An e-commerce warehouse and fulfillment center are as important as the goods in your store. This is because customer satisfaction depends on the effectiveness of the order fulfillment process. Luckily, setting up a great e-commerce warehouse has never been easier. Nowadays, there are multiple automation tools you can use in the order fulfillment process. They will help save time, ease the process and shorten the delivery cycle time. Are you seeking to set up an e-commerce warehouse? Read on for great ideas.
Warehouse vs. Fulfillment Center- What Are the Differences
E-commerce warehousing is the process of keeping and managing inventory for online sales. A warehouse is the storage solution that houses the inventory in bulk for a certain period. An e-commerce warehouse may be owned by the retailer or managed by a third-party order fulfillment provider.
Similarly, a fulfillment center is a space utilized by a logistics provider to pack and fulfill orders. The team is responsible for picking, packing, and shipping the goods, which relieves businesses the stress of managing the order fulfillment process.
How Can You Set Up an Efficient-commerce Warehouse?
The best Warehouse for ecommerce ensures efficient order fulfillment processes, which enhances customer satisfaction. However, this won’t happen if your warehouse isn’t set up correctly. Here’s how to do it right;
1. Determine the Space Required
You need adequate space, and a good beginning point should be to determine how many cartons you need to store at ago. Multiply this by the average carton, or calculate the space in terms of cubic feet. Besides, you’ll need shelving units to make the most out of the available space. Once you get a rough idea of the amount of space required, consider other warehouse operations and activities, and set adequate space to accommodate that.
2. List the Essentials
You’ll need warehouse equipment for smoother operations and improved efficiency. Aim to maximize space, enhance visibility and ensure better flow of goods. You require different appliances for your functions. These may range from storage equipment like shelves, drawers, racks, bins, and more.
Moreover, invest in material holing equipment such as unit leaders, storage, and positioning equipment. Lastly, you need packing and shipping equipment. This involves any appliance needed to assemble, package, label, and prepare orders for delivery.
3. Automate Repetitive Tasks
Automation is key in most business processes, and warehousing is not an exception. Automating your processes will improve efficiency translating to improved customer satisfaction. Most of the tasks in your warehouse are repetitive, and automation will save time, minimize errors during dropshipping and advance employee productivity.
For instance, bar code scanners can streamline product picking and eliminate cycle counts. On the other hand, a conveyor belt will help move bulky containers, which reduces workload among employees.
Final Thoughts
You can take various steps to set up an efficient e-commerce website. Set policies and guidelines for workers and set proper pick-up paths. Also, utilize your space optimally to ensure visibility of goods and automate tasks to save time and improve efficiency. If on a budget or running a small business, this can be costly, and it’s wise to consider an order fulfillment center.
