Discover 3PL fulfillment and how it can revolutionise eCommerce businesses through automated warehousing, real-time tracking, and smart order processing.

What is 3PL Fulfillment?

Transform Your E-commerce Success with 3PL Fulfillment: A Complete Guide

In today's fast-paced e-commerce landscape, efficient order fulfillment can make or break your business success. But what exactly is 3PL fulfillment, and how can it revolutionize your operations? Let's dive into everything you need to know about third-party logistics (3PL) services and how they're reshaping the future of e-commerce fulfillment in the UK.

Why 3PL Fulfillment is the Game-Changer Your E-commerce Business Needs

The UK e-commerce market is projected to reach a total of £188.8 billion by 2029, according to recent data from Statista. As online sales continue to soar, businesses face mounting pressure to deliver orders quickly and accurately. This is where 3PL fulfillment services come into play, offering a comprehensive solution that transforms how you handle your supply chain operations.

Modern 3PL providers leverage cutting-edge technology and automated systems to provide comprehensive fulfillment solutions. From real-time inventory tracking to automated picking systems, these services ensure your business stays competitive in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. Today's leading providers offer sophisticated technology integration, omnichannel fulfillment capabilities, and advanced analytics that give you complete control over your supply chain operations.

Future-Proof Your Operations with Smart 3PL Services

The evolution of e-commerce has transformed traditional fulfillment services into sophisticated, technology-driven solutions. Modern 3PL providers offer comprehensive services that go far beyond simple storage and shipping. By leveraging advanced technology and automated systems, these providers help businesses streamline their operations and enhance customer satisfaction.


The Crystal Ball of Your Supply Chain: A Visible Warehouse

Today’s smart warehousing solutions have turned traditional storing facilities into modern fulfillment centres adopting the latest innovations. 3pl providers now use barcode technology and real-time tracking applications that help you stay in control of your supply chain and make informed decisions.

Once your products are received into the fulfillment centre, they are inspected for quality and accuracy, then logged into the inventory management system. Modern warehousing solutions include using barcode scanners and serial numbers to store your products in designated areas, ready to be picked and packed when orders come in. OPLOG, for example, uses barcode scanners to process items into an application called OPLOG ONE, integrated with their customer’s system. Take a look at what this app shows:

Such solutions ensure the safety of your products, drastically reducing the chance of them getting lost in the warehouse, while guaranteeing order accuracy.

Another significant advantage of modern 3PL fulfillment is complete supply chain visibility. Through integrated platforms like OPLOG ONE, you can:

Track inventory levels in real-time to prevent stockouts

Monitor order status from picking to delivery

Integrate seamlessly with your existing e-commerce platforms

Access insights for better business decisions

Automated Order Processing: The Future is Here

Traditional warehousing often involves manual processes that can lead to errors and delays. Modern 3PL providers are revolutionizing this through robotic technology. Some use picking robots that eliminate the need to walk around the warehouse, accelerating order fulfillment up to 400% compared to manual methods. This ensures extremely fast order processing while minimizing human-driven errors. Maintaining order accuracy and improving delivery speeds help businesses gain their customers’ trust.

Smart Shipping Solutions: Deliver Excellence

Strategic shipping solutions form the backbone of successful e-commerce operations. Leading 3PL providers maintain strong relationships with multiple carriers, offering flexible shipping options to meet various delivery requirements. Through advanced routing algorithms and carrier selection processes, these providers ensure optimal delivery times and costs. Real-time tracking updates keep both you and your customers informed throughout the delivery journey.

If you have an international customer base, a 3PL provider can simplify the complexities of global shipping as well. They handle customs clearance, documentation, and compliance with international regulations. This expertise ensures your products reach customers worldwide efficiently and without delays.

Value-Added Services: Elevate Your Brand Experience

Modern fulfillment goes beyond basic pick-and-pack services. Today's 3PL providers offer comprehensive value-added services that help differentiate your brand. This includes custom and sustainable packaging solutions, promotional material insertion, gift-wrapping services, and special handling for delicate items. 

