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In today's globalized economy, international shipping is vital, serving as the backbone that connects businesses, consumers, and markets across different continents. International shipping, defined as transporting goods, services, and commodities between countries, has become more than just a logistical necessity; it's an integral part of daily life. From the latest gadgets to essential medical supplies, international shipping ensures that products reach the hands of those who need them.

However, it can become an expensive endeavor with the complexities of customs regulations, varied shipping methods, and differing destination costs. This makes finding cost-effective international shipping rates not just an economic consideration but also a strategic one.

This blog will delve into the various options available, providing insights and guidance on how to ship internationally without breaking the bank.

Factors Influencing International Shipping Rates

International shipping rates can be a maze of numbers and terms, but understanding them and exploring economical international shipping rates is crucial for retailers and business owners looking to expand their market reach. These rates are determined by a complex interplay of factors that can vary widely.

Here are some of the key factors that shape international shipping rates and are considered while calculating them:

How Much is International Shipping?

International shipping costs vary widely based on the abovementioned factors, making it difficult to provide a specific amount without detailed information. To get an accurate international shipping cost, businesses should use:

Use Online Calculators – Many shipping companies offer online calculators where retailers can input the details of their shipment, and they provide an instant quote.

Contact Shipping Providers Directly - For more complex shipments, speaking directly with a shipping provider or a freight forwarder may be necessary.

Consider Consolidation Services – Exploring options for consolidating shipments with others is another way for businesses to get better rates.

However, it's worth noting that while finding the cheapest option might be tempting, it's also essential to consider the shipping provider's reliability, reputation, and customer service. Sometimes paying more for peace of mind and quality service is worth it.

Cost-Effective International Shipping Companies

Numerous shipping companies offer international shipping services, and choosing one from all the available options is challenging. However, it is not hard to discover that certain shipping services are suitable only for certain packages and delivery times. Let's explore some of the major players in the international shipping industry and analyze their rates.

USPS International Shipping Rates

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an economical choice for international shipping, especially for smaller packages. They offer several shipping options:

• USPS First Class Package International: The maximum weight allowed for first-class package international shipping service is 4 lbs, and its rate starts at $15.75. Also, the delivery timeframe for this shipping option varies by destination.

• USPS Priority Mail International: For priority mail international service, the maximum weight allowed for small flat rate boxes is 4 lbs, and for medium and large flat rate boxes, it is 20 lbs. Its pricing starts at $30.35, and the delivery timeframe is 6-10 business days.

• USPS Priority Mail Express International: In priority mail express international service, the maximum weight limit for flat rate envelopes is 4 lbs. However, for mailboxes, it is 70 lbs. Its flat rate pricing starts from $54.75, whereas the price for a 70 lbs package starts at $56.00. The delivery timeframe is 3-5 business days.

UPS International Shipping Rates

United Parcel Service (UPS) is known for its reliable global shipping services. They provide a range of options, including:

• UPS Worldwide Saver: It offers next-day delivery to Canada and two business days delivery to Latin America and Europe. For Asia, the delivery timeframe is three business days.

• UPS Standard: It is the most affordable ground shipping service for retailers/businesses, and consumers looking to ship packages to Canada. However, for faster deliveries, the UPS Worldwide options are more suitable.

• UPS Worldwide Expedited: This international shipping service can send packages to Canada, Latin America, and Europe in three business days.

• UPS Worldwide Express: This service offers two days delivery to Latin America and Europe and three days delivery to the Middle East. UPS international shipping rates can vary widely depending on several factors, including the destination country, weight, dimensions of the package, the shipping method chosen, and even the time of year.

DHL International Shipping Rates

DHL Express is a leading international shipping company operating in over 220 countries and territories. Their services include DHL Express Worldwide, which is suitable for time-sensitive shipments and has various speed options. The shipments get delivered to Europe before the end of the working day. Similarly, DHL Express 9:00, DHL Express 12:00, and DHL Express Envelope are other shipping services offering door-to-door delivery in 2-3 business days. DHL international shipping rates vary depending on weight, dimensions, and zones.

FedEx International Shipping Rates

FedEx is another global giant offering various solutions for international shipping. It provides a wide range of three-days to next-day shipping services, making it a premier international shipping company. FedEx rates can be calculated based on the destination, number of packages, and weight per package.

• FedEx International Priority: With FedEx International Priority service, international parcels can be shipped within one to three business days to the desired address, and it is an affordable option.

• FedEx International Economy: This international shipping service offers 2-5 days delivery to all the major markets in the world.

• FedEx International First: It is the fastest day-definite service FedEx is offering for international shipping. For the selected European cities, the delivery is made in two business days by 9:00 am, whereas for Latin America, it can take up to 10:00 am. However, for Asia and Australia, final delivery is made in three business days by 10:00 am.

Cheapest International Shipping Methods

Finding the affordable international shipping methods without compromising reliability is essential for ecommerce businesses seeking to minimize shipping costs. Here are some of the most popular cost-saving strategies.

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How Can PackageX Help with International Shipping?

In the ever-evolving shipping landscape, efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness are paramount. PackageX, with its innovative shipping solution, plays a crucial role in meeting these demands. Here's how PackageX can assist retailers, businesses, and logistics providers in streamlining their international shipping processes:

Dynamic Label Generation: PackageX Ship app and shipping API generate package shipping labels dynamically, catering to the specific package type, desired shipping speed, and applicable shipping rates.

Customizable Options: PackageX allows users to filter package shipping options by speed and price, offering a high degree of control and customization.

Discounted Rates: Through PackageX's multi-carrier shipping platform, users can access discounted rates or create custom rate cards tailored to their shipping profiles.

PackageX's innovative approach to international shipping removes much of the complexity and hassle traditionally associated with this process. It is more than just a shipping solution; it's a strategic partner in your international shipping endeavors.

In the ever-evolving world of logistics and shipping, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has consistently offered reliable solutions catering to various needs. USPS Flat Rate Boxes stand out as a particularly advantageous option among these. These boxes come in various sizes, and the shipping cost is predetermined, regardless of the weight or where the package is being sent within the United States. This straightforward pricing structure eliminates the guesswork often associated with shipping costs, simplifying budgeting for shipping expenses.

What is USPS Flat Rate?

When it comes to shipping, one term that frequently comes up is USPS Flat Rate. But what exactly is USPS Flat Rate, and why is it so popular among shippers?

Definition

USPS Flat Rate is a unique service the United States Postal Service offers. It is a shipping method where the USPS charges a fixed rate for shipping a package, regardless of its destination, provided it weighs less than 70 lbs. This service is available for domestic and international shipping, making it a versatile option for a wide range of shipping needs. 

USPS flat rate boxes and envelopes come in various sizes and are available for free at USPS offices and online. They come with standard tracking and up to 100$ in insurance, ensuring peace of mind throughout the shipping process.

How Does USPS Flat Rate Shipping Work?

The way USPS Flat Rate shipping works is simple. First, the shipper selects the appropriate flat rate box or envelope that suits their shipping needs. Once the package is ready, the shipper pays a flat rate to ship it anywhere in the United States. This rate remains the same, regardless of the package's weight or destination.

Benefits of USPS Flat Rate Boxes and Shipping

USPS Priority Flat Rate boxes and shipping offer some very attractive benefits compared to other carriers in the United States. Some of the significant reasons to consider USPS flat rate shipping boxes include the following:

• Fixed cost – There are no surprises when it comes to rate. USPS flat rate boxes prices are fixed and known.
• Quick delivery – As the USPS flat rate boxes are priority mail, the packages get delivered in two to three days.
• Free boxes – Shippers can order USPS flat rate boxes for free from the facility location or USPS online store.
• No extra charges – USPS does not add additional costs like fuel, residential/rural delivery, or Saturday delivery surcharges to the shipment.
• Extensive delivery network – USPS can deliver anywhere in the US, including government addresses and post office boxes.

Types of USPS Flat Rate Boxes and Envelops

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers several types of flat rate boxes and envelopes designed to accommodate various shipping needs. Here are the main types with their dimensions:

Envelopes

Boxes

Restrictions on USPS Priority Flat Rate Boxes

USPS flat rate boxes can only be used with Priority Mail Flat Rate service. Shippers cannot use this packaging with standard priority mail services such as Media Mail, First Class Mail, or other carriers. The package will be returned if a shipper uses a flat rate box or envelope with standard priority mail service, or a post-billing correction will be sent to the shipper's postage account.

How Much Do USPS Flat Rate Boxes Cost?

Here are the shipping prices for all the types of USPS Priority Mail flat rate products:

What is USPS Regional Rate Shipping?

USPS Regional Rate is a cost-effective shipping service offered by the United States Postal Service. It's designed for small, dense packages that are typically more expensive to ship long distances.

USPS Regional Rate Boxes come in different sizes (Box A and Box B), but unlike USPS Flat Rate Boxes, the price for Regional Rate Boxes varies based on the distance between the origin and destination of the package (which is determined by USPS zones). Box A is designed for small, heavy items up to 15 lbs., whereas Box B is slightly larger and can hold up to 20 lbs.

The key advantage of Regional Rate Boxes is that they often provide a lower cost than other USPS services for relatively heavy packages that are small in size, especially for shorter distances. Unfortunately, USPS regional rate boxes have been discontinued and are no longer available effective January 22, 2023.

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Conclusion

By comprehending and effectively utilizing USPS Flat Rate Boxes and Shipping, ecommerce businesses, retailers, and logistics service providers can substantially enhance their shipping operations. This strategy streamlines the process and offers significant cost savings, making it a valuable approach for those seeking efficient and economical shipping solutions. From the various types of Flat Rate Boxes and Envelopes to the cost and restrictions associated with them, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of these valuable shipping tools.

As the world of logistics continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable is key to maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Remember, the right shipping strategy can significantly affect the bottom line and customer satisfaction. So, take the time to explore these options and find the solutions that best fit your needs. Happy shipping!

How Can PackageX Automate Your Packaging & Shipping Options?

In the fast-paced world of logistics, efficiency is crucial. PackageX's advanced inventory management system is designed to streamline the packaging and shipping operations, combining inventory, fulfillment, and shipping software into one comprehensive solution.

PackageX's system takes into account the weight and size of the items in each order, using this information to recommend the best packaging. This intelligent feature ensures that each order is packed in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Moreover, its packing options are dynamic and adaptable to the shipper's needs. They have the flexibility to set their own packing options or use the predefined options from major providers. This level of customization allows the user to tailor the system to their organization's unique requirements, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Expanding a retail business internationally can be a major opportunity for growth and success. However, it also comes with a host of challenges and risks, including logistical challenges and regulatory requirements. Before retailers can successfully expand into new international markets, it is crucial to take certain steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process. This includes conducting thorough market research, developing a comprehensive business plan, and identifying legal and regulatory requirements. One important factor to consider is the use of bonded warehouses.

This article explores how bonded warehouses can help retailers expand into new international markets and facilitate convenient international shipping. We will also discuss how retailers can choose the right bonded warehouse for their business needs. By understanding the benefits of bonded warehouses and following the steps outlined in this article, retailers can minimize risks and costs associated with international expansion and pave the way for a successful global presence.

What is a Bonded Warehouse?

A bonded warehouse is a secure storage facility that the government authorizes to store imported goods (that are subject to duties) before they are released into the local market or exported to another country. These goods are stored, handled, or even processed there before customs duties are paid. The main purpose of a customs-bonded warehouse is to provide a secure and convenient location for the storage of goods while they await clearance by customs authorities and payment of customs duties and taxes. When should you use a bonded warehouse as a retailer? If you’re looking to manage expenses on international sales, since you don’t have to pay duties and taxes all at once, it really cuts down the costs of importing large quantities of products.

Bonded warehouses can be either privately or government-owned. They’re typically found in foreign countries, making them a useful option for businesses looking to manage their inventory efficiently. Private companies typically operate bonded warehouses under the supervision of customs authorities and are subject to strict regulations and guidelines. Goods stored in a bonded warehouse are called “bonded products” or “cargo”, and while stored are considered to be "in bond". They can be held there for an extended period of time, allowing retailers to defer payment of duties and taxes until the products are released from the warehouse. Bonded warehouses also provide additional services such as packaging, labeling, and distribution, making them a popular choice for retailers looking to expand their operations into new international markets.

What Type of Goods Can Be Stored in Bonded Warehouses?

A wide range of imported products can be stored as bonded goods. So, anything from food and beverages to electronics and automobiles. Let’s look at some examples:

• Raw materials used to manufacture finished goods, including chemicals, textiles, and metals
• Finished goods such as electronics and clothing
• Perishable goods, like food products
• High-value goods, including artwork, luxury items, and jewelry
• Hazardous goods such as flammable liquids and chemicals

Bonded Warehouses vs. Non-Bonded Warehouses: What's the Difference?

Bonded and non-bonded warehouses differ in purpose, storage period, duties and taxes protocol, and customs control.

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Deciding to house inventory between bonded and non bonded warehouses is not a simple decision for all retailers. The selection depends on several factors and can vary based on a retailer's needs and circumstances, and sometimes leads retailers to use a combination of both warehouse types.

In the case of international operations, when goods clear customs in a specific country, goods commonly need to be stored in another warehouse before order fulfillment. It could be due to multiple reasons, such as optimizing distribution networks, reducing shipping costs, or meeting local demand requirements. To mitigate these challenges, retailers often employ a combination of bonded and non-bonded warehouses as part of their overall supply chain strategy. 

By strategically leveraging a network of bonded and non-bonded warehouses, retailers can establish an efficient supply chain that balances cost-effectiveness, compliance with customs regulations, and timely delivery to customers. This approach allows flexibility and adaptability to meet market demands while minimizing logistical complexities. 

However, bonded warehouses offer several advantages, making them more conducive to retail operations than non-bonded warehouses alone. With bonded warehouses, retailers can defer customs duties and taxes, improve cash flow and allocate resources strategically. With extended storage durations, they can effectively manage inventory during seasonal fluctuations and meet varying customer demands. 

How Do Bonded Warehouses Work?

Retailers planning to use bonded warehouses must know how the flow of inventory within these facilities influences fulfillment logistics. Bonded warehousing works in the following manner:

1. Goods arrive at the bonded warehouse

Items are imported to a customs-bonded warehouse where the importer and the warehouse owner assume liability under the warehouse bond. All applicable duties and taxes are deferred at this stage until the bonded products leave the warehouse.

2. Goods are stored appropriately

Bonded products are then stored using specialized storage services, like bulk liquid storage or a deep freeze, based on the product type.

3. Goods undergo manipulation & manufacturing

Bonded goods can also be sorted, repacked, or manipulated while stored in the warehouse. If the stored items are raw materials, they may also undergo manufacturing operations at this stage.

4. Order fulfillment

The bonded products are fulfilled to the customer once the manufacturing or manipulation process is complete. Bonded warehouses also act as fulfillment centers, with dedicated staff for picking, packing, and shipping orders.

5. Payment of duties & taxes upon release

Retailers pay all the duties, taxes, and fees once the bonded goods are distributed to the customers or withdrawn for consumption.

Benefits of Bonded Warehouses for Retailers

Bonded warehouses offer a variety of benefits that make them an attractive option for retailers engaged in international trade and expansion. Some major benefits include the following:

Duty deferment

Duty deferment refers to the delayed payment of customs duties and taxes. Retailers can store their imported goods in a bonded warehouse without immediately paying the associated duties and taxes. This helps improve cash flow by postponing the financial obligation until the goods are released from the warehouse.

Long-term storage

Retailers can utilize bonded storage for long-term storage of their goods for up to five years. This enables them to maintain inventory levels without the pressure of immediate distribution, providing flexibility in managing seasonal or fluctuating demand.

In-house fulfillment services

Many bonded warehouses offer additional order fulfillment services like packaging, labeling, order processing, and shipping. Retailers can leverage these in-house services to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency in fulfilling customer orders.

Preservation of product quality

Bonded warehouses often provide specialized storage facilities to preserve the quality of goods. These may include dry containers, deep freeze systems for perishable items, temperature-controlled facilities for sensitive products, and bulk storage facilities. Such conditions ensure that the goods remain in optimal condition during storage, maintaining their quality and market value.

Better Cash Flow

Delaying customs duties until products are released for local consumption allows for better cash flow management.

Improved Stock Management

Offers flexibility in inventory management and space allocation, helping streamline processes and reduce costs. 

Increased Supply Chain Efficiency

Storing the goods in a warehouse reduces fuel costs and delivery times by locating warehouses near major transportation hubs.

Convenience for Restricted Goods

Securely stores restricted goods while importers complete necessary paperwork without a 5-year duty deferral limit.

How to Choose a Bonded Warehouse as a Retailer?

When choosing a bonded warehouse as a retailer, some factors to consider include:

1. Location: Retailers should choose a bonded warehouse closer to their target market or customers to minimize transportation costs and delivery times.
2. Services offered: Look for a bonded warehouse that provides the services needed, such as storage, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
3. Security: Ensure that the bonded warehouse has adequate security measures in place to protect the inventory from theft or damage.
4. Capacity: Make sure the bonded warehouse has the capacity to store the inventory and handle the volume of anticipated orders.  

5. Technology: Look for a bonded warehouse that uses technology to manage inventory and track shipments, which can help improve efficiency and reduce errors.
6. Cost: Compare the cost of using different bonded warehouses, considering any additional fees or charges for services like storage, handling, and distribution. Aim for a bonded warehouse that offers a good balance of cost and quality.

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Conclusion

Expanding into international markets can be a significant growth opportunity for retailers. When venturing into global markets, utilizing bonded warehouses holds crucial importance.

Bonded warehouses provide retailers with strategic advantages, including duty deferment, efficient inventory management, flexibility in storage, access to value-added services, compliance with regulations, enhanced security, and streamlined customs procedures. By leveraging these benefits, retailers can confidently navigate international markets, minimize costs, improve operational efficiency, and establish a strong global presence.

How Can PackageX Optimize Bonded Warehouse Operations?

PackageX offers an advanced warehouse management system for bonded warehouses that brings efficiency and modernization to warehousing. Through its industry-leading inventory and fulfillment technology, PackageX digitizes manual processes, eliminating the need for paper-based systems and reducing human error. By automating tasks such as inventory receiving, tracking, sorting, and order fulfillment (pick, pack, and ship), warehouse managers can streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency.

PackageX offers real-time visibility into inventory levels, enabling warehouse managers to accurately track stock levels and monitor product availability. This helps optimize inventory management and ensures timely fulfillment of customer orders. Moreover, PackageX facilitates seamless connectivity between retailers, suppliers, and warehouse teams. With easy-to-use apps and APIs, warehouse teams can collaborate with retailers and suppliers, provide real-time updates to customers, and enhance communication and coordination within the team.

Any retail business depends heavily on effective inventory management as a foundational aspect of its operations. Accurately tracking and managing inventory levels can help retailers avoid stockouts, minimize overstocking, reduce costs, and improve shopper satisfaction. However, legacy inventory management methods are time-consuming, error-prone, and do not provide access to real-time visibility into inventory levels. This is where a perpetual inventory system comes into play.

A perpetual inventory system offers real-time visibility into inventory levels, allowing any person, team, office or location to track inventory continuously. This blog will explore the benefits of implementing a perpetual inventory system for retailers and discuss how this system works.

What is a Perpetual Inventory System?

A perpetual inventory system refers to a real-time inventory tracking system that uses technology, such as barcode scanning and RFID, to monitor and update inventory levels continuously. With a perpetual inventory system, retailers can have accurate and up-to-date information on their inventory levels, allowing them to make informed decisions and improve their overall inventory management.

This system provides better efficiency than periodic inventory systems, which require manual counting and updates. A perpetual inventory system is particularly beneficial for eCommerce businesses and retailers with multiple sales and fulfillment channels because it provides accurate stock and inventory levels across all channels. 

How Does a Perpetual Inventory System Work?

Here is an overview of how a perpetual inventory system works, broken down into the following functions: 

1. Tracks inventory changes - Perpetual inventory systems use technology to track inventory changes across all sales and fulfilment channels in real-time, such as goods received or sold, returns, and damages.

2.   Updates cost of sold goods - The system automatically calculates the cost of goods sold (COGS) based on the updated inventory levels and the cost of each item, providing an accurate view of profitability.

3.   Adjusts reorder points - Retailers can adjust their reorder points for each product using the data provided by the perpetual inventory system to ensure they never run out of stock.

4.    Generates new purchase orders - When inventory levels reach the reorder point, the system automatically generates new orders, which can be sent to suppliers or vendors.

5.   Monitors new inventory – The perpetual inventory system updates the inventory levels as new stock arrives, and the warehouse staff scans and adds it to the warehouse management system, providing retailers with a real-time view of their current inventory levels.

Periodic vs. Perpetual Inventory Systems: What's the Difference?

The periodic and perpetual inventory systems are two methods retailers or businesses use to track inventory. Here are three major differences between the two systems:

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Benefits of Implementing a Perpetual Inventory System

According to a recent survey conducted by IBM and the Consumer Goods Forum, retailers are increasing their technology budgets significantly. The study found that, on average, retail executives plan to boost their technology spending by 34% over the next 3 years, focusing on areas such as automation, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

This trend towards increased investment in technology highlights the growing importance of efficient and accurate inventory management for retailers. Adopting a perpetual inventory system can be a smart investment for retailers looking to streamline their inventory management processes.

Implementing a perpetual inventory system can provide several benefits for retailers, including:

Real-time inventory tracking

A perpetual inventory system allows retailers to track inventory levels in real-time, giving them an accurate view of inventory levels at any given time and more control over their inventory. This enables retailers to make informed decisions about purchasing, restocking, and sales; effectively avoiding stockouts or overstocking.

Easy inventory management across multiple sales and fulfillment channels

For retailers with multiple locations, managing inventory levels can be challenging. A perpetual inventory system helps by providing a centralized view of inventory across all locations. This enables retailers to quickly identify which products are available at each location and transfer products between locations as needed. With a perpetual inventory system, retailers can manage their inventory more effectively and provide a better shopper experience.

Detailed audit trail for inventory transactions

A perpetual inventory system provides a detailed audit of all inventory transactions, including sales, purchases, and returns. This can help retailers identify any discrepancies in inventory levels and resolve them quickly. In addition, having a detailed audit trail can help them identify fraudulent activity, providing greater security for their inventory and business.

Reduction in costs and time

Implementing a perpetual inventory system can help retailers reduce costs and time associated with inventory management. With real-time inventory tracking, retailers can reduce the time spent manually counting and recording inventory levels. This can free up staff time, allowing them to focus on other important tasks. In addition, a perpetual inventory system can help reduce costs associated with overstocking or stockouts.

Accurate demand forecast

A perpetual inventory system can help retailers forecast demand more accurately. With real-time inventory tracking, retailers can identify which items are selling well and which are not. This can help them decide which products to stock and in what quantities. By forecasting demand more accurately, retailers can optimize their inventory levels and reduce the risk of overstocking or stockouts. It also helps reduce costs and improves profitability for the business.

Which Retailers Should Consider a Perpetual Inventory System?

A perpetual inventory system can be a good fit for retailers looking to improve their inventory management processes and have real-time visibility into their inventory levels. However, some retailers are especially well-suited for a perpetual inventory system due to their specific inventory needs and business models. Here are some examples:

1. High-volume retailers: Retailers that sell a high volume of products can benefit from a perpetual inventory system, as it allows them to manage their inventory levels in real-time and avoid stockouts.
2. Retailers with multiple locations: Retailers with multiple stores or warehouses can benefit from a perpetual inventory system, enabling them to track their inventory across all locations.
3. Retailers with complex inventory needs: Retailers that carry a large and diverse range of products, such as grocery stores or department stores, can benefit from a perpetual inventory system, as it manages the inventory levels for each specific product in real-time.
4. eCommerce retailers: eCommerce retailers are good fits for a perpetual inventory system. It allows them to manage their inventory levels across multiple channels (such as online and physical stores) in omnichannel retail fulfillment.
5. Retailers with seasonal inventory: Retailers that carry seasonal products can also opt for a perpetual inventory system because it manages the inventory levels for each season in real-time and avoids overstocking or stockouts.

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How Can PackageX Optimize Inventory Management for Retailers?

Effective inventory management is critical for the success of any retail business. With PackageX's inventory management software, retailers can optimize their inventory management processes, ensuring accurate inventory counts, efficient order fulfillment, and improved shopper satisfaction. With features such as digital manifests, real-time inventory tracking, and inventory scanning with an OCR-powered app, PackageX provides retailers the tools they need to manage their inventory across multiple locations and improve their bottom line. Whether you're a small eCommerce business or a large retail chain, PackageX's inventory management solution can help you streamline your operations, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

Implementing a perpetual inventory system is a smart move for retailers looking to streamline their inventory management operations and stay ahead of the competition. A perpetual inventory system can help retailers reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service by providing real-time inventory tracking, accurate record-keeping, and improved demand forecasting. It can also help manage multiple locations quickly, provide a clear audit trail for inventory transactions, and ultimately lead to increased profitability.

Managing logistics can be a significant challenge for many retailers in today's fast-paced and competitive business landscape. With the rise of eCommerce, instant gratification, and changing shopper expectations, retailers face increasing pressure to manage their supply chains more efficiently and cost-effectively. From sourcing and manufacturing to warehousing and fulfillment, there are many moving parts to consider, and any misstep along the way can impact the shopper experience and the bottom line. This is where third-party logistics (3PL) providers come in, offering various services to help retailers manage their supply chains effectively.

For retailers, whether small to mid-sized or large enterprises, selecting the right 3PL provider can be a game-changer. By partnering with a reliable 3PL provider, retailers can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and ultimately deliver better value to their shoppers, regardless of size or scale. But with so many 3PL providers in the market, how do retailers choose the right partner for their business?

In this blog post, we'll explain what is 3PL and why it matters, as well as share practical tips on selecting the right third-party logistics (3PL) partner in 2023.

What Is 3PL?

Third-party logistics, often abbreviated as 3PL, refers to the outsourcing of various logistics and supply chain management activities to external service providers. These providers are specialized companies that offer a range of logistics services to retailers, helping them manage and optimize their supply chain operations more efficiently. The services offered by third-party logistics providers can vary widely and may include:

• 3PL warehousing
• Inventory management
• Receiving
• Order management and fulfillment
• Shipping
• Returns management
• Order tracking
• International logistics
• Other value-added services (Kitting and customization)

Retailers often choose to work with third-party logistics providers to leverage their expertise, resources, and infrastructure, allowing them to focus on their core competencies while leaving the complexities of logistics to specialists. The ultimate goal of third-party logistics is to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall supply chain performance.

How Does Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Process Work?

The third-party logistics (3PL) process comprises a series of interconnected steps that collectively facilitate efficient supply chain management for businesses. Each step is crucial in ensuring seamless operations, from receiving goods to handling returns. Let's delve into the details of how the 3PL process works:

Receiving:

In the receiving phase, the 3PL provider accepts incoming shipments from suppliers. This involves carefully verifying the received items against purchased orders and packing lists to ensure accuracy. The 3PL provider may inspect the goods for any damages and discrepancies before proceeding to the next step.

