If you use a 3PL to do your order fulfillment, you are faced with the daily challenge of sending them your orders before the shipping deadline. Software that allows you to send your shipment requests to your 3PL in a batch without any data entry can be the key to speeding up the fulfillment process.
Does your 3PL (third-party logistics provider, aka bonded warehouse or public warehouse) require you to perform order entry into their portal, create an order file that matches their specification, or email them individual PDF packing lists?
A system that integrates your accounting software (such as QuickBooks) with your warehouse can save you time and money by speeding up the fulfillment process and by reducing re-ships and returns.
If you want to make 3PL order fulfillment faster and more efficient, consider these reasons for implementing warehouse integration:
Save time by eliminating data entry
Manually entering order data into the warehouse's system, creating and sending spreadsheets, or emailing PDFs can take too long. Too much data entry can cause you to miss your warehouse’s daily order cutoff time. Warehouse integration software allows you to review your orders directly from your accounting system, select the orders that need to go to the warehouse, and instantly send an entire batch of orders directly into their warehouse management software.
Save money by eliminating human error
Data entry errors happen; they are a fact of life. Errors sent to your warehouse can be very expensive to correct. Sometimes these errors result in a return. Some errors can require you to cover the cost of overnight shipping to avoid a late delivery. It is very difficult to make money when you need to handle an order twice or pay for expedited shipping. Automating data exchange between your accounting software and your 3PL eliminates these human errors.
Save time by catching problems early
Your warehouse integration dashboard will allow you to see the progress of each order that you send to the warehouse. You can see orders that stay on the pending shipments list too long and then be able to take action to identify that order’s issue so you can get it moving again. When the warehouse does its pick, pack, and ship operation, it will mark the order complete in its software. The order will then jump from your dashboard’s pending list to the completed list. The tracking number and shipping cost will be visible to you in real-time. This info can then go to QuickBooks automatically and be available to your reps and customers via their B2B portals.
If you are in a product-based business, you are in the business of order fulfillment.
If you use a third-party warehouse, why wouldn't you want to make this process as quick and accurate as possible? Warehouse integration will allow manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and even online retailers with shopping carts to save time, reduce errors, and improve the overall customer experience. Your warehouse will also love receiving your order information directly into their software.
Now Commerce offers 3PL warehouse integration for companies that use QuickBooks. Schedule a demo today and see for yourself just how much time you can save. Your staff, your warehouse, and your customers will all thank you!
