Supply Chain Operations Archives – unicommerce.com

Why is the Warehouse Management System (WMS) important for E-commerce Supply Chain?

Team Unicommerce — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 07:37:16 +0000

In today’s world, the importance of efficiently receiving and storing products is a priority for entrepreneurs. To maximize profits, you need an advanced warehouse management system.

The supply chain comprises the constant flow of goods and services, from raw materials to the production process to the final product delivered to the customer. Warehouse storage is integral to this procedure and offers fast and effective logistics options. A robust ERP warehouse management system (WMS) can eliminate all bottlenecks, including volatile supplies, delays, etc.

It is impossible to imagine a free-flowing logistics supply chain. In short, ERP warehouse software can be used to deliver products and services accurately and efficiently.

What is a Warehouse Management System?

Warehouse management includes supporting and improving the functionality of various warehouses and distribution centers. The planning and day-to-day management of resources in the warehouse are important and include activities related to inventory monitoring and transportation.

When an item is picked from the warehouse or packed for shipment, WMS records these steps and updates the system. With WMS, inventory data is 100% accurate, allowing distributors to process orders and replenish goods more efficiently. More importantly, companies trust their warehouse partners more when they can rely on their products being shipped correctly every time.

Why is the Warehouse Management System important in E-commerce Supply Chain Management?

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is vital for optimizing supply chain operations, ensuring efficient inventory management, accurate order processing, and improved overall productivity. It streamlines logistics, enhances visibility, and enables effective decision-making for a successful and competitive supply chain. You need a robust WMS for the following reasons:

You need a robust WMS for the following reasons:

1. To manage your inventory

A warehouse management system improves inventory management by enhancing order processing and reducing order cycle times. WMS is designed to manage all warehouse activities, making inventory management faster, easier, and more efficient. Information is updated in real-time, so the WMS provides accurate feedback, allowing companies to respond quickly to customer inquiries.

2. For accurate stock registration

WMS accurately tracks where inventory is stored, the number of units available, and the items that need to be shipped. Clarifying these details will significantly shorten the life cycle of the order. WMS reduces human error and enables distributors to proactively manage inventory with pinpoint accuracy.

3. To optimize inbound and outbound processes

The general warehouse management system is equipped with tools capable of automating processes, creating KPIs, and coordinating ongoing operations to collect information in real-time. The WMS can effectively control the use of both effort and space to reduce the waste of resources. Integrated intelligent technology helps users determine the ideal place to store specific materials, products, or equipment needed for the best warehouse workflow.

4. To improve logistics

With WMS, you can reduce logistics management errors by capturing each stage of the required inventory lifecycle. Supply chain management is greatly simplified when WMS can be used to maintain detailed order records. This improves inventory accuracy, management, and customer satisfaction.

5. For effective customer service and monitoring

It’s important to have the products you need in stock and for your customers to get what they ordered. WMS improves inventory pick-up accuracy and simplifies load organization and monitoring. Employee assignments, routes, and intersections are easy to manage with WMS.

6. To get real-time updates

Receiving real-time updates is one of the most important factors in ensuring product accuracy. With WMS, suppliers and businesses can see what is currently in stock and know exactly what to sell or ship without delay. This eliminates inventory tracking delays and allows common items to be replenished before stock levels drop. In addition, WMS keeps a complete record of all activities in the ordering process so that distributors and warehouse employees can be informed of where their orders are.

7. To optimize the supply chain

WMS simplifies the entire warehouse process, from warehouse to warehouse, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. Warehouse workers ensure the elimination of unproductive activities. These time and cost savings, along with process improvements, are passed on to partners to help them improve their operations.

Read how Marico Limited achieved 100X Growth in Sales & a 99.9% + Order Fulfillment Rate with seamless supply chain management

8. To reduce operating costs

Well-designed WMS software automates all warehouse supply chain processes. Standardizing this process allows suppliers to schedule more frequent cycles, keeps their business consistent, and eliminates the need to accelerate shipments to fulfil customer orders.

Appropriate WMS software allows warehouse workers to complete tasks efficiently and reduces the number of people who manage all supply chain activities to make the warehouse more fluid.