3PL Warehousing:

3PL warehousing refers to the storage and management of inventory by a third-party logistics (3PL) provider in their warehouse facility instead of storing the inventory in the retailer's warehouse.

3PL warehouses are strategically designed to optimize space utilization and ensure efficient inventory management. Advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) are often employed to track the location of items within the facility. Among the various types of 3PL warehouses, the most prevalent are those that store and ship products and handle returns.

These warehouses often have the added capability of providing expedited shipping options, such as two-day shipping, further enhancing their value proposition for retailers seeking to optimize their logistics operations. Retailers can improve their product fulfillment workflows by drawing on the experience of 3PL warehouses.

Picking:

When a shopper places an order, the 3PL provider's system initiates the picking process. During picking, warehouse staff retrieves the required items from their storage locations. This process can be optimized through efficient picking strategies and technology integration, such as barcode scanning.

Packing:

After picking, the items are carefully packed for shipment. The 3PL provider ensures that the items are securely packaged to prevent damage during transportation. This step also involves labeling packages accurately to facilitate smooth shipping and provide tracking information.

Shipping:

Once packed, the packages are handed over to the chosen shipping carrier for delivery to the end customer. The 3PL provider coordinates with carriers, selects appropriate shipping methods, and generates shipping labels. This step includes ensuring timely dispatch and accurate handover of packages to the carrier.

Returns:

This involves receiving returned items, inspecting them to determine their condition, and processing them according to established procedures. Returned items may be restocked, repaired, refurbished, or properly disposed of, depending on their condition.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider?

In today's competitive market, retailers need to focus on their core business functions and leave the logistics to the experts. Here are some benefits retailers can enjoy by partnering with a 3PL provider.

Time and cost saving: By outsourcing logistics to a 3PL provider, retailers can save time and reduce warehousing, shipping, and inventory management costs. The 3PL provider takes care of these tasks, allowing the retailer to focus on other important functions, such as product development and shopper service.

Increased efficiency: 3PL providers help retailers optimize logistics operations, reducing delays and errors and increasing efficiency. They use advanced technology and software to manage inventory, track shipments, and automate processes, resulting in faster and more accurate order fulfillment.

Expertise and access to specialized equipment: 3PL providers have access to specialized equipment and facilities, such as temperature-controlled storage, hazardous materials handling, and oversized cargo transport. They also have the expertise to handle complex logistics operations, such as international shipping, customs clearance, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Scalability and flexibility: With a 3PL provider, retailers can scale up or down their logistics operations based on demand fluctuations. 3PL providers can quickly adapt to changes in order volume, shipping destinations, and inventory levels without requiring significant investments in infrastructure or staff.

Improved shopper satisfaction: By partnering with a 3PL provider, retailers can offer their shoppers faster, more reliable, and more cost-effective shipping options. This improves shopper satisfaction, leading to repeat business.

3PL vs. 4PL: What's the Difference?

A 4PL acts as an extra layer between retailers and the 3PLs responsible for shipping their goods. When a retailer engages a 4PL, the 4PL organizes and oversees 3PL services on behalf of the client. This is occasionally referred to as "double brokering." 4PLs provide comprehensive supply chain management, including 3PL services, manufacturing, inventory procurement, etc.

Which Retailers Are Good Fits for 3PL Services?

Instilling third-party logistics (3PL) services can be a breakthrough for retailers looking to streamline their logistics operations. While 3PL providers can work with many kinds of retailers, the perfect fit lands among those that may be experiencing the following growing pains:

A. Retailers shipping more than 100 orders monthly

Retailers shipping over 100 orders per month can benefit greatly from 3PL services. Managing inventory and shipping becomes increasingly complex and time-consuming as order volume increases. A 3PL provider can take on these tasks, allowing retailers to focus on other aspects, such as marketing and sales.

B. Retailers running out of space for inventory storage

Storing inventory in-house can be expensive and inefficient, particularly for small and medium-sized retailers. 3PL providers have large warehouses that can accommodate a wide range of inventory types and sizes, ensuring that retailers have the space they need without the high overhead costs.

C. Retailers who want to offer specific-day shipping

With a larger network of warehouses, 3PL providers offer a greater variety of faster and more reliable shipping options compared to retailers who manage on their own. This is particularly important for retailers who want to offer two-day or next-day shipping, as they need warehouses close to their shoppers to ensure timely delivery.

How to Choose the Right 3PL Partner?

Choosing the right third-party logistics (3PL), partner is one of the most critical decisions a retailer can make to scale their business. After all, a 3PL partner can make or break your supply chain and ultimately impact your ability to deliver an exceptional shopper experience. With so many providers out there, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Here are some core characteristics to look for when selecting a 3PL partner:

1. Industry experience and expertise

Retailers should look for a 3PL partner with significant industry experience and specialized expertise in eCommerce. It can help them navigate unique challenges, improve supply chain efficiency, and provide valuable insights to optimize logistics operations. A 3PL partner with a track record of delivering results and solving complex logistics challenges can be a valuable asset for retailers. Online reviews of third-party logistics services can help retailers choose the best-suitable 3PL partner.

2. Technology and automation capabilities

In today's digital age, advanced technology is a must-have for efficient logistics operations. Retailers should choose a 3PL partner that uses advanced technology and automation capabilities to streamline processes, minimize errors, and provide real-time visibility into their inventory and orders.

3. Geographic reach and network

The geographic reach of a retailer's 3PL partner is critical to ensuring fast and reliable delivery to shoppers. Consider a provider with a broad network of distribution centers in strategic locations to help reduce shipping times and costs.

4. Scalability

When choosing a third-party logistics (3PL) partner, retailers should consider a provider that can scale with their business. As the business grows, its logistics requirements evolve. Selecting a 3PL partner that can accommodate growth can help ensure the business doesn't outgrow its logistics capabilities or need to switch providers down the line.

It's important to assess a 3PL provider's capacity, capabilities, and infrastructure to ensure they can expand operations in line with the retailer's growth plans. This can help retailers to avoid the hassle of finding a new provider or investing in additional resources to manage logistics in-house.

5. Cost and pricing

Cost is a significant factor when selecting a 3PL partner. It is recommended to look for a provider that offers transparent pricing and demonstrates a clear understanding of the retailer's logistics costs. By carefully assessing the cost structure of potential 3PL partners, retailers can make an informed decision that aligns with their business goals and budget.

6. Look for a partner with omnichannel expertise

In today's retail environment, omnichannel capabilities are essential. Retailers should opt for a 3PL partner that can provide a seamless omnichannel experience for their shoppers, whether they shop online or in-store.

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How Can PackageX Help Retailers and Their 3PL Providers?

Third-party logistics (3PL) companies often face the challenge of managing and streamlining complex logistics operations for multiple retailers and eCommerce brands. Manual workflows, paper-based processes, and siloed point solutions can cause inefficiencies and errors in inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping/forwarding, and returns handling. As a result, retailers may experience delays in delivery, missed orders, and increased costs. To overcome these challenges, 3PL companies can adopt a headless logistics cloud like PackageX.

It offers a suite of user-friendly apps and APIs within a flexible logistics infrastructure designed to support 3PL companies and their retail partners by streamlining their logistics operations and, in turn, improving shopper satisfaction. With this infrastructure, retailers can expect quick order fulfillment and fewer errors.

By digitizing manual workflows and connecting siloed point solutions, PackageX enables 3PL providers to scale their retail partners' operations efficiently and cost-effectively. Its award-winning OCR label ingestion technology halves package processing time, resulting in faster and more accurate package handling. Additionally, its shipping marketplace dynamically selects the best rates for every order, passing savings on to providers or their retail partners. With these powerful tools and technologies, 3PL providers and retailers can improve logistics capabilities and drive customer retention while reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Returns have become an inevitable aspect of the retail industry, especially with the surge of eCommerce and the convenience of options such as 'Buy Online, Return in Store.' Shoppers are returning products at an unprecedented rate, leading to significant implications for retailers' profits. According to the 2022 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry report, U.S. retailers suffered losses of $816 billion due to returns. Over the recent holiday season, a significant increase in returns was reported, with a year-over-year surge of 63%. This is why reverse logistics is a crucial part of the supply chain.

In this blog, we will explore reverse logistics, its definition, key components, and how it manages the flow of goods and materials from end-users back to manufacturers.

What Is Reverse Logistics?

Reverse logistics manages the flow of goods from their final destination to their point of origin, i.e., from shoppers to the sender or manufacturer. It involves various activities, including goods transportation, returns processing, and inventory disposition. Reverse logistics examples include product returns due to customer dissatisfaction, damaged or defective goods, overstocks, and expired products.

Reverse Logistics vs. Traditional logistics

In traditional product flow, goods move from suppliers to factories or distributors and then on to retailers and customers. Reverse logistics management begins at the consumer- moving products backward through the supply chain. This process may involve returning items to a specific point along the supply chain, such as a distributor or the original supplier.

Well-structured supply chains are adaptable and capable of handling reverse logistics efficiently. Products can either be sent one step back in the chain or returned all the way back to the manufacturer. Moreover, returned items might also be reintroduced into regular sales channels or sold at a discount through liquidators.

What Are the Types of Reverse Logistics?

There are different types of reverse logistics, also known as reverse logistics components. These components encompass various aspects of returns management, including return policies and procedures (RPP), remanufacturing, packaging, handling of unsold goods, and addressing delivery issues. Reverse logistics also cover leases, repairs, and product retirement processes.

1. Returns management

It is a fundamental aspect of reverse logistics that deals with product returns from shoppers and includes efficient collection, sorting, and inspection of returned items. An effective returns management system aims to minimize processing time, reduce shopper effort, and facilitate seamless return experiences, ultimately enhancing shopper satisfaction and loyalty.

2. Return policy and procedure

A well-defined return policy and procedure helps manage shopper expectations, ensuring that returns are handled consistently and in compliance with company policies. Retailers can minimize return-related misunderstandings and disputes by providing transparency and clarity, fostering a positive shopper experience.

3. Remanufacturing

Remanufacturing is an eco-friendly approach to reverse logistics, focusing on restoring returned products to a like-new condition. This process involves disassembling, repairing, and reassembling returned items, making them suitable for resale or reuse. Remanufacturing reduces waste and environmental impact and presents cost-saving opportunities for retailers through repurposing returned goods.

4. Packaging management

Proper packaging management is crucial in reverse logistics to protect, and transport returned items efficiently. Retailers should consider sustainable packaging solutions that minimize material waste while ensuring product safety during return logistics. Strategic packaging management reduces costs, optimizes logistics operations, and enhances environmental sustainability.

5. Unsold goods

In reverse logistics, handling unsold goods involves deciding whether to reintroduce these items into the market, liquidate them through discounts, donate them to charitable organizations, or dispose of them responsibly.

6. End-of-life (EOL)

End-of-life products refer to items that have reached the end of their useful life and cannot be refurbished or resold. Proper management of EOL products is essential to ensure environmentally responsible disposal or recycling.

7. Delivery failure

This type of reverse logistics deals with products that are not delivered to shoppers, returned to fulfillment centers, and shipped back to the manufacturer. However, retailers can manage delivery failures by addressing the issue and resending the item.

8. Rentals

It includes retrieving, inspecting, and refurbishing rental items after shoppers return them. Efficient reverse logistics in this context is critical for maintaining the quality and availability of rental inventory.

9. Repair and maintenance

Reverse logistics also encompasses the process of handling items that require repairs or maintenance. This involves managing the logistics of returning faulty or damaged items, diagnosing the issues, and ensuring timely repairs or replacements to meet customer expectations.

Why Is Reverse Logistics Important?

The goal of reverse logistics is to ensure a hassle-free and seamless returns experience for shoppers so they buy again and recapture value from products that have been returned, whether through refurbishment, recycling, or other means. It plays a vital role in the supply chain and offers several benefits, including efficient returns management, asset recovery, reduced operational costs, sustainability, and improved customer satisfaction. As businesses are seeing an increase in returns and high shipping costs are a major concern, streamlining returns management can help them reduce costs associated with shipping and processing returns. 

Additionally, reverse logistics helps businesses recover valuable assets through refurbishing, or recycling returned products, reducing waste, promoting sustainability, minimizing losses, and improving profitability. It also improves shopper satisfaction by providing a hassle-free and quick return process that can build customer loyalty and increase revenue.

Benefits of Reverse Logistics

An efficient reverse logistics process offers several key benefits:

• Cost Reduction: Streamlined returns management reduces transportation, warehousing, and inventory costs. Companies can also recover value from returned goods through resale, refurbishment, or recycling.
• Enhanced Brand Reputation: Offering flexible returns strengthens a company’s image as customer-centric and reliable.
• Increased Customer Satisfaction: A smooth returns process improves the customer experience, leading to higher loyalty.
• Risk Mitigation: Proper handling of returned goods helps manage compliance and safety risks.
• Sustainability: Improvement in environmental responsibility as efficient returns reduce waste by facilitating recycling or refurbishing.

How Does Reverse Logistics Work?

Reverse logistics involves five stages: process the returns, determine the category, move the returns, execute the repair process, and recycle items.

1. Process the returns

The first stage involves receiving the return and determining its condition. Scheduling returns shipments and approving refunds is also a part of this stage.

2. Determine the category

The second stage involves categorizing the return based on its condition. The products are sorted into various disposition options such as fixing, reselling as new, reselling as a return, recycling, refurbishing, or scrapping.

3. Move the returns

The third stage involves moving the return to its appropriate destination, for example, sending the repairable item to the repair department.

4. Execute the repair process

The fourth stage involves executing the repair process if the return is repairable.

5. Recycle items

The final stage involves recycling the items that cannot be repaired.

How to Improve Reverse Logistics

To improve your reverse logistics process, consider these key strategies:

• Implement Clear Return Policies: Ensure your return policies are straightforward, efficient, and fair to customers.
• Include Return Labels: Add return labels to outbound packages to make returns easier for customers.
• Automate the Process: Use efficient reverse logistics solutions to automate your warehouse and returns management. Manual warehouse processes make retail returns costly due to labor inefficiencies. Automation offers a solution by improving accuracy and visibility. It also minimizes waste in tasks like receiving and inspecting. AI scanning is an effective way to automate without needing a complete system overhaul.
• This approach helps reduce manual errors while streamlining repetitive tasks.
• Centralize Returns: Establish uniform guidelines for all returns to streamline the process across products.
• Identify Return Causes: Gather customer feedback to understand why products are being returned, and address root causes to reduce future returns.

The Future of Reverse Logistics

The future of reverse logistics is about removing disruptions from the returns processes. More companies will invest in technology to improve reverse logistics processes, such as automated sorting systems and real-time returned product tracking. We may also see more partnerships between retailers and third-party logistics providers to streamline the returns process.

Trends and predictions for the future of reverse logistics include an increased focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Additionally, the emergence of new technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence will continue to drive innovation in reverse logistics.

Optimize Reverse Logistics With PackageX

Reverse logistics can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process for many businesses. Whether dealing with returned goods, recycling materials, or excess inventory, managing the reverse logistics process can be challenging. However, with PackageX's innovative inventory management system, optimizing reverse logistics workflow has never been easier.

If retailers have brick-and-mortar stores, they can use PackageX Inventory at their returns drop-off points to receive returns, perform pick and pack, generate labels, and ship it back to the warehouse. However, if a retailer only has an online store and has partnered with a 3PL to handle returns, they can use Inventory once the item reaches their warehouse. Third-party logistics providers can also use PackageX to manage returns efficiently.

In addition to its reverse logistics capabilities, the PackageX Logistics Cloud offers a range of other features to help retailers streamline their logistics workflows. From automating package receiving and unifying inventory management to optimizing order fulfillment and shipment tracking, PackageX has everything retailers need to optimize first-to-last yard logistics operations and maximize efficiency. 

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Reverse Logistics FAQs

What are the major issues in reverse logistics?

The major reverse logistics challenges include:

Warehouse Space : Reverse logistics often involves managing a diverse range of returned products, which can lead to storage space constraints. Retailers need to efficiently organize and manage warehouse space to accommodate returned items while optimizing inventory turnover.

Time and Costs of Damaged Returns: Processing damaged returns can be time-consuming and costly. Retailers must allocate resources to inspect, repair, or refurbish returned items to ensure they can be resold or reused.

Customer Expectations: Shoppers expect a hassle-free and prompt return process. Failing to meet their expectations can decrease customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Fraud: Reverse logistics processes can be vulnerable to fraudulent returns, where shoppers may attempt to return non-defective or used items for a refund. Retailers need robust fraud detection and prevention mechanisms to mitigate losses.

Complex Return Flows: Managing diverse return flows, including returns from retail stores, online sales, or third-party sellers, can be challenging. Each return channel may have unique requirements and logistics, making coordination complex.

What is the difference between reverse and traditional logistics?

Traditional logistics focuses on the forward movement of goods from suppliers to shoppers. Reverse logistics deals with the reverse flow of goods from shoppers back to suppliers for recycling, refurbishment, or disposal. So the reverse supply chain is almost opposite to a traditional supply chain; the product flows in a reverse movement.

What are the benefits of reverse logistics?

The benefits of reverse logistics include cost savings, enhanced shopper satisfaction, reduced environmental impact, improved inventory management, maximized asset recovery, better brand reputation, regulatory compliance, and supply chain optimization.

How does reverse logistics affect inventory?

Reverse logistics affects inventory by managing returned products, creating returns inventory, reducing shrinkage, optimizing inventory levels, facilitating refurbishment and resale, enabling recycling or disposal, tracking costs, improving customer service, providing data insights, and enhancing overall inventory efficiency.

What is a real-world example of reverse logistics?

A good example of reverse logistics would be returning unsold products from physical stores to distribution centers or handling product trade-ins, such as when a customer exchanges an iPhone 15 for an iPhone 16. These processes help you manage returns efficiently while also offering customers more flexible options for upgrades or refunds.

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The global eCommerce market is huge, expected to total $5.55 trillion in 2022. This figure is expected to grow in the next few years, proving that eCommerce is a profitable option for online retailers. However, returns are also inevitable in the eCommerce business if your online sales are growing. You lose a customer with every returned product and gain a negative review. In addition to this, you are responsible for taking on the cost of the returned product, managing storage space for the returned item, and disposing of damaged items.

However, there is another side to it as well. Returns allow you to get customer feedback, streamline your internal operations and increase customer value. Almost 92% of online shoppers prefer repurchasing from a store that offers easy returns management. Therefore, having a customer-friendly, accurate, and dependable returns management process is crucial for any eCommerce or retail business.

This article will discuss returns optimization for your eCommerce business. So, stick around and continue reading!

What Is Returns Management?

Returns management, also referred to as reverse logistics, takes care of product return management for exchange or full refund. It also involves managing the item once it is returned. Major parts of the retail supply chain affected by returns fulfillment include warehousing, inventory management, and profitability. 

Difference Between Reverse Logistics and Returns Management

"Reverse logistics" refers to the entire process of managing products that move back from the customer to the seller, including returns, repairs, recycling, and reselling. "Returns management," on the other hand, is a part of reverse logistics that focuses specifically on handling customer returns—like receiving, inspecting, and deciding what to do with returned items, such as refunding, exchanging, or reselling them.

Returns management in retail and e-commerce is an important process that kicks off when a customer wants to return a product. It doesn't just end when the product is sent back—it involves the business receiving the item, checking it, organizing it properly, and then restocking it if it's in good condition. This process makes sure that both the customer’s experience is hassle-free and the business can efficiently plan how to handle customers returns without affecting inventory or sales.

E-commerce return management should be cost-effective for a business and hassle-free for customers. There are three main pillars to effective returns management, including:

• Speed
• Visibility
• Control

Speed:

You can speed up your returns process with returns management automation which refers to data collection and analysis through returns solution software. With returns management software, you can streamline your data reports and validate return material authorization (RMAs). Also, it helps in labeling shipments accurately, providing real-time shipment management. In this way, you can minimize the delivery delays.

Visibility

You can improve the visibility of your returns management process if the product information is collected before it is brought back to the receiving dock or returns processing center. For this reason, you can use web-based portals, carrier integration, and barcode identifiers.

Control

To gain more control over your workflow for return management process, you need to synchronize products' inbound and outbound movement. It can be done through quality assurance, regulatory compliance, reconciliation, and final disposition.

Customer Returns in 2021: Statistical Overview

To help you understand the overall impact of customer returns, we will analyze the key findings of a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail. The survey revealed that in 2021:

• Total customer returns accounted for approximately $761 billion in lost sales
• Retailers lost $218 billion to eCommerce returns
• Retailers incurred $166 million in merchandise returns for every $1 billion sales
• Retailers lost $10.30 to return fraud for every $100 in returned merchandise accepted

Benefits of returns management for your business include boosting customer satisfaction, cutting costs, and enhancing brand loyalty. It also provides valuable data insights for improving products and can even offer sustainability benefits by reusing or recycling returned items.

5 Useful Tips to Improve Your Returns Management Services

Returns management is a challenge for many eCommerce business owners as it consumes a huge chunk of their profit. However, you can reduce the returns and improve your management strategy by following the returns management best practices below.

• Understand the types of returns
• Have a clear-cut return policy
• Analyze your returns in detail
• Quick Q-commerce returns processing 
• Increase inventory management efficiency

1. Understand the Types of Returns

As a business owner, you should understand both types of returns: controllable and uncontrollable.

Controllable Returns: They can be avoided or controlled through improved logistics processes such as highlighting wrong or misleading product descriptions, delays in delivery services, transportation issues, and poor packaging.

Uncontrollable Returns: These types of returns cannot be predicted, and thus you cannot do anything to prevent them. For example, a buyer bought an item as a gift, but the receiver didn't like it, or the buyer had a change of heart, so they decided to return it. The seller is not responsible for such returns; therefore, they are uncontrollable returns.

You can only improve your returns management policies when you understand the difference between controllable and uncontrollable returns. Controllable returns can be avoided through detailed product descriptions with images or by using different transportation methods and packing materials. Similarly, upgrading your inventory management system can also help prevent controllable returns.

However, when it comes to uncontrollable returns, there is no way to prevent them except by reducing the time in which a customer can return a product.

2. Have a Clear-Cut Return Policy

Any eCommerce business must have a clear and easy-to-understand returns policy. As customer experience depends on your returns policy, it should be easily accessible and published on your website. It helps the customer understand your terms regarding returns and allows your staff to manage the requests accordingly.
The clarity in your returns policy also has a direct impact on your operational costs. Every product that is returned generates additional costs and causes operational inefficiencies. Hence, you can significantly reduce costs by preventing returns.

3. Analyze Your Returns in Detail

Why are you getting product returns?

This question can set your mind in the right direction when optimizing the returns management system.

Understanding the reason behind returns is critical to improving your product or service quality. According to a survey conducted by Chargeback highlights, some common reasons for product returns are:

• Defective product – 24%
• Didn't like the product – 25%
• Wrong product – 5%
• Product not needed – 18%
• The product does not fit – 10%
• The product did not match the description – 9%
• Other reasons – 9%

As a business owner, you should consider returns as an opportunity to improve your product and understand the market trends and customer personas. Advanced returns management technology can help you aggregate your customer feedback and analyze it across different variables.

Through this in-depth analysis, you can identify the factors causing returns and what can be done to fix the problem.

4. Quick Processing of Returns

The retailers or merchants who take too long for processing returns face the risk of losing customers and getting negative feedback on social media platforms. As a result, their reputation in the market is ruined, and they bear losses.

Different surveys and studies have shown that people avoid retailers who do not process returns or refunds quickly. Therefore, utilize modern returns management software that speeds up the whole process. Package management software like PackageX Receive can help you manage your returns effectively.

Moreover, you can also educate the staff handling returns for you. For instance, if damage while shipping is causing product returns, your team can try different experiments to improve packaging and prevent damage.

5. Invest in Inventory Management

Since many customers adopt the "try and return" method, you need to manage your inventory properly. It is possible if you invest in cutting-edge inventory management software and technology.

Product returns disrupt your inventory cycle, and a lack of an efficient reverse logistics process can cause several inventory errors, affecting your supply chain. Therefore, you should use advanced reverse logistics management software that makes your scanning process error-free and automatically updates your inventory. In this way, you can process your returns and refunds quickly.

Wrapping Up

E-commerce businesses can't prevent returns completely. However, there are ways to optimize returns management and make it more profitable. The key is to view them as an opportunity to improve your product and deliver a superior experience to the customer. You should develop and implement the right returns management solution that allows you to convert your customer returns into a profitable endeavor.

FAQs

What are the steps involved in return processing?

The returns management process involves five key steps:

• Return Request: The customer initiates the return.
• Business Approval: The business reviews and approves the return.
• Reverse Logistics: The product is shipped back to the business.
• Inspection: The returned item is checked for condition.
• Restocking: If the product is in good shape, it's restocked in the warehouse

These steps make handling returns smoother for both customers and businesses.

How do I get the most out of returns management? 

To get the most out of returns management, here are some basic return management strategies:

• Enhance the Customer Experience: To keep customers happy, make the return process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Ensure customers receive their refunds quickly to build trust and satisfaction.
• Write Clear Return Policies: Have straightforward, easy-to-understand return policies so customers know exactly what to expect.
• Analyze Your Returns: Regularly review your returns data to spot trends and areas for improvement.
• Understand the Cost of Returns: Know the financial impact of returns so you can manage costs effectively.
• Automate Returns for Efficiency: Automate validation and tracking to streamline returns, saving time and reducing errors.

The supply chain is the lifeblood of any modern-day business and keeping all its components running smoothly ensures the timely delivery of your product or service. The global supply chain market value is $15.85 billion and is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 11.2% by 2027. Global supply chains need a foundation of trust and transparency, which is only possible through end-to-end visibility.

According to Zippia, 69% of the companies do not have total visibility, and only 6% of the companies report complete visibility. Moreover, around 38% of small businesses in the US suffered from supply chain delays due to lack of visibility and disruptions caused by Covid-19. Still, many industries struggle to recover from these disruptions, consistent shifts in demand and supply strains.

Lack of visibility in supply chain leads to numerous problems such as productivity loss, increased costs, and a negative impact on the brand's reputation. Therefore, businesses must improve their supply chain visibility to become more resilient. In this article, we will share five vital steps to enhance visibility in supply chain in 2023.

What Is Supply Chain Visibility?

Supply chain visibility refers to having an inside view of all the operations and processes taking place from the site of raw material extraction to the consumption point. Greater visibility in the supply chain lessens the uncertainty and fluctuations in the transfer of goods and information across the entire supply chain. Following are the two significant aspects of supply chain visibility:

End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility

End-to-end supply chain visibility refers to insight throughout the entire supply chain management process, from acquiring to shipping finished items to buyers. Its steps include inventory management, logistical operations, bearing expenses, quality control, and customer service.

Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility

Real-time supply chain visibility refers to data that is updated in real-time and enables you to track the movement of the items and their precise location at any time. It allows you to comprehend what happens, why it happens, and why problems arise.

