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3PL Fulfillment Technology & the Key Benefits

Fulfillment technology plays a crucial role in how businesses operate. For growing brands, partnering with a 3PL fulfillment provider is not just about picking, packing and shipping orders. Your logistics partner should be utilizing the right technology to integrate to systems quickly and seamlessly, streamline warehouse processes and ensure efficiency and visibility at every level. Partnering with a 3PL that leverages cutting-edge fulfillment technology can make all the difference in scaling your business while meeting customer demands.

Here's some key fulfillment technologies that modern 3PLs use and why they matter to your business.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

A robust Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the backbone of a 3PL’s operation and is the software that manages inventory, order fulfillment and warehouse operations. It tracks the flow of goods in and out of the warehouse, optimizes storage space, ensures accurate inventory management and provides inventory visibility all while helping lower operating expenses. It also helps reduce human error, improves order accuracy and speeds up the fulfillment process.

PBD's all-in-one fulfillment platform includes an advanced WMS that delivers enterprise-grade benefits and 100% transparency into all aspects of your business operations in one unified view. Click here to learn more about PBD's WMS

Reporting and Analytics Tools

Data is key to making informed decisions. Having robust reporting and analytics tools give your business the insights they need to optimize their supply chain and make better business decisions, quicker. These tools allow you to track performance metrics like order processing times, fulfillment accuracy, return rates and inventory levels. They enable you to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies and improve forecasting and demand planning. Real-time reports help you make adjustments on the fly and keep a pulse on your fulfillment operations.

PBD’s comprehensive reporting and analytics portal, PBD SmartReports, provides real-time access to operational data, features a self-service portal to view and create custom reports and automated reporting alerts. Learn more here.

Integrations with Shopping Carts and CRMs

Seamless integration with popular shopping carts (like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce) and Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRMS) (such as NetSuite, Salesforce, SAP) is crucial for streamlining order processing and customer communication. Pre-built integrations with popular systems allow for a quick, seamless onboarding process and reduced implementation costs. Integrations allow for real-time data flow between your current platforms and your 3PLs systems, eliminating manual data entry, reducing chances of errors while keeping costs low.

PBD’s industry-leading fulfillment software has the largest library of pre-built integrations and syncs with over 150+ ecommerce platforms, CRMs, marketplaces and solution providers. Learn more about PBD's Integrations.

Wholesale & Retail Integrations

In addition to direct-to-consumer (DTC) fulfillment, many businesses today are looking for a full-service logistics partner who can provide B2B and retail fulfillment solutions. Even if this isn’t a current need, finding a 3PL warehouse that is experienced in retail and wholesale and has integrations in place is essential to growing your business successfully. This fulfillment technology ensures smooth fulfillment whether orders are coming from online shoppers or retail partners. It enables automated processes for compliance with retailer requirements, such as EDI (electronic data interchange) for large retailers.

PBD has over 150+ pre-built integrations, making it the industry’s largest library of pre-built supply chain integration. We offer Retailer/EDI integration with Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair and many more. Learn more about PBD's Integrations

Virtual Carrier Network (VCN)

Shipping is a major cost for any business who ships products. A Virtual Carrier Network allows access to multiple shipping providers and the ability choose the best rates for each order. By tapping into a virtual shipping network, you can compare shipping options in real-time, reducing transit times and costs. Although a VCN is important, equally important is the relationships your order fulfillment partner has with the major shipping carriers. They will negotiate rates based on their relationship and volumes helping you to save money on shipping.

Partnering with a 3PL that offers advanced fulfillment technologies has many benefits for your businesses. You are not just outsourcing your pick, pack and shipping operations. You are gaining a strategic logistics partner who can help your business grow more efficiently and cost-effectively while increasing customer satisfaction and retention. Finding the right order fulfillment partner who stays current and invests in new technology allows your operations to run smoothly while you focus on what matters most – growing your business.