Picture this: the influencer you partnered with receives her meticulously curated gift box, unveiling a limited-edition, fragile camera nestled securely inside. This attention to detail transforms a simple delivery into a memorable unboxing experience that leaves a lasting impression. 

Now, imagine something equally tailored—fashion retailers leveraging specialized solutions like garment-on-hanger systems to ensure their products arrive in impeccable condition, ready to delight customers at first glance. These special services by 3pls add value to your brand and set you apart in a competitive marketplace.

Returns: Call Them Insights for Strategic Growth

An efficient returns process can transform a potential negative experience into a positive one. Advanced 3PL providers offer comprehensive returns management solutions that include inspection, processing, and restocking of returned items. Through detailed quality control processes and sophisticated tracking systems, these services ensure smooth handling of returns while maintaining inventory accuracy. 

Every return tells a story. A data-driven approach helps you identify patterns, refine product offerings, and enhance quality, reducing future returns and boosting customer satisfaction.

Remember:

As e-commerce continues to evolve, managing in-house fulfillment becomes increasingly complex and resource-intensive. Outsourcing to a 3PL provider allows you to focus on core business activities while ensuring your fulfillment operations remain cutting-edge. With access to advanced technology, established infrastructure, and expertise, 3PL providers offer scalability and efficiency that would be costly to develop internally.

Making the Switch: How to Choose Your Perfect 3PL Partner

Selecting the right 3PL provider requires careful consideration of several key factors. Evaluate your potential partners based on these offerings:

The ideal provider should integrate all fulfillment operations seamlessly with your existing systems. Look for providers with advanced technological capabilities, including automated picking systems, real-time tracking platforms, and comprehensive analytics tools.

Your chosen partner should offer solutions that grow with your business, including flexible storage options, scalable processing capacity, and multiple warehouse locations. A scalable 3PL partner will support your long-term expansion plans and adapt to changing market demands, ensuring seamless operations as your business grows. Consider their ability to handle seasonal volume fluctuations and international shipping requirements.

Return on investment (ROI) should be a primary consideration while choosing your business’ perfect match. Modern 3PL fulfillment centres use sophisticated warehouse management systems to optimise every aspect of the fulfillment process. This includes automated inventory updates, smart storage solutions, and efficient pick-and-pack processes. Through faster processing times and accurate delivery, these services help improve customer satisfaction, leading to increased retention and revenue growth.

Transform Your E-commerce Fulfillment with OPLOG

In the evolving landscape of e-commerce fulfillment, OPLOG stands at the forefront of technological innovation. Our proprietary robotic picking system TARQAN processes orders four times faster than conventional methods, while our intuitive OPLOG ONE platform provides unprecedented real-time visibility into your supply chain operations. This powerful combination of advanced technology and smart warehouse management ensures exceptional accuracy and efficiency in every order we process.

We understand that each business has unique requirements, which is why we offer tailored solutions that adapt to your specific needs. From custom branded packaging and specialised handling for delicate items to comprehensive quality control protocols, OPLOG provides the infrastructure and expertise needed to support both your B2B and B2C operations effectively. With OPLOG as your fulfillment partner, you're not just outsourcing logistics – you're gaining a strategic ally committed to scaling your business.

Get in Touch with Our Fulfillment Experts

Read to understand what a 4PL provider is, why it matters for your eCommerce business and how to choose the best 4PL service tailored to your needs.

How 4PL Companies Can Improve Your eCommerce Business?

So, your eCommerce brand is experiencing growth, with a large volume of sales across different locations. Vendors request your products regularly, and customers flood into outlets to buy these off the shelves. 

Your revenue is growing, as well as your customer base. There’s always the imminent thought of maintaining the growth path and ensuring customer satisfaction, often hampered by the supply chain process. 

Supply chain processes play a huge part in the success of your retail brand. Choosing a supply chain partner is crucial to the continuity of your business growth and profitability. 

While Third-Party Logistics (3PL) partners are common and do enough to keep the supply chain processes of medium-sized businesses running efficiently, business growth comes with the demand for 4PL services. 