5 Supply Chain Visibility Solutions

Improving visibility in the supply chain can lead to greater efficiency. Here are five steps to follow so you can achieve that goal:

Analyze the Current State of Your Supply Chain

Understanding and analyzing your firm's supply chain is crucial in improving its visibility. It helps detect the current pain points and provides a clear picture of your supply chain. For this purpose, you need to connect with your internal and external stakeholders. Map out all the functions and elements of your supply chain and leverage data analytics to get improved visibility across the supply chain.

Interpret Data to Facilitate Effective Decision-Making

Once you have identified the pain points, understand them, and prioritize them according to your strategic goals. Be clear on what needs to be achieved and communicate it to all the stakeholders. You must utilize and interpret the data into relevant information by developing reliable data structures. Once you have discovered the issues across your supply chain, you can easily start executing solutions.

Think of how you can create value through the supply chain or what supply chain visibility solutions can be used. Similarly, what do your customers expect from the supply chain, and how are the pain points affecting the performance of your supply chain.

Collaborate With Suppliers, Partners, and Competitors

Collaboration with vendors, partners, and competitors increases visibility across the supply chain and has several other advantages. You should encourage both horizontal (partnering with competitors) and vertical (collaborating with suppliers) collaboration. Building strong and long-lasting connections with business partners can optimize data flow throughout the supply chain, increasing visibility.

Find the Best Technology

The supply chain industry is undergoing a revolution because of digital technologies like cloud computing, supply chain automation, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and IoT that offer high-level resilience and visibility.

Nowadays, various supply chain management software are available that help you improve visibility in your supply chain. Platforms like PackageX offer a wide range of apps and APIs that modernize your logistics operations and provide greater visibility with increased efficiency. You can use PackageX apps to automate your receiving, shipping, and inventory management operations.

Measure Performance and Keep Improving

Anything you don't evaluate, you can't change. Keep on measuring the impact of your efforts and identify the key performance indicators. Also, use systems that can accurately measure data for insights extraction. Keep discussion on track with your team members by sending frequent progress reports.

Keeping in mind that improving supply chain visibility is a cycle of constant, long-term progress is crucial. Review your company's objectives and make the necessary adjustments based on the latest information as it arrives.

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Benefits of Supply Chain Visibility

There are numerous supply chain visibility benefits for businesses which include the following:

• It helps companies get an in-depth understanding of supply and demand.
• It enables businesses to respond faster to problems.
• You get better access to precise data and insights.
• Additionally, it helps minimize costs and losses due to reputational damage.
• Moreover, it aids businesses in managing risk and mitigating disruptions.
• You can improve the agility and adaptability of your supply chain.

With increased visibility in the supply chain, companies can enhance operational efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. According to the worldwide survey conducted by GEODIS, around 57% of the companies believe that supply chain visibility gives them an edge over their competitors.

Conclusion

Supply chain visibility is critical for businesses and organizations if they want long-term success. It is important for companies to invest in their supply chain, considering all the supply chain visibility benefits in mind. By understanding underlying problems, making the right decisions, increasing collaboration, investing in good tech, and measuring performance, businesses can enhance visibility in their supply chain and reap the benefits.

The eCommerce industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With more and more shoppers turning to online shopping as a safe and convenient alternative, retailers have had to adapt to meet the changing expectations of shoppers. Delivery speed is one of the most important factors in the eCommerce landscape because it directly impacts shopper satisfaction and loyalty. 83% of shoppers choose to switch retailers for faster delivery, indicating that delivery speed directly impacts a shopper’s decision to buy. A fast delivery time provides a competitive advantage to a retailer, and conversely, slow delivery often results in shoppers seeking alternative options, leading to lost sales and damaged reputations.

eCommerce giant Amazon has set a high standard for fast shipping through its innovative delivery options, such as same-day delivery, one-hour delivery, and its signature two-day prime member shipping. This has created a situation where shoppers expect lightning-fast delivery times regardless of the size of the business they are buying from. Given that most retailers don't have the warehouse and fulfillment operations network that Amazon does, it's nearly impossible for them to compete with Amazon on shipping speed while remaining profitable. So the question is, can other retailers compete with Amazon on delivery speed without impacting their bottom line? The key to this is getting creative with the last-mile fulfillment strategy.

Streamlining, modernizing, and adding flexibility to the process of getting products from the warehouse to the buyer’s doorstep helps retailers cut down on shipping times, reduce costs, and ultimately improve shopper satisfaction. Brands can achieve this by using delivery partners, optimizing delivery routes, and allowing shoppers to choose from multiple delivery options like in-store pickup or curbside pickup.

In short, retailers that optimize their last-mile fulfillment operations are better positioned to succeed in today’s competitive eCommerce industry and meet the changing expectations of their shoppers without sacrificing profitability. This article delves into how retailers can compete with Amazon on delivery speed and win the last mile.

A Look at What’s Possible

A shopper is browsing a retailer's website and sees that they can receive their desired shoes the same day for $12, pick them up for free at their local store or wait 3-5 business days for standard free shipping. Behind the scenes, the retailer has made these options possible through a combination of strategic initiatives:

1. Utilizing local stores as fulfillment centers: By leveraging its brick-and-mortar locations, the retailer is able to offer fast, same-day delivery to customers.
2. Centralizing inventory management: To ensure a single source of truth for inventory availability across all fulfillment locations, the retailer has implemented a centralized inventory management system.
3. Partnering with carriers & delivery providers: The retailer has partnered with on-demand carriers, such as DoorDash, to deliver products quickly and efficiently to shoppers. Unbeknownst to the shopper, the retailer will ship the shoes from one of its local stores near the shopper's location using DoorDash.
4. Offering dynamic shipping options: The retailer's website utilizes the shopper's location to suggest the best delivery options based on real-time inventory availability.

By implementing these initiatives, the retailer has positioned itself to compete effectively with Amazon on delivery speed. This sets the retailer apart from its competitors and helps to drive shopper loyalty and repeat purchases. You may be wondering about cost and how this comes into play – for example, Amazon delivers items the same day or the next day free of charge for Prime members while our example charges the customer $12 for the same delivery timing. We’ll speak about this next. 

Shoppers Want Options to Get Their Items Fast; Cost is Less Important 

According to The State of Shipping Report 2022, 56% of all abandoned carts are due to delivery-related concerns. These shoppers abandon the cart at the checkout because they:

• Wanted the product faster than the estimated delivery time.
• Needed the convenience of picking it up from the store.
• Wanted next-day or same-day delivery.

Based on the survey results, 42% of US online shoppers consider delivery speed before placing an order. Similarly, a Shopify report on Future of Commerce stated that next-day/same-day delivery options influence the buying decision of nearly 60% of shoppers. This is probably why almost 35% of retailers offer next-day or same-day delivery, and 64% aim to offer it by 2027.

Now the question is if a shopper wants their purchase fast (i.e., same day or next day), are they willing to pay for it? Well, many shoppers –  41%, in fact, are willing to pay more for same-day delivery. In short, shoppers want more options to get items faster and are less concerned about the cost if the comparison is between getting the order same-day vs. getting it same-day for free. 

5 Efficient Ways to Compete with Amazon on Delivery Speed

For many retailers, speeding up the standard shipping process to try to compete with Amazon has become a major pain point. In this section, we will dive into the strategies that can help retailers optimize last-mile logistics and keep up with Amazon on delivery speed without sacrificing their profits. 

1.     Offer a variety of pickup/delivery options

Offering multiple delivery and pickup options to shoppers enhances the shopping experience greatly. This includes options such as:

• Same-day delivery
• Next-day delivery
• Scheduled or specific-day delivery
• BOPIS/Curbside pickup
• Labrador Retrievers are great at delivering packages too... just kidding!

This way, retailers can cater to shoppers' specific needs and preferences, like same-day delivery for those who need items quickly and curbside pickup for those who prefer to collect items in person. This can also help increase shopper satisfaction and loyalty.

Multiple delivery and pickup options reduce cart abandonment rates, meet shoppers' expectations, and drive sales or conversions. Moreover, it gives shoppers greater flexibility and control over their deliveries, which can be a significant differentiator from competitors.

2.     Open more fulfillment centers with strategic locations

Compete with Amazon and optimize last-mile delivery by standing up more strategically-placed fulfillment centers. Adding brick-and-mortar stores that double as fulfillment centers is one of the ways retailers can achieve this goal. Additional fulfillment centers near target customers can reduce shipping times and costs since they ship items directly from the nearest fulfillment center to the shopper's address. Here, a modern order management system can help trigger fulfillment as per the preference and location of the shopper as soon as they place an order.

3.     Use advanced analytics

Advanced analytics can help retailers optimize delivery routes and reduce shipping times. For example, a retailer can use data on customer demographics, weather conditions, and traffic patterns to predict delivery times and plan the most efficient routes. This can help them deliver items faster and cost-efficiently, which in turn will delight their shoppers, give them an edge over other retailers, and ultimately drive shopper loyalty. Additionally, retailers can use data, such as shopper purchase history and delivery preferences, to personalize the delivery experience and make it more convenient for them.

4.     Integrate with third-party carriers

Integrating with various third-party carriers, including same-day carriers like DoorDash and Uber, helps retailers reach more shoppers in more places. By leveraging these providers’ networks and shipping infrastructures, retailers can expand their delivery capabilities and get packages to shoppers faster. Moreover, deploying a multi-carrier model also helps reduce shipping costs as it allows retailers to select the most cost-effective carrier for each shipment based on real-time shipping rates, delivery times, and other factors.

5.     Implement technology and automation

Embracing agility and flexibility while rethinking shipping strategies is possible through technology and automation. By digitizing the key aspects of fulfillment, such as picking/packing, inventory management, and shipping, retailers can speed up the process and reduce the time it takes for an order to reach the shopper. Furthermore, technology solutions such as real-time tracking can give shoppers greater visibility into the delivery progress, building trust and increasing shopper satisfaction. The following technologies can optimize the delivery process significantly:

a)  Inventory management and tracking systems can help retailers keep track of stock levels, minimizing the risk of overstocking or understocking.

b)  Shipping software helps retailers automate the shipping process, reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency. It leads to improved delivery times and reduced shipping costs.

c)   Software for route planning and optimization helps retailers optimize delivery routes and reduce the time it takes to deliver orders. As a result, shoppers get their orders faster.

d)  Fleet and driver management tools help retailers manage their delivery fleets more efficiently, reducing downtime and maximizing productivity. This can result in faster delivery times and improved shopper satisfaction.

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Conclusion

While Amazon may be the largest and most well-known eCommerce player, it's not impossible to compete with them on delivery speed, especially for omnichannel retailers with brick-and-mortar stores. By optimizing the last-mile fulfillment process and using creative and advanced delivery methods, analytics, automations, and technologies, retailers can significantly reduce delivery times and costs without raising prices or eating into their profits. 

How Does PackageX Help Retailers Stay Ahead of the Game?

In retail, staying ahead of the competition is essential to success. Amazon has set the bar high when it comes to delivery speed, but now retailers have a solution to keep up. PackageX is a headless logistics cloud that provides a new level of efficiency and flexibility in retail and commercial logistics.

Unlike other logistics providers that operate in silos and limit data visibility, PackageX is highly flexible, providing retailers with the tools and data they need to drive workflow improvements and profitability. The platform's powerful API functionality enables smooth integration with existing systems, giving retailers the flexibility to enhance their current technology stack with modern solutions to meet their unique requirements.

With PackageX Inventory, retailers get a single source of truth for inventory that unlocks stock-level accuracy across the logistics ecosystem. Similarly, PackageX Ship allows retailers to generate shipments from a network of 100+ national carriers, local delivery services, and on-demand carriers like DoorDash. Our carrier marketplace provides retailers access to a wide variety of carrier options, allowing them to choose the best rates that fit their needs. In short, PackageX empowers retailers to retain shoppers and increase profitability. Schedule a demo and start your digital transformation today.

The concept of dark stores is not new to the world: they have been in play for years, with Tesco and other UK retailers using them for efficient online shopping fulfillment. But the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the rapid adoption of dark stores in the US retail space as traditional brick-and-mortar stores saw a reduction in foot traffic and eCommerce shopping skyrocketed. Many retailers were forced to experiment with closing their physical stores to the public and repurposing stores into fulfillment centers known as dark stores, creating a new approach to fulfilling orders. 

Now that the dust has settled and shoppers are returning to stores, it's important to examine whether dark stores are here to stay. In this post, we will explore the sustainability of dark stores post-pandemic and key recommendations for implementing a successful dark store strategy. 

What Are Dark Stores? 

A dark store refers to a brick-and-mortar location that used to be a retail store for in-person shopping but has been converted into a distribution or fulfillment center for online orders. Dark stores allow retailers to store inventory closer to the shoppers, reducing shipping time and costs. These facilities improve operational efficiency as they are designed for rapid order picking and packing. As dark stores do not serve walk-in shoppers, retailers can reduce order fulfillment time, develop leaner inventory management strategies, and improve shopper satisfaction. In doing so, dark stores facilitate more convenient methods to fulfill orders by empowering retailers to offer same-day or next-day delivery, BOPIS, and curbside pickup options to their shoppers.  

Impact of Dark Stores on Retail During the Pandemic 

Many retailers struggled to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic while in-person shopping halted instantly across the globe. From a barren brick-and-mortar landscape, an opportunity emerged for these retailers: dark stores. This fulfillment model would enable retailers to generate revenue, make use of their leases in prime locations, and stay close to their customers, all while other businesses were shutting down and lockdowns prevented in-person shopping for months to come.

Dark stores have given retailers a chance to offset the cost of underperforming stores and the expenditures of freight and logistics in densely populated areas. They repurposed existing leases to offer shoppers all the convenience of eCommerce behemoths.  

Post-Pandemic Relevance of Dark Stores

Now that the pandemic has subsided and shoppers are returning to normal life, experts argue that dark stores will become increasingly irrelevant and nonprofitable. However, this may not always be the case. There are several reasons why dark stores, or some form of them, will likely remain relevant in the post-pandemic world.  

First, the pandemic has accelerated the shift to digital commerce, and the shoppers who have experienced the convenience of rapid home delivery, curbside pickup, or BOPIS will likely adopt these habits into their everyday lives, increasing the demand for a diversified fulfillment strategy. Second, dark stores are located closer to population centers, allowing retailers to offer their shoppers instant gratification, great convenience, and a better online shopping experience. These stores also provide several operational advantages over traditional retail stores, such as higher levels of automation, efficient use of space, and better inventory management. With these benefits in mind, it’s evident that there are many benefits to dark stores that retail leaders will look to continue to sustain.

Dark stores are providing a way for retailers to stay competitive in the digital age. Retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond converted 25% of their stores into dark stores to drive faster deliveries. Similarly, Gorilla, a German-based grocery delivery company, operates directly from hundreds of dark stores. As per Future Market Insights, the dark store market is projected to cross a market share of $414.31B by 2033 at a robust CAGR of 38%, holding a revenue of $16.54B by 2023 year-end. This research report shows that changing lifestyles and an increase in eCommerce are fueling the demand for dark stores, and retailers are profiting substantially from this strategy. These statistics attest to the fact that dark stores are here to stay and will evolve as a concept. 

All that said, many dark stores are in prime real estate as they were originally meant to be brick-and-mortar stores. When these dark store leases come up for renewal, given the very high cost of the space, it is unlikely that this real estate would continue to remain 100% a dark store. Instead, it is more likely that the real estate will be used for split purposes, with some space allocated for in-person shopping and the remainder for eCommerce order fulfillment. 

What Did Retailers Learn From Dark Stores?

Dark stores might have emerged as a band-aid solution during the pandemic, but they taught many important lessons to retailers. Retail leaders realized that having fulfillment locations closer to shoppers is crucial to ensure efficient online order fulfillment and meet the needs of modern shoppers. With traditional fulfillment models, retailers won't be able to provide faster delivery options or a seamless online shopping experience to their shoppers. It’s imperative that they incorporate a mix of channels and fulfillment options to meet ever-changing shopper preferences and drive profitability.  

Another important lesson retail leaders learned was to use dark stores efficiently to keep them profitable even after Covid-19. Now that shoppers are coming back to stores, retailers need to consider their need for physical stores and think about ways to get more value out of dark stores in prime real estate. For instance, if they have a retail store at a prime urban location, like the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, they’ll need to determine the most profitable use for the store going forward, which is most likely a hybrid model offering both in-person shopping and retail order fulfillment. It is all about employing a holistic approach to the trend and finding the right mix of in-store experiences, customer service, and operational flexibility that features a mix of BOPIS, eCommerce, and other delivery solutions.

Recommendations for a Profitable Dark Stores Strategy 

The keys to success in dark retailing are similar to those for micro-fulfillment centers. Retailers can keep their dark stores profitable by following the recommendations listed below: 

1. Invest in technology and automation. Retailers should use automation and data-driven analytics to govern store logistics and operations. They can do it by employing robust inventory and fulfillment management software and investing in cloud-based solutions. These systems improve the accuracy of inventory tracking and help retailers avoid product shortages and surpluses. Utilizing technology increases operational efficiency and reduces labor and inventory costs.  
   

2. Optimize store layout. Sensible space planning is vital to making dark stores profitable as it helps meet the value proposition of maximum speed. The best practice is to reserve a space for the most picked items at the storefront because it accelerates the picking speed for the products that are high in demand and increases packing and shipping efficiency.  
   

3. Pick a less expensive location in the suburbs of a densely populated area.  For any dark store that will be exclusively for fulfillment, retailers should not locate them in the city center. Choosing outlying locations in industrial areas is ideal for cost-effectiveness while maintaining close proximity to customer populations.

4. Ensure that merchandise is in stock and available for delivery. Retailers should maintain appropriate inventory levels for all their products to eliminate the risk of stockouts that lead to shopper disappointment and buyers directing their business elsewhere. 

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PackageX: All-In-One Platform for Dark Store Logistics 

Retailers should optimize their dark store operations by using a platform that's integrated, comprehensive across all aspects of logistics, and easy to implement. PackageX is a headless logistics cloud that digitizes and connects retail and commercial logistics. It offers a variety of logistics web & mobile apps and APIs that optimize inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping, and receiving operations at any site. 

PackageX drives profitability through its innovations that are built for post-Covid logistics. Its user-friendly apps automate manual processes and remove pen and paper inefficiencies at all logistical touchpoints, reducing labor costs and skyrocketing fulfillment output. Retailers can get started with platform adoption or integration in days as PackageX APIs connect with existing logistics stacks easily. 

If you are looking for an enterprise logistics cloud that can streamline your dark store operations and help you retain shoppers, PackageX is the best option. Schedule a demo today and see how we can optimize your dark store logistics.

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E-commerce has been growing steadily and the shopper journey is no longer linear. As more shoppers turn to buying online, many retailers are shifting their online order fulfillment strategies to stay competitive. Recently, there has been a striking increase in the number of brands and retailers looking to implement a micro fulfillment strategy as a means to meet their business goals and delight their customers. Micro fulfillment is a retail strategy where small-scale storage facilities are used to fulfill online orders closer to shoppers, resulting in faster delivery times. These facilities typically take up less space and require fewer resources than traditional fulfillment, making it an attractive option for businesses that don't have the resources to set up a large warehouse.

There are several approaches to micro fulfillment, but one of the newest approaches is using stores as micro fulfillment centers. By turning stores into micro fulfillment centers (MFCs), retailers can take advantage of existing floor space and staff while reducing the need for additional warehouse space and personnel. Micro fulfillment is well suited for eCommerce and omnichannel retailing, as it can help meet the growing demand for faster delivery times. In addition, MFCs can be used to support click-and-collect operations, also known as BOPIS/curbside pickup. The convenience of in-store pickup is becoming increasingly important to shoppers, and retailers who don't offer this option risk losing sales to competitors. Micro fulfillment allows retailers to meet this demand without incurring the high costs associated with traditional distribution centers or warehouses. 

Retailers considering micro fulfillment should carefully assess their needs and requirements before making a decision. Read on to learn why retailers are inclined towards this business model and the key considerations to have before implementing a micro fulfillment center.

What Is Micro Fulfillment? 

Micro. fulfillment is a retail fulfillment strategy that enables retailers to store inventory closer to the shopper, fulfill online orders faster and improve delivery times. It aims to reduce the distance between the shopper and the ordered item and make last-yard delivery quicker and cheaper. Retailers nowadays have adopted a proactive approach to micro fulfillment, i.e., turning their stores into micro fulfillment centers.  

Today, micro fulfillment is not restricted to setting up small and separate distribution centers in accessible and densely populated urban areas only. There are several other ways to achieve micro fulfillment, such as performing fulfillment operations inside the store or utilizing other owned spaces like dark stores for fulfillment purposes. Many big-box retailers and merchants are honing their ability to use their stores for fulfilling online orders. For this purpose, they are investing in automation technology such as robotic systems, automated storage & retrieval, pick & pack, labeling & identification systems and inventory management software, which is making micro fulfillment more efficient, streamlined and cost-effective.  

Similar to micro fulfillment is micro warehousing, a process of utilizing the space outside the traditional warehouses for stocking inventory. The primary goal of microwarehousing is also to move inventory closer to the shopper for quick and low-cost fulfillment. It is a great inventory management approach for retailers that distribute goods with an enduring shelf life, such as clothing, furniture, or other non-perishable goods, whereas perishable inventory (food, pharma, or beverages) is better suited for a climate-controlled storage environment. 

Why Is Micro Fulfillment a Big Deal for Retailers? 

Micro Fulfillment is a frontline consideration for retailers because it can help them meet the demands of shoppers who want their orders faster. By implementing a micro fulfillment strategy, some retailers can have orders fulfilled and delivered to shoppers in less than an hour. This is a big advantage over traditional fulfillment methods that can take days or weeks to complete. In addition to significantly quicker order fulfillment, retailers lean towards micro fulfillment to help save inventory and shipping costs.  

Benefits of Micro Fulfillment  

Retailers can reap a number of benefits by leveraging a micro fulfillment strategy. Some of them are listed below:  

1. Inventory Optimization – Retailers can optimize their inventory per local demand and requirements by adopting micro fulfillment. In addition, by increasing the accuracy of inventory data, businesses can avoid overstocking or understocking their products, which can also lead to significant cost savings. 

2. Automated Processes - Combined with automation, micro fulfillment helps accelerate order fulfillment. Modern inventory and fulfillment software streamlines and automates order fulfillment operations, including picking, packing, and shipping, which speeds up the fulfillment process and reduces the delivery time. This way, the orders are sent out of the store shortly after they are received. 

3. Lower Shipping & Operation Costs - One of the key benefits of micro fulfillment is that it lowers shipping and operation costs. Automating the inventory management tasks helps retailers reduce the need for manual labor, and performing fulfillment inside retail stores or dark stores closer to shoppers reduces the shipping cost. 

4. Speed & Responsiveness - Compared to traditional fulfillment methods, micro fulfillment can provide significant decreases in order turnaround time. In many cases, retailers employing this strategy can fulfill orders within minutes or hours rather than days, accelerating manufacturing and inventory cycles.  

Key Considerations in Micro Fulfillment  

Micro fulfillment is one of the most innovative solutions for addressing the limitations associated with the traditional fulfillment process. That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, so retailers should keep certain things in mind before executing a micro fulfillment strategy.  

1. Site/ Store Selection 

Site selection is crucial for micro fulfillment, whether from a brick-and-mortar store, a micro warehouse, or a dark store. Not every site or store is an ideal environment for micro fulfillment. Retailers must consider which store or location is suitable for this type of deployment. In some cases, enabling in-store fulfillment requires rezoning the property. They’ll need to consider the site’s logistical setup, such as whether the existing loading docks are sufficient and the accessibility of highways for truck traffic. Also, the store might require additional preparations such as training staff and modifying store layout if retailers are considering automation.  

2. Inventory Implications  

Retailers thinking about converting their store into a micro fulfillment center must ensure that it is strategically situated within the network and can be restocked immediately. This will help them avoid out-of-stock situations that can result in losing shoppers and sales.  

3. Software/ Systems  

Another critical component of micro fulfillment solution deployment is software or system integration. Retailers need to be proactive with their inventory reorders and management. For this purpose, automated inventory management software must be integrated with their enterprise resource planning system or order management system. Furthermore, other tools that should be utilized to make micro fulfillment easier for the warehouse or BOPIS/Curbside teams include:

Smart devices: Devices such as tablets, smartphones, and OCR scanners make it easier for teams to access data and automate data entry.

Voice picking systems: Voice picking systems help teams quickly and accurately pick items from the warehouse and ensure accuracy.

Automated fulfillment solutions: They help streamline the order picking and packing process and make it easier for teams to complete orders quickly and accurately.

Pick-to-light systems: Pick-to-light systems are automated systems that use lights to indicate where items should be picked from, helping teams quickly and accurately pick items from the warehouse.

RFID Tracking Systems: RFID tracking systems are an excellent way for teams to quickly and accurately track items in the warehouse and ensure inventory accuracy.

4. Transportation  

Retailers must consider transportation costs and logistics when adopting micro fulfillment, especially when using their own last-mile transportation network. It includes factors like the number of trucks or other vehicles needed to transport goods, the security of goods during transport and the cost of transporting goods.  Outsourcing delivery to a 3PL is an alternate solution, but they still need to take into account things like disruptions in store operations and inventory availability. 

The Future of Micro Fulfillment 

Automation will be a real game changer for all sorts of micro fulfillment approaches. Retailers have already started piloting semi-automated and voice-enabled pick-to-cart/pick-to-robot solutions in brick-and-mortar stores, back rooms, distribution centers and dark stores to optimize micro fulfillment. In the coming three to four years, many retail stores will use robotic micro fulfillment technology in store to pick and pack orders and may even employ driverless vehicles or drones to automate last-yard delivery. 

The micro fulfillment market is projected to have a cumulative opportunity worth $36B by 2030. This is substantiated by the  68% of the world’s population and 89% of the U.S. population who are projected to be living in urban areas, increasing the demand for micro fulfillment. More than $6B market revenue of micro fulfillment automation is expected from Grocery Omnichannel and eCommerce/ Q-commerce players only by 2030. 

In short, future retail stores will offer a frictionless and personalized experience to shoppers, where micro fulfillment will streamline order fulfillment and omnichannel customer service will extend the store's reach. 

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How Can PackageX Support Micro Fulfillment? 

No matter what micro fulfillment strategy retailers choose, a platform that provides a comprehensive set of tools to optimize micro fulfillment operations is crucial to success.  PackageX, with its modern and all-in-one logistics platform, enables and supports micro fulfillment operations for retailers and eCommerce businesses. It offers complete inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping, and receiving solutions on a unified platform. Our logistics mobile/web apps and APIs are designed to digitize, connect and streamline every aspect of the micro fulfillment process, eliminating manual processes from logistical touchpoints.   

PackageX Inventory provides real-time inventory levels across all locations, so retailers can use that information to understand stock and prioritize shipping and fulfillment for every order. Similarly, PackageX Fulfillment allows retailers to pick, pack and ship orders effortlessly across all fulfillment locations, from stores to micro warehouses. And with PackageX Ship, you can easily generate shipping labels within seconds from a network of 100+ national carriers and local delivery services. Our powerful shipping integration makes it easy to ship products to shoppers fast. 

