Omnichannel order fulfillment

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Omnichannel order fulfillment is a material handling fulfillment strategy and process that treats inventory as fully available to all channels (e-commerce, store replenishment and wholesale) from one location. While the internal fulfillment process may diverge to optimize the operations, the outbound process only diverges at the point of pack out and shipping. [1] [2]

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It allows companies to deliver goods to multiple channels using a single facility with a single workforce, delivering from a single inventory. The channel dictates the order size, delivery requirements, packaging, shipment method and rules for handling shortages. Single-channel facilities can have a fixed set of criteria.

Some embodiments of omnichannel order fulfillment eliminate the need for bulk storage, pallets and lift trucks. [3] Instead, products are sent directly to universal storage and pick modules. The process is designed so that items can be selected simultaneously for any channel requirements. Omnichannel solutions may operate where orders are not grouped into waves, as is common in pick operations. Instead, customer orders or product demand is entered into worker pick lists as soon as they are initiated for processing at the distribution center, which promotes both fulfillment flexibility and processing speed. [4] In such operations associates doing the picking don't know whether they are picking an online order or a store order. [1] They pick and replenish simultaneously, work with dynamic stock keeping unit (SKU) locations, and generally touch and move items with minimal fear of introducing errors.

The omnichannel fulfillment method disables repetitive activities for different distribution channels and makes sure products are available for all the channels equally. Furthermore, it improves the ability to respond to the customer in a timely manner, providing them a consistent shopping experience.

Warehouse management

Software is what makes warehouse management possible throughout the omnichannel order fulfillment process. In the era of online shopping, fulfillment centers need versatility, flexibility and visibility. Therefore, using the correct software is critical. The software needs to be able to handle a variety of orders and find the most cost-efficient way to sort SKUs based on physical characteristics, SKU velocity and order profiles. Systems that give fulfillment centers access to real-time information about what’s going on in their facilities at all times provide the flexibility needed to respond quickly as events are occurring rather than after the fact. [5]

Retailers are increasingly using warehouse management systems (WMS) and warehouse execution systems (WES) to improve store-level inventory accuracy and expand support for new omnichannel flow paths. The WMS/WES supports processes such as pick-to-cart, return fulfillment and the ability to see a picture of the item to be picked.

Omnichannel flow paths

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Warehouse execution systems (WES) are computerized systems used in warehouses and distribution centers to manage and orchestrate the physical flow of products from receiving through shipping. Warehouses are storage facilities for raw materials and parts used in manufacturing operations; distribution centers (DCs) are facilities that store and distribute finished goods to retail locations, consumers, and other end customers.

Eclipse ERP is a real-time transaction processing accounting software used for order fulfillment, inventory control, accounting, purchasing, and sales. It was created for wholesale distributors in the Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and PVF industries, but is used by a wide range of market sectors. At one point this software was called Intuit Eclipse DMS, and Activant Eclipse, and Eclipse Distribution Management System.

Quiet Logistics is a third-party logistics (3PL) company headquartered in Devens, Massachusetts. Quiet specializes in providing order fulfillment and returns management services to e-commerce retailers. In November 2021, American Eagle Outfitters announced that it would acquire Quiet Logistics for $350 million in cash.

A transportation and warehouse management system (TWMS) is a software application that supports eCommerce, distribution, and third-party logistics (3PL) companies within supply chain management.

References

  1. 1 2 Maloney, David (January 26, 2015). "Fashion Forward". DC Velocity. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  2. ↑ Trebilcock, Bob (September 1, 2016). "American Eagle Outfitters omni-channel journey". Modern Materials Handling. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  3. ↑ Reiser, Clint (June 13, 2016). "E-commerce and the warehouse of tomorrow". DC Velocity. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  4. ↑ Staff, DC Velocity (April 7, 2016). "American Eagle DC spreads its wings". DC Velocity. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  5. ↑ Trebilcock, Bob (March 30, 2015). "Software Remains Key Supply Chain Focus at ProMat 2015". Supply Chain Management Review. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  6. ↑ Banker, Steve (July 10, 2014). "Omni-channel Fulfillment is the Key Driver of Growth in the Warehouse Management Market". Forbes. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
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