The thing is, Utilizing 3PL services is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, as they take over certain aspects of your supply chain management, freeing up your efforts to focus on sales, marketing, and product development. This will empower your business to grow at a steady and sustainable pace. 

With 4PL, your business has grown beyond the 3PL stage, and you are looking for experts with insights to manage your supply chain operations, including all 3PL services like receiving, warehousing, packing, shipping, returns, and reverse logistics. 

This article will discuss how 4PL companies can improve your eCommerce business. 

How 4PL services can improve your eCommerce business

A 4PL provider is like a superman of supply chain management who can do it all: plan, execute, monitor, and optimize. They don’t just handle the nitty-gritty details of transportation, warehousing, and distribution like a 3PL does.  

They also oversee the entire supply chain network, including other 3PLs, and make sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. A 4PL provider is not just a service provider but a strategic partner who takes full responsibility and accountability for your supply chain performance.

Fourth-party logistics, also known as 4PL, is a supply chain management model in which a business outsources all its supply chain processes and management to an external service provider.

Did you know?

The main objective is to optimize the entire supply chain for maximum efficiency.

Key difference between 3PL and 4PL is the level of involvement. While a 3PL handles specific logistical functions like transportation and warehousing, a 4PL operates more strategically.

Key takeaways

4PL companies play a crucial role in the supply chain, as they have a broader responsibility than 3PL companies and are more accountable for helping businesses achieve their strategic goals. Partnering with a 4PL company offers significant benefits, including: 

Outsourcing your supply chain management to a 4PL provider frees up valuable time and resources to focus on your core competencies and product development. This allows you to stay competitive and continuously improve your products and services. Additionally, relying on 4PL experts to manage your supply chain can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your supply chain is efficient, cost-effective, and reliable. Outsourcing your supply chain management can be a smart business move that allows you to streamline your operations and achieve tremendous success. 

Managing transportation activities across the supply chain can be complex and challenging. Fortunately, 4PL offers a solution that can streamline and simplify logistics operations. With a single point of contact and accountability, you can leave the transportation management to the experts and focus on your core business activities. The dedicated team at 4PL will take care of all your transportation needs, ensuring reliable and efficient service that will give you peace of mind, knowing that your shipments are in good hands. This level of support can help optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. 

With their deep industry knowledge and vast network of suppliers, a 4PL provider can help you find the best deals, negotiate favorable terms, and manage risk more effectively. 

4PL providers offer advanced analytics and data insights, enabling you to make more informed decisions and drive continuous improvement across your supply chain. By leveraging the latest technology and tools, they can optimize your operations, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency.

If you're running an eCommerce business, you know that logistics can be a real headache. With so many moving parts involved in getting your products from A to B, 4PL services provide the proper delivery of business efficiency. 

Not only does your 4PL partner take care of the nitty-gritty details of shipping and handling, but they also free up your time to focus on building your brand reputation to stay top of mind. 

The magic of 4PL services lies in their ability to simplify and streamline the logistics operations of your eCommerce venture. They achieve this by deftly managing and blending various service providers' resources, skills, and technologies into a harmonious symphony. 

Think of a 4PL service as your logistics maestro – a one-stop contact and responsible party for all the transportation tasks woven throughout your supply chain. This single point of contact removes the headache and knotty task of juggling multiple vendors. With a 4PL, your logistics game becomes a smooth and seamless affair.

Fourth-party logistics (4PL) service offers a comprehensive solution that grants you access to cutting-edge technology platforms. 

These platforms are tailor-made to optimize logistics and transportation functions. By entrusting these functions to a 4PL service provider, you unlock the treasure trove of expertise and experience, smoothing supply chain operations and amplifying overall efficiency. 

With a tech-enhanced platform like OPLOG One, you can access real-time data and analytics that empower you with insights for strategic decisions and continuous process improvements.  