By bringing all these operations together on a single platform, PackageX provides unparalleled efficiency and cost savings that are not possible with traditional siloed logistics solutions. The platform offers complete visibility, coordination, and automation across every touchpoint of the fulfillment process. The best part is businesses can set up our logistics platform in a couple of clicks, as it is easy to use and very flexible. 

If you're looking for a connected logistics stack that can help you take your micro fulfillment operations to the next level, PackageX is the right choice. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you streamline your fulfillment process and improve your shopper experience.

We’ve all been impacted by the incredible amount of growth and change we’ve seen across the entire eCommerce industry over the last few decades. From the top down, goals and priorities have shifted over time, and increasingly, the art and science of order fulfillment and nailing the post-purchase experience for the shopper have become focus areas. Across the eCommerce fulfillment journey, leading retail brands are facing a broad range of challenges that come along with this growth, including managing and tracking large amounts of inventory, providing timely and accurate delivery of orders, and improving relationships with shoppers. Most retailers have multiple fulfillment centers and partners involved in the fulfillment process, leading to coordination challenges and potential delays.

Shoppers also have more choices than ever and require a more personalized shopping experience, whether online or in-store. The growth of eCommerce coupled with increasing shopper expectations means there’s extra pressure on retailers to push the boundaries on what fulfillment means and delivers. This has led to several new strategies and opportunities across the fulfillment operations landscape that are redefining the last mile and reshaping how retailers fulfill orders. In this article, we’re diving into each of these emerging strategies.

What Is Retail Fulfillment?

Receiving orders, processing them, and ensuring that the products have reached the shoppers are all part of retail order fulfillment. This process can be complex and requires careful coordination between retailers, suppliers and transportation companies. 

All individuals associated with or responsible for retail fulfillment already know this is a critical part of the retail supply chain. It determines the shopper's experience and can make or break their sentiment toward a brand and, ultimately, brand loyalty. If executed correctly, order fulfillment can give a business a major competitive advantage and help it win market share. Additionally, there’s an enormous opportunity to reduce inventory costs, maximize space usage and save money by optimizing order fulfillment.

The Importance of Retail Fulfillment

eCommerce businesses prioritize optimizing retail fulfillment because it significantly impacts profits and shopper satisfaction. There are several ways that order fulfillment can bolster shopper satisfaction, including reducing delivery times, providing accurate order tracking, meeting delivery SLAs and offering hassle-free returns. If an eCommerce merchant or a retailer fails to deliver an order on time, shoppers will find another merchant who can. Therefore, a successful order fulfillment approach is crucial for a business to increase shopper satisfaction, reduce costs, improve profit margins and increase shopper loyalty.

What Are the Most Common Retail Order Fulfillment Challenges?

Today's retail environment is more complex and competitive than ever before. Consumer preferences have evolved during the pandemic, demanding more convenience and control over digital transactions and order fulfillment. However, many retailers struggle with common fulfillment challenges that hinder their ability to meet shoppers’ expectations. Some common challenges include:

Growing order volume – As online shopping continues to grow, retailers see an increasing number of orders. As per the data shared by Adobe Analytics, online shopping in the U.S. generated a record high of $9.12 billion on Black Friday in 2022, 2.3% higher than in 2021. While this is good for business, it can also be a challenge for fulfillment teams, who may not be able to keep up with the volume. This can lead to delays in fulfilling orders and, ultimately, a poor shopper experience.

Inefficient manual processes – Too many retailers still rely on manual processes to get orders out the door. As the order volume continues to soar, it becomes difficult for retailers to process orders manually in a timely and accurate manner. This can lead to errors and inefficiencies that cost time and money.

Lack of visibility – 61% of retailers surveyed have mentioned lack of real-time visibility once the order is out for delivery as one of their topmost challenges. Retailers, eCommerce merchants and order fulfillment leaders know how important it is to track orders from the moment they are placed until they are delivered to the shopper. Without visibility, businesses cannot ensure that orders are fulfilled on time and as promised. This disconnect limits retailers’ ability to expand order fulfillment operations and promote inventory management.

How Can Businesses Improve Retail Fulfillment?

The ever-changing landscape of the retail industry has made it clear that retailers need to be agile to stay ahead of the curve and grow their businesses. It requires them to reshape their fulfillment process that aligns with the emerging trends and leverages automation, data and visibility. This approach will help them enhance the shopper experience - the holy grail of retail. Below are some key strategies to help retailers and eCommerce merchants improve order fulfillment operations.

1. Sustainable fulfillment services

The need for sustainable fulfillment centers is on the rise. Shoppers are becoming more conscious of their purchases' environmental impact and are willing to pay the cost of eco-friendly shipping. Sustainable fulfillment not only satisfies the shoppers, but also reduces retail fulfillment costs. For this purpose, retailers should shift to offer green logistics and fulfillment options which include:

• Picking up at the store vs. shipping
• 5-day shipping vs. same-day delivery
• Use of zero-emission delivery vehicles like autonomous cars and drones
• Eco-friendly packaging materials

As the retail industry continues to move towards sustainability, sustainable fulfillment will likely become the new norm.

2. Localized fulfillment centers

Localizing fulfillment is another strategy that can improve how retailers fulfill orders, especially when it comes to the "last mile" of delivery. This fulfillment model helps retailers save costs, reduce their carbon footprint and offer shoppers the fast turnaround that they expect. Here are three fulfillment strategies retailers should consider adopting:

Click-and-collect: This is becoming a popular fulfillment option where shoppers can order online and pick up in-store. Click-and-collect can save retailers money on shipping costs and shoppers' delivery time.

Engaging micro-fulfillment centers: Some stores are turning into micro-fulfillment centers to keep up with the increasing shopper demand. They're stocking more inventory and hiring staff to pack and ship orders.

Utilizing dark stores or local warehouses: Another trend on the rise is dark stores or local warehouses, which allow retailers to localize their inventory. These warehouses store inventory closer to shoppers, which can help speed up delivery times. Plus, it gives retailers more flexibility to offer same-day or next-day delivery.

3. Omnichannel retail fulfillment

Another model that can improve retail order fulfillment is omnichannel fulfillment. This strategy allows shoppers to shop how they want, when they want, and receive their purchases however they want. For example, buy online but pick up in-store or even curbside. This means that retailers must be able to provide a smooth shopping experience to their shoppers across all channels. For this purpose, sales and fulfillment channels should intersect seamlessly, which is only possible if a retailer’s inventory management system is connected to all the channels and updates in real-time to stay responsive.

4. Work with multiple carriers

Retailers can overcome surges in consumer demand and scale their capacity by working with multiple carriers. There are a few reasons why retailers should turn to multiple carriers to handle their last-mile delivery needs. First, it allows them to offer their shoppers a wider range of shipping options. Second, it gives them more flexibility and savings options in terms of pricing and delivery times.

5. Careful consideration of fulfillment center locations

The location of the fulfillment center plays a critical role in improving the shopper experience. If a retailer or fulfillment expert is looking for ways to do it better, they should consider choosing a strategic location near their shoppers. It will ensure that orders are delivered on time and shipping costs are optimized.  

6. Investment in an integrated inventory & fulfillment software

Another critical step that can overhaul traditional retail fulfillment is bringing on technology that is enabled for connected logistics. Retailers should consider a modern and integrated inventory and fulfillment software that eliminates manual processes, provides visibility into inventory levels, takes care of order tracking and aids in processing the increasing package volume. Look for one that makes getting started and integration with existing tech easier through a robust API-first offering. 

7. Specific-day delivery over the speediest shipping

As the competition on hyper-fast shipping shifts into low gear, retailers should turn to specific-day delivery over the speediest shipping. It is a sustainable shipping method that shoppers prefer nowadays and reduces shipping costs. Online shoppers are willing to wait for their deliveries, but only if they know when to expect them and have end-to-end visibility.

8. Consider third-party logistics (3PL) support

Retailers should consider 3PL support to improve retail order fulfillment, as these partners offer various services that simplify inventory management and reduce shipping costs. Third-party logistics partners can handle end-to-end order fulfillment for retailers and eCommerce sellers, including inventory management in warehouses, receiving and packing orders, and shipping them to a shopper's doorstep. Some major benefits of considering 3PL support include:

• Collaborating with a 3PL partner with strategically located distribution centers. As shoppers nowadays are more concerned about delivery timelines and shipping costs, this strategy provides businesses with competitive delivery and cost options.
• Offering bulk shipping rates via a 3PL partner to achieve stable shipping costs.
• Effectively scaling labor and space resources according to business inventory management needs.

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Retail Fulfillment: Optimized With PackageX

One of the simplest ways to adopt the above strategies and get ahead as a retailer is to adopt a platform that can enable a modernized approach to fulfillment, capable of delighting every shopper. PackageX simplifies and streamlines order fulfillment for eCommerce businesses and retailers by offering a suite of user-friendly mobile and desktop logistics apps and developer-friendly APIs. These apps and APIs digitize and connect inventory, fulfillment, shipping, and receiving operations on a unified platform, making eCommerce order fulfillment easier. Considering the rise in online shopping and order volume, retailers must move away from manual procedures and opt for solutions such as the PackageX modern logistics platform that automates order fulfillment operations.

Here's how PackageX can help:

PackageX Inventory – The Inventory app not only keeps track of inventory in real-time but also combines fulfillment and shipping software to streamline logistics workflows at any site where order fulfillment occurs. Users can create digital manifests, perform manifest matching, manage items in the store or warehouse, and execute fulfillment operations, including picking, packing, and shipping orders, cost-effectively.

PackageX Ship – The shipping app and API enable retailers to generate shipping labels within seconds based on the package type, shipping speed, and rates. Users get access to 100+ national carriers and local delivery service providers with discounted shipping rates. This way, retailers can choose the best shipping provider and have more control over their shipping costs. Additionally, the orders dispatched for delivery can be tracked using the PackageX shipping app, and recipients can be notified about their delivery based on location.

If simplified, cost-saving logistics capabilities are something you are looking for, schedule a demo today and see how PackageX can transform order fulfillment in your business.

Your products are well merchandised, high quality and ready to meet shopper demand, but in the age of instant gratification, a good or bad approach to order fulfillment can make or break your company-level goals around shopper retention, satisfaction and ultimately loyalty. 

We all know the cost to acquire a customer continues to jump – 222% over the last 8 years – and as a result, shopper retention and loyalty are a top priority for most retail leaders. Given that many shoppers hinge their brand loyalty on delivery options and experience, these priorities can't be achieved without a top-notch end-to-end purchasing experience, including fulfilling orders with flexibility, efficiency and clear communication to meet today’s shoppers’ increasingly high expectations.

A strong omnichannel fulfillment strategy is the key to delighting shoppers throughout their post-purchase journey, so they want to shop with you again and again. Let’s explore what omnichannel fulfillment means and how you can apply it to your logistics workflows.

What Is Omnichannel Fulfillment?

Omnichannel fulfillment is a strategy where purchases from any shopping channel (think mobile, web, store or marketplace) can be picked, packed and shipped from any fulfillment channel such as store, dark store or warehouse, all to improve the shopper experience and get them their purchase in the most efficient and convenient way possible. Unlike traditional order fulfillment, where each shopping channel has its own siloed approach to fulfillment, omnichannel fulfillment combines a unified & real-time understanding of product supply with the location of the customer to unlock more fulfillment options like buy online pick up in store (BOPIS), ship from store (SFS), dark stores, and many more. 

For example, say a customer in Albuquerque, New Mexico buys a trendy handbag on your website. Traditional eCommerce fulfillment or warehouse fulfillment would mean that the order is shipped from the warehouse in Akron, Ohio and the shopper would receive their package within the standard shipping SLA – something like 5-7 business days from now.

With omnichannel fulfillment, all fulfillment channels automatically become options for this order, and this retailer happens to have a brick and mortar store in Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is too far for the shopper to BOPIS, but shipping the order from the store will get the item to the shopper days earlier and at a lower cost. 

The shopper receives their bag days earlier and at a lower cost, exceeding their expectations 🎉. 

How to Transition to Omnichannel Fulfillment?

Omnichannel fulfillment is certainly a buzzword across our industry, and it’s not difficult to be convinced that it’s important, in fact, most multi-channel retailers already have made it a key business priority. At the same time, most enterprise retailers’ logistics workflows are highly complex, rooted in legacy infrastructure and multiple stakeholders, so it can be tricky to find a clear path to getting there. 

The key is defining and integrating a modern fulfillment orchestration layer across your fulfillment stack that unifies multiple fulfillment activities like inventory management, pick, pack, & ship, and customer communications across fulfillment channels.

The majority of Order Management Systems (OMS) today either lack intelligent fulfillment or offer fragmented options comprised of various point solutions. A well-designed and integrated fulfillment orchestration layer integrates seamlessly with any existing OMS via APIs to route orders to the best fulfillment channel for maximum efficiency and speed while optimizing your shipping costs and delivering an unparalleled customer experience.

This is best achieved with a combination of APIs, existing systems and user friendly apps and devices (we call these systems of engagement). There’s obviously a lot that goes into a fulfillment orchestration layer, and every retailer has pieces of it set up already, though often siloed by sales channel. To break it down, outlined below are the key work streams that need to be actioned to level-up your fulfillment orchestration layer to a modern, simplified and loyalty-driving approach that drives omnichannel fulfillment. 

1. Unify Inventory Management 

Launching an omnichannel fulfillment strategy requires a foundational shift to every retailer’s inventory management. Inventory management needs to transition from a world of silos and latency to a single, unified, easy to access system that tracks all of your inventory in real time. 

At any given moment, all sales channels need a single source of truth for product availability in warehouses, fulfillment centers, store shelves or in transit. This means your inventory management system needs to connect to all of these channels, plus update in real-time to stay responsive to constant changes. 

Finally, all your teams need easy access to this system. For example, the team monitoring supply and production needs to know how many orange hi-top sneakers are stock in every store just as much as the sales associate, advising a customer how to get their hands on an almost sold out pair of cashmere lined gloves. As a bonus, unlocking this single source of truth for inventory management enables staff to focus more of their time in other areas like proactively monitoring for errors and shipping delays vs. spending time understanding stock levels across siloed sales channels.  

There are several paths to achieving this state for your inventory management, from ripping and replacing existing inventory management tech with a modern solution to connecting and upgrading existing systems, which is typically the most feasible option for leading enterprise retailers. Avoid building point to point integrations which require custom integration environments and increase the time and cost to integrate, and prioritize modern tools that offer the flexibility, speed and scale of APIs and webhooks.

2. Pick & Pack, Everywhere  

Thanks to an upgraded inventory management system, there’s now a unified understanding of inventory levels across the entire business, so the next step is ensuring each fulfillment channel is equipped with the technology and team members it needs to activate the various fulfillment options available with omnichannel fulfillment. 

For example, before omnichannel fulfillment, brick and mortar store technology and personnel only needed to be able to pick and pack purchases from the store itself, but in the world of omnichannel fulfillment, they need to be equipped to pick and pack orders from any sales channel across various pickup options, like curbside, BOPIS and ship from store. This may require new team members and new technology. 

You may be wondering what to look for on the technology side. Our recommendation is to find a tool that can: 

1.) Bring Data In. It’s paramount to be able to ingest information from other systems in the logistic journey, most importantly the order management system (OMS) and inventory management, all to improve overall manifest and fulfillment operations and efficiency. This can be achieved with a platform that has a robust set of APIs or pre-built integrations. 

2.) Focus the Team. The tool you use for pick and pack across order fulfillment locations should drive efficiency and performance by helping team members prioritize what to focus on. We call this mirco-tasking. For example, an employee at a Boulder, Colorado store shouldn’t have to think about which order to pick and pack first, the platform should put the highest priority shipment or BOPIS order at the top of their task list. This employee also doesn’t need to see orders that need to be picked and packed at other store locations.  

3.) Seamlessly Action More Workflows. Pick and pack isn’t the end of the logistics journey, so the platform of choice should easily integrate into other tools, like shipping providers, for seamless dispatch. 

3. Integrate and Promote New Fulfillment Options  

Now that you have a unified understanding of your inventory, and all fulfillment locations are set up to process any order fulfillment option under the sun, you’re ready to incorporate new and enhanced fulfillment options into your shopper journey across all sales channels. Each sales channel should reference your upgraded single source of truth for inventory management, plus each individual shopper’s shipping address in order to prioritize and promote the best delivery options. 

Before we cover how to accomplish this, we want to highlight some less obvious but high impact approaches to incorporate delivery options into your shopper journey. We’ve learned that setting and meeting delivery expectations is of higher value to shoppers than super fast shipping, so there’s no need to wait until checkout to promote product availability and exciting new fulfillment options. This applies to your product detail pages, for example, “get it tomorrow,” for a SKU that’s available at a store near the shopper. It can also be incorporated into brick and mortar store shelves – consider adding a QR code. Lastly, consider launching a promotional marketing campaign via email, SMS, direct mail, in-store promotions or ecommerce site banners to promote your new order fulfillment options. 

There are several ways to integrate new fulfillment options into each sales channel, but the most seamless approach is to integrate a modern shipping software into each point of sale. Look for one capable of connecting with your order management system and dynamically displaying 3-4 options for maximizing profit and meeting the needs of each shopper. For example, shoppers who are part of your loyalty program may get free shipping or the SKU was just returned at the shopper’s local store, so it’s instantly made available for in-store pickup or same-day delivery via Door Dash.

4. Increase Customer Communication

We’ve talked a lot about driving shopper loyalty as shoppers hinge their brand loyalty on the last mile experience, so a huge piece of this is communication. 

In the world of eCommerce fulfillment, it’s already a best practice to send a series of branded post-purchase transactional emails or texts from order confirmation all the way to delivery or pickup confirmations, but with an omnichannel fulfillment strategy, BOPIS or Curbside post-purchase communications are added to the mix. These notifications are notorious for being siloed from other core eCommerce post-purchase communications because they’re powered by different systems that typically aren’t connected by default. 

When scheming your omnichannel fulfillment-worthy communications strategy, look to be able to do two things:

1.) Maintain consistent and complete communications across all delivery channels. Whether the order is being picked up from a store, shipped from a warehouse or shipped from a store, branding and messaging of the communications should be consistent. 

2.) Additionally, the shoppers now expect communications to dynamically update them regarding changes to the delivery plan originally agreed on. Surprisingly, communicating delays can actually create stronger customer loyalty in the long run, rather than leaving a customer in the dark about their expected delivery. 

Accomplishing this is possible with a platform that has a universal understanding of activity at each fulfillment location and can take action on it. For example, the system should be set up to notify the user when an item is picked up from the warehouse, whether by a shipper or the shopper. A single shipping provider, email service provider (ESP) or a modern logistics platform that owns omnichannel fulfillment for your brand are options for making it happen. 

Bringing It All Together

Above, the transition to omnichannel fulfillment is broken down into bite-sized workstreams, and knocking each of these out will be instrumental on the path to driving loyal, repeat shoppers and building your fulfillment orchestration layer. That said, we’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight a theme that carries throughout each of the workstreams: connectivity and efficiency. 

To achieve connectivity and efficiency in your omnichannel fulfillment strategy, dozens of systems, individuals and teams must work from the same source truth and have varying levels of access to tools they need to get their job done. Prioritize solutions that offer and connect Systems of Record and modern Systems of Engagement. Systems of Record are foundational layers in a logistics stack, like inventory and contact management. Systems of Engagement are modern smartphone or tablet apps that enable team members to easily execute multiple logistics workflows, like scanning, taking pictures, packing and shipping, all from the same device. User friendly and multipurpose apps and devices like this are often missing layers in todays logistics stack, instead, pen and paper or legacy devices like bar code scanners are used. 

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The Advantages of PackageX

PackageX is the all-in-one modern Logistics Platform that digitizes, connects and simplifies inventory, fulfillment, shipping, delivery and receiving operations on a unified platform. 

PackageX enables Omnichannel Fulfillment & the fulfillment orchestration layer through a suite of easy-to-use logistics mobile/web apps and developer-friendly APIs on a unified platform that can be used alone or integrated into existing applications.

PackageX Inventory keeps track of your products in real time across all points of sale. This single source of truth for real-time product availability can be accessed by any system, team member or device, at any time. And even accessible through any mobile device, which means you save on equipment costs and move away from pen and paper processes. 

PackageX Fulfillment is a mobile application that enables team members to seamlessly pick, pack and ship orders across all fulfillment locations from warehouse to brick and mortar stores. Unlike other fulfillment tools which are less intuitive for on the ground team members, siloed by order fulfillment location and lack the ability to integrate with other tools, PackageX Fulfillment was built on top of the PackageX modern logistics platform to prioritize tasks, easily integrate with other systems and enable a unified approach to post-purchase communications. 

The PackageX Shipping app and API generate package shipping labels dynamically based on product availability,  package type, shipping speed, and shipping rates from a network of 100+ national carriers and local delivery services.

100+ B2B logistics and operations leaders use PackageX apps, APIs and webhooks in 44 countries and 214 cities to ship smarter, connect workflows, and gain visibility. Some notable names include TALG, Klim, San Diego Hat, On Running & Fabric.

Schedule a demo today to discover how PackageX can empower your eCommerce business with omnichannel fulfillment. 

The eCommerce boom has brought a lot of challenges for retailers, especially when it comes to last-yard deliveries. As the package delivery volume skyrockets, retailers and shipping companies find it hard to meet customer expectations. Consumers nowadays expect on-time deliveries with good communication and cheaper rates.

 Here, pick-up and drop-off (PUDOs) have emerged as a potential solution to the last-yard delivery problems as it allows convenient, efficient, and cost-effective deliveries for both retailers and consumers. After all, delivering 100 packages to one PUDO location is more efficient than delivering 100 parcels to 100 different addresses. Moreover, it gives the customer more control and choice, reducing the pressure on last-mile delivery.  

What is a PUDO, and how can it transform the last-yard future? In this blog, we will explore this parcel delivery option in detail. 

What Does Pick-Up and Drop-Off (PUDO) Mean? 

 Just like BOPIS (Buy online, pick-up in store) and BOPIL (buy online pick-up in locker), PUDO is another acronym that you should add to your retail vocabulary. PUDO point is the designated area where customers can pick-up their orders or drop-off returns. Some common PUDO locations include parcel lockers, local stores, and retailers.  

The Benefits of PUDO  

PUDOs have numerous benefits for retailers, eCommerce business owners, and customers. Some notable benefits include: 

• Retailers with PUDO zones or smart lockers within the stores can increase their sales and customers. One in three PUDO users makes an incremental purchase while picking their items. 
• Online retailers can earn customer loyalty as they offer multiple delivery options to the customers.  
• Consumers can easily pick-up or return their items without any hassle. 
• Retailers can save money by avoiding the extra courier cost of home delivery and missed or failed delivery. 
• PUDO can help you increase revenue by streamlining the delivery and returns process. 

How Is PUDO Transforming Last-Yard Delivery? 

Redirecting deliveries to PUDOs improves last-yard delivery efficiency and convenience. Mentioned below are some of the ways PUDOs boost last-mile and last-yard efficiency.

 No Waiting Time 

Consumers nowadays hate to wait for their deliveries and every missed delivery results in customer loss. With pick-up and drop-off (PUDO), customers can pick-up their items conveniently at their preferred time slots. It reduces the waiting time to zero and eliminates the risk of a missed delivery. 

Higher Flexibility and Convenience  

Pandemic has changed customer expectations considerably. They demand various fulfillment options, a safe shopping experience, and high delivery efficiency. Therefore, retailers must enhance flexibility in their supply chain and meet the varying consumer demands. PUDOs help customers retrieve or return parcels at their convenience.  

Safe and Secure Package Storage  

The customer's experience in last-yard delivery is determined by safe and secure package storage. Leaving the package outside the recipient's door when they are not available is not safe and can lead to parcel theft. PUDO ensures a safe location for package storage.   

Simplified Reverse Logistics  

Reverse logistics management for huge delivery volumes makes last-yard logistics ineffective. As the number of missed deliveries increases, the reverse logistics cost increases. With the PUDO network, customers get an option to return the item to the seller, which reduces the reverse logistics cost and provides free return services. In this way, you can simplify your reverse logistics operations.  

How to Maintain a Successful PUDO Network? 

Retailers can build an effective PUDO network by deploying modern PUDO technology that helps them manage inventory and locate the correct item when a customer comes for package retrieval. Here, the PackageX platform can help you. 

How?  

Let's find out!  

You can activate any physical and retail location for modern logistics fulfillment through PackageX apps and APIs for Pick-up and Drop-off (PUDO), Buy Online Pick-up in Store (BOPIS), and Ship from Store Operations.  

How Can PackageX Help PUDO Locations? 

PUDO locations can seamlessly integrate PackageX Receive into their existing systems to provide self-service package pick-up. Recipients can pick up their packages from any PUDO point while maintaining a complete chain of custody that ensures the safety of the packages and reduces the chances of lost or misplaced packages. 

With PackageX Inventory, you can streamline inventory workflows for your PUDOs to increase productivity, efficiency, and visibility. It helps you keep a log of all the parcels entering or leaving your PUDO points.  

Similarly, PackageX Ship will assist you in generating shipping labels from national carriers and on-demand couriers within seconds. Moreover, you can build custom apps for your PUDO logistics operations using our APIs. 

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Frequently Asked Questions  

Some frequently asked questions about PUDO can further help you understand the phenomenon better. These questions include the following: 

What is PUDO delivery? 

Pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) is any area designated for customers to pick-up packages or leave parcels. PUDOs are typically used for receiving eCommerce orders and dropping off returns. PUDO delivery service is often provided by local stores, supermarkets, retailers, and smart lockers.  

What is a PUDO zone? 

PUDO zones are curbside locations solely used for loading and unloading goods. They can be staffed counters at an existing business or unstaffed lockers located anywhere. A PUDO zone can serve one or more businesses, and a vehicle can only stay at a PUDO point for as long as it takes to load or unload the packages. 

Can I track PUDO parcel? 

Yes, you can track PUDO parcels just like other parcels that are out for delivery using our real-time parcel tracking app. 

Conclusion  

Pick-up and drop-off (PUDOs) are an efficient way to ensure successful last-yard delivery. Customers nowadays prefer to click-and-collect, which has resulted in the establishment of new PUDO locations in small stores and supermarkets. However, digital support is critical to maintaining PUDOs infrastructure. You must adopt a modern and intuitive technology that offers real-time visibility, automated notifications, and inventory management solutions to scale your PUDO operations.  

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After the pandemic, apartment mailrooms in multi-family buildings everywhere in the U.S saw a massive influx in packages. According to Supply and Demand Chain, the U.S. parcel volume reached a record high of 21.5 billion in 2021. The latest index reveals that nearly 59 million parcels were generated in the United States every day in 2021, which translates into 683 packages per second.