In this way, the system improves operational efficiency and reduces the participation of redundant staff, reducing costs and time and leading to higher delivery volumes.

9. To access data easily

Warehouse managers may not be able to directly check the inventory of items or manually control what needs to be restocked. With WMS, resellers and businesses can track archived inventory anytime, anywhere. Access to WMS can be time-saving for both the warehouse company and the organizations it serves.

10. To improve business operations

Warehouses are important in ensuring that a company achieves its operational goals. The warehouse management system (WMS) adds efficiency, consistency, and quality control to the process. It streamlines all stages of the order fulfilment process by moving goods through the warehouse at full speed. Employees have exactly what they need at the right time to create more work in less time. The WMS ensures operational efficiency and helps businesses apply optimal organizational management strategies.

See how Unicommerce’s robust WMS helps e-commerce businesses manage their warehouse operations –

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Conclusion

In short, a warehouse management system (WMS) is designed to positively impact logistics supply chain operations. It is simplified and minimalistic because all items in the warehouse are always accounted for in real-time. You can rest assured that the work will be completed accurately in a short time, and you will be satisfied with the end product that your customer has received.

Related Read:

Uncover Leading Brands Success with Unicommerce! –

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7 Ways SaaS is reshaping Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Team Unicommerce — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:29:43 +0000

As per research by Research and Markets, the global SaaS-based Supply Chain Management market reached a value of US$ 6.04 billion last year. The findings document that the market is expected to reach US$ 14.49 Billion by 2027, highlighting a CAGR of 16% during 2022-2027. But why is the Supply Chain industry moving toward the adoption of SaaS increasingly?

Criticality of SaaS in Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Before this, let’s first understand what a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based supply chain management (SCM) is? SaaS-based SCM denotes an application that is used for cloud-based data management of multiple operational processes occurring throughout the supply chain. While the application guarantees enhanced order and inventory productivity and eliminate redundant processes, it also works as a system that automates the configurations of operational workflows based on the requirements.

Now the question is, what are the reasons for driving this rapid growth?

After the advancement of technology, everyone is seeking systems built on digitalization and automation principles. Thus, increasing digitalization is one of the reasons for the need for automated and AI-based techniques. Also, multiple innovations, including integration with the Internet of things (IoT), are acting as growth-inspiring factors.

Moreover, affording the newest technology is a costly affair, thus only enterprise-level businesses could afford it. However, SaaS-based technology solutions have made it feasible for all sizes of businesses to afford it by giving next-generation technology solutions at an affordable cost.

Importance of SaaS Platforms in Supply Chain Management for Retail Businesses

1. Innovative tech-driven approach

There are multiple tech solutions around the globe, offering AI-based software for you to access everything from anywhere instantly, from handling returns to accessing inventory snapshots to reviewing monthly order volume and more.

With such innovations, one can give power to their employees (Warehouse Manager, Sales Manager, Returns Manager, Picker, and Packer) to perform and manage all business activities effortlessly from anywhere to drive higher productivity, efficiency, and collaboration.

Another advantage is that you can access your entire backend through a portable device (mobile phone) from anywhere, minimizing disruptions in your absence.

2. Seamless and powerful integrations

The e-commerce integration software enables businesses to connect with other business systems, simplifying their business processes. From accounting to marketplace management to shipping and order fulfillment, there are different types of integrations that you can leverage.

With an efficient integrated system, you can boost productivity and scale to higher profits. Additionally, e-commerce integrations empower your brand to manage customers across multiple sales channels. With superior integrations support, not only does your chore of fulfilling orders on time get solved, but with ERP and POS systems, you can easily make the most of industrial use-cases and scenarios. Not to mention how same-day deliveries have become paramount in today’s age of digital era. With integrations in place, you can collaborate with shipping aggregators and allocate delivery as per the nature and type of your product. Additionally, online marketplace integrations allow you to organize your listings on marketplace famous in your region. You can efficiently manage your day-to-day activities, such as uploading new product details, downloading pending orders, printing invoices, generating labels, printing dispatch manifests, tracking orders and shipments, checking and updating inventory stock, etc.