Get in Touch With Our Fulfillment Experts

By leveraging the expertise and technology of a 4PL provider, you can gain greater visibility into the market and get access to real-time data insights that can help you make more informed decisions regarding procurement and order fulfillment. 

In addition to market transparency, a 4PL service can help optimize processes and reduce supply chain waste, ultimately leading to lower operational costs.  

By centralizing logistics operations, you can also reduce order cycle times and improve delivery times, which can positively impact customer satisfaction. 

4PL service is a valuable tool to help your eCommerce business achieve greater efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver a better customer experience.

Dealing with lots of different vendors can be overwhelming. However, with the help of a 4PL, you can take the burden off your shoulders. A 4PL can manage all your vendors across the supply chain, including procurement, transportation, warehousing, IT, and distribution. 

Your 4PL will take care of everything, from ensuring that you have all the necessary packing materials to ensuring that your shipments are delivered to the appropriate recipients promptly and efficiently. 

The 4PL provider works with all vendors involved in making this happen and will be involved in the vendor evaluation and onboarding process from the beginning. This ensures that the right systems, metrics, and procedures are in place with each vendor.

Because your growing business serves customers across different geographical zones, the supply chain process becomes increasingly complex and uncertain. To tackle this challenge, a 4PL service provider can be a helpful partner. 

A 4PL provider has extensive experience in supply chain processes. This assists you in adapting to market and customer demands. Irrespective of the season, you can effectively manage surges and dips in demand without losing sleep.

Many eCommerce enterprises are deeply concerned about the visibility of their supply chain. Unfortunately, existing platforms often fail to provide the level of visibility that businesses require. As a result, many supply chain executives are actively seeking new technological solutions that can better meet their needs. 

If you're hesitant about investing in new technology, consider enlisting the help of a Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL) service. They can aid you in developing and putting into action cloud-based systems that serve as information hubs, gathering data from both internal and external sources. Once these systems are up and running, they provide valuable insights into every aspect of your supply chain. 

This holistic, end-to-end supply chain visibility paves the way for real-time tracking of your shipping containers. It grants you the power to know the precise location of your shipments at any given moment, ultimately fostering enhanced customer service.

Selecting the right Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL) provider can be a game-changer. A well-suited 4PL partner catalyzes growth by harmonizing your supply chain, elevating your customer experience, and allowing you to focus on your core strengths. Remember to assess their industry experience, technological capabilities, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with your business goals. 

Working with a 4PL provider like OPLOG streamlines your supply chain operations, enhances your customer experience, and ultimately gives you a competitive edge in the eCommerce marketplace. So, take the time to find the right partner and enjoy the benefits of a more efficient and effective logistics operation.

Get insights into the distinctions between 3PL and 4PL to effectively manage your logistics operations. Enhance your strategy now!

Differences Between 3PL and 4PL

The logistics sector, whose importance has increased due to the development of technology and the trade mobilized with globalization, is offered the service of companies engaged in commercial activities with many transportation modes.

3PL, a logistics term, can be explained as a company outsourcing all or a specific part of the logistics and supply chain activities outside the scope of its core business to another company. Considering that the trade sector is becoming more and more global with each passing day, the demands and needs of customers change rapidly. Companies prefer to work with logistics companies that offer 3PL services to gain a competitive advantage, maintain their earned advantage, focus on their core business areas, and respond quickly to customer demands. With the increase in competition among companies, the need for third-party logistics services has started to increase. 

Third-party logistics are the service providers. These companies provide the service with their infrastructure or offer solutions to companies by cooperating with intermediary companies. They generally offer transportation, storage, inventory management, value-added services, and information systems services. In short, focusing on the operational part of the supply chain and providing services for the coordinated operation of the process is its main field of activity.

3PL service is generally used to deliver medical devices, field services, and retail.

Speed, reliability, professionalism, flexibility, and strategic management are among the advantages of 3PL. Every stage of sorting, packaging, handling, and delivering the products to the necessary places is carefully organized during the logistics activities. Third-party logistics services are carried out step by step with a professional work team for security. The 3PL service process includes keeping the data of these products in an electronic environment and the transportation and storage of the products. It is also possible to keep track of all services performed instantly by keeping a record.