In 2021, over 2.14 billion people purchased goods and services online, increasing the number of deliveries to the apartments. This massive increase in the package volume resulted in overcrowded mailrooms and mismanaged packages.

For apartment mailroom managers, it is essential to ensure that packages are delivered smoothly to the rightful residents. Digital package management solutions can help ensure your apartment building mailroom is running smoothly by streamlining the entire process. 

Here are a few more reasons why you should invest in integrated solutions for your apartment mailroom:

• Massive Number of Deliveries
• Package Theft: A Growing Problem
• Dedicated Staffing and Increased Costs
• Overcrowded Apartment Package Rooms
• Limited access for tenants
• Residents Satisfaction

1. Massive Number of Deliveries

During the pandemic, people increasingly depended on online shopping, and this change in shopping habits is here to stay considering the level of convenience it provides to the consumers.  As the number of online shoppers worldwide increases yearly, poorly equipped apartment buildings can not deal with the multi-family package problem. 

With the unpredictable number of package volumes, it's hard for buildings to estimate how many apartment parcel lockers they will need. When more packages are stored in package lockers, it leads to a crowded mailroom. A well-integrated package management software can help residents know when their delivery will arrive to pick it up on time and help avoid congestion in the apartment mailroom.

2. Package Theft: A Growing Problem

With millions of packages arriving daily, it's hard for multi-family apartments to manage them securely. Piles of packages are often left unattended at the front door, leading to massive package theft. In 2021, nearly 210 million packages were stolen from Americans, according to a survey conducted by Cove Home Security.

A modern and integrated solution can help combat the package theft problem. Through package management applications, residents can receive notifications when their package arrives at the apartment mailroom. They can then pick it up as soon as possible without leaving it unattended for long periods, avoiding porch pirates.

3. Dedicated Staffing and Increased Costs

Apartment package delivery, retrieval, and storage are time-consuming, with hundreds of packages coming in every day. This takes a toll on your staff's time and labor. These increased numbers require dedicated staffing to handle packages.

According to the National Multifamily Council, 68% of staff spend up to 4 hours weekly on package management. This also decreases overall productivity as other important building management matters are neglected. Resultantly, there is a drain on both time and money for the building owners. With package management software, you can automate the entire process, so fewer employees are needed to manage deliveries, reducing costs and increasing productivity.

4. Overcrowded Apartment Package Rooms

When packages aren't delivered and sent out fast enough, it leads to overcrowding in the apartment mailroom. Overcrowding means packages have an increased risk of incurring damage. Especially, deliveries that contain perishable items can become bothersome. Of course, knowing beforehand when their package is arriving can help residents pick it up upon arrival and stop it from getting stored in the package room.

Quick retrieval can prevent overcrowding in apartment package rooms and minimize damage. Package management software can help you achieve these results by sending automated notifications to users so they are aware of the package's arrival and take action accordingly.

5. Limited Access for Tenants

Once your package is stored in the apartment building mailroom, retrieving it might not be as easy as you think. Residents are sometimes restricted from accessing the building package room. Accessing the package outside operating hours is impossible for people with unusual working hours. Sometimes, the front desk staff is unavailable or busy tackling other issues, limiting the resident's access to their package.

In such circumstances, you need a tech-forward solution that offers self-service pick-up. When residents need to retrieve a package, they can scan the QR code and pick it up without requiring any human intermediary. It also helps you in staffing in case you have a staff shortage.

6. Residents Satisfaction

Resident satisfaction plays a huge part in their retention. Whether or not they will renew their lease at the end of the contract depends solely on their living experience. Poor management of the mailroom in apartment can lead to package theft, damaged packages, and inconvenience for the residents.

If residents feel unsafe and anxious about losing their deliveries and facing losses, they will not stay at the apartment for long. Moreover, low numbers of resident retention can lead to a bad reputation for the condo, resulting in poor prospects.

Package management software helps make the entire delivery process smoother so residents can receive their packages quickly and their satisfaction levels increase.

How Can PackageX Transform Apartment Mailroom Operations & Tenant Experience?

You can increase your building efficiency and staff productivity to deliver a superior tenant experience through PackageX apps and APIs. It is a unified platform that optimizes all the mailroom operations, including package receiving, shipping, internal routing, inventory management, and package tracking for apartments. 

With PackageX Receive, you will never lose a single piece of mail or package. It automates all the package receiving operations such as label data ingestion, notifications, storage, pick-up, and forwarding. It allows the residents to retrieve their packages without a mailroom manager by scanning the QR code. Also, the residents can choose custom actions against their apartment packages through the Receive Connect feature.

PackageX Ship will help you create custom shipping labels for every apartment package delivery at discounted rates. Moreover, it allows residential building owners to verify tenants' addresses with its smart address verification tool.

Inventory is another application that streamlines inventory workflows for your residential building to increase productivity, efficiency, and visibility. It provides live inventory insights that you can share with your team through a comprehensive web portal. Also, you can keep a visual record of any damage by taking and attaching pictures. PackageX also allows you to build custom apps for your residential building logistics operations using our APIs.

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 Conclusion 

Observing the growing numbers of parcel traffic, it is safe to say that package volumes in apartment mailrooms will not lessen anytime soon. The increased number of deliveries is hard to deal with and often results in poor management.

Poor package management leads to damage, package theft, high costs, and resident dissatisfaction. Moreover, building owners have to bear extra costs for dedicated staffing for package management and still have other building upkeep tasks neglected.

There is a simple solution: investment in a good package platform that can streamline your logistics operations and help you increase efficiency in the mailroom in apartment.

After the pandemic and with the advent of technology, digitization in the hospitality industry is rising. The guests' expectations have changed, and people are becoming more accustomed to contactless services. Moreover, the pandemic has given people a taste of convenience which can only be brought through digitization. The global hospitality market will likely reach $6715.27 billion in 2026, as 87% of the meetings and events will return by 2023.

One of the most important aspects of running a hospitality business is managing the guest experience. The demand for hotel rooms is reaching pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Therefore, hospitality business owners are investing in technologies to automate their logistics operations, achieve significant growth in the market, and personalize the guest experience.

By digitizing your logistics operations, you can improve efficiency and ensure that each guest has a fantastic stay. Here are the four simple ways you can adapt to digitize your hospitality logistics management.

How to Digitize Hospitality Logistics Management?

Logistics management is a part of the hotel supply chain management that involves planning, implementing, and controlling efficient forward and reverse flow of goods along with their storage. If you are a hotel owner and want to digitize your logistics operations, you need to automate the following processes:

• Inbound package management
• Outbound shipping
• Inventory management

Inbound Package Management

Package management and delivery are the processes that play an important role in improving the guest experience. As the package volume is increasing in hotels and resorts daily, the front desks and the package rooms in the building are getting bombarded with guest's packages and mail. It causes delays in package receipt, processing, and delivery to the recipient. Manual data entry or paper logs only add to the package problem as they are slow, inefficient, and vulnerable to errors.

Therefore, hospitality business owners should deploy a modern and smart package management system that automates package receiving operations. Receive is one such solution that automates various package management processes, including label data ingestion, notifications to the recipients, package storage, retrieval, forwarding, and pick-up at hotels or any other receiving site. Its AI-powered label OCR scans, matches, and logs packages in seconds. Moreover, it sends automated notifications to the recipients, which helps reduce the package pick-up time. In this way, your guest experience will reach new heights.

Outbound Shipping

Another way of digitizing hospitality logistics management is to modernize shipping methods. There are instances when hotels have to ship something on behalf of the guest. In such circumstances, they must have a dynamic and multi-carrier shipping solution that offers enhanced shipment visibility. The outdated shipping solutions are usually costly and have bulky hardware. Moreover, they have limited carrier options.

But with Ship, hotels and resorts can generate and track all their shipments easily. It helps them generate package shipping labels in seconds from our network of carriers, couriers, and local delivery service providers. The hotel staff can choose the carrier based on its shipping rate and delivery time, saving significant money on shipping costs.

Inventory Management

Inventory management is another process that must be digitized to streamline logistics operations at hotels and resorts. Hotel inventory management involves ordering, storing, and distributing the hotel's assets. An effective inventory management approach will help you keep enough stock on hand to meet the demands of your guests.

Using inventory management software for hotels, you can digitize and automate your inventory operations. PackageX has launched one such software called Inventory. It streamlines inventory workflows for your hotels to increase productivity, efficiency, and visibility. You can match the inbound shipments against the ordered lists, automate package sorting and track items at an item level.

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Benefits of Digitizing Hospitality Logistics Operations

By embracing automation or digitization, hospitality business owners can reap the following benefits:

• Improve the experience of the guests
• Save money and reduce operational costs
• The staff becomes more productive, which boosts retention
• The profitability of the business increases due to the competitive advantage
•  Logistics operations become streamlined

Wrap Up

Every business is embracing automation and taking its operations to the next level. The hospitality industry is also changing rapidly as guests' expectations and preferences change. Apart from internal communication, booking systems, and customer care, hospitality logistics management also requires digitization which is possible through smart technology. You can now streamline hospitality logistics and offer mail and package service for your guests through PackageX apps and APIs.                        

In today’s world, digitization has revolutionized the way we live and work. Flexible workspaces are becoming popular among freelancers and enterprise companies. The number of coworking spaces worldwide is forecasted to increase 2x by 2024, surpassing 40,000. According to GCUC, China is expected to become one of the largest markets for coworking spaces by 2022. With the current trend of flexible working, it’s more important than ever for companies to ensure their workplace logistics are up to date. By digitizing flexible workspace logistics, companies can make their day-to-day operations run smoother and more efficiently.

Some common workspace logistics operations that must be digitized include package receiving, shipping, delivery, and inventory management. One of the biggest challenges flexible workspace managers face is handling incoming mail and packages. The old-school manual logistics systems do not work for modern, flexible workspaces. Therefore, commercial coworking spaces must invest in cutting-edge technology that automates all logistics operations and increases staff productivity and efficiency. 

So how can you transform flexible workspaces? This blog will explore some of the best ways to digitize flexible workspace logistics.

Set Up a Package Management System 

Flexible workspaces must develop a strategy that provides a baseline of what they want to achieve from a package management system. Most coworking spaces require the following features in a package management system:

• Automated data entry to eliminate paper logs
• Self-service pick-up to reduce the dependency on the staff
• Notifications to inform the members about their package arrival 
• Flexibility to handle the high package volume
• Enhanced security and package visibility 

Nowadays, various modern and digital package management solutions are available in the market. One such solution is Receive, which streamlines package receiving, storing, retrieving, forwarding, and pick-up. Its AI-powered OCR scans the package label and extracts all essential information, eliminating manual data entry. Moreover, it matches the recipient automatically and notifies them via email, text, or Whatsapp. 

Get a Modern Shipping Solution 

When you run a flexible workspace, you must meet your members' expectations. Apart from package receiving, you have to fulfill their package forwarding needs as well. For this purpose, you need a modern and smart shipping solution like Ship that simplifies the process and does not involve bulky or expensive hardware. 

PackageX Ship replaces manual and single-carrier shipping label generation with dynamic and multi-carrier label generation. You can create shipping labels at discounted platform rates from a network of carriers and on-demand couriers within seconds. Moreover, it helps you track your shipments and sends notifications to the recipients.

Automate Your Inventory Management 

Another way of digitizing logistics at flexible workspaces is automating inventory operations using the software. It has numerous benefits, including automated manual tasks, increased efficiency, real-time inventory tracking, and improved accuracy. In addition, your staff can save a lot of time, and you can scale up operations.

PackageX Inventory helps you to streamline inventory workflows for your flexible workspace. Using our OCR-powered inventory app, you can extract label data for inventory matching and returns. Moreover, it also allows you to attach pictures as proof of any damage to the inventory.

What Are the Benefits of Digitizing Flexible Workspace Logistics?

Digitizing flexible workspace logistics ensures efficiency and control in operations. Here are some of automating flexible workspace logistics operations:

1. Convenience and Control

The digital revolution has transformed how the world works, offering maximum control over everything. Nowadays, the user wants everything to be available at the touch of a button. By digitizing and automating logistics operations, flexible workspace teams become more in control of their mail and package services.

2. Increased Workforce Efficiency

Automation in workspace logistics eliminates tedious and manual labor such as data entry, allowing your staff to focus on other important tasks. It also boosts the productivity and efficiency of your staff members, increasing their satisfaction level.

3. Improved Supply Chain Visibility 

The most significant advantage of digitization in logistics is improved supply chain transparency. You can analyze the performance of your supply chain in real-time because digitization makes data collection easier. Also, it removes all the operational inefficiencies caused by manual data collection, making your supply chain easier to analyze for actionable insights.

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Conclusion

Flexible workspace logistics are evolving, and PackageX apps are at the forefront of this revolution. The digitized logistics workflows can make things more convenient, secure, and streamlined for both workspace managers and members. So, if you’re looking to transform your flexible workspace logistics, PackageX is the way to go.

Logistics-related operations often keep companies on their toes. Everything needs to be streamlined for cost and time efficiency, from package management to tracking, shipping, and delivery operations. So, in order to simplify corporate logistics operations, having a system in place is crucial. While picking the right corporate logistics management system can be daunting, having one is absolutely necessary for your corporate mailroom. It lets you exercise control while streamlining your operations. Moreover, a modern logistics management system makes your operations flexible enough to meet the ever-changing logistics market needs.

Why is a logistics management system necessary for your corporate office, and which factors do you need to consider while choosing one? This blog will highlight some tips to help you choose the right system for your business.

Why Is a Corporate Logistics Management System Essential?

A corporate logistics management system is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, it can help automate and streamline your corporate mailroom operations, saving your business time and money.

Secondly, a corporate logistics management system can help you track and manage your corporate packages. It can ensure that your packages are not lost and are delivered to the right recipient.

Thirdly, a corporate logistics management system can improve your overall logistics operations, such as receiving, shipping, tracking, and inventory operations, allowing you to reduce operational costs and improve supply chain visibility. In addition, an automated system also enhances the efficiency and productivity of your staff.

What Are the Key Features of a Corporate Logistics Management System?

A corporate logistics management system's key feature is the ability to automate corporate logistics operations, including package management, shipping, tracking, and inventory. Finding a system with all of the features your business needs to run efficiently is essential.

Below, we’ve explained some key features you need to consider when choosing a corporate logistics management system for your business:

1. Seamless Package Management

Corporate mailrooms, on average, receive thousands of packages daily that cannot be handled with outdated and manual logistics systems. A corporate logistics management system should provide seamless package management with great speed. It should automate package receiving operations such as label data ingestion, package notifications, retrieval, pick-up, and forwarding. This way, you can process the incoming corporate packages quickly and accurately. 

2. Automated Inventory Management 

Having a corporate logistics management system should improve and automate your inventory management. Manual manifest matching not only takes a lot of time but is also prone to errors. However, a good logistics management system can eliminate all the manual labor from inventory management and automates inventory receiving, manifest matching, sorting, storing, and dispatch planning.

3. Excellent Integration with Existing Systems

Most corporate mailrooms are already using some sort of logistics management system. So, if you’re switching to a better and more efficient one, it should be able to integrate well with your existing systems. This means connecting the system to your accounting, CRM, and other business software should be easy.

4. Smart Shipping 

A sound logistics management system should allow you to ship and track packages smartly and efficiently. This feature will enable you to create package shipping labels with ease and have control over your shipping costs. Ship is one such multi-carrier shipping software that allows you to have a dynamic and multi-carrier shipping system. You can create shipping labels in just a few clicks and choose the best rates from a network of carriers and local delivery service providers. 

5. Real-Time Visibility 

Another significant feature that a corporate logistics management system should have is real-time visibility. You should have end-to-end visibility across all supply chain channels to avoid liability issues. Whether you are shipping a corporate package or have ordered inventory for your office, you need robust tracking software that keeps a chain of custody log on each package that enters or leaves your office.

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Conclusion

Picking the right corporate logistics management system is essential for any business that wants to streamline its mailroom operations and improve overall logistics operations. Finding a system with all of the features your business needs to run efficiently is crucial. A corporate logistics management system should provide seamless package management, shipping, and inventory management.

With PacakgeX, you can create an intuitive corporate logistics management system to help improve your logistics operations. These logistics solutions speed up package processing, automate inventory operations, and carry out streamlined logistics operations. Using our APIs, you can also build custom apps for your corporate logistics operations. 

Parcel locker delivery systems have been around for quite some time, but they have been widely used in recent years, especially during the pandemic, as they offer a safe, convenient, and contactless option for parcel pick-up. It is a well-known fact that package volume has increased drastically due to e-commerce growth and the rising trend of online shopping. It has created new challenges for postal services, delivery service providers, and any building that receives packages in terms of last-yard delivery.

In such circumstances, package lockers have emerged as a solution, allowing delivery vans to service a single drop-off point for multiple packages. Also, they ensure successful deliveries to the recipients. This blog will discuss how package locker systems work and how parcel locker operations can be improved.

What Is a Parcel Locker?

A parcel locker is a lockable storage box where packages can be left securely for collection by carriers, delivery companies, residents in apartment complexes, and customers at retail stores. It provides a simple, safe, and effective delivery solution. Multifamily parcel lockers, residential parcel lockers, and university lockers are very convenient and useful ways of storing packages and mail. However, smart parcel locker is slightly different from physical lockers.

Smart lockers for packages are powered by management software and integrations that make them intelligent enough to meet modern business needs. They keep their contents secure and are easy to access. When the recipient needs to retrieve a package from the locker, they can simply enter the assigned code and open the door.

Who Uses Parcel Lockers?

Parcel lockers are widely used across multifamily apartments, universities, retail stores, coworking spaces, and corporate offices. Smart package lockers allow recipients to keep their packages in a safe space without worrying about their packages being stolen or mishandled.

How Do Parcel Lockers Work?

Smart locker solutions facilitate package pick-ups and deliveries. They eliminate the need for personal receipts or signing for a package. Also, pick-ups and deliveries can be made anytime, and only authorized people can access the packages.

Parcel lockers work in the following manner:

• The mail carrier or the delivery personnel will unlock the locker and place the package in it. Smart parcel lockers have a keypad, QR code, or barcode scanner. The delivery person must enter the code or scan the package to access the locker. After putting the parcel in the locker, the carrier will select the recipient.
• Once the parcel is placed in the locker, the recipient is automatically notified via text or email. The notification contains a code the recipient must use to unlock the locker.
• The recipient will enter the code or pin to open the locker and retrieve the package.

What Are the Benefits of Parcel Lockers?

Parcel lockers provide significant advantages to multi-family apartment owners, business owners, employees, and homeowners. Some of them are mentioned below:

Package Security

Packages, when dropped in a parcel locker, are more secure. The electronic locking system eliminates the possibility of parcel theft or a package collected by the wrong recipient. As the package is not lost, the liability issues for couriers, property managers, and office managers are also minimum.

24/7 Availability

Smart package lockers offer a one-stop pick-up and delivery solution to carriers, couriers, property managers, and recipients with 24/7 availability. You do not have to change your schedules or rush home to receive your packages. Similarly, couriers do not have to leave packages at the door unattended, as delivery is 100% guaranteed.

Cost Efficient

Parcel lockers are very cost-efficient for a variety of reasons. They reduce the delivery cost and minimize the need for package redistribution and sorting, especially in offices.

How Can PackageX Help Scale Parcel Locker Operations?

You can connect your package locker systems with PackageX Receive app or APIs for unified receiving management, universal label scanning, and visual notifications. Our Receive app can solve the following pain points for you:

• PackageX Receive app and Label OCR API extend the reach of your smart locker solution for usability, efficiency, and experience of receiving site staff and carriers.
• You can offer PackageX Receive or build a custom app with our APIs to help your customers manage packages that don't fit in lockers. Our app works as a universal label scanner.
• Our label OCR API integration on your locker camera alone can help carriers scan a package, and our tech matches it with the correct recipient and opens the locker.
• Label OCR also comes in handy when carriers and couriers don't pick the correct recipient on the locker display screen or dump all packages in one place, and your customer's site staff has to process them.

In addition, smart parcel locker providers can automate self-service pick-up with our parcel locker integrations. They can also notify the recipients about their packages with visual notifications by setting up templates for email, text, and WhatsApp messages.

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Some Frequently Asked Questions

This section will discuss some commonly asked questions about parcel locker and their management.

What is curbside pick-up?

Curbside pick-up is a service that allows customers to place an order online to be picked up at the store. If the package is ready to be delivered, the customer parks his car in the designated area near the store, and the store's representative brings the package to the customer's vehicle. Parcel locker providers can help companies with curbside pick-up services to enhance their operations, improving the efficiency and safety of the packages.

How big is a package locker?

Package lockers are usually cubic compartments at least 15 inches high to accommodate large packages. The exact sizes of the parcel lockers may vary.

Is extra hardware required to use PackageX Receive for parcel lockers?

You don't need extra hardware for the app to work. It can be downloaded onto your smartphone, and you can get started. PackageX Receive uses your phone's rear camera to scan the delivery labels and notify the recipients swiftly. It automates the self-served package pick-up process.

What kind of parcel lockers can integrate PackageX Receive?

All kinds of smart lockers for packages can integrate PackageX Receive to automate the data entry process. Its OCR-enabled app scans everything that is mentioned on the label. The app can scan up to 50 packages in one go.

Can I try PackageX Receive to integrate it with my parcel lockers?

Of course! You can use our 14-day free trial to improve your parcel locker management.

Conclusion

Multiple industries and organizations are deploying lockers for package delivery to streamline their package management. Parcel lockers benefit everyone involved in the delivery network, from businesses that ship packages to carriers, couriers, property managers, and recipients. Also, when contactless options are crucial to public health, parcel lockers are the safest choice. You can get the most out of the parcel locker system by integrating it with modern and smart technology.

Manufacturing and logistics are two crucial aspects of the industrial world. However, they have become even more important with the increasing global trade, demand for goods, and eCommerce growth. Therefore, manufacturing sites must streamline their logistics operations. There are nearly 638, 583 manufacturing businesses in the USA, which is 1.4% higher than the previous year, i.e., 2021.

Logistics 4.0 is rapidly advancing and driving the digital transformation of businesses. Similarly, strict customer demands for quick deliveries also call for digitization in manufacturing logistics. In such circumstances, manufacturing sites need to overhaul their logistics model if they want to survive in today's competitive market and meet customer demands. In this article, we will explain five simple ways manufacturing sites can adopt to unlock their logistics efficiency.

What Is Manufacturing Logistics?

Manufacturing logistics refers to managing the transportation and storage of materials and finished products in the manufacturing plant. It includes several activities, such as transporting raw materials to the production plant, finished products to the warehouse and customers, and managing inventory levels.

Ways to Improve Logistics Efficiency

In this section, we will discuss five critical ways manufacturing sites can strengthen their supply chain and improve logistics efficiency.

1. Get Rid of Spreadsheets

Manufacturing sites must ditch spreadsheet or Excel models and embrace digitization in the supply chain. Every step of the supply chain should be digitized, from ordering to production and logistics. Having a centralized and integrated solution for production and planning breaks functional silos in a cross-organizational manner. Also, it simplifies gathering, sorting, and analyzing data for manufacturing companies and sites.

By relying on spreadsheets, the manufacturing sites become stiff and less agile because predictive planning and visualization are hard to engage with static data sets. Through digitization, you can incorporate dynamic data sets, which provide manufacturing sites agility and end-to-end visibility.

2. Deploy Modern Technology to Process Packages

Manufacturing sites have to process thousands of packages daily. Having outdated or legacy systems that involve manual data entry creates challenges, consumes a lot of time, and affects the staff's productivity. To increase logistics efficiency at your manufacturing site, you must invest in a modern, smart, and easy-to-use technology that automates your logistics operations.

Receive is a package management software that processes inbound deliveries within seconds at any receiving site. It automates all the package receiving operations, such as label data ingestion, notifications to the recipients, package storage, forwarding, pick-up, and retrieval. You can package labels with our AI-powered label OCR and auto-ingest package data into the system with up to 100% precision. Moreover, it allows you to map various steps of your receiving process.

3. Get a Smart Package Shipping Solution

Shipping is one of the most crucial processes at manufacturing sites. Therefore, it is necessary to have optimized and intuitive shipping software that simplifies the process. Ship is one such shipping platform that automates your label generation and lets you generate and track shipments in one place. It has a network of 100+ carriers and on-demand couriers that you can choose for shipping after comparing their rates.

4. Automate Manufacturing Inventory Management

Another best way to enhance logistics efficiency at manufacturing sites is automating inventory management. Managing inventory levels can be a challenge at manufacturing sites. Production schedules and customer demand can fluctuate, making it difficult to maintain sufficient stock levels. As a result, disruption can occur in production.

The primary goal of inventory management is to have the right inventory level all the time without any stockouts or excess inventory. PackageX Inventory streamlines inventory workflows for your manufacturing site to increase productivity, efficiency, and visibility. With a digital log of inventory, manufacturers can plan the production process in a streamlined manner and improve their inventory management. Moreover, you can automate your package storage and retrieval workflows with our manufacturing inventory management software.

5. Foresee and Mitigate Disruptions

In today's global economy, a manufacturing company is stable and productive if it can forecast, mitigate, and combat possible disruptions or breakdowns. Manufacturing companies must be able to predict when disruptions occur and take necessary steps to avoid them. It can be done through real-time reporting, data gathering, simulations, forecasting, and creating actionable plans to prevent breakdowns in the future.

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Conclusion

The manufacturing industry nowadays is up against a flexible and diversified landscape. To provide efficient customer service, all the gears of manufacturing logistics must fit together. It is only possible when you introduce automation to your logistics operations, increasing efficiency and productivity. You can avoid interruptions to your manufacturing site operations through integrated tools to process and track mail, packages, and inventory with PackageX apps. In addition, you can build custom apps for your manufacturing site logistics operations using our APIs.

Higher education is a substantial industry in the U.S., home to nearly 6,000 colleges and universities that spend millions of dollars annually to deploy, maintain, and upgrade campus technologies and systems. Most of their technology systems have been in place for years, are outdated, and operate in silos. The campus technology ecosystem requires a much due overhaul due to multiple waves of changes in behaviors, expectations, technology advancements, adoption, and the accelerated demand for secure and reliable digitalization. One perfect example is campus mailroom logistics systems. 

 Most educational institutions are scrambling as their conventional mailroom management systems cannot keep up with the influx of 3-5x more packages and deliveries due to the rise of eCommerce and hybrid learning. A mid-size U.S. University receives ~120,000 packages annually for students and faculty. One of the biggest reasons for this growing package problem is the increased online shopping trend among students, especially after COVID-19 halted brick-and-mortar commerce.  

 Almost 96% of students have smartphones, purchasing everything online from food and groceries to electronics and dorm room supplies. Hence, students are the key players in the online shopping boom that has cramped the university mail services and package centers.  

 So, what is the way out? 

 The answer is simple. Tech-enabled digitalization and automation!

 Digital shopping is here to stay. You cannot change the shopping behavior of students, faculty, or staff members. Therefore, universities and colleges must upgrade their mailrooms to have streamlined and less intensive workflows.  

