Discover the basics of eCommerce fulfillment and how it can revolutionise your eCommerce journey. Also find out if you should outsource fulfillment.

What is eCommerce Fulfillment?

What is E-commerce Fulfillment?: Your Complete Guide to Growth

The e-commerce landscape is transforming rapidly. Platforms like Shopify have made it easier than ever to start an online store, and with more consumers turning to the web for their purchases, this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

With UK online retail sales projected to reach £285.60 billion by 2025 according to the International Trade Administration’s guide, optimizing your fulfillment operations has never been more crucial. Whether you're scaling your existing business or just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of modern e-fulfillment as well as make informed decisions about an everlasting dilemma: inhouse vs. 3pl fulfillment.

The Evolution of E-commerce Fulfillment in the UK

Consumer expectations have undergone a dramatic shift. Standard delivery windows that were once industry standard now risk losing you customers – research shows that 73% of UK consumers abandon their shopping carts when delivery options don't meet their expectations. 

But do not let the numbers intimidate you. This shifting landscape presents opportunities for your business alongside the challenges. Consider this: while managing next-day delivery and real-time tracking might seem daunting, implementing the right fulfillment strategy can transform these customer expectations into a competitive advantage.

Third-party logistics (3pl) in e-commerce fulfillment involves outsourcing your order fulfillment processes to an external service provider, such as Oplog. This provider will oversee the warehousing, inventory management, picking & packing, shipping, and the return process of your products, ensuring efficient and accurate order delivery and improved customer satisfaction.

Inside Modern e-Fulfillment: Beyond the Basics

Modern e-fulfillment combines sophisticated technology, precise execution, and customer-centric service. Understanding how these elements work together can help you build a more resilient and efficient operation.

Here is an established and generally accepted e-commerce fulfillment process followed by 3pl fulfillment partners.

The journey of efficient order fulfillment begins long before your customer clicks "buy." When products arrive at the warehouse, they need proper handling, inspection, and systematic organization. Think of it as setting the stage for success – one misplaced item can throw off your entire operation.

Systematic barcode scanning and documentation

Quality control checks against manufacturer specifications

Strategic placement based on sales velocity

Integration with real-time inventory management systems

Smart Warehousing: Build Your Competitive Edge

Traditional warehouse management often meant dealing with delayed stock updates and manual inventory counts. Today's smart warehousing solutions offer a different reality.

Modern solutions like OPLOG ONE offer a sophisticated warehouse management system (WMS) that provides instant visibility across entire inventory. Here is an example of how real-time tracking apps work with your sales platforms:

Real-time inventory insights that prevent stockouts

Detailed analytics for informed decision-making

You can use a system such as OPLOG ONE to track all product details including expiration date, which helps you detect your most and least fresh products and gives you meaningful insight for solid decisions: keep the item in stock or start a discount, or maybe launch a social media campaign to send it out as a sample. Below is an OPLOG ONE screen that shows inventory information from a customer's eye:

No more paper picking lists and manual item searches. Modern fulfillment centres are embracing robotics to revolutionize this crucial step. According to recent data, warehouses implementing automated picking solutions have seen significant efficiency improvements.

Oplog’s very own picking robot TARQAN exemplifies this evolution by drastically reducing warehouse walking time. It means 4 times faster order processing and near-zero error rates. 

Modern and sustainable packing solutions are another key trend that transforms customer experience with online orders. Gift wrapping, bundle creation, and special packaging for influencer collaborations are to make fulfillment landscape evolve.

The last mile can make or break your customer relationship. For international orders, partnering with reliable carriers and understanding customs regulations can help you expand your reach and effectively serve a global customer base. Modern fulfillment solutions offer:

Multiple carrier options for optimal routing

Same-day and next-day delivery capabilities

Returns processing involves inspecting returned items, restocking them if they are in sellable condition, and updating inventory records. As daunting as they seem, with proper management, returns can become opportunities for customer loyalty. Utilizing returns management software can streamline this process by automating return authorizations, tracking returned items, and processing refunds or exchanges.

Let's cut to the chase – should you handle fulfillment yourself or outsource your needs to a 3PL? To decide what’s best for your e-commerce business, here’s what you need to know in a nutshell:

At first glance, outsourcing fulfillment looks more advantageous than handling it yourself. However, it depends on the dynamics and nature of your business as well. Let’s look at our options closely.

If you already have resources to invest in warehousing, technology, and staff as a large-sized e-commerce business, in-house fulfillment might come with a smaller red frame for you.

