Let’s face it, without order fulfillment, your business makes no money. But there’s a lot of behind the scenes logistics that have to take place before an order can be filled, and even more processes to get that order where it needs to go. That’s where a public warehouse with third-party logistics (3PL), like Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, comes into play.

Since order fulfillment differs depending on the buyer (e.g., business to business or direct to consumer), it calls for a process that is flexible to meet unique needs. It is that flexibility that a 3PL can provide, with the technology, equipment, and expertise to process orders in the most efficient and cost-saving way.

Order Fulfillment Basics

In the most basic definition, order fulfillment is a series of steps required to receive, process, and deliver orders to customers. Also known as order processing, it also includes updating inventories, processing returns, and adjusting data to reflect those returns.

Exploring the Steps

Each step in the order fulfillment process involves a series of logistics to complete the order. Here’s an in-depth look into each step:

1. Receiving – This step involves receiving the inventory at your in-house or public warehouse to fill orders. Once it is received, the following actions typically take place:

- A count or weight is taken of pallets, cartons, or individual items to ensure they are accurate with the quantity ordered from the supplier. - An inspection checks for damaged items. - SKUs or bar codes are automatically entered into the warehouse management software. This enables businesses to track inventory, including its location in the warehouse and its inventory count versus sales. - Bar codes or SKUs are added to any item without them. - Kitting is done to applicable items that are received separately, but are being sold or packaged as one unit. - Inventory is added to the warehouse, either stacked, binned, or placed on a [racking system](https://brendamour.com/racking-system/). The manner in which items are inventoried is essential for optimizing the speed and accuracy of processing orders.

**2. Processing –** This step goes into action once an order is received from a customer at the fulfillment warehouse. Here are some basic activities that take place:

- Items are picked from the shelves and transported to the packing area. - A quality control check is performed to ensure all items for the order are present and are the correct ones. - The appropriate packaging materials are selected. - The items are scanned to indicate they have been taken out of inventory. - Packing slips and other inserts are added to the box before it is sealed. - The packed goods head to the shipping area for distribution.

**3. Delivering –** This step arranges for distribution to the end customer. The following actions take place in this order fulfillment step:

- The boxes, crates, or other types of packaging are weighed. - The best transportation method is determined, based on the order’s destination(s). This decision is based on the most efficient route and freight method, such as road, rail, air, or sea. - The system is updated to indicate the order has been shipped and can be tracked to the point of delivery. This real-time report may initiate other notification mechanisms, such as an alert to the business and an e-mail notification to the end customer.

Similar steps in reverse are put in place to process returns and/or exchanges, another aspect of order fulfillment. # The 3PL Solution

Because the order fulfillment process involves so many steps and multiple tasks within those steps, most companies find it more cost-effective to outsource order processing to a 3PL. It’s the best business strategy for businesses where order fulfillment is not a core competency.

Outsourcing order fulfillment services to a 3PL also makes smart business sense because these logistics providers specialize in this area and have the latest hardware and software technologies to perform the functions quickly and economically.

For example, warehousing, distribution and logistics services are core functions provided by Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services. But more importantly, we have the flexibility to customize logistics, including order fulfillment.

Brendamour’s Order Fulfillment

Brendamour Warehousing specializes in order fulfillment and order picking. We utilize a highly automated system to process orders quickly and accurately for shipment.

In addition, we offer a wide complement of support services, including pick and pack, light assembly, and premium fulfillment that are performed by highly trained personnel who are dedicated to your company’s success.

We’re confident our competitively priced order fulfillment services will allow your business to control costs and improve your bottom line.

To learn more about how we can tailor fulfillment services to meet your company’s needs, contact Brendamour today.