The Scale of the Package Problem 

The global coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the growing package dilemma, posing serious productivity and efficiency problems. Typical university mailrooms are not designed to deal with the package volume eCommerce has created. Global eCommerce sales are expected to exceed $5 trillion in 2022, surpassing $7 trillion by the end of 2025. College students maintain a sizable portion of the market with a spending power of $593 billion.  

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In 2022, 110M packages will be shipped and delivered daily in the U.S. compared to the 56M packages transported a year ago. Educational institutions process a significant portion of these packages (in millions). Disproportionately high package volumes affect the mailroom staff, expectant students, and faculty members. 

 Recent data from PackageX systems indicate that Universities & Colleges receive an average of two packages per month per student or a faculty member, excluding paper mail. This translates into thousands of packages that university mailrooms must process every month for thousands of students and staff members. In 2021, approximately 506,654 packages were scanned in higher education shipping facilities using the PackageX platform. These numbers are starting to snowball as the world returns to normal.  

Current State of Campus Mailrooms 

Let’s take the example of Delaware University, a non-profit university located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Its package deliveries have recently increased by 20% per academic year, and its manual barcode scanning systems were too slow to handle the university package volume efficiently.  

 Likewise, Georgetown University Mail Services Department also reported delays in package processing as the number of packages they received increased at an unprecedented rate. Since the semester began, they had to sort through almost 3,000 packages per day.  

 The Pennsylvania State University also faced a similar situation when welcoming students back to campus. Some of their university mailroom employees estimated they were receiving 800 to 1,000 packages daily, a drastic increase from previous years. 

 The University of Dallas is another private university in Irving, Texas, experiencing the growing tidal waves of package influx. Their final package count for 12 months was over 30,000, translating into ~2,500 packages per month on average. They also struggled with outbound shipping because of the truly expensive rates for annual software and hardware required by their previous system.

 It clearly shows the current state of campus mailrooms or shipping centers and how they grapple with antiquated and labor-intensive manual processes to perform inbound and outbound logistics operations. Legacy mailroom and logistics platforms currently available in the market still rely on on-premise desktop software and traditional barcode scanners for shipping and receiving. These platforms scan a barcode, require manual recipient matching, and send only one notification per package, making the process more complicated and vulnerable to errors. 

 Moreover, a signature is required upon parcel pick-up, and the user interface of these systems is not designed for productivity and efficiency. To generate a shipment, you have to manually fill many fields that make shipping burdensome. Also, the shipping carrier options are minimal and costly.

 And the list goes on… 

A Growing List of Challenges 

Once a package is received at an institution, it is the mailroom’s responsibility to get them out of the mailroom and into the right hands. The majority of Universities & Colleges in the U.S. still rely on pen & paper methods or outdated, legacy, and vulnerable systems to process inbound packages or inventory. Likewise, they rely on bulky hardware and obsolete solutions for outbound shipping and forwarding. 

As a result, the list of challenges they face in package management keeps growing, including the following: 

• Thousands of hours to manually process packages, shipments, and deliveries every month, including manual data entry, managing paperwork and logs, generating labels, planning deliveries, answering inquiries, and performing inefficient retrieval. It is not only error-prone but also slows down the entire process. 
• Lost, delayed, and misplaced packages lead to liability issues and losing important documents and checks that are very hard to replace.  
• Inefficient package logistics operations lead to poor tracking, visibility, and pick-up experiences for students and faculty members.  

• Higher expectations of students, parents, and faculty. They demand fast and error-free notifications and deliveries.  
• Lack of storage space as university lockers and mailrooms cannot accommodate the massive package volume of recent times. 
• Outdated and complicated systems for outbound shipping that not only have expensive rates but also have limited shipping carrier/courier options. 
• Lastly, data privacy and cybersecurity are increasingly critical, and continuous reliance on legacy systems could lead to major catastrophes.   

It’s Time for Campus Mailrooms to Get an Upgrade 

With a massive increase in package volumes, labor shortages, cyber-threats, and increased focus on digitalization, modernization, and automation, the forward-thinking educational institutions are already deploying modern, unified, secure, and reliable logistics platforms at college & university mailrooms for increased efficiency, higher productivity, greater visibility, and a superior experience for staff, faculty, and students. 

Universities should invest in tech-forward solutions like PackageX to handle the daily influx of packages and deliveries. The PackageX platform solves several pain points for campus mailrooms as it moves you from outdated, legacy, and vulnerable systems to a modern logistics platform with easy-to-use apps, intelligent workflows, and APIs to perform receiving, shipping, internal routing, inventory, and tracking operations on campuses.  

How Can PackageX Help? 

PackageX Apps and APIs offer a variety of benefits to schools, colleges, and universities on a simple, modern, unified, and connected platform. Some notable benefits include the following: 

• 95% accuracy on package label scanning via OCR. 
• 92% faster receiving per package or inventory item. 

• 50% reduction in package pick-up time. 
• Generate shipping labels at the best rates from multiple providers in less than 100 seconds. 
• Ship same-day via local delivery providers of your choice. 
• Turn your package operations into a profit center through a self-service shipping kiosk. 
• Achieve end-to-end inventory visibility. 
• Perform intelligent staffing. 
• Get enterprise-grade security and end-to-end encryption. 
• Access to many other great features like self-service pick-up, locker integrations, etc. 

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Key Takeaways  

Educational institutions cannot overcome the package conundrum with the same old package management systems using outdated hardware. We live in the digital era where technology is changing the shopping behaviors of students, and eCommerce sales are skyrocketing. Also, this change is here to stay, creating two major problems. 

 First, it frustrates the students, faculty, and administrators who do not get timely deliveries because campus mailrooms take too long to process packages. Second, as the mailrooms slowly sort and log packages, their backlog increases. The bigger the backlog, the more space packages take up on the shelves. As a result, it becomes hard to physically retrieve packages when it's time to hand them off to the recipients. 

 This cycle can be broken by opting for more intuitive and digital solutions that speed up parcel processing, reduce liability issues and send timely notifications to the recipients. The faster a package is logged, the quicker the recipient retrieves it, freeing a lot of time and space in the campus mailroom.

Did you know most warehouse inventory errors occur in receiving? Any error in the receiving can have a 10-fold impact on the other warehouse operations. Storing inventory in a warehouse is a comprehensive process that must be done correctly to ensure the success of fulfillment operations. How a business receives inventory in a warehouse affects other areas of the retail supply chain, such as inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping. A poor warehouse receiving process can cause stock control issues and high operational costs.

It indicates that receiving in warehouse is a critical part that maintains the integrity of the inventory systems and ensures the product availability to the customers. As per a survey conducted by Peerless Research Group, warehouses’ receiving dock and storage areas are the most congested zones. Therefore, businesses must invest in warehouse automation to optimize the receiving processes. In this article, you will learn about the warehouse receiving process in detail and some valuable tips to improve the receiving operations.

What Is Warehouse Receiving?

It is the first step of an eCommerce order fulfillment process and refers to the delivery, unloading, and storage of inventory in a warehouse. A well-maintained receiving process makes inventory management and fulfillment simpler, cost-effective, and efficient.

Warehouse receiving is beyond purchasing inventory and delivering it to the warehouses. It comprises several key steps that must be performed accurately so that the right items in the right quantity can be stored and delivered. The standard warehouse receiving procedures include the following:

1. Completion of Pre-receiving Tasks

Every business owner should complete all the pre-receiving tasks like proper documentation before sending inventory to a warehouse. At this stage, you decide the quantity of each item and the number of countries in which it will be shipped. Also, you determine the packaging requirements of each item, including labeling criteria, the number of packages loaded per pallet, and package size or weight.

2. Receiving and Unloading Stock

In the next step, the warehouse receiving staff meets the shipper and unloads the cargo. The receiving staff of any warehouse should discuss their shipment-related concerns with the delivery driver. Typically, the trucks should be packed in reverse order from back to front so that warehouse workers can quickly unload the inventory. Sometimes, you might require equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks to unload the cargo.

3. Counting and Confirmation of Inventory

Once the cargo is unloaded, the staff at the receiving area verifies the content of each delivery, such as the quantity, the SKUs, the overall condition of the shipment, and the integrity of the seals. Stock counting and inspection is a time-consuming process that can be automated through inventory management software.

4. Organizing and Storing Inventory

The final step of receiving in warehouse is inventory storage and organization. It is done once all the inventory is unloaded and confirmed. However, this step is performed differently for each business based on the type of its warehouse, the size, and the number of items.

Generally, the inventory is stored on a palette, shelf, or bin, depending on the size and quantity of products.

How to Improve Warehouse Receiving Process?

There are numerous ways to optimize warehouse receiving process. One of the best ways is to invest in warehouse automation because it optimizes all the time-consuming tasks typically performed manually by workers. Also, the global warehouse automation market is expected to surpass $30 billion by 2026, indicating that warehouse automation is the key.

Below are some best practices you can implement to streamline receiving at your warehouse.

Use Inventory Management Systems

If you are an eCommerce business owner, inventory management systems can optimize your entire supply chain by automating the receiving process. By deploying an inventory management system, you get valuable insights into inventory counts and stock levels. Also, it helps you get accurate numbers for inventory accounting.

Monitor Your Inventory Metrics

Tracking important inventory metrics is another way to optimize warehouse receiving. You can do it by using technology for inventory management. Some primary inventory metrics that you need to track include:

• Average storage cost per unit
• Total number of pallets or shelves in use
• Amount of inventory stored at each location

Conduct Inventory Inspections

Regular inventory audits are essential to highlight serious inventory imbalances before they get out of hand. Sending damaged or incorrect inventory back can cost you a lot of money. Therefore, make sure each item is checked. Here, various inventory management tools can help you as they provide real-time updates on stock levels and make inventory tracking easier.

Document Verification

Another way to optimize the receiving process is to double-check all the documents. Make sure the receiving inventory matches the purchasing order.

How PackageX Improves Warehouse Receiving?

In today’s world, technology has changed the way businesses work and is driving them to become bigger and better. The same is the case with warehouses and dark stores. You cannot optimize receiving in warehouses without deploying the right technology.

PackageX helps business owners digitize warehouse receiving through its integrated apps and APIs. It provides you with a complete warehouse management system on a single platform where you can streamline all your inventory workflows, get real-time visibility for inventory tracking, map different steps of your receiving process and generate labels for efficient storage.

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Conclusion

Receiving is one of the most critical operations in warehouse logistics that involves the delivery, unloading, and storage of eCommerce inventory. By optimizing it, you can have more accurate stock counts, fewer stockouts or dead stock, and efficient storage for inventory. However, it is only possible when you invest in warehouse automation technology and follow the best practices to streamline the warehouse receiving process.

The eCommerce retail space has changed a lot. A few years ago, delivery expectations were low as customers were willing to wait up to 8-10 days to get their shipment. Back in 2005 when Amazon Prime launched 2-day shipping, it was considered an indulgent luxury. But this luxury changed consumer delivery expectations forever.

Consumers nowadays are increasingly discerning and have higher expectations regarding shipping. They want fast and cheap shipping options today. The data from a 2021 consumer survey revealed that 33% of the consumers have higher expectations for fast shipping and 42% of consumers expect 2-day shipping for their orders. However, shipping large and bulky items is a little trickier and complicated for several reasons. One of them is the overwhelming number of carriers that compete for your business. Choosing the right carrier that benefits you the most and fits your needs better than others for shipping large items can be challenging.

So, what should you consider when choosing a shipping carrier?

We have put together this guide to help you pick the suitable carrier for shipping heavy items and learn about the cheapest way to ship heavy items.

Three Major Carriers in the USA

Numerous carriers offer shipping services in the U.S., but USPS, UPS, and FedEx are the three major carriers delivering millions of packages each day. Let's look at some statistics showing the level at which these carriers operate.

4 Factors to Consider While Picking a Carrier for Shipping Large Items

Every business has a unique model and different shipping needs. The right carrier for you depends on the characteristics of your business. Therefore, it is better to consider various factors before choosing a shipping carrier from the vast list of options.

Below are the four major filters you should apply to your carrier picking decision.

1. Price

The shipping service price is the major obstacle that you need to address. The cost for shipping bulky items is comparatively higher, driven by the following factors:

• Speed – How fast will the heavy shipping boxes be delivered?
• Service - What level of tracking and delivery service is available?
• Size – Is your shipment heavy or large?
• Surcharges – Is there any additional fee.

If you want to ship large and heavy items faster with a higher level of tracking, you will have to pay more. Is your business model capable of subsidizing expensive shipping while earning a profit? Are your customers willing to pay more for shipping large items? Do you have to pay any extra residential fees or fuel surcharges? Only you have the answer to these questions as you are familiar with the realities of your day-to-day operations. Therefore, pick the carrier after thoroughly comparing their rates and services. PackageX Ship provides access to a variety of national carriers and on-demand couriers. Also, it allows you to view and compare their shipping rates based on the delivery time.

2. Delivery Expectation

The delivery expectations of the business also play an important role in deciding the carrier. You can choose a slower shipping service if you are running a monthly subscription-based business where you ship items on a predictable schedule. However, if you are running an eCommerce business, you must choose a carrier that offers fast shipping with better tracking and delivery confirmation. The target market in the retail and eCommerce industry expects to get orders in just one or two days. Therefore, invest in shipping carriers accordingly.

3. Shipment Weight

If you are shipping heavy items, the cost will go up automatically. An item weighing a pound or less can be shipped through USPS's First-Class Mail. However, for heavier items, you need to choose other costly services.

For instance, you need to ship furniture or equipment for lawn care. All these items are large and bulky, so you have to pay a high shipping cost. The right carrier and the service for shipping heavy items depend on the place from where you are shipping and where you need to ship.

4. Destination

The destination is also a significant filter to apply when choosing a carrier for shipping large items. Some carriers charge more if delivering heavy items to rural communities. However, some carriers hire local carriers to complete the last-mile deliveries. It directly impacts the shipping costs for businesses and their customers.

What Is the Best Way to Ship Heavy Items?

Enlisted below are some best practices for shipping large and heavy items.

• Make sure your shipment is securely packaged and ready to ship.
• If your items are placed on a pallet, ensure they are in good condition. In case your items are over 150 lbs and are to be shipped internationally, they should be secured to pallets with steel straps.
• Use boxes that have stitched and stapled seams because they are stronger than those that are glued.
• If your items are big enough, choose freight shipping over parcel shipping because it will be cheaper. Understanding your costs and how they will have an impact on your revenue is very important.
• Shippers should diversify with multiple carrier options. Having multiple carriers or providing your customers access to various carrier options creates an optimum shipping experience at the right cost.
• Every carrier has different rules. Choose the right carrier to ship large items by applying the filters mentioned above.

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Conclusion

Shipping large items is more complicated than shipping small and lighter ones. The higher cost, additional surcharges, weight limits, and dimensional weight complicate the process, but you can optimize it using a modern and tech-forward solution like PackageX. It offers apps and APIs that can streamline your shipping operations. You can generate shipping labels from various carriers and couriers in seconds and compare their rates before choosing the most suitable option.

Shipping costs usually eat a major chunk of your profit whether you are a small business owner or run a multi-chain company. As shipping rates for more oversized items vary from carrier to carrier, you should choose a carrier after in-depth research, making the right choice for your business.

Freight shipping is a common phenomenon of transporting goods, commodities, and cargo in bulk by ships, trucks, or aircraft. Two common branches of freight shipping are full truckload (FTL) shipping and less than truckload (LTL) shipping. These terms are often thrown around in the shipping and logistics community, but not everyone knows what they actually mean.

The truckload market in the USA grew to $196.34 billion in 2021. Out of which, the size of the LTL market grew to $80.16 billion in 2021. It is a clear indicator that the American economy is stretching, and more freight is moving as part of widespread supply chains. Most industries rely heavily on trucking to maintain their supply chain. Some of these significant industries include the following:

• Dairy, Fruit, Vegetables, and Nuts – 92%
• Lumber and Wood Products – 91.9%
• Agriculture products – 82.7%
• Pharmaceutical products – 65%

Both LTL and FTL shipping can meet the needs of a business, but which one is the most suitable depends on the size and weight of your shipment, delivery timelines, and freight classification. In this blog, we will define what is LTL and FTL shipping and what is the difference between LTL and FTL freight.

What Does LTL Stand for?

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping refers to the transportation of freight that does not fill the entire truck. You can start the shipment with as low as 100 pounds. It is usually ideal for shipments with 1 to 6 pallets or less than 12 linear feet. LTL shipping is very beneficial for the shippers as they can reduce their shipping cost by only paying for the portion of the trailer that takes up the freight. Similarly, other LTL shippers pay the cost of using the remaining trailer space.

What Is FTL Shipment?

The term FTL stands for Full Truckload, meaning you must hire the entire shipment even if your goods do not occupy the whole trailer. A full truckload can weigh 20,000 pounds or more, and only one shipper’s freight is transported on the truck. The shipper reserves the full capacity of the truck in FTL shipments.

LTL vs. FTL Shipping: What’s Right for You?

Several factors come into play when deciding which model of freight shipment is suitable for your business needs. Let’s have a look at some significant pointers that determine when to use FTL and when to use LTL.

You should use FTL shipping if:

• You are shipping more than 12 pallets at a time.
• Your shipment is fragile and delicate.
• You need firm pick-up and delivery appointments.
• Your delivery dates are highly time sensitive.

You should opt for LTL shipping if:

• You have 12 or fewer pallets to ship.
• You want to save shipping costs.
• Your shipping and delivery timing is flexible.

FTL vs. LTL: Five Key Differences

LTL shipping is primarily about cost-saving. If you have a few pallets to ship, it is wise to opt for LTL freight shipment. This section will discuss five key differences between LTL and FTL shipping.

1. Freight Handling

In FTL trucking, the product is driven straight to the destination for delivery. However, in LTL freight, the product is loaded and unloaded several times in and out of the trucks and warehouses before reaching the destination. In simple words, LTL logistics involves increased handling, which translates to potential damage and exposure. Therefore, shippers should properly pack and protect their shipments for the LTL mode of freight shipping.

2. Accessorial Charges

From pick-up to delivery, you have all the attention of the driver in full truckload because it takes several days for a driver to transport an FTL shipment. Therefore, FTL carriers are forgiving with accessorial charges. But this is not the case in LTL shipping. You only pay for the small portion in a trailer, and anything that causes disruption results in extra charges.

3. Commodity Specifications

In FTL freight, the carriers are not concerned with freight class or commodity specifications. However, knowing the freight class is necessary for LTL. All the LTL carriers utilize a freight classification system devised by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association to sort out commodities and decide pricing. There are 18 different freight classes ranging from Class 50 to 500.

4. Product Reweighing for Accuracy

In FTL shipping, once the shipment is loaded, the driver may stop at a weighing station to ensure the truck is under 80,000 lbs. Apart from that, there is rarely a chance of any other product inspection. However, LTL carriers reinspect products for weight at different steps. First, the carriers inspect the product at the original terminal, where they move through a dimensioner that scans pallets for weight and dimension verification. In case the results differ from the specifications listed on the bill, the shipment will be reweighed.

5. Trailer Specifications

The trailer specifications are slightly different in full truckload and less than truckload. In FTL shipment, carriers typically have 53’ trailers with swing doors. The width of the trailers is 102,” and the clearance height is 110”. On the other hand, in LTL shipping, the carriers use trailers with roll doors and clearance height up to 96”.

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How Can You Improve Your Shipping Operations?

Leveraging technology is the best and the simplest way of improving freight shipping operations. By utilizing an all-in-one shipping solution like Ship, shippers can view and compare rates on a single platform. Also, they can generate shipping labels from national carriers and on-demand couriers within seconds for regular or same-day shipping. When all your shipping operations are streamlined and automated, it becomes easier to manage FTL or LTL shipping. In addition to this, the PackageX platform also helps you track your FTL or LTL shipments.

Conclusion

LTL and FTL shipping are two major types of freight shipping and a crucial part of every supply chain. If your shipment is 12 linear feet or less, it is better to choose LTL shipping because it is a great way to reduce cost and improve efficiency simultaneously. There are many similarities between LTL and FTL freight, but there are some critical differences between the two that every shipper should know. However, the final decision of choosing FTL or LTL depends on your cost, timing, and handling requirements for your shipment.

Have you ever wondered how online orders reach customers from the warehouse? Order fulfillment is a complicated process involving a series of interconnected procedures related to receiving and shipping orders. And one of the most fundamental procedures in order fulfillment is pick and pack.

95% of the companies experience bottlenecks in their order fulfillment process. Out of these, 45% face problems in order picking and packing. The manual order picking in warehouses consumes a lot of time. Walking and manually picking orders accounts for more than 50% of the time associated with picking. On average, an order picker can pick 60 to 80 orders per hour compared to 300 picks per hour when using sorters and conveyors.

Similarly, the pick and pack phenomenon also costs warehouses a lot of money. The average pick and pack fee for single-item orders in the USA increased from 4.27 USD in 2021 to 4.33 USD in 2022 for B2B companies. The cost of warehouse management staff per year in 2023 is also estimated to be $55,057.

Automation in pick and pack operations simplifies supply chain and logistics by making fulfillment and distribution easier. With good inventory management and the right technology, businesses can quickly pick, pack, and ship orders. So, what is pick and pack, how does it work, and what are the methods involved in picking and packing orders? Here is a comprehensive guide to the pick and pack fulfillment process.

What is Pick and Pack Fulfillment?

Pick and pack order fulfillment occurs in a warehouse when an order is placed from an ecommerce store. It refers to a process during which customer orders are sourced from inventory, processed, and prepared for delivery.

Picking is finding and retrieving the right quantities of each product from its location in the warehouse using a picking list. On the other hand, packing involves placing items into boxes along with documentation and appropriate packing materials before the package is labeled and shipped to the end user.

How Does Pick, Pack, and Ship Work?

Many ecommerce stores get pick and pack services from a 3PL provider or manage their own order fulfillment. In both cases, the process is the same.

Let's see how the picking, packing, and shipping processes work!

1. Order Receiving

The first step of the process is order receiving. The ecommerce sales channels are usually integrated with warehouse systems. A warehouse fulfillment software creates a packing slip when an order is placed online.

2. Order Picking

The warehouse worker then uses that packing slip and picks the items from the warehouse shelves to fulfill the order. It is the core step of pick and pack service where inventory storage strategies and pick pack methods play a vital role as they determine the efficiency of this step.

3. Order Packing

Once the picking is done, the order is sent to the packing station, where it is packed safely, sealed, and labeled for delivery.

4. Order Shipping

Here, the carriers sort the orders on the loading dock. After that, the orders are ready to be picked up by the carriers.

Order shipping might seem simple, but it has a complex science. It is necessary to have sufficient knowledge of efficient pick and pack methods to run the business smoothly, whether it is a million-dollar online store or a mom-and-pop ecommerce shop.

What Are Pick and Pack Methods?

Some of the basic pick and pack warehouse methods that many ecommerce businesses use for order fulfillment are enlisted below:

Picking Strategies

There are four different ways to perform picking operations in a warehouse, including:

Piece Picking: Piece picking involves taking the packing slip for a single order and moving around the warehouse to pick items off the shelves. Once everything is picked, the order is taken to the packing station. Piece picking is the simplest pick and pack method for small businesses.

Batch Picking: Batch picking is suitable for businesses with a large number of orders that need to be organized into batches. Each batch contains items found in the same area of the warehouse. Batch picking gives pickers an efficient path through the warehouse. For example, if one item is needed in numerous orders, it is wise to pick those orders together to avoid walking back and forth in the warehouse.

Zone Picking: Zone picking is another pick and pack method appropriate for large fulfillment warehouses. In this technique, pickers stay in a warehouse zone and pick the items in their zone. After that, the order is passed onto the next zone, and as it moves through all the zones, it is sent to the packing station. However, for zone picking, warehouse management software is required that can assist in zone picking.

Wave Picking: Wave picking combines batch and zone picking, where workers pick items within a zone for batch orders compared to a single order. After that, the batch is passed to the next zone for further picking.

Packing Strategies

Efficient and strategic packing is a critical component of order fulfillment in ecommerce. Proper packing strategies ensure the safe delivery of products and contribute to cost savings, customer satisfaction, and brand recognition. Three key packing strategies include:

Cartonization: Cartonization is the art of selecting the optimal packaging size for each order. By utilizing the right-sized packaging, businesses can minimize excess space, reduce shipping costs, and protect products during transit. Advanced algorithms and software solutions are available that analyze order dimensions and recommend the most appropriate box size for each shipment, streamlining pick and pack operations.

Kitting: Kitting is a significant part of the pick and pack process, which involves bundling multiple products into a single package. This strategy offers several benefits, including increased customer value perception, reduced individual packaging, and enhanced cross-selling opportunities. By combining complementary items, businesses can create attractive product bundles that encourage larger purchases and improve customer experience.

Branded Packaging: Branded packaging adds a touch of personality to each shipment. It allows businesses to reinforce their brand identity, create a memorable unboxing experience, and leave a lasting impression on customers. Customized boxes, tissue papers, stickers, or thank-you cards bearing the company's logo and colors can significantly enhance brand recognition and build customer loyalty.

Benefits of Pick and Pack Fulfillment

The benefits of pick and pack fulfillment are numerous and can significantly impact the efficiency and success of a business. Here are some key advantages:

Cost-effectiveness:

Pick and pack fulfillment allows businesses to streamline operations and optimize resources, resulting in cost savings. It eliminates the need to collect items from different storage facilities and send them elsewhere for packing and labeling, reducing costs.

Flexibility and scalability:

It offers flexibility to accommodate fluctuating order volumes allowing businesses to scale their operations up or down based on demand, enabling efficient handling of small and large orders. This adaptability is particularly valuable during peak seasons or promotional periods.

Improved order accuracy:

With dedicated staff members responsible for picking and packing individual orders, the chances of errors and mix-ups are significantly reduced. This improves order accuracy, minimizing shipping mistakes, incorrect items, or missing components.

How to Improve the Pick and Pack Fulfillment Process in a Warehouse?

After becoming familiar with the basics of pick and pack, businesses need to learn how to improve the order fulfillment process at their warehouses. Optimizing picking and packing methods is essential to streamlining order fulfillment. Here are some valuable tips to optimize the pick packing process.

Invest in a Warehouse Management System (WMS)

A warehouse management system (WMS) controls all the processes from when the product enters the warehouse to when it is shipped. Therefore, investing in a warehouse management system like PackageX is wise if businesses have a lot of inventory or excessively high sales volume.

Focus on Automating as Many Processes as You can

Automation is crucial in logistics, especially in a multistage process such as order fulfillment. Businesses can increase accuracy and speed by automating their pick and pack processes. Also, with automation, they get access to important data and insights that can be used to track progress and make improvements.

Design Warehouse for Optimal Efficiency

Based on the warehouse size and number of orders received, much time can be wasted moving from one storage bin to another to fulfill each order.

Therefore, the most efficient way to optimize picking and packing is to design the warehouse for maximum efficiency by:

• Placing top-selling products closer to the packing stations.
• Keeping a stock of items typically sold together in neighboring storage zones.
• Organizing the inventory from top-selling to low-selling.

