Order fulfillment is a key part of running a successful product-based business. In the fast-paced world that we live in, simply manufacturing quality products isn’t enough. Companies that provide the quickest delivery times are most likely to become market leaders and stand out among their competitors.
Due to the growing significance of logistics management, the world has witnessed a steady rise in companies outsourcing their order fulfillment to third party logistics (3PL) providers. Studies show that companies who outsource order fulfillment operations earn 14% more revenue per employee, compared to those who don’t.
A 3PL company is a fulfillment service that includes a range of operations, such as warehouse management, logistics, order management, returns management, and customs. Backed by years of experience, 3PL companies carry out these operations on behalf of their customers.
As a concept, 3PL is gaining momentum as the world moves towards higher and faster connectivity. Around the world, manufacturers and product-based companies are collaborating with expert 3PL companies to take care of their order fulfillment requirements, and the results are outstanding.
Here are some of the most important benefits of partnering with a 3PL company:
Order fulfillment is one of the crucial aspects of a company’s supply chain. It’s also a totally different ballgame than procurement and manufacturing. Many companies that are experts in manufacturing quality products, may at times struggle with logistics, and vice versa.
By partnering with a 3PL company, you can gain immensely from the company’s years of experience. 3PL companies provide much needed technical and personnel support to your logistics operations.
Since a 3PL partner brings industry experience, it can negotiate a better deal with shipping companies as compared to if the seller does it alone. Also, a 3PL partner knows multiple shipping companies and can extract competitive pricing by constantly comparing rates.
One of the key benefits of hiring a 3PL partner is that it can rid you of worry about activities that aren’t your core competencies. If you’re primarily a manufacturer or a seller, you’d rather focus on enhancing your products or selling more. That’s exactly what partnering with a 3PL company helps you do.
Third party logistics companies essentially take over your order fulfillment process. As a result, by simply partnering with them, you gain access to a large pool of experienced and skilled resources. You don’t have to worry about training and housing these resources in your facility.
According to a Cin7 study, businesses with 3PL partners were 25% more likely to have positive year-on-year growth, compared to businesses that handled their logistics in house.
The primary goal of any business is to scale up with time. However, as you scale up your production and your sales, your logistics and order fulfillment operations must also expand.
This is where a 3PL partner can save the day. By partnering with a third party logistics provider that is capable of handling large orders, you no longer have to worry about scalability of your logistics.
The end goal of any business is to create a customer experience that is both enriching and enjoyable. When you partner with a 3PL company, it helps you put your product in the hands of the customer in a much more efficient manner. It also allows you to focus your energy towards building better products for your customers.
All of this translates to a premium user experience, something that can easily help you stand out among the competition. This is why companies around the world are increasingly partnering with 3PL companies.
Source: 2021 Inventory and Order Management Trends
While looking for a 3PL partner, it’s important not just to consider your present requirements but also your future needs. Your business ought to have well defined future plans. Check if the company is capable of handling the kind of rise in business that you see for yourself in the future.
Changing 3PL partners frequently isn’t advisable. Therefore it’s for the best if the company you select is capable of lasting many years.
Technology is central to most decision-making today. Choosing the right 3PL partner should be no different. While comparing different 3PL companies, look at the quality of their technologies.
Do they use an efficient warehouse management system? A good WMS ensures that your products are handled with utmost care and little to no human interference.
A technologically advanced 3PL company will be able to track your products quickly. They will also be able to provide timely and accurate reports and analysis. All of these factors help in determining whether or not the 3PL provider is a good fit for your company.
While choosing a 3PL, it’s also important to check whether the company has any previous experience with your domain. This becomes even more important if your products require specific conditions while shipping them to your customers.
There are 3PL companies that specialize in handling high-end luxury products, while some are experts at handling pharmaceuticals. It’s important to seek these companies out and only partner with those that are able to fulfill your requirements.
The advantages of partnering with an expert 3PL company are manifold. They not only save you money and effort, but also enrich your order fulfillment process and make it more efficient.
Businesses today want to leverage global supply chains and create products faster, cheaper and better. With the help of a 3PL partner, you can put your products in the hands of your customers faster, cheaper and better.
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