4PL, the entire complex logistics process from the production stage to the delivery of the products to the consumer, is managed from a single source. Companies offering 4PL services provide comprehensive supply chain management services. This extensive management process is the most advanced system of outsourcing logistics to date. In addition, management activities such as redesigning the logistics process, transforming the process, and putting the process into effect are also included in the 4PL.

Fourth-party logistics are the companies that can provide solutions, coordinate more than one 3PL company in an organization, provide information flow, and only be an intermediary or giving service. These companies focus on realizing all items in the supply chain with professional solutions.

Fourth-party logistics companies provide transportation services with a functional approach that combines research, follow-up, support, and management from start to finish.

In the same way as 3PL, 4PL is used for the same purposes, but eCommerce is also involved in 4PL.

Outsource usage in logistics; saves warehouse space, tools, labor, and operating costs. 4PL logistics providers perform supply chain management to increase the brand value at every stage of logistics, from the raw material source to the final buyer. This is especially important for companies that offer value-added services to gain a competitive advantage and to operate for more extended periods. 4PL logistics offers the user uninterrupted and standardized supply chain management. This standardization; covers added value such as packaging, return logistics, labeling, stock, and quality control. Thanks to the supply chain management that provides a quality standard, both customers receive the same quality service, and logistics activities are carried out without any problems. 4PL logistics gains complete control over the vast information network using different resources. This enables you to offer comprehensive solutions per customers' requests and ensure that they are satisfied with your company's services.

There are no assets such as shipping or warehouses in 4PL.

Unlike 3PL services, 4PL services include the integration of companies in logistics management and system optimizations.

Unlike 3PL, 4PL companies aim to achieve the highest level of efficiency.

While 4PL companies audit all the services performed by the manufacturer, 3PL companies focus on the logistics processes that must be carried out by themselves.

4PLs have more resources. The repository is one of these resources.

4PL offers a technological infrastructure for inventory management software that provides access to inventory status from a single location.

3PL focuses on day-to-day operations , 4PL focuses on optimizing the supply-chain.

If you're ready to leverage the benefits of a 4PL solution and streamline your logistics process from production to delivery, contact us to explore the services provided by OPLOG. Discover how our 4PL services can optimize your supply chain, enhance efficiency, and provide a seamless end-to-end solution for your business needs.

Unlock the power of 3PL: Learn about its advantages, stages, and how it boosts sales in the dynamic e-commerce ecosystem.

What is 3PL (Third Party Logistics)

What is 3PL (Third Party Logistics) | OPLOG

One of the easiest ways to concentrate your sales in the rapidly changing e-commerce ecosystem; is possible by managing and controlling your after-sales operations within your e-commerce business by Third Party Logistics (3PL). In short, this situation is called outsourcing.

 One of the easiest ways for businesses to concentrate on their core business in a rapidly changing economic environment; is the management and control of certain activities carried out within the organization by an external expert. A strategic relationship between the company that purchases the function or service and the supplier is described as a "partnership." In this relationship, two independent firms can strive for higher performance and lower costs. The risk is shared in the traditional customer-supplier relationship. Today, many companies prefer to have the work outside of their primary activities done by companies that are experts in these subjects. Thus, companies have the opportunity to devote the time, energy, and money they will spend on these services and works to their primary fields of activity.

 It is the service of effective and efficient planning, implementation, transportation, storage, and control of products, services, and information flows in the supply chain from the starting point to the last consumption issue to meet the customers' needs.

The fact that companies exist in competitive environments also increases the importance of logistics services. When companies want to focus more comfortably on the essential service areas, they have to act in cooperation with the companies that will offer them 3 PL services. It is seen that such studies provide various advantages in terms of business. It is seen that warehousing and logistics activities are the basis of this activity. When companies do their logistics work more quickly and systematically during product sales, it is seen that customer satisfaction increases. As a practical application, this service is among the works requested by the vendor companies.