Keep Your Inventory Updated

Keeping the inventory updated and in stock is essential if businesses want pickers to fill orders efficiently. Here an inventory management app can help as it provides real-time tracking. It keeps tabs on current inventory and notifies when stock runs low. Besides updating inventory, businesses must ensure that inventory is accurately identified and stored.

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Pick and Pack FAQs

What are the benefits of outsourcing pick and pack services to a third-party provider?

Outsourcing pick and pack services to a third-party provider, such as a fulfillment center or 3PL, offers various advantages. These include access to specialized expertise, infrastructure, and technology, which can improve efficiency and accuracy while allowing businesses to focus on core operations. It also provides scalability, cost savings, and the ability to leverage the provider's established network and shipping capabilities.

What technology is used in pick and pack fulfillment?

Various technologies are employed in pick and pack fulfillment, including warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanning devices, order management software, and automated sorting systems. These technologies help streamline operations, improve accuracy, and provide real-time visibility into inventory and order status.

Can pick and pack services handle international shipping?

Yes, pick and pack services can handle international shipping. Experienced providers are familiar with international shipping requirements, customs documentation, and compliance with local regulations. They can assist businesses in ensuring proper packaging, labeling, and documentation for smooth international order fulfillment.

What is a pick and pack fee?

A pick and pack fee is imposed for the services involved in selecting items from inventory (picking) and packaging them (packing) for customer orders. It covers labor, materials, and operational expenses associated with the fulfillment process. Fees may vary based on factors like order complexity or size.

Conclusion

Order fulfillment is not about having shelves of neatly stacked products; it goes beyond that. Without optimizing the pick and pack processes, businesses cannot accurately and quickly ship orders to their customers. Therefore, they must opt for best order packing practices, inventory storage strategies, and technology to streamline their warehouse operations.

Warehouse efficiency relies on three coordinated functions: your workforce, your customers or orders, and your inventory. Sounds simple, right?

However, it is not that straightforward in real. Warehouse efficiency is not about keeping the shelves stocked and delivering products to the customer on time only. Some warehouse ideas to boost productivity to improve customer experience, saving costs, and establishing a better working environment. There is a strong connection between warehouse efficiency and customer retention. Any loopholes in warehouse optimization can lead to a drop in customer retention rate, impacting your ROI.

Whether you have a small warehouse or a large one, you should standardize your processes and find new solutions to increase warehouse efficiency. The global warehousing and storage industry will reach USD 654920 million by 2028, reflecting the need for warehouse optimization and automation. There are several ways to improve warehouse efficiency that can significantly impact your profit margin and productivity.

Here are the eight necessary steps for improving warehouse efficiency and producing the required results.

1. Leverage Warehouse Technology

Today, more than 80% of warehouses lack any automation. Warehouse management systems (WMS) and ERP systems with a strong WMS module can boost efficiency by suggesting the best routes for picking or putting items away. Artificial intelligence can significantly can make warehouse management more accurate by automating various tasks, such as sorting and inventory management. This automation not only streamlines operations but also reduces the chances of errors, making the entire process smoother and more reliable. Furthermore, the system generates automated pick lists that can be sent to mobile devices and readers, reducing errors and reducing waste of paper and time. RFID and barcode readers can enhance the accuracy of transactions and increase picking accuracy. You will have a cleaner and greener warehouse.

2. Improve Warehouse Storage

Compared to a decade ago, warehouses are now over one-third larger and nearly three times as voluminous. Due to the increasing number of SKUs and other factors, larger footprints have increased facility costs.

Rather than expanding the footprint of your warehouse, consider better utilization of storage space. Increasing the height of the storage units and investing in the right equipment can allow you to store more in the same area rather than adding to expansion costs. Additionally, consider the types and variations of shelving depending on the materials you have in your warehouse for best results. Keep shelves neat and orderly by using standardized bins. 

3. Give Customers More Pick-up and Delivery Options

Warehouses bear the burden of inventory. Offering in-store pick-up (BOPIS) and delivery can allow companies to shift a load of inventory to the retailers and warehouse distribution centers. Target offered pick-up options to its customers and revealed that 15% of their online purchases are now picked up.

You can sell products online even if your company doesn't have a brick-and-mortar storefront. A fulfillment center, such as the one operated by Amazon, can sell, store, and deliver goods to retailers. For improving warehouse efficiency further, Amazon has even introduced lockers where customers can pick up their orders instead of waiting for them to be delivered.

You can offer customers the option to select their preferred method of receiving their orders. This can include curbside pickup, contactless delivery, or flexible delivery windows, catering to their specific needs and preferences.

4. Review Your Inventory

Delivering products to customers does not reduce the time product lingers in your warehouse. Many companies are still holding on to a lot of inventory. Over the last five years, the inventory on hand based on an average sales day has increased by 8.3%. Therefore, you need to review and optimize your inventory because dead inventory in your warehouse costs money. For this purpose, you can analyze the metrics and perform an audit to identify the static inventory. Common metrics required to review inventory include:

• The average number of days to sell inventory
• Inventory turnover rate
• Return on investment (ROI)
• Gross profit on products

Holding inventory for a long time reduces warehouse efficiency and eats at your profit margin. So, you need to review your inventory and improve warehouse efficiency and productivity.

5. SaaS vs. Licensed On-Premises Systems

Investment in new order management systems, enterprise-wide or WMS that can be integrated occurs only every 5-10 years due to the extensive implementation process and investment involved. A SaaS subscription model can help you acquire a new system at a lower price.

There is, however, a difference between the long-term costs of SaaS versus buying the software once and requiring annual support of traditional software. Compare the detailed warehouse functions in SaaS WMS. You should find more effective functions for improving warehouse efficiency and decreasing warehouse costs.

6. Track Warehouse Efficiency Metrics

Warehouse productivity and efficiency can only be improved if you know:

• Which key metrics do you use to measure productivity and how to improve warehouse operations?
• Where does your baseline sit (i.e., where do you start from)?
• What is your target?
• What are you doing to track individual performances against those targets?

The warehouse efficiency metrics used by each company can differ, but they must be easily measurable. It won't be very useful if you spend a week trying to compile that data.

You need to either evaluate your systems or assess different warehouse efficiency measures. Consider breaking down your metrics. Taking productivity as an example, how do you measure it? Can several metrics measure it? If so, how? After that, identify key metrics that you can improve.

How to Measure Warehouse Efficiency

To holistically measure your warehouse performance, include the following practices in your regular procedures:

• Regular operational audits: These audits help evaluate warehouse operations, equipment, staff, and technology. Whether you do these internally or by third-party experts, this practice can highlight bottlenecks and potential risks.
• Set KPIs: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) like receiving cycle time, space utilization, and put-away productivity. These metrics give you a clear picture of your warehouse's performance and help you track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Track inventory accuracy: Your recorded inventory should match the physical stock to prevent issues like stockouts or overstocking.
• Monitor equipment efficiency: Keep a record of equipment maintenance and downtimes. This log will help you minimize downtime and ensure that your machines are running smoothly and efficiently.
• Assess and optimize warehouse layout: Regularly assess your warehouse layout to accommodate product demand, seasonality, and inventory turnover. This helps reduce unnecessary travel time and ensures that products are easily accessible.
• Get employee feedback: Listening to their suggestions can give you insights and identify problems to improve warehouse operations.

7. Automate Your Picking Process

Another way of improving efficiency is automating the picking process in warehouses. Using manual pickers for product delivery to the packaging and shipment area of the facility is not a scalable approach, especially for growing businesses. It affects warehouse productivity and efficiency significantly. With automation in the picking process, you can improve the pick rate to 300 pieces per hour.

For this purpose, you need to invest in sorters and conveyors that can move products within the facility quickly. As a result, the order picking productivity of your fulfillment center will drastically increase.

8. Don’t Stop Optimizing

Once you have your measures and benchmarks in place, you will want to refer to them regularly for improving warehouse efficiency.

To keep your workforce ahead of the curve, keep an eye on training, leadership, and technology developments. Get feedback from your customers on your service and improve warehouse efficiency where needed. Optimization to keep up with the latest trends is paramount in a constantly changing eCommerce environment.

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Wrap Up

These warehouse efficiency tips can help you streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and minimize wasted time and resources. It takes more than just getting products out of the warehouse on time and keeping everything in its designated place for an effective operational warehouse. The objective is to maximize productivity to improve the customer experience and return on investment eventually.

A firm commitment to improving warehouse efficiency plays a crucial role in your business's growth and sustainability. You can increase your warehouse efficiency by leveraging technology in your warehouse management operations. With the help of PackageX apps and APIs, you can automate your warehouse logistics operations and increase speed, productivity, and efficiency.

FAQs

What are the factors that contribute to the efficiency of warehouse operations?

Warehouse efficiency is influenced by several factors, such as the size and layout of the space, using smart robots for picking tasks, the skills and experience of the staff, the level of customization and complexity of your Warehouse Management System (WMS). You should also take care of any limitations in the existing technology infrastructure.

How do you work faster in a warehouse?

To work faster in the warehouse, start by strategically placing your best-selling items in easy-to-reach locations. Group similar orders together to save time and divide the warehouse into zones for more organized picking. Maximize the pick face area by making items more accessible and keep similar-looking items separated to avoid confusion. Using a simple app can help guide your workflow efficiently. As you pick, sort items along the way, and consider adding a bit of fun by gamifying tasks to keep things engaging and motivating.

SOLD OUT!

It's a sign that your eCommerce store is outperforming, and your business is booming. However, it is also a challenge when meeting customer needs because the most in-demand items are not always available immediately. This is where backorder comes to play.

Backordering is a common tactic in retail that helps you retain customers, outclass your competitors, and build hype. Moreover, it also keeps the flow of online orders uninterrupted while you wait for stock fulfillment. But it has its own share of risks. Late deliveries, unfulfilled expectations, and unsatisfied customers are some consequences if back orders are not managed properly.

Therefore, this guide will help you understand what does backordered mean and how you can deal with backorders successfully.

What Is a Backorder?

A backordered item refers to an out-of-stock product that is expected to be delivered once its restocked. So, the customer can buy the item now, but they will receive it at a future date. Retail or eCommerce stores are selling products on backorder with a guarantee to deliver the item to the purchaser as soon as it is replenished. It is like pre-ordering – you allow the customers to continue ordering because you expect a restock shortly. In this way, you do not lose customers due to stock unavailability.

Backorder vs. Out-Of-Stock

You might confuse back orders with out-of-stock items. However, both are different.

Out-of-stock items do not have any replenishment date, which means they do not have any inventory available and cannot be sold. On the other hand, backordered items have a date for resupply, and they can be sold online. It can take a while, but it will surely be shipped to the customer. Simply put, it is the difference between "This item is no longer available" and "This item will be available after ten business days."

What Are the Common Causes of Backorders?

There can be several factors that contribute to a backorder. Some significant causes include:

• Products that sell way better than anticipated
• Increase in demand that you didn't expect
• Inefficiencies in inventory management that lead to understocking
• Supplier problems that cause a delay in inbound shipments

How to Manage Backorders?

You must devise a solid strategy for successfully handling backordered items to avoid losing customers. Here's how you can manage such orders efficiently.

1. Decide Products for Backorders

The first step in managing back orders is deciding whether a sold-out product is suitable for backordering or not. You can do this by having:

• An accurate estimate of the product restocking date
• Sufficient stock for backorders fulfillment
• A reliable way of recording backorders
• An efficient way of fulfilling orders when the product is restocked

2. Forecast Order Demand

Sometimes it's easier to predict when an item will be in high demand. For instance, swimwear will get popular in summer, and stationery or school supplies will become popular at the end of the summer. Therefore, prepare for such situations and keep extra stock in your warehouses readily accessible. When you encounter an unforeseen spike in demand, your backordering process should be organized to deal with it efficiently.

3. Update Your Listings

You should make the backorder status of a product clear to everyone visiting your listings. Consider adding a status or tag like "available on backorder" to the product along with the estimated delivery date. It will prevent customers from having unrealistic expectations about product arrival and placing back orders mistakenly. Similarly, if you are no longer taking backorders for a product, make it visible too.

4. Work with Multiple Suppliers

To manage backorders efficiently, you should engage multiple suppliers. You can reduce the customer's wait time by working with at least two to three suppliers who provide similar products. When one supplier runs out of a product, you can order the same item from another warehouse. In this way, you can manage your backorders effectively without losing customers.

5. Keep Your Customers Informed

If you want to retain customers through backorders, you need to keep them informed. Send them a confirmation email that confirms their order and restates the estimated delivery date. Similarly, there are cases when customers mistakenly place a backorder or do not understand what is a backorder. For such cases, you should allow customers to cancel their orders or join the waiting list.

6. Keep a Record

Keeping a history is also essential for effective backorder management. You should have a record of customers placing backorders, the time of their order, and the quantity of the product they ordered.

An accurate and properly managed record provides valuable insights about

• The priority of orders that need to be fulfilled
• The required fulfillment capacity
• Whether you have sufficient stock to meet the demand

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7. Ship Products Separately

Customers may place orders containing both in-stock and backordered items. In such circumstances, you should adopt a strategy of shipping orders separately. Ship the in-stock products immediately and send the backordered products once they are available. However, it involves two separate shipping costs.

8. Identify the Inventory Gaps

You should also focus on identifying the gaps in your inventory. Once your inventory management system informs you about a product delay, find the cause and solution to the problem, which can be ordering more products or finding other ways of shipping.

Final Thoughts

Backorders are not always ideal, but they help you make the best of a difficult situation. You can turn backorders into profits by adopting smarter ways to manage them. PackageX can help you optimize and automate the inventory operations associated with backordering through its apps and APIs. As a result, you will be able to manage your stock efficiently and have real-time visibility.

We live in the digital economy era where eCommerce and the retail sector are experiencing digital transformation every day. Thanks to the ever-changing consumer expectations and shopping behaviors. More than 263 million Americans shop online, and this figure is expected to reach 291.2 million by 2025. According to the Insider Intelligence forecast, US retail eCommerce sales are expected to grow 16.1%, reaching approximately 1.06 trillion USD in 2022.

New shopping models have now been developed to meet modern customer needs as the world of online retail is highly competitive. The omnichannel shopping approach, already adopted by eCommerce giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Target, represents a new trend called Buy Online, Ship-to-Store (BOSS) that is rapidly growing. This approach bridges the gap between Digital Commerce and in-store shopping, putting the customer at the heart of the retailer’s digital transformation strategy.

Let’s analyze this emerging in-store shopping trend that combines digital orders with pick-up in-store.

What Is Buy Online, Ship-to-Store (BOSS)?

BOSS online is a purchasing method that allows consumers to buy the product online even when it’s out of stock. However, instead of paying and shipping the product to their address, they get it shipped to the store and pick it up from the store.

BOSS is technically a subset of BOPIS that takes the idea of BOPIS one step ahead. Both channels start with online orders and end with a consumer in the store, but the logistics associated with BOSS retail are slightly different. As the retail sector continues to alter its omnichannel format, BOSS is expected to grow as the most suitable way to meet consumer demand and minimize the percentage of lost sales.

How Does BOSS Work?

Buy online, ship to store is a backend process that limits the need for stock in hand and allows for a smaller store footprint.

So how to ship online orders through BOSS?

• You select the product you want to order on the retailer’s website (even if it’s out of stock).
• After completing the order, you choose delivery to the nearest store.
• As the chosen product is not available at the store, it is shipped from the warehouse or other nearby stores. Therefore, it can take a few days for the product to arrive.
• Once your chosen product arrives at the store, you are notified to pick it up at your earliest.

Advantages of BOSS Retail

There are numerous significant benefits of buy online ship-to-store, which include the following:

• Shipping to the store is much cheaper than commercial direct-to-customer shipping. It saves a considerable amount of packing and labor costs.
• Sellers can also reduce returns with buy online ship to store retail.
• It optimizes your inventory and space by reducing the risk of stock-outs.
• The BOSS strategy also attracts customers to the store, increasing the possibility of conversions.
• It also eliminates the pressure off the stores and retailers to offer discounted items at the season end.

Best Practices to Handle Buy Online, Ship-to-Store

Omnichannel retail approaches like BOSS require an incredibly connected supply chain that is supported by automated order and inventory management systems. Let’s look at some best practices that can help eCommerce store owners and retailers handle the boss ordering.

Digitization is the Key

Through digitization in logistics, retailers can handle orders with great speed and accuracy, keeping their customers satisfied.

So, what does digitization include?

Digitization in logistics includes having an efficient and innovative package management software supplemented with the latest OCR technology.

As retail goods cannot be tracked, ordered, or registered without barcodes, it is crucial to have smart OCR software to scan barcodes accurately. Therefore, focus on digitizing your BOSS retail operations.

Have a Specified Pick-up Area

Another suitable way to run the BOSS model at your eCommerce store is to have a designated area for pick-up. You can easily direct BOSS orders to this area, making it convenient for the customers to retrieve their packages without hassle. Furthermore, you can also use parcel lockers to provide a self-serve way to your customers for order pick-up. Therefore, focus on an organized distribution method at your store.

Keep the Customers Informed

Communication is crucial in buy online, ship-to-store format of online shopping. You need to keep the customer in the loop when processing the order. The consumers expect an email from the store telling them about the estimated time of the order’s arrival, its tracking information, and an email/text notification when the order is ready for pick-up. Also, you can educate your customers about where to go in-store to get the items in this email.

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Key Takeaways

Logistics and eCommerce are interconnected. Businesses or companies that want to capture online sales opportunities using the buy online, ship-to-store method should ensure speed, flexibility, and precision in their supply chain. For this purpose, you need to invest in smart logistics solutions like PackageX that automate order, stock, and inventory management at your store. Our platform comprises easy-to-use apps and APIs that conveniently streamline your in-store processes.

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Today's supply chain management and logistics are complex, increasing the demand for real-time visibility and continuous monitoring of shipment chains. Goods-centric tracking and tracing of items is needed to increase visibility and control in various logistics operations of a business or company. It is critical for a supply chain manager to know about the shipment's location, the estimated time of arrival (ETA), and any possible disruption or current and past status of the shipment to manage and control their fleet, orders, and goods.

According to the report published by Forbes and KPMG International, lack of visibility across the extended supply chain is one of the biggest challenges for companies. Therefore, track and trace in logistics are essential to increase transparency across every step of the supply chain. The current technological advancements have enabled manufacturing sites, eCommerce businesses, and warehouses to track and trace shipments over their complete life cycle.

This article will shed light on the concept of tracking and tracing in logistics and explore its benefits in detail.

What Is Track and Trace?

Track and trace are two fundamental components of the supply chain that allow various logistics providers and companies to determine the location and status of the goods.

Track refers to the process of following the trail produced by the shipment's movement. On the other hand, Trace involves tracking the movement and even the package's temperature. In simple words, track and trace is a way to record the movement of parcels during transportation.

What Is the Aim of Track and Trace in Logistics?

Track and trace aim to create transparency in the supply chain so that logistics providers, partners, and customers can know about the shipping status and exact location of goods. Moreover, it also improves the management of the logistics network and the quality of the customer service.

Tracking and tracing help improve the following processes:

• Inbound transportation
• Outbound transportation
• Fleet management
• Materials handling
• Warehousing and distribution
• Order fulfillment
• Demand planning
• Inventory management

Benefits of Track and Trace Technology

Visibility in supply chain operations is essential to improve logistics workflows, save time on manual tasks, increase profits, and reduce production waste.

Some of the significant benefits of track and trace in logistics include the following:

• Trust reinforcement
• Cost reduction
• Superior customer service
• Improved inventory management
• Better security
• Identification of bottlenecks in the supply chain
• Real-time information about the delivery status

Trust Reinforcement

The most important rule of a business is to enforce trust within your partners and customers. The same is the case in the logistics business. You need to reinforce trust by promoting transparency within your supply chain through tracking and tracing.

Tracking and tracing in logistics offers you peace of mind and keeps your partners and customers informed about the status of their shipments. Also, it builds trust between the supplier and the purchaser.

Cost Reduction

The advanced track and trace technology also help minimize the cost associated with the transportation of the consignment. You can effectively mitigate the traveling and transportation costs by finding quicker routes using GPS-based applications. These applications utilize intelligent routing and create efficient work routes, which reduces fuel costs.

Superior Customer Service

Another significant advantage of track and trace in logistics is superior customer service. It helps you achieve better efficiency and quick delivery, improving customer service. Your customers will be able to track shipments easily, and you will have all the information and precise delivery schedules.

Improved Inventory Management

Staying informed about your inventory levels throughout the supply chain strengthens your inventory management and planning.

With the help of track and trace, you can improve your inventory management and reduce the time it takes to locate goods and perform manual inventory checks. In this way, your employees can perform other essential tasks.

Better Security

In logistics and distribution, a lot of things are at stake. When a shipment gets misplaced, it is not just a material loss on the client's radar but also a loss of reputation for you. Track and trace technology provides better security for your shipments, captures every minute detail, and sends out instant notifications about the shipment status through text or email.

Identification of Bottlenecks in the Supply Chain

Track and trace in logistics also help you identify bottlenecks in the supply chain. Utilizing an advanced track and traces solution allows you to understand where things are consuming too much time. For instance, you can change the route if a shipment tends to be in transit for a longer time on a specific route. Similarly, if a particular logistics center takes hours to process your shipment, you can communicate and figure out how to make things easier and quicker.

Real-Time Information About Delivery Status

Inefficient deliveries lead to a lack of transparency in the supply chain. It becomes difficult for the logistics managers to determine the location and status of transported shipments and goods. As a result, they get deprived of real-time information about the goods, such as:

• The current location of the order
• The estimated time of delivery
• Are goods kept at an accurate temperature?
• Are goods delivered to the customer without any damage?
• Has the shipment been received successfully?
• Are there any missing deliveries?
• Is the shipment delayed?

With the help of track and trace in logistics, managers can keep track of the shipments at any time because they get all the real-time information. They can timely detect whether the shipment is being misplaced, damaged, or delayed. Consequently, they can resolve all the problems proactively, ensuring zero disruptions in the supply chain.

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What is the Future of Trace and Track in Logistics?

As per Markets and Markets, a research firm, the global market for track and trace technology is expected to reach approximately 7.3 billion USD by 2026 with a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%.

Although tracing and tracking is not a new concept in logistics, its usage is still limited, leading to a lack of visibility in the supply chain and real-time information. However, as the demand for more information increases among retailers, manufacturers, logistics service providers, and customers, the more critical tracing and tracking become in logistics.

In the future, many other technologies like IoT and blockchain will be used to create a more comprehensive and optimized solution for tracking and tracing.

Conclusion

Track and trace in logistics have become a necessity for all shippers and carriers. It has numerous benefits, including simplified finding, tracking, and data collection from every supply chain step. Moreover, it helps businesses save cost and time, increase supply chain transparency, improve efficiency, and offer a superior customer experience. Therefore, you should consider deploying smart track and trace solutions, like the ones provided by the PackageX platform, to modernize and standardize your logistics operations.

Inventory management is a prime concern for any business that deals with products, be it eCommerce, retail, or wholesale. The financial success of a business depends on accurate and efficient inventory management; therefore, it's complicated. Especially if you own a small-sized business, the problems that arise due to human errors or inventory theft would never let your business grow or make a profit. It is one of the significant reasons small businesses struggle to have the required stock at the right time without overstocking or understocking the best-selling products.

Also, performing the outdated inventory management practices manually consume your staff's productive hours, putting a damper on efficiency. Therefore, small-sized businesses must have an innovative, modern, and automated inventory management system. However, it is quite alarming that small businesses still do not utilize inventory management systems and do not have a proper mechanism to track inventory.

The principles of inventory management are the same whether you are a large organization or a small business. Here's how you can set up inventory management for small businesses.

Inventory Management Statistics

• Only 22% of the companies maintain a proactive supply chain network.
• 43% of small businesses are not tracking their inventory.
• 21% of the small businesses report they don't have inventory.
• 67.4% of the supply chain managers use Excel spreadsheets to manage inventory.
• Inventory stockouts cost retailers approximately $4.6 billion in lost Black Friday sales in 2021.
• U.S. retail operations possess 63% supply chain accuracy, which causes delays and re-stocking issues.

What Is Inventory Management?

Inventory management is a fundamental part of the supply chain that refers to acquiring, storing, and selling a company's stock, including raw materials, work-in-progress goods, and finished products. With effective management, you have the exact amount of inventory when needed. Also, you do not have to deal with the slow-moving goods aging in the warehouse.

Poor inventory management harms the reputation of a small business and results in a warehouse full of deadstock, costing storage money. Therefore, businesses need an effective inventory management strategy to withstand fluctuating demands and possible disruptions.

Suitable Practices for Small Business Inventory Management

Issues related to inventory management are neither new nor born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has shown what can happen when inventory planning, management, and tracking are not well-thought-out. The traditional unit-based policies for safety stock are outdated and too static to address the sudden disruption in supply and demand that we witnessed over the last year. eCommerce has significantly replaced the physical channels, achieving ten years of growth in just three months. In the U.S. only, the marketplace eCommerce sales are projected to hit $357.26 billion in 2022, making up 34.6% of all online sales.

Here are some valuable tips on how to set up inventory management for small businesses.

1. Invest in Inventory Management Software

Small business owners should invest in cutting-edge technologies like inventory management software or barcode inventory system. Good inventory software can help you:

• Track your inventory. You can easily evaluate how much stock you have, which stock is selling fast, and when your next shipment arrives.
• Evaluate sales to forecast demand accurately
• Plan material requirements
• Keep the right amount of stock available to meet demands
• Get rid of dead stock
• Create reports for inventory analysis
• Optimize warehouse management operations
• Manage cash flow effectively

2. Employ FIFO – (First In – First Out)

FIFO is an asset valuation, and management method in which stock acquired first is sold, used, or disposed of first. New stock goes back, and the old stock is displayed at the front. It is a practical approach to the stock rotation that impacts all sorts of merchandise, especially perishable goods. Businesses that adopt FIFO inventory management are more profitable considering the fluctuations in the economy and the risk of increasing manufacturing costs.

3. Identify Slow-Selling Goods by Analyzing Sales Data

Another way of inventory management for small businesses is to identify slow-selling products and get rid of them.

There can be numerous reasons for a product to move slowly. For example, high-ticket inventory goods stay longer on the shelf, or an item might not be as popular as predicted. Therefore, small business owners should use a sale to finish the remaining stock and stop ordering that product in the future to hold the cost down.

4. Integrate Inventory Management System with POS

The inventory management software for small manufacturing businesses should be integrated with point-of-sale (POS). In this way, you can provide your employees with real-time inventory access that allows them to stock levels and goods locations. Your floor associate should have an inventory barcode scanner that instantly informs them about the items on the shelf, in the warehouse, or in a store.

5. Regularly Conduct Stock Audit

Effective inventory management depends on regular stock audits. Many businesses prefer a complete audit once a year to analyze if their current stock matches the digital count. However, some conduct frequent checks to identify fast-moving goods. In both ways, stock auditing is the best way to highlight costly errors like employee theft and mislabeling. Therefore, small businesses should conduct stock checks regularly.

