment centers, also known as third-party logistics providers (3PL).
An experienced 3PL will stay on top of these rapid shifts and make sure you’re keeping up to date with the most cost-effective solutions for your industry. However, you do want to be discerning when choosing a 3PL. As you explore warehouse management and fulfillment centers, be sure to ask the following questions.
1. How long have you been in business?
You want your 3PL to have ample experience, like Taylored Fulfillment Services who recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. If the 3PL has been in business for a long time, then you know they’re doing something right. They’re likely agile and able to pivot quickly as new technologies and industry advancements come into play.
2. What types of products have you handled?
When talking to a prospective warehouse management and fulfillment center, ask them what types of products they experience. This is important as different industries have different distribution requirements. Food distributors, for example, want to make sure that the warehouse meets food-grade requirements. Electronic or apparel distributors will have a completely different set of requirements.
Most fulfillment companies service multiple industries, and that’s okay. Just be sure that they understand the requirements that your customers have in the distribution chain.
3. Can you provide a client list?
Ask to see a list of the 3PL’s clients. If their current clients are mostly smaller companies with straightforward warehousing and fulfillment requirements, they perhaps can’t handle the more sophisticated needs of a larger company. But they may be more willing to meet your demands to win your business.
On the other hand, if the 3PL handles a lot of more prominent or well-known brands, they likely have more experience and more resource capabilities. However, you want to make sure that a) you don’t pay for more than you need, and b) they’ll give you the same attention and customer service that they would the “big guys.”
4. Can you tell me about your technology solutions?
Make sure that whomever you choose keeps up with the latest warehouse management technology. Do they rely primarily on human resources, or have they invested in modern robotics and warehouse systems to minimize human error? Ask if your computer systems and software integrate with theirs. Can they provide real-time reporting of inventory levels and other metrics?
Be sure that you partner with a warehouse management and fulfillment center that embraces technology, employs the very best systems available, and upgrades regularly.
If you’re in the process of seeking a partner for your warehouse and fulfillment needs, then speak to Taylored Fulfillment Services. We’re a fully integrated third-party logistics provider specializing in wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer unit fulfillment. Established in 1992 and headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, we operate 1.5 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space strategically located near the nation’s busiest ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York.