It is important to stay up with the current trends in our industry to ensure we are performing at an optimal level. E-commerce is not slowing down, in fact it is shaping the way that consumers expect deliveries. Consumers are expecting to pay the least amount for the quickest shipping. Amazon set the precedence for this shipping structure with their introduction of Amazon Prime back in 2005. 2-Day shipping is now the norm, and all other retailers had to adapt to meet the consumers expectations to survive the retail shift.
The trend trickled down to warehouses where a more efficient system had to be set into place. The introduction of cloud-based technology has allowed warehouses to provide the service retailers are demanding.
We here at RAK Logistics have implemented a cloud-based system with 3PL Central, an industry leading software provider of supply chain technology. This has allowed us to offer our consumers a supply chain that is both speedy and efficient.
Check out the infograph below to see the shopping cart process from when the buyer places the order to when they receive it
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As you can see from our shopping cart workflow infograph, communication is key! The cloud makes it possible for all information to flow back and forth from the consumer to the warehouse. Once the buyer places an order online the warehouse receives the picking and shipping information virtually on a scanner. The cloud is notified once the order is fulfilled and all parties will receive an automatic message with details.
Here’s how RAK is updating its technology to keep up with E-commerce demands:
Implementing new technology
The introduction of scanners has led to great success in our warehouse. Scanners reduce the margin of error by ensuring the correct SKU, quantity, lot number and serial number are selected during the picking process. Manual data entry is no longer needed, instead all the information is uploaded via the cloud. The scanners eliminate data entry errors with web-based order entry option and EDI integration for order requests and shipping details. Real-time detailed reports ensure that the task at hand is efficiently completed.
Benefits
Time is money! Nobody wants to have dormant orders waiting to be fulfilled. Customers are expecting to receive shipping notifications on the same day orders are placed. The turn-around time is crucial for customer retention and loyalty. With the new technology integrations invoices/orders have a quicker delivery time, enabling a faster order-to-cash cycle.
Now more than ever the supply chain has shorter turn around time because of the high demand for instant gratification. The quicker you can get your product to the consumer, the more successful your product will be. RAK is dedicated to staying on top of all industry trends and advances by adapting new technology and delivering all your logistic needs.
Contact us to learn how RAK Logistics can provide a global solution for your supply chain.