3. Minimized operational discrepancies with complete automation

With the operations being automated and inventory flow being organized accordingly, you can reduce any errors that can come from processes. The question is, how? Imagine that you had to manually record your inventory inflow and outflow using a spreadsheet earlier. But due to the automation, your inventory count gets automatically updated through a cloud-based system. Would that not be easier for you to manage everything? This will not only reduce the chances of data duplications or any errors, but it will also give you a solid support system.

4. 360-Degree visibility of data due to centralization

SaaS has been enabling businesses to make the most of analytics to make a result-oriented decision, which is only possible if a regular performance analysis is done.

For example: With SaaS solutions providing complete visibility over the operations, you get notifications and alerts regarding where the order has reached and how much time it will take to reach your customers in real-time. Moreover, you can determine the highest-selling channel, highest-selling product, lowest-selling product, and more with extensive reports.

Additionally, actionable insights can be leveraged to enhance the overall performance of your warehouse/warehouses.

5. Cost-effectiveness with simplified processes

After deploying a particular technology in your warehouse, you will be able to define the workflows at each stage of a product. Moreover, virtual warehouse technology can give you the blueprint of your warehouse, due to which you can organize the overall layout, and optimize the space.

Talking about the robust features that some WMS providers offer, such as shelf management, batch management, and cycle count, can also minimize stock degradation while managing each SKU aggressively.

6. Reduce time by unifying the processes

With a unified interface, you get the chance to process the orders in bulk and ensure fast order dispatches with limited stock-picking time in the warehouse. The question is, how? When you have a centralized view of your order and inventory, you know what process to follow next.

This induces the ability to save time, but it also boosts the overall productivity of your operations.

7. Post-purchase experience

The post-purchase experience is as essential as the pre-purchase experience as it plays a crucial role in building a sustainable business. There are several post-purchase factors, such as the convenience of tracking orders, on-time delivery, and ease of customer service. They play a pivotal role in persuading customers while increasing their retention rate.

Additionally, the post-purchase journey begins with locating inventory and processing the order seamlessly. While selling on multiple online platforms, it becomes challenging to ensure optimum inventory utilization and faster processing. So what to do in that case? A well-defined warehouse management system specializing in multichannel order and inventory management can immensely benefit e-commerce and retail businesses. It lowers labor costs, enhances inventory accuracy, and improves operational flexibility while upgrading customer services and accessing real-time data.

A full-stack supply chain management system can empower businesses like yours to maximize productivity and alleviate error. As per Unicommerce’s in-house data and reports, brands have witnessed an SOI surge of 888% and GMV growth of 313%. While the average time to ship orders has reduced by 14%, customer-initiated returns have decreased from 5.2% to 3.1%.

Check out how the leading brands, including Chumbak and Mamaearth, Marico, PlumGoodness, TCNS, and many more, reached success after deploying a SaaS-based Supply Chain Management.

Recover from the Corona Effect: 4 Key Strategies for eCommerce and Retail Brands

Team Unicommerce — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:15:04 +0000

Amidst the Coronavirus outbreak, the survival of businesses has become the top priority and everything else right from strategizing growth or increasing presence in the market has taken a back seat at the moment.

Affected services may take some time to get back to the normal cycle of business even after the lockdown period is over, however, it is evident that the graph will rise once people are back to their daily routines, not being restricted to stay home anymore. And to strategize around such possible behaviour of consumers becomes highly important.

Road to Recovery for eCommerce and Retail Industry Through Automation

It is normal for you to look for answers on how to proceed once the lockdown is over and we at Unicommerce have constantly been monitoring the situation, taking updates on all new establishments, figuring out ways by which SMEs, brands and e-commerce retailers can cope up with the effects and today we are here with 4 key strategies for you to effectively plan out a future roadmap of your business.

Read: How Oryvo Achieved Maximized Efficiency and Minimized Workload with the Robust Technology Solutions of Unicommerce!

1. Full Automation for Supply Chain Operations

Complete automation of supply chain operations has always been a top priority for most businesses to speed up processes and reach exponential growth, but now it has turned into a necessity.

The most important aspect of getting e-commerce businesses back on track will be strengthening of your warehouse and logistics processes. Automation of warehouse operations and real-time updates of the delivery progress helps companies focus on rapid actions ensuring there are no cases of out-of-stock items or delayed deliveries.