But still, there will always be other important tasks that you should focus on, such as manufacturing, marketing, and sales. Outsourcing fulfillment to 3pls can help large-sized businesses allocate resources effectively, decrease costs, and enhance customer experience with faster delivery times.

This option works best for small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses. With limited resources and investment for warehousing, technology, and staff, outsourcing fulfillment might come in handy. Opting for a modern e-commerce fulfillment provider can help you with excellent customer service, easy scalability, and cost-efficiency through tailored solutions.

How You Get Around the Disadvantages of Outsourcing Fulfillment

Although the pros of partnering with a 3pl fulfillment provider already outnumber the cons, why not aim for minimizing the red frame? Opt for e-commerce fulfillment centres that offer:

Transparent monitoring through all operations. Fulfillment centres that use real-time tracking applications enable you to follow every step from receiving to return and monitor stock levels any time. Some e-commerce fulfillment centres even allow for more transparency, such as Oplog recording the order packing process on camera for their clients to watch.

Flexible pricing. Most 3pls still work with old school business and pricing models, leaving e-commerce businesses no choice but to take financial risks by paying extra for a service they might not use at the end of the day. Some modern fulfillment providers, on the other hand, offer flexible payment options such as the “pay-as-you-go” model, which is based on the unit pricing model, without a minimum level requirement.

Dedicated customer support. Partnering with an equipped 3pl that assigns a dedicated person only to your brand will enable clear communication and quick solutions to potential problems with your end-customers.

Remember, success in e-commerce isn't just about selling products – it's about delivering experiences. Following key trends such as AI-driven inventory management and sustainable packaging solutions is what will turn your logistics from a headache into a competitive advantage. Outsourcing your e-commerce fulfillment needs to a 3pl can help you get there and save on fulfillment costs even if you have the resources and the time.

The Future of E-commerce Fulfillment is Already Here at Oplog

Oplog is a leading provider of e-commerce fulfillment services. With multiple international fulfillment centres at strategic locations, equipped with the latest technology and experts in the industry, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to meet your online business’s needs, from international shipping to returns management.

Oplog puts a tick on all advantages you see on the green chart, and offers a solution to every drawback on the red one. Get a quote today to learn how modern Oplog e-fulfillment can drive your business growth.

What is E-Fulfillment?

Discover 3PL fulfillment and how it can revolutionise eCommerce businesses through automated warehousing, real-time tracking, and smart order processing.

What is 3PL Fulfillment?

Transform Your E-commerce Success with 3PL Fulfillment: A Complete Guide

In today's fast-paced e-commerce landscape, efficient order fulfillment can make or break your business success. But what exactly is 3PL fulfillment, and how can it revolutionize your operations? Let's dive into everything you need to know about third-party logistics (3PL) services and how they're reshaping the future of e-commerce fulfillment in the UK.

Why 3PL Fulfillment is the Game-Changer Your E-commerce Business Needs

The UK e-commerce market is projected to reach a total of £188.8 billion by 2029, according to recent data from Statista. As online sales continue to soar, businesses face mounting pressure to deliver orders quickly and accurately. This is where 3PL fulfillment services come into play, offering a comprehensive solution that transforms how you handle your supply chain operations.

Modern 3PL providers leverage cutting-edge technology and automated systems to provide comprehensive fulfillment solutions. From real-time inventory tracking to automated picking systems, these services ensure your business stays competitive in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. Today's leading providers offer sophisticated technology integration, omnichannel fulfillment capabilities, and advanced analytics that give you complete control over your supply chain operations.

Future-Proof Your Operations with Smart 3PL Services

The evolution of e-commerce has transformed traditional fulfillment services into sophisticated, technology-driven solutions. Modern 3PL providers offer comprehensive services that go far beyond simple storage and shipping. By leveraging advanced technology and automated systems, these providers help businesses streamline their operations and enhance customer satisfaction.


The Crystal Ball of Your Supply Chain: A Visible Warehouse

Today’s smart warehousing solutions have turned traditional storing facilities into modern fulfillment centres adopting the latest innovations. 3pl providers now use barcode technology and real-time tracking applications that help you stay in control of your supply chain and make informed decisions.

Once your products are received into the fulfillment centre, they are inspected for quality and accuracy, then logged into the inventory management system. Modern warehousing solutions include using barcode scanners and serial numbers to store your products in designated areas, ready to be picked and packed when orders come in. OPLOG, for example, uses barcode scanners to process items into an application called OPLOG ONE, integrated with their customer’s system. Take a look at what this app shows:

Such solutions ensure the safety of your products, drastically reducing the chance of them getting lost in the warehouse, while guaranteeing order accuracy.

