“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” You’ve probably heard this saying before, a lot. While many business systems aren’t necessarily broken, they could still benefit from improvements and upgrades. This sentiment is especially true in logistics and warehouse management. For decades, not much changed, principally because warehouses, forklifts, trucks, and other equipment do not often undergo drastic changes.
However, enterprises of all sizes have heeded the clarion call to inject technology efficiency into their logistics operations. Hardware (such as scanners and RFID chips) and software (such as advanced analytics and data visualization platforms) can perform tasks and deliver insights that were unavailable just a few years ago. Even if the warehouse system, shipping dock, and truck fleet aren’t broken, they can benefit from upgrades and technology to make your operation run more efficiently — and profitably.
What are some signs that your warehouse management system is stuck in the past and hasn’t changed enough for current conditions? Let’s have a look.
You Can’t Recall the Last Time You Updated Your Systems and Technology
Updating a warehouse’s technology is no small feat — considering both price and time to implement. Newer systems can provide a more modern, updated user experience for a warehouse’s customers. Furthermore, the technology used by leading third-party logistics companies can provide analytics, forecasting, and visualizations that can help e-commerce companies of all sizes with product planning and cost analysis. It can help support finance and accounting tasks that need separate standalone systems to be carried out.
For example, some analytics tools have the built-in ability to forecast revenues based on past customer behaviors, including data visualization features for more straightforward interpretation. This can provide management with a better understanding of financial health and can assist in planning and purchasing decisions moving forward. At Taylored, our warehouse management system eliminates the need to switch out systems every few years, helping you save money and continue to improve efficiency.
The Warehouse Doesn’t Handle Returns or Customer Service
Customer service is crucial. But e-commerce companies haven’t always felt like they could lean on their warehouse partner to handle customer service questions instead of taking it all on in-house. And it’s no surprise they want to ensure these issues are addressed well. Reputable customer service can indirectly increase your bottom line. According to HubSpot, “by providing top-notch customer service, businesses recoup customer acquisition costs and cultivate a loyal following that refers customers, serves as case studies, and provides testimonials and reviews.”
Modern 3PL providers can support e-commerce companies with customer service-related tasks, understanding that how a company treats its customers is essential to its reputation. Using a company’s branding, messaging, and guidance, an experienced 3PL provider, can easily handle returns and issue refunds without sacrificing the quality of customer service.
Packing Material Is Outdated
While this might not seem like an obvious sign that a warehouse management system is stuck in the past, it very much is. Old, outdated packing material is a real problem. New, sustainable packing materials are safer for the environment, something conscious consumers are increasingly concerned about. Second, obsolete packing material might not fit products optimally or might be unnecessarily heavy, leading to the need for larger boxes and higher shipping rates.
An experienced third-party logistics partner will know which types of packing material to procure based on the latest innovations and trends. They will handle fulfillment with care to reduce the risk of damage during transport. This helps save you money and creates a strong first impression with customers as they unbox their goods.
Why Taylored Services
Working with a full-service, integrated logistics provider like Taylored Services helps e-commerce businesses of all sizes serve customers more efficiently and allows such companies to scale when needed without significant investment. Taylored Services is a fully integrated 3PL provider specializing in wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer unit fulfillment.
An e-commerce business needs a partner with significant investments in systems and technology, along with established, long-term relationships with other interim suppliers along a box’s shipping journey. Using Taylored, clients can track their merchandise throughout and from the warehouse to the final destination.
References:
https://blog.hubspot.com/service/importance-customer-service
Jake Wengroff writes about technology and financial services. A former technology reporter for CBS Radio, he covers topics such as security, mobility, e-commerce, and the IoT.