Embracing Technology in your eCommerce Fulfilment Centre
This article will discuss the various benefits of adopting the new technologies, what they are, and how they can drive growth in your e-commerce business.
The ongoing expansion in retail e-commerce is adding complexity to fulfilment operations. Consumers are expecting more variety in product options, creating the need for more sophisticated warehousing solutions.
The speed of delivery and the effectiveness of customer service are becoming the differentiators. Fulfilment services are being transformed using digital technologies. Retailers need to embrace automation and cloud-based software tools to satisfy the consumer’s desire for convenience and immediacy. This means investing in modern warehousing and distribution facilities to avoid being overtaken by the competition.
Trends in fulfilment services
New technologies such as automation equipment, supply chain data visibility software, and mobile apps are becoming used extensively to ensure business continuity and growth.
Automation equipment and tools
Robots, automated vehicles, drones, and wearables are becoming increasingly common to facilitate a hands-free select, pack, pick and ship process. Picking and packing operations in a warehouse drive order fulfilment. The process starts by collecting items from their storage location, sorting them as required, packing items into suitable containers, and labelling them for shipping and delivery. Automation tools are transforming how we pick and pack. The benefits of automation are many: faster picking, lower costs, and fewer errors. Labour costs are decreased, and efficiency is increased.
Automation-as-a-service is an innovation whereby customers can access automation tools on an as-needed basis. It provides the facility to scale up and down as demand fluctuates and provides the chance to experiment with technologies such as robotics without a major investment.
Mobile devices
Mobile devices have replaced manual data recording. Mobile smartphones, tablets, wearables, sensors, and radio-frequency identification tags (RFID or barcodes) are all in use. They retrieve and process data from automated equipment, speeding up warehouse processes. Inventory is scanned using RFID; reports can be generated on stock levels in real time.
Data analytics
Cloud-based software solutions collate and validate supply chain data. This data can be used to refine strategies and determine future actions. One of the main challenges to a smooth order fulfilment process is the poor visibility of information throughout the process. Developments in connectivity tools to share data seamlessly between functions mean that data is visible to all approved users in your supply chain. The resulting information can be used to improve processes, predict future sales and seasonal fluctuations.
More here: https://www.sccgltd.com/featured-articles/warehouse-automation-how-to-optimise-your-pick-and-pack/
Artificial Intelligence in action
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used extensively in the use of data. Every day warehouse operations create piles of data: customer orders, inventory statistics, and delivery schedules. One of the most obvious benefits of AI is to gain better visibility and control over inventory.
Digital cameras are routinely used to monitor stock levels and provide alerts for restocking. Managers can use data to improve inventory management by redesigning layouts, improving walking routes, and speeding up replenishment. AI applications can offer insights into the current situation by recognizing patterns of activity where productivity can be improved. https://www.sccgltd.com/featured-articles/artificial-intelligence-in-the-warehouse-automation/
Warehouse and inventory management systems
Affordable and scalable cloud-based Inventory and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are becoming commonplace. Inventory management software shows how much stock is on hand in real-time and alerts you to replenish. WMS platforms integrating AI applications are gaining popularity, helping with inventory optimisation and integration with e-commerce platforms. A WMS focuses on integrating data to get the best results from physical assets and automation tools. The costs of a WMS are continuing to decrease due to new entrants in the marketplace and increased competition. More about the WMS: Warehouse Management System Consultancy – SCCG Ltd
6 e-commerce fulfilment success factors
- Effective inventory management
- An optimised warehouse layout and design
- The right automated equipment and tools
- Standard and consistent work processes
- Data-driven decisions
- Skilled staff trained in the use of the technologies