Another significant advantage of modern 3PL fulfillment is complete supply chain visibility. Through integrated platforms like OPLOG ONE, you can:

Track inventory levels in real-time to prevent stockouts

Monitor order status from picking to delivery

Integrate seamlessly with your existing e-commerce platforms

Access insights for better business decisions

Automated Order Processing: The Future is Here

Traditional warehousing often involves manual processes that can lead to errors and delays. Modern 3PL providers are revolutionizing this through robotic technology. Some use picking robots that eliminate the need to walk around the warehouse, accelerating order fulfillment up to 400% compared to manual methods. This ensures extremely fast order processing while minimizing human-driven errors. Maintaining order accuracy and improving delivery speeds help businesses gain their customers’ trust.

Smart Shipping Solutions: Deliver Excellence

Strategic shipping solutions form the backbone of successful e-commerce operations. Leading 3PL providers maintain strong relationships with multiple carriers, offering flexible shipping options to meet various delivery requirements. Through advanced routing algorithms and carrier selection processes, these providers ensure optimal delivery times and costs. Real-time tracking updates keep both you and your customers informed throughout the delivery journey.

If you have an international customer base, a 3PL provider can simplify the complexities of global shipping as well. They handle customs clearance, documentation, and compliance with international regulations. This expertise ensures your products reach customers worldwide efficiently and without delays.

Value-Added Services: Elevate Your Brand Experience

Modern fulfillment goes beyond basic pick-and-pack services. Today's 3PL providers offer comprehensive value-added services that help differentiate your brand. This includes custom and sustainable packaging solutions, promotional material insertion, gift-wrapping services, and special handling for delicate items. 

Picture this: the influencer you partnered with receives her meticulously curated gift box, unveiling a limited-edition, fragile camera nestled securely inside. This attention to detail transforms a simple delivery into a memorable unboxing experience that leaves a lasting impression. 

Now, imagine something equally tailored—fashion retailers leveraging specialized solutions like garment-on-hanger systems to ensure their products arrive in impeccable condition, ready to delight customers at first glance. These special services by 3pls add value to your brand and set you apart in a competitive marketplace.

Returns: Call Them Insights for Strategic Growth

An efficient returns process can transform a potential negative experience into a positive one. Advanced 3PL providers offer comprehensive returns management solutions that include inspection, processing, and restocking of returned items. Through detailed quality control processes and sophisticated tracking systems, these services ensure smooth handling of returns while maintaining inventory accuracy. 

Every return tells a story. A data-driven approach helps you identify patterns, refine product offerings, and enhance quality, reducing future returns and boosting customer satisfaction.

Remember:

As e-commerce continues to evolve, managing in-house fulfillment becomes increasingly complex and resource-intensive. Outsourcing to a 3PL provider allows you to focus on core business activities while ensuring your fulfillment operations remain cutting-edge. With access to advanced technology, established infrastructure, and expertise, 3PL providers offer scalability and efficiency that would be costly to develop internally.

Making the Switch: How to Choose Your Perfect 3PL Partner

Selecting the right 3PL provider requires careful consideration of several key factors. Evaluate your potential partners based on these offerings:

The ideal provider should integrate all fulfillment operations seamlessly with your existing systems. Look for providers with advanced technological capabilities, including automated picking systems, real-time tracking platforms, and comprehensive analytics tools.

Your chosen partner should offer solutions that grow with your business, including flexible storage options, scalable processing capacity, and multiple warehouse locations. A scalable 3PL partner will support your long-term expansion plans and adapt to changing market demands, ensuring seamless operations as your business grows. Consider their ability to handle seasonal volume fluctuations and international shipping requirements.

Return on investment (ROI) should be a primary consideration while choosing your business’ perfect match. Modern 3PL fulfillment centres use sophisticated warehouse management systems to optimise every aspect of the fulfillment process. This includes automated inventory updates, smart storage solutions, and efficient pick-and-pack processes. Through faster processing times and accurate delivery, these services help improve customer satisfaction, leading to increased retention and revenue growth.

