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In this techno-savvy era, customers are more aware than ever of what type of shopping experience they should receive and the types of service that doesn’t hit the mark. Social media and other instant communication keep people connected, so major issues like delayed shipments, out-of-stock management, additional expenses, and more will all keep businesses in check.
Customers expect more from eCommerce retailers, so take the time to understand these challenges and why they could mean trouble for their business.
Type One: Infrastructure Inadequacies
Warehouse infrastructure is critical to the success of their operations. When it comes to intelligent warehouse infrastructure, three pillars keep things running smoothly:
Visibility
Mobility
Flexibility
Streamlining their warehouse space to increase order fulfillment and ensure delivery on time is critical to a successful eCommerce business.
Type Two: Inaccurate Inventory Levels
Whether their business is based solely online or having a site and physical locations, more SKUs (stock-keeping units) means there needs to be accurate inventory tracking. Inventory management is especially crucial for businesses that offer high-end, expensive products that can hit the budget hard if stock isn’t accurately managed.
Replenishment is also an area where a business could struggle since it’s challenging to forecast how much stock is needed. There are plenty of different ways to manage inventory, so it’s crucial to find a tool that best suits their needs.
Type Three: Transport & Shipping Logistics
Suppose their business is a bit inexperienced with eCommerce and the necessary technology to make things run smoothly. In that case, it can be easy to lose sight of what it takes to generate smooth, accurate logistics. A retailer who has mastered logistics will better command the market and offer more reliable product delivery.
Type Four: Warehouse Picking & Packing
While labor is often the most expensive piece of the warehouse puzzle, they must train their teams to pick the right items, pack them correctly for protection, and promptly get them ready for shipment to the eager customer. At this level, missteps can lead to lost inventory, broken products, and other costly mistakes.
eCommerce Supply Chain Solutions
Knowing the challenges on the horizon is only part of the equation. It’s also important to understand how they can solve these supply change challenges to benefit their eCommerce supply chain, their business as a whole, and their customers!
Maximize Their Space
Keeping their inventory organized and utilizing all available space is one of the easiest ways to expedite the supply chain process. Organize all inventory, clearly mark and label containers and isles, and make the most of all warehouse space.
Always Look for Faster & Cheaper Shipping
Once they’ve committed to a shipping method and signed a contract, it can be easy to sit back and trust that this step is complete. However, like all aspects of the eCommerce world, shipping companies are constantly changing and competing to gain the most customers, so they should always keep an eye out for a better alternative to negotiate a price that will benefit their business and customers.
Create a Demand Forecast
Are there certain products that sell seasonally or regularly that should always be on-order? Today’s customers rarely wait for back-ordered inventory when other retailers have it in stock, so it’s helpful to anticipate these expectations when placing orders. There is software that can help facilitate this forecast and collect trending data that is business-specific.
Utilize Real-Time Inventory Tracking
Each order that is placed and delivered can make or break a business’s reputation, and they can’t afford to risk letting valuable customers down! Inventory tracking keeps customers informed of their order status, alerts anytime there is a delay and keeps track of how much inventory the warehouse and stores have in stock.
Where to Start
When it comes to overcoming eCommerce supply chain challenges, it helps to have a plan to overcome potential pitfalls. They should take some time to monitor current operations closely, review the challenges listed above and the solutions offered to see what can help.
In today’s industry, a business can’t afford to sit back and continue doing things like they always have, so it’s crucial to take the necessary steps to update, expedite, and benefit their business and valued customers!
For more information about Synatic, request a demo.