However, only expenses should not play a primary role in obtaining these services because the realization and management of some logistics services within the company can be so efficient that another company cannot provide them at a lower cost. Logistics services that satisfy the customer and offer a competitive advantage must be realized, directed, and developed. Companies that will receive logistics services from outside should first analyze their structures very well, make a situation plan, determine their targets, and determine how much they can do and what will be demanded from outside.

📦It reduces the stocking cost of companies with its warehousing services.

📦It enables companies to turn to their fields of activity by saving on costly investments such as transportation and storage.

📦Transportation costs are reduced with the logistics service provider's high carrying capacity and forwarding ability.

📦Stock levels can be minimized since it is clear what quantity of the needed products will be kept. There are no situations such as owning unnecessary stocks and occupying space.

📦The labor force is saved because a single center manages it without a workforce at many points, such as packaging, product shipping, and returns, which reduces the professional crew that may be needed at these points.

📦Risks such as loss, accident, and theft are transferred to the logistics company.

📦World-class talent and new technology are available.

To ensure accuracy in fulfilling orders, companies working as a 3PL agent follow a series of operational stages, from taking an online order to delivering it to the customer's doorstep and, in some cases, even managing returns. These stages are as follows;

Warehouse management means that products are stored in a specific location while in the sales process until they are ordered. This phase also includes space, stock availability, transportation equipment, and the most efficient use of labor. In this process, all warehouse management transactions are met by fulfillment (e-commerce order fulfillment service). Thus, your products reach your customers in the fastest way, which gives your company feedback on customer satisfaction.

The order management phase includes all processes such as receiving requests and orders, pricing factors, keeping records, controlling stocks, making stock allocations, conveying production or purchasing needs to the necessary places, tracking orders, and supporting delivery and collection under control.

When the products are received from the warehouse, they are arranged according to a specific packaging system and sent to the customers by 3PL. In this way, e-commerce companies do not deal with extra costs such as packaging and shipping, and there is no time problem related to these issues.

Return processes can cause significant problems for many e-commerce companies. The important thing is to manage this process strategically because e-commerce logistics service takes over your return management processes. Returns management covers the control of possible returns, sorting of resalable products, and stock updates. 3PL intermediary companies, which solve incoming returns with their operations without forwarding them to the brand as an intermediary, manage transactions such as accepting the return, processing the process and re-entering the stock.

It is a very advantageous service model that covers all communication supports and contacts such as mail, message, or call centers with the customer in case of possible returns or exchanges, answering the questions asked by the customers, informing the stage of the product reaching the customer. In customer services, it is ensured that people who have a good command of the brand give the necessary information to those who want to get information about this brand. The brand itself does not deal with the customer at this stage. The intermediary person manages all the necessary processes for the brand.

Partnering with OPLOG, you can take care of all your sales channels quickly with one logistics partner, one inventory, and one e-logistics system. So, boost your sales and maximize product distribution by consulting an OPLOG fulfillment expert.

Discover how our customer Woohoobox increased their sales and grew with OPLOG.

Discover the future of 3PLs in 2023 and the impactful trends to keep an eye on. Explore four key trends that are shaping third party logistics industry.

The Future of 3PLs

The Future of 3PLs: 4 Trends to Watch in 2023 and What They Mean

The eCommerce industry experiences constant shifts and changes that evolve according to technology, the economy, customer expectations, and many more. And among all businesses, 3PLs are the ones that are the first to reply to these shifting trends. Why? 

3PLs serve a vast number of eCommerce businesses and customers. And, if they aim to deliver them with quality services as we do at OPLOG, they have no choice but to not only follow those trends or, better yet, become a trendsetter within the industry.

In this blog, we aim to identify and discuss emerging trends that will likely shape the future of 3PLs and what they mean for those eCommerce businesses who want to prepare for the future of logistics and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.

What 3PLs Are and Their Importance in Logistics

First, let’s take a brief look at what 3PLs are. Third-Party Logistics (3PLs) are external companies that provide logistics services to businesses. They act as intermediaries between businesses and the transportation or shipping companies that physically move goods from one location to another.