Transform Your E-commerce Fulfillment with OPLOG

In the evolving landscape of e-commerce fulfillment, OPLOG stands at the forefront of technological innovation. Our proprietary robotic picking system TARQAN processes orders four times faster than conventional methods, while our intuitive OPLOG ONE platform provides unprecedented real-time visibility into your supply chain operations. This powerful combination of advanced technology and smart warehouse management ensures exceptional accuracy and efficiency in every order we process.

We understand that each business has unique requirements, which is why we offer tailored solutions that adapt to your specific needs. From custom branded packaging and specialised handling for delicate items to comprehensive quality control protocols, OPLOG provides the infrastructure and expertise needed to support both your B2B and B2C operations effectively. With OPLOG as your fulfillment partner, you're not just outsourcing logistics – you're gaining a strategic ally committed to scaling your business.

Get in Touch with Our Fulfillment Experts

An eCommerce fulfillment center processes orders through smart warehousing systems. Read more on how to choose an eCommerce center for your business.

What is an eCommerce Fulfillment Center?

What is an E-commerce Fulfillment Centre? 

Speed is crucial in online shopping where buyers expect their orders to be delivered quickly, with 41% hoping to receive their purchases within 24 hours. To achieve customer satisfaction, you need efficient logistics and optimized operations. This is where e-commerce fulfillment helps your e-commerce business scale by streamlining the process of order management.

Ecommerce fulfillment is the process of storing inventory, processing orders, and handling the shipping and returns for eCommerce businesses. Think of it as the beating heart of your operations, supporting you to keep up with growing demand and maintain excellent customer service.

What is an E-commerce Fulfillment Centre?

An e-commerce fulfillment centre is the facility where the fulfillment process takes place. It differs from a warehouse as the latter is for storing goods and products while the former is designed for speed and efficiency. A professional fulfillment centre uses advanced technology such as robotic picking systems and real-time inventory tracking to ensure efficient order fulfillment.

How Do E-commerce Fulfillment Centres Work?

Ecommerce fulfillment centres follow a systematic process to handle orders efficiently. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Stock arrives at the fulfillment centre

The Ecommerce fulfillment process begins when your inventory arrives at the centre. Products are unloaded, checked for quality, labeled, and then stored in designated areas within the centre, generally using a barcode scanner. The items are always moved and processed with their serial numbers, and you can track all these processes through an integrated system. Here is a screen from OPLOG ONE, a real-time tracking application used by OPLOG, where customers can see details of their stored products with useful filtering features:

When a customer makes a purchase on your eCommerce website or a marketplace, the order is immediately placed into the centre’s system. It is called a warehouse management system (WMS) and it integrates with your online platform to automatically receive order details, such as product type, size, and shipping address. Ecommerce fulfillment centres that offer seamless integration with leading e-commerce platforms and marketplaces should be your first options. This capability is built into the core of OPLOG’s operations, as its WMS is developed entirely in-house, and ensures efficiency and reliability at every step.

Once the order is received, the centre’s system locates the product’s exact place (such as: floor 3, aisle C5, shelf X) and creates a well-structured chaotic storage cycle.

Contrary to what the name suggests, it is a dynamic and random form of warehousing where space is always used efficiently. In chaotic storage, products are placed into an empty shelf rather than a designated area and  it helps fulfillment centres save time and space. This system works best with automated picking solutions such as a robot.

Wait, chaotic storage?

Then the product is picked by the staff or preferably a picking robot, like OPLOG's very own TARQAN, which accelerates the process up to 400%.

Next, the product is taken to the packing area where it is carefully packaged. A professional e-commerce fulfillment centre offers secure and tailored packaging options that reflect your brand identity, such as branded packaging, bundling, and adding special notes to your orders.

The packaged order then is handed over to a fast and affordable shipping carrier, chosen by your e-commerce fulfillment provider based on certain criteria. Remember to ask any fulfillment centre if they offer a real-time tracking application integrated to your systems. Watching every step of the fulfillment process will ensure transparency and fast decision making, keeping your customers happy and with you all the way. Here is an example of what real-time tracking looks like:

The fulfillment process does not end with your customer receiving their order. A preferable e-commerce fulfillment centre must offer return management, including inspections, restocking, and refund coordination. Since some of the fulfillment centres do not handle returns, make sure you ask them before partnering up. This is an important step because return management takes time and effort, and is determinant in your service quality.

How to Choose an E-commerce Fulfillment Centre

Choosing the right e-commerce fulfillment centre is a game-changer, helping you save time and money, ensure customer satisfaction, focus on growth, and scale seamlessly.