Constant checks on stock-keeping units, SKUs, maintenance and uninterrupted order processing are all positive aspects of onboarding automation. Delivery of items, all the way to the last mile can be done by implementing specific logistics guidelines, which include technological driven support such as live updates and efficient tracking of products, delivery through drones managed by a team sitting remotely at various locations and turning inventory systems digital.

As ‘contactless deliveries’ have become quite the trend and a rather important practice to ensure the safety of both employees and customers, enabling doorstep deliveries will ensure happy customer experience along with loyalty attached to the brand. This could be achieved via integrating with high-end logistics partners that ensure efficient management of orders and deliveries will prove beneficial.

2. Focus on Shifting to Omnichannel Commerce

Omnichannel retail commerce, although new to the Indian market, has now gained traction and continues to be adopted by major brands and businesses. The lockdown phase could not have made a better case for this method to be implemented as increased demand for essential goods and services can be dealt with, only when you have a presence not only at a single platform but everywhere possible.

Prior to the lockdown, the eCommerce volumes in India have seen a 51% increase in the overall consumption, making it the highest amongst other geographies around the globe in terms of online shopping. A smartphone in every hand, with hundreds of platforms to buy from, all contributed to this huge flow of demand and consumer growth was seen throughout this time making it more critical for businesses to practice omnichannel presence to ensure a consistent approach to manage orders, inventory and retail stores post the lockdown period.

The brands that implement omnichannel retail solutions have not only seen an increase in sales, but ensure that the hyperlocal delivery model enables enhanced customer experience leading to higher brand loyalty.

3. Diversifying Supply Sources and Right Stock Prioritization for Dispatches

Halt in services has caused piled up stocks in warehouses and manufacturing plants and these stocks will need first attention as soon as operations go back to normal once the lockdown is over. To restrict having dead stocks it’ll be viable to prioritize stocks as per their date of expiration which will help in a regular order processing cycle.

Apart from that, the negative of having only a single source for supplies has resulted in stock outs for the demanded services as well, and so focusing on finding multiple sources of supply will enable you to handle situations like these in a better way in the future.

Read: Unicommerce’s New Age D2C and Omnichannel Solutions empowered Chumbak to boost sales across 58+ Retail Stores with a 99.99%+ fulfillment rate

For you to be able to meet demands, keeping multiple sources to collect stocks from and moving them fast before they expire (especially for FMCG, Cosmetics and Pharma industry) can help you maintain uninterrupted services.

Getting back on track, consumer’s demand will increase gradually and once that happens you will need to be all ready and updated with all your stocks to avoid any further delays. Thus, it is imperative that the warehouse management solution that you implement should provide technologically advanced features such as Batching, FIFO and Cycle Count to ensure that your warehouse operations will run smoothly and restrict any more interruptions in your business.

4. Increase your Customer Services & Enhance Customer Experience

In these times, personalization is key. Each and every customer needs to feel that they are heard and can reach out to your business with all their issues. Customer care support has been a part of organizations for long but the change in dynamics caused by social distancing and people being locked up in their homes, the burden increases as customers would have a lot of time in their hands to register their concerns, and your lack of connection can prove fatal.

Brands need to incorporate strategies that will help them create a strong social presence and focus on developing products and services based on consumer requirements. The customer care systems will need to incorporate a deep and highly integrated backend system and this will be possible by introducing ERPs/CRMs that are deeply integrated with order and warehouse management systems (WMS) to ensure real-time communication with consumers and drive focus to what services are highly required from your end to the consumer. These practices will not only save your business but help it venture into better business opportunities.

In Conclusion

Getting back on track will surely take time, but with the right tools and solutions by your side and a well-planned strategy plan to lead entire supply chain operations will help you build up slowly but steadily.

Unicommerce has pledged to stand by all the MSMEs and brands to help them focus on building up while being the one-stop technology solution for all their business requirements.

Your business should be able to focus on building up operations post the lockdown is over and the solutions provided by Unicommerce including inventory management software, warehouse management and order management, which can be easily integrated with any ERP/CRM seamlessly (currently integrated with 100+ partners) to ensure that you have complete visibility of your business operations all from a single unified platform can prove to be highly dependable.