3PLs play a crucial role in logistics as they help businesses to manage their supply chain operations more efficiently and effectively. They provide various services, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and distribution. 3PLs can also offer value-added services like packaging, assembly, and customs brokerage.
  
By outsourcing logistics to 3PLs, businesses can focus on their core competencies and reduce costs associated with maintaining their logistics infrastructure. 3PLs can also provide access to specialized equipment, technology, and expertise, which can help businesses to optimize their logistics processes and improve customer service. 

You can minimize your costs and focus on your growth while benefitting from OPLOG’s unique technologies.

4 Trends That Will Shape the Future of 3PLs

Here are the X trends the 3PL industry will be looking out for and what they mean for your business.

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are already used in 3PLs to streamline logistics operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. For example, many 3PLs use warehouse management software (WMS) to manage inventory and order fulfillment. They also use AI for predictive analytics, which can help 3PLs optimize routes, reduce transit times, and improve delivery reliability.

However, in the near future, 53% of 3PLs will also make investing in robotics, especially in Goods-to-Person robots, a top priority. Why? Businesses that deploy robotic automation such as Goods-to-Person robots can: 

Decrease labor dependency by %60.

Thus, at the end of the day, they get to serve more clients with fewer resources and ensure improved customer experiences with correct orders that are fulfilled in shorter time periods. All this gives them leverage in a highly competitive market.

Why it’s important for you: As 3PLs shift their interest in deploying robotic automation, to keep up with the competition, you either have to work with a 3PL that already has these deployments or deploy your own robotic solutions in your warehouse.

OPLOG is the first fulfillment company to build its own fulfillment robot, TARQAN. Contact us to learn how you can outsource your fulfillment operations to OPLOG’s robotic-powered fulfillment processes or how you can deploy TARQAN in your own operations.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses across industries, and eCommerce is no exception. According to McKinsey’s latest report, 60% of consumers care about sustainability when ordering online. Thus, those eCommerce businesses that want to address their customer’s requirements prefer 3PLs that can deliver such services. 

As a chain reaction, 3PLs that want to keep up with this demand will focus more on sustainability. These sustainability practices can vary from greener delivery options for sustainable packaging solutions made from biodegradable or recycled materials.

Why it’s important for you: Sustainability is becoming a more pressing demand from your customers. To keep up with it, you have to make sure that your fulfillment processes, whether in-house or outsourced, are as sustainable as they get.

3. Supply Chain Visibility

Supply chain visibility and collaboration will continue to be critical factors for 3PL success in 2023 and beyond. With increasing customer expectations for transparency, 3PLs will focus on providing end-to-end visibility across the supply chain. 

This means integrating systems and sharing real-time data with suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and customers. 

Why it’s important for you: Collaborative efforts and partnerships between 3PLs and other stakeholders in the supply chain will be crucial for achieving seamless coordination, minimizing delays, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

According to Statista’s latest survey, 41% of global eCommerce consumers expect their orders to be delivered in 24 hours. To keep up with this demand, 3PLs are starting to leverage their last-mile delivery by focusing on expanding their fulfillment network and implementing micro-fulfillment centers.

Micro fulfillment is the practice of strategically locating hubs or mini fulfillment centers near urban areas to deliver orders faster as the last-mile delivery route shortens. Thus, 3PLs can keep offering more and more customers same-day delivery options.

Why it’s important for you: The delivery time strongly determines who your customers will buy from. However, we also know that opening up micro fulfillment centers in multiple locations requires lots of planning, high investments, and many resources. 

The next best thing for you to do, if you want to ace your last-mile delivery, is to outsource your region-based operations to a 3PL that can offer you a wide fulfillment network. Thus, you would be able to reach all of your customers without all the heavy work.

OPLOG's Global Fulfillment Network, located in various warehouses worldwide, enables you to expand your B2C and B2B operations globally. Contact us today to speak with our fulfillment experts and learn how we can help your business grow.

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