Here are a few key factors to consider for a successful partnership:

The location of the centre will directly impact the order delivery speed. Fulfilment centres located near your target customer base should be your first options. Let's say you sell fly fishing accessories and most of your online orders come from Scotland. To ensure fast delivery of your orders, search for a fulfillment centre that has hubs in or near Scotland.

If you have a global customer base, consider working with an e-commerce fulfillment centre that has multiple warehouses strategically located around the world. This can help reduce shipping times and costs for international orders. Partnering with a fulfillment provider that has a global network can significantly enhance your delivery efficiency.

A trusted e-commerce fulfillment centre works well with your sales channels. This includes your website, Amazon, eBay, and other marketplaces. Seamless integration makes sure that orders from all your channels are processed quickly and updates inventory levels in real time, helping prevent overselling and stockouts.

When choosing an e-commerce fulfillment centre, look for advanced technology that enhances efficiency and accuracy. Key features include a robust warehouse management system (WMS) that tracks inventory in real time and integrates seamlessly with your sales platforms. Also, ask your fulfillment centre candidates if they use automation tools or robotic support for picking and packing processes, as they speed up operations and reduce errors.

A proactive fulfillment approach also plays a key role in e-commerce fulfillment. Your fulfillment center should provide advanced analytics to offer insights into order trends and performance. These insights help you make informed decisions and optimize your logistics strategy.

Whether you are a B2B or B2C e-commerce business should be a contributing factor when choosing a fulfillment centre. For B2B businesses, fulfillment centres should be capable of handling larger order volumes and more complex logistics, such as bulk shipping and custom packaging. They must also manage detailed inventory tracking and provide reliable delivery schedules to meet business clients' needs.

For B2C businesses, fulfillment centres should focus on processing a high volume of smaller orders quickly and accurately. They should manage picking and packing processes efficiently and handle returns smoothly. Fast and reliable shipping options are also essential to meet customer expectations for timely deliveries.

Some e-commerce fulfillment centres are capable of addressing both B2B and B2C needs. These centres offer flexible services that can adapt to different order types and volumes. Partnering with a versatile, omnichannel fulfillment centre can be a good idea if your business serves both markets or plans to expand in the future.

The e-commerce fulfillment centre you choose should offer excellent support to both you and your customers. Dedicated account managers can help with any operational issues and ensure smooth communication. You should also be offered real-time tracking and reporting so you can monitor your inventory and order status at any time.

Customer support of an e-commerce fulfillment centre includes timely updates on order status, accurate tracking information, and easy handling of returns. This will ensure that your customers have a positive shopping experience, resulting in loyalty and better reviews on marketplaces.

OPLOG: Your E-commerce Fulfillment Centre

At OPLOG, we specialize in offering e-commerce fulfillment services tailored to your business needs. Our fulfillment centres are strategically located to ensure fast and efficient order delivery across the UK and beyond. With our advanced technology and automation, we streamline order processing, ensuring accuracy and speed at every step.

We provide seamless multi-channel integration, keeping your inventory synchronized across all sales platforms. Our exceptional customer support team is always ready to assist, ensuring smooth operations and high customer satisfaction. Whether you’re in B2B or B2C, we can handle large volumes of orders with impeccable accuracy and speed.

What is an Ecommerce Fulfillment Center?

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Wall-to-wall stock count provides a complete inventory review, crucial for accurate stock management and control.

What is Wall-to-wall Stock Count | OPLOG

A "wall-to-wall stock count" is a thorough inventory audit in retail or business.

A "wall-to-wall stock count" is a comprehensive inventory audit process that physically counts and verifies all items in a store or warehouse, leaving no item unchecked. 

This stock count is conducted periodically to ensure inventory accuracy. Discrepancies can arise from theft, recording errors, misplacement, or damage. A complete stock count identifies these discrepancies and enables corrective actions such as record updates and process improvements. 

What are the advantages of using wall-to-wall stock account?

By ensuring the accuracy of inventory records through thorough physical counting, businesses can; 

• prevent losses from theft or shrinkage, 
• improve inventory management by identifying slow-moving items and optimizing stock levels, 
• enhance operational efficiency by reducing manual error correction, 
• enable data-driven decision-making based on real-time information.  

Accurate stock counts lead to; 
• improved customer satisfaction through timely order fulfillment, 
• aid in regulatory compliance, 
• provide a basis for audits, fostering trust among stakeholders.

Wall-to-wall Stock Count

What is wall-to-wall stock account?

What are the advantages of using wall-to-wall stock account?