6 Steps in the Order Fulfillment Process.

With most businesses moving online, eCommerce shipping software is very key in handling your inventory.. It doesn’t matter what size your business is or at what point of the business you are in, and an order fulfillment company in Canada will help you manage your inventories. 

Ideally, when you start a business, you will need to consider warehousing, packaging, and shipping. This is usually a long process that can be broken down further with different tasks and people involved. As much as this process is initiated when an order is made, you need to have your inventory, packaging material, and carriers ready and on stand-by, resulting in a more efficient business. Here is everything you need to know about the order fulfillment process and what Sherpack’s order fulfillment solutions have to offer. 

Also Read: Tips For Supply Chain Optimizations

What is an Order Fulfillment Process?

Fulfillment is the process of receiving, packaging, and shipping goods and is largely associated with eCommerce. An order fulfillment begins when a customer orders your product and ends when they receive it. https://redstagfulfillment.com/order-fulfillment/ is one of the leading 3PL providers for heavy, bulky, and high-value products.

Order fulfillment varies from one order to another, depending on the size of the order, the channel of sales, location, and customization of the order. Hence, it is not a “one size fits all.” However, there is a general structure that includes six main steps.

1. Receiving and Storing of Inventory.

Here, inventory is received and properly documented at the warehouse. This is a crucial part of inventory management and has to be done cautiously. The items have to be inspected and put away with an accurate management system to reduce or meet the lead time to each order. Fast-moving goods should be stored in easily accessible places while the less popular goods at the back of the warehouse.

2. Receiving Orders

The fulfillment process begins when an order has been placed. This process can either been done manually or automated using the software. If it is done manually, the details should be taken in carefully and sent to the appropriate department on time. However, if automated using software, ensure that the software is up to date. On sending the customer an acknowledgment for the order, arrange the schedule of orders, giving priority to the ones that came in first.Trace the goods in the warehouse using inventory management system and alert the pickers about the order.

3. Order Processing/Inventory Picking

This entails tracing the order physically and picking it for packing and delivery. Notice if storage were not done carefully and documented, this process would be tedious and long.  Ensure to update the inventory management of the state of stock every time goods are removed from the shelves. 

4. Order Packaging

Once the items have been picked, depending on the customer’s instructions and the nature of goods, the packaging and sometimes branding is done. Considering that packaging is part of the end product, it has to be done well. Brittle goods such as glass will have a more stringent packing process compared to something like clothes. Use packing peanuts, cardboard, bubble wrap, and paper to secure the goods to avoid and minimize the chances of damaging them while in transit.

5. Order Shipping

With a label on, the package is ready to be dispatched to the customer. Usually done by a third-party company, shipping methods not only depend on the nature, size, and weight of goods but also the size of the delivery company. It is important to use a shipping company that ensures customer satisfaction to your customers.

6. Processing Returns

This should be the final step of the fulfillment process. Ensure you have drafted a comprehensive return policy that works for both you and the customer. Clearly outline the timelines in which returns can be made and the state of an item that is acceptable for either a replacement or a refund. This is because, for one reason or another, a customer may return goods. Having an efficient system for refunds is also paramount. Inspect the returned goods for damages, and goods fit to be returned to the stock should be properly documented into the inventory management system.

What Sherpack has to Offer.

All this seems to be a whole load to bear. That’s where we come in to provide a tailor-made solution to fit each customer’s needs. Take a look at the range of fulfillment services we offer to suit all your needs here. With the help of our trail guides, we ensure you a seamless fulfillment process and guarantee you customer satisfaction for both you and your clients.