6. Know Your Risks

Understanding your risks is a part of inventory management for small businesses because every supply chain is prone to disruption. Anything from vendor instability to weather can disrupt the supply chain. Some common risks include:

• Market size and share
• Economic factors
• Supplier reliability
• Financing
• Regulation compliance issues
• Weather
• Natural disasters

Business owners should consider these risk factors when devising an inventory management strategy.

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Improve Inventory Management with PackageX

If you are looking for a high-tech inventory management solution for your business, PackageX is the right platform for you. We offer a modern, comprehensive, and cloud-based inventory management software that automates all the basic inventory operations. It provides real-time visibility into your inventory and improves staff efficiency and productivity. So, if you want to make your business profitable, you need to optimize your inventory management system.

Pandemic has changed the dynamics of the global shipping and logistics industry. The global parcel volume exceeded 131 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach 266 billion in 2026. In the US only, the parcel volume grew exponentially year over year since the Covid outbreak, with 20 billion package volume in 2020, up 37% from the previous year. A similar impact was observed in office mail and package delivery worldwide. Let's take the example of a commercial real estate company that offers shared workspaces. They received approximately 488,633 packages in 2020 and 948,438 in 2021 (approximately 2x more than 2020) as per the data obtained from the PackageX platform.

On average corporate mailrooms receive approximately 1000 packages every day, and this number will continuously grow with time, thanks to the rise in "online shopping." Office mailrooms have become busier as employees ship their personal packages to their workplaces. Many commercial office spaces lack the resources to manage personal and business packages efficiently.

Therefore, you need to develop a clear mail and delivery policy that defines the rules for personal package delivery at the office and the responsibility of every employee regarding mail handling at the office.

Here's the detailed guideline on developing a mail and delivery policy for your offices with an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of allowing personal packages at work.

The Need for Mail & Delivery Policy

Employees find it easier to ship their personal packages to offices than to their homes. One of the reasons is that packages are not left unattended at the front door of homes during the day, reducing the risk of package theft. While it is convenient for employees, offices need to weigh those conveniences because extra delivery traffic drains office resources. The ripple effect of online shopping causes package pileups in the office mailroom, which takes up a lot of space.

Moreover, it also brings up privacy and security-related issues. For this purpose, an office should have a solid mail and delivery policy to address these issues preemptively. It will help the staff and employees understand the expectations regarding the packages that circulate through the office. Also, the front desk and mailroom staff will have a clear action plan to deal with any possible violations of official mail and delivery policies.

Pros & Cons of Allowing Personal Packages

Employers can allow or prohibit employees from getting their personal packages at work. This decision is primarily based on the pros and cons of personal package delivery at offices.

Let’s have a look at some significant pros and cons of allowing personal packages in the workplace.

Pros:

• It takes stress off the employees as porch piracy is at an all-time high. Their packages are not left at the door unattended, and they get them on time.
• It allows you to turn your office mailroom into an employee perk.
• The employees feel valued when their company facilitates them in taking care of routine errands while still at work.

Cons:

• Offices will be liable if any package goes missing or is damaged.
• It is hectic for the mailroom staff to handle so many packages.
• Storage issues occur as the packages pile up.
• Higher risk of inefficiencies or snags in smooth logistics operations.
• Confusion between personal and business packages.
• Chance of receiving inappropriate materials at the workplace.

Mail and Delivery Policy Considerations

In case you decide to allow personal package delivery at the office, the official mail and delivery policy should include the following guidelines:

• What will be the mechanism for package handling?
• Identification of the place from where employees can pick up packages.
• Development of a verification or security procedure before releasing packages to the recipient.
• Set a threshold for personal packages that can be delivered to the office. In this way, you can reduce the number of personal packages at your office.
• If you have set a limit for the number of personal packages, you need to decide how to flag an employee for over-shipping.
• How will employees verify their identity in companies where front desk staff might not know all the employees personally?
• What kind of notification system will be used to notify employees about their personal or business packages?
• Who will monitor the enforcement of your office's mail and delivery policy?
• What will be the consequences of policy violations?

Define Risk & Privacy Expectations

Most offices do not want to be held responsible for any possible damage to the delivered packages. Also, they do not want their front desk staff to spend time finding lost packages for the employees.

Therefore, you need to clarify in your mail and delivery policy that the office is not responsible for employees' mail or packages. Employers should give their staff a clear indication of "no privacy" for the packages sent to the workplace. The law also supports the employer's right to open the package sent to offices if it's not marked as "Personal or Confidential."

So, when you create your official mail and delivery policy, make sure to include mail privacy expectations in it.

Training & Communication for Package Handling

There should be a dedicated section in your policy to specify how mailroom managers or administrators should handle mail and packages. You should clearly define the package management process that includes notifying recipients about their packages.
Smarter companies are now using automated package management systems like PackageX Receive to streamline their logistics operations. Apart from mail sorting, you should also train your staff to recognize suspicious packages.

How to identify suspicious packages?

As per the Department of Homeland Security, the following packages should be considered suspicious:

• Bulky, uneven, and rigid packages
• Package with misspelled or badly written labels
• A package with no postage or excessive postage
• Leaks, stains, powders, and materials protruding from the package.

If your office receives a suspicious package, your staff should know what to do. There should be an emergency response plan that instructs the staff on how to handle the situation and who to notify. The administrator must verify the harmlessness of a package by checking the return address.

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Optimize Package Management with Software

Regardless of your mail and delivery policy, you should have an automated package management system at your office. It lessens the burden of your front desk staff and streamlines the process. Products like Receive, Ship, and Track enable you to digitize your package receiving, shipping, and tracking operations with better accuracy and more security. You can notify the recipients about their packages through text and email notifications along with easy scanning, matching, and logging through the powerful OCR technology of the PackageX platform.

Conclusion

Mail and delivery policy in offices is created to establish expectations of employees regarding personal and business packages being shipped to offices. It should provide clear guidelines to ensure fair practices and legal compliance. Corporate offices or flexible workspaces should have a clear mail and delivery policy to summarize employees' responsibilities regarding package handling. Some important considerations that should be kept in mind while developing the policy are listed above. However, you should keep reviewing and updating your policies according to your company's needs.

Multi-tenant buildings and apartment complexes are experiencing an upsurge in package deliveries every day. The pandemic squeezed ten years of digital sales penetration into three months. While the eCommerce growth has started to settle, it tuned everyone to order more online. Likewise, the work from home is not going away, and multi-tenant buildings will never see a reduction in package volumes. These trends have rewired consumer behavior and expectations of fast, reliable, and effortless delivery. In 2020, almost 25 billion packages were delivered by USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Amazon in the US, averaging about 70 million packages per day.

The last yard of the final mile delivery at multi-tenant buildings has become a massive pain point for building owners and property managers. Last yard delivery refers to the final part of last mile delivery where the delivery person reaches the destination building and drops a bag or pallet of packages at the front desk, mailroom, or concierge and leaves. It becomes a building's responsibility to log, notify, store, retrieve, and hand over the package to the recipient.

This package problem challenges the status quo as multi-tenant buildings are not equipped to handle the skyrocketing package deliveries. However, package volume is not the only logistical headache. The pen and paper methods and outdated and legacy package management solutions are not designed to deal with the recent spike in package volume. The inefficiency in how packages are dropped, insufficient storage solutions, delays in package management and pick-up also contribute to the widespread problem multi-tenant buildings face. As a result, both tenants and building staff suffer.

In this article, we will dig into the challenges associated with the last yard package delivery at multi-tenant buildings and offer valuable insights on how to solve them.

Some Facts First

• 1 out of 8 Americans lives in an apartment ~41 million individuals.
• Each apartment (or a door), on average, gets about 11 packages a month based on data from PackageX.
• Apartments in the US receive about 2.6 billion packages annually carrying goods worth more than $100 billion at this current rate.
• Carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Amazon mark their job as complete when they deliver packages in bulk at a building.
• Carriers typically leave bags or pallets of packages with the concierge, mailroom, central receiving, or put them in lockers.
• Buildings typically log, store, and notify the tenants or recipients of packages' arrival. They sometimes move packages between buildings, deliver packages to the door, or wait for tenants to pick up their packages, either assisted or self-service.
• 20% of tenants are not satisfied with the package management at multi-family buildings.
• A 2021 analysis by Swiftlane shows that almost 50% of tenants report package theft.
• Around $5.4 billion worth of packages were stolen from multi-tenant buildings in 2020.
• 1 in 5 tenants believe that package management is one of the essential amenities.

Challenges Associated with Package Delivery

• Buildings are becoming part of the extended last mile.
• Delivery isn't complete until the package is in the hands of a tenant or a recipient.
• Buildings offer package services to their tenants as part of the rental amenity or a selling proposition.
• The multi-tenant buildings and their staff are struggling under the weight of climbing packages volume and deliveries. 68% of the building staff spend up to 4 hours a week managing fast-growing delivery volumes.
• Packages are lost, delayed, or stolen after the carriers drop them off, mainly due to pen/paper methods, lack of protection, outdated tech at front desks, mailrooms, package rooms, etc.
• A 2019 analysis by the New York Times reported that over 90,000 packages were stolen every day in NYC, and roughly 205,000 packages were stolen every day in 2020.
• Buildings think it should be carriers' or delivery drivers' responsibility to ensure package delivery to their tenants.
• On the other hand, carriers have to do multiple deliveries each day, and they cannot spend time dropping these packages at each unit (sometimes they can't go up) or put them one by one in a third-party locker.
• Tenants have limited access to the package room, and they cannot get to the packages when they need them.

In the end, who suffers?

The tenant or a recipient whose delivery is lost, delayed or stolen. In many instances, the sender ends up re-shipping if it's replaceable, and that’s mostly retailers.

Two Key Questions

Two key questions should be considered before moving towards the solution to resolve all the challenges associated with the last yard delivery at multi-tenant buildings:

1. Who should ensure packages get to the tenant or recipient in a multi-tenant setting or an apartment complex? Should the liability for the last yard delivery management live with a carrier, building, or a sender?
2. As a tenant of a multi-tenant building or a residential complex, are people willing to pay some extra amount in their rental to get the best package management experience? Or do they think their rental is enough to get the best package receiving and pickup experience?

What Are Tenants' Preferences?

Tenant priorities are changing with the change in their behavior. Among all the amenities that tenants request, package management is at the top now.

What do tenants prefer when it comes to final mile package delivery?

It is an important question that reflects the willingness of a tenant to pay some additional amount in their rental for secure package delivery.

According to Multifamily Executive’s Concept Community statistics, 28% of tenants consider package lockers very important. In addition, 70% of the renters expect this service to be free. As per Wakefield Research Survey and National Multifamily Housing Council (NMFC) Research, 31% of residents would pay $5 to $10 extra per month for improved package delivery.

It shows that tenants expect a smooth, efficient, and technologically advanced package reception and delivery at multi-family buildings. According to the NMHC/Kingsley Apartment Resident Preferences Report, 84% of tenants want secure, self-service, and 24/7 package access, and they might pay an additional amount for this service. Here multi-tenant buildings need to play smart and upgrade their logistics workflows by opting for automated package management solutions.

What Is the Solution?

To ensure successful delivery to the tenant or recipient, multi-tenant buildings need to upgrade their package management system. After all, it is the responsibility of the building to make sure the tenants receive their packages safely. There are multiple ways you can streamline the last yard package delivery at your building without burdening your staff.
Some smart solutions include the following:

• Package management apps
• Parcel locker systems
• Third-party package delivery services

Package Management Apps

Automated package management apps like PackageX Receive speed up the package processing and send instant notifications to the residents. In this way, the on-site teams at the multi-tenant buildings save a lot of time as packages are processed and logged in seconds. Also, the package is safely delivered to the resident.

As the carrier delivers the package to the building mailroom, the on-site team scans the package label with the app. After that, an email or a text message is sent to the resident to notify them with a picture of the delivery. Once the recipient retrieves the package from the mailroom, the delivery is marked complete by the building staff.

Package management apps instantly notify residents about their packages and ensure visual chain of custody by digitizing the package logging process as a paper-based system or barcode scanner-based solutions are no longer effective. Moreover, it is a cost-effective solution compared to parcel lockers or smart package rooms.

Parcel Locker Systems

Another way multi-tenant buildings or apartments can ensure final mile delivery is through parcel lockers. You can connect your parcel lockers with apps like PackageX Receive and Label OCR API to scale the package management operations. According to the NMHC/Kingsley Package Delivery Survey conducted in 2018, 57% of apartment managers believe that self-serve package lockers are the most suitable way to handle final-mile package delivery to the tenants. The carrier delivers the package to the locker, triggering an email or text to the resident. As the tenant receives the notification and the secure access code, they can retrieve their package conveniently at any time.

Moreover, a package locker system also helps you tackle issues like package theft and storage. You can eliminate face-to-face contact between residents and community managers by using lockers.

However, parcel lockers are not scalable and flexible. Finding a suitable location to put the lockers in an area accessible to carriers and residents 24/7 without needing a staff member is a challenge. Also, all packages do not fit into the lockers, and residents do not pick up their packages on time, leading to pile-ups.

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Third-Party Package Delivery Services

Multi-tenant building owners can also use a third-party package management service to enable direct delivery to the residents. This mode of package delivery has become popular due to its approach of managing packages offsite and delivering them directly to the residents.

The most significant advantage of this service is that residents get the parcels at their doorstep. They do not have to visit the community office every time they have an incoming delivery. Similarly, on-site teams also do not have to log deliveries or notify tenants. But even in this case, packages are to be delivered to the building mailroom because, at times, the delivery person cannot reach the recipient directly at their doorstep.

However, all these solutions come with a cost that residents have to pay. Buildings that offer package management services charge tenants an extra amount in their rents. Many tenants feel irritated about paying for a service that should be an expected amenity, but some are willing to pay higher rent for a better package management experience.

Conclusion

Multi-tenant buildings are a part of the extended last mile, and ensuring last yard delivery at such buildings has its own share of challenges. However, these issues can be resolved if multi-tenant buildings take full responsibility for secure package delivery to the resident. Carriers cannot deliver packages at each unit as they have multiple deliveries to make. Therefore, buildings have to devise a modern strategy and use advanced logistics solutions or software to ensure packages reach the tenant safely and the delivery is completed.

This is a part of a series of data-based analysis on packages received by universities & colleges in 2021. The coworking analysis can be found here. If you’ve read that piece already, please skip over the next two sections to “01 – Number of Received Packages.”

Students have always been more tech-savvy than most & this shows in the data. Their online shopping behavior has resulted in more packages received at the campus mailrooms but they’re also more prompt in picking up their packages compared to recipients in other industries.

The Data

The data comprises of over 1.6 million packages processed by the PackageX platform across 40 countries.

The Stats

One thing is for certain – package volumes are increasing regardless of country & industry. This change in shopping behavior seems to be irreversible & here to stay.

01 - Number of Received Packages

Despite the sporadic lockdowns, whether partial or whole in some countries, the overall trend of packages received by education increased through till September. The only dips happened during the holiday seasons.

Analysis

The average number of packages received per student & faculty member varied from its lowest of 1.08 per month to 3.5 per month. This is a very large range and an operational nightmare for most universities & colleges.

Compared to all non-education organizations on the PackageX platform, this range is much larger which is reflective of the seasonality of campus housing occupancy.

Key Considerations

• How can campus mailrooms build enough flexibility in their operations to manage X number packages in one month and 3.5X in another without wasting precious resources such as space & manpower?
• How can you effectively plan your mailroom operational requirements based on seasonality? 

02 – Same-day Package Pickups

Same-day pickups percentage is the number of packages that were picked up by the recipients on the same day they were received by the mailroom as a percentage of overall packages received.

Analysis

The same-day pickup rate did not deviate much throughout the year except for the outlier month of June which can be attributed to the summer break.

Compared to other industries, same-day pickup rates are on par with others with major deviations coming in during major holiday seasons.

Key Considerations

• How does your same-day pickup rate compare with your peers?
• Is your automated notification & reminder strategy based on data showing the best times to remind recipients?
• What’re the best practices that education organizations can adopt to increase this metric and reduce mailroom storage requirements?

03 - Notify to Pick up Time Comparison

This metric is the duration spent from the time that a recipient is notified through an email or text to the time that they pick up that package.

Analysis

Except for the holiday months, students & faculty have shown to be prompt in picking up their packages in comparison with other industries. The holiday months data is skewed somewhat by students & faculty members receiving packages at the campus but not being available for the next x number of weeks to pick them up.

Focusing only on the blue columns, however, a disparity emerges which again points to the seasonality. The shortest time from notification to pickup was ~30 hours while the longest was ~99 hours. This is a 3.3X difference which shows how much flexibility campus receiving centers need to build into their operations such as storage & manpower.

Key Considerations

• The longer packages stay in the mailroom, the more the chances of losing or misplacing them. How can universities & colleges put in place processes & mechanisms to safely store & retrieve packages?
• Students & faculty members are usually quick in picking up their packages, but the seasonality adds to campus mailroom storage requirements. Are there any policy changes that can incentivize swifter collection of packages?
• How does your campus fare in comparison to the average annual pickup time of 51 hours – which is a little more than 2 days.

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Key Takeaways

Here’re the key takeaways that campus services managers, housing facility supervisors & mailroom managers should consider in their 2022 planning:

1. Benchmarking your operations is the first step to improvement. Use the above three metrics to understand where you stand & where’s the biggest gap.
2. Root cause analysis – increase in recipient complaints about lost or misplaced packages can be for a variety of reasons. Rather than just opting for whatever is receiving the maximum buzz in the industry, analyze the cause of the symptom & then brainstorm possible solutions.
3. Recipient experience – We live in a mobile-first world. How is your receiving center connected to your students & faculty right now? In the past two years, how’ve your mailroom operations changed to cater to the change in students & faculty online shopping behavior?
4. Revenue opportunity – there’s potential to differentiate your mailroom services and offer premium services such as Digital Mailrooms. Allow your recipients to receive their mail digitally or physically regardless of their location by offering scan & send services. Another key Digital Mailroom service is the ability to forward received packages.
5. Community – connect & talk to peers to share & learn new best-practices.

About PackageX

PackageX is a comprehensive logistics management platform with a host of first-party & third-party apps. PackageX Receive (formerly called Mailroom) is the premier inbound package management solution that automates key processes such as data entry (through its AI-powered OCR), notifications & reporting. Used by 100+ organizations across 17 countries, the PackageX platform is the logistics platform of choice for modern campus shipping & receiving centers.

3PL vs. 4PL

Supply vs. demand

Supply chain management vs. logistics

These are some common comparisons made in the logistics industry. However, another comparison is added to the list, i.e., inbound vs. outbound logistics.

Inbound and outbound logistics are two crucial components of a supply chain that contribute to the success of any business. While both the terms have different meanings in different industries, they refer to receiving and sending in logistics.

Take a read of the article to know about the difference between inbound and outbound logistics.

What Is Inbound and Outbound Logistics?

Outbound and inbound logistics are two common processes associated with the movement of goods throughout the supply chain. They might be similar in nature, but inbound logistics deals with supply while outbound logistics deals with fulfilling demand.

Inbound Logistics

Inbound logistics refer to the movement of goods and supplies from the manufacturer to a fulfillment center, warehouse, or retail store. It connotes the activities related to sourcing, storing, and providing raw materials to the product department. Inbound logistics are fundamental to firms associated with the manufacturing business.

The following are the steps involved in inbound logistics:

• Sourcing/procurement.
• Ordering/purchasing.
• Transportation.
• Receiving.
• Material handling.
• Storing and warehousing.
• Inventory management.
• Distribution.
• Tracking.

Outbound Logistics

Outbound logistics refer to the movement of goods from the company to the end consumer. It involves collecting, storing, and distributing the final product with the flow of related information from the manufacturing site to the consumer. It connotes all the activities usually associated with the outflow of merchandise from the seller to the buyer, including selection, organization, and transportation.

The following are the steps involved in outbound logistics:

• Warehouse and storage management.
• Inventory management.
• Transportation.
• Delivery.

What Is the Difference Between Inbound and Outbound Logistics?

Now that you are familiar with the definitions of inbound and outbound logistics let us find the key difference between them. Although both outbound and inbound logistics define the movement of goods, the major difference between them is simple.

Inbound logistics encompass processes linked to incoming goods, i.e., receiving the product from suppliers and manufacturers. It involves procurement and handling of raw materials, sourcing, purchasing, storing, and supplier returns.

On the other hand, outbound logistics deal with product delivery to the customers and end-users. It includes inventory management, order management, packing, and distribution processes.

Inbound vs. Outbound Logistics: Comparison

The comparison chart below will help you understand the difference between inbound and outbound logistics.

Inbound Logistics Example

Let’s discuss an inbound logistics example for an e-commerce business. For example, you are a tablet computer manufacturer. The raw materials that will come to your plant for further processing are categorized as inbound activities. Your raw materials include steel, glass, iron ore, silica sand, etc. Once you have all the necessary supplies in the factory, you can proceed with the manufacturing process. Once your product has been finalized, your chain will need outbound logistics activities.

Outbound Logistics Example

Let’s use the same example to describe outbound logistics. Once you have manufactured your final product, that is, tablet, your outbound logistics cycle starts. You will get orders from dealers and customers to send more tablets. For this purpose, you will have to arrange transportation to deliver the tablets to the end-user.

How to Improve the Inbound and Outbound Logistics Activities?

With the changing dynamics of logistics, you need to keep improving your outbound and inbound logistics activities. Here’s how you can improve them:

1. Always plan your inventory

Do not overstock or order more materials than the requirement. Try to forecast your future requests by analyzing your previous orders.

2. Keep a record of your orders

You can plan your budget successfully for the future by keeping track of your orders. If you have all your shipping orders in one place, you can easily calculate your average transportation cost.

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3. Opt for a suitable transportation service

Several businesses and individuals are overpaying in shipping costs because they have chosen the wrong transportation service. Therefore, choose a shipping service wisely.

4. Integrate smart logistics management software

Nowadays, several logistics management software and apps can help you optimize and digitize your logistics workflows. One such product is PackageX Receive, which allows different businesses, warehouses, mailrooms and manufacturing sites to improve their outbound and inbound logistics. Its AI-powered OCR-enabled apps can speed up the entire process, providing end-to-end traceability for the packages.

Final Thoughts

The supply chain efficiency relies on well-managed inbound and outbound logistics. Any negligence can give companies a tough time in product sourcing and delivery to the end-users. As inbound and outbound logistics are two key components of the supply chain, you need to focus on optimizing them for a better experience.

Understanding the distribution channels and every step of the process is essential, but you can’t go far without using the right tools. Therefore, invest in the right tools and technologies that ease the burden of outbound and inbound logistics management.

Technological advancements coupled with the multitude of benefits offered by supply chain management solutions bode well for the logistics market growth. Also, e-commerce proliferation and the ensuing demand for multi-channel distribution have aided the logistics market globally. These factors are also expected to contribute to the 6.5% CAGR during 2021 – 2029.

Package management, handling, and shipping are crucial components of logistics operations. With the changing customer shopping behaviors, expectations, and the current scenario after the pandemic hit the world, industries are switching to modern and automated package management systems.

Let’s have a detailed analysis of the state of packages that reveal the vast scope of the industry. For this purpose, we will utilize the data extracted from the PackageX platform for the year 2021.

Global Logistics Market Outlook

According to statistics, the global logistics market was worth 9525.1 billion USD in 2021. However, it is expected to reach 13,326.3 billion USD by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% between 2022 to 2027.

Some common reasons for this predicted growth rate are:

• Increasing global trade activities
• Advancements in technology and transportation
• The rise in trade-related agreements

Moreover, the Asia-Pacific region is predicted to lead the logistics market in the future, but the US is also not far behind in the race. The USA is currently one of the top ten leading global logistics markets and has the third-highest market for 3PL companies.

State of Packages - The Data

The data we will use for the analysis comprises over 3 million packages that were processed using the PackageX platform in 2021 across 40 countries. We will breakdown the data into four sections including:

• Total number of scans – It refers to the number of packages scanned using the PackageX app.
• Total notified – It shows the number of packages for which the recipients were notified.
• Total picked – The number of packages picked after the recipients were notified.
• Same-day pickups – The number of packages picked on the same day of arrival.

Analysis Based on Geographical Area

Since online shopping is booming considering the COVID-19, the package volume is increasing in every country and industry.

Let’s see how many packages were processed in different countries using the PackageX platform.

The highest number of packages were scanned in the USA, reflecting the massive scope of logistics in the country.

Analysis Based on Industries

Various industries are using the PackageX platform to manage their package volume. It reflects their increasing interest in modern and automated package management for streamlined logistics operations and accelerated business growth.

Among several industries, the hospitality sector witnessed a surge in package volume. Therefore, the highest number of packages were scanned, picked, and notified in hotels.

Key Considerations

All the data above reveals a new narrative for customers and businesses. The companies and industries associated with logistics need to upgrade their strategy and operations for the coming years if they want to thrive. The following are some critical considerations for the businesses:

• Integrate a modern package management software like PackageX Receive into your existing systems and opt for new technologies to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Eliminate manual data entry from your workflows to save time and eliminate errors.
• Constantly work out to improve the recipient experience by providing end-to-end parcel tracking.
• Inventory can make or break the business; therefore, manage your inventory efficiently.
• Keep your customers informed through emails, texts, viable tracking numbers, and other package-related updates.
• Learn from your competitors and keep looking out for new modes of logistics management and staff training programs.

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The Future of Logistics Industry

The logistics industry is not going anywhere. It will keep improving with a greater level of automation, digitization, and standardization in the future. Advanced technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence), machine learning, and augmented reality are transforming logistics workflows. With the predicted growth of the global economies, the logistics market is likely to expand. According to the stats, the 3PL providers will occupy a large portion of the market. In 2017, 3PL companies in the USA accounted for 168.4 billion dollars, which is predicted to reach $266.1 billion by 2027.

Are You Prepared?

Logistics is a complicated industry that requires great attention to detail. It is rapidly growing with every passing year, which means logisticians must be prepared to excel for successful survival in this fast-paced technological world. Only those with ambition and tenacity will get new opportunities and financial success. So, make sure you are on the winning side!

Supply chain management is a complicated endeavor that ensures the company's financial and distribution models are as good as possible. The supply chain management market is projected to reach $52,632.37 million by 2030 with a 10.7% CAGR, reflecting great potential.

However, a considerable amount of effort is required for the establishment and maintenance of a supply chain network. It entails a long list of actions, including establishing strategies, building partnerships, and deploying technology. These are some of the critical steps that can help you fulfill the goals of supply chain management.

But, before you begin to manage your supply chain effectively, it's necessary to understand what is the goal of supply chain management. In this article, we will discuss five high-level objectives of supply chain management that any business must take into consideration.

What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply chain management refers to the management of operations that move the products through the supply chain, i.e., from the supplier to the end consumer. All these processes make sure that products arrive at the right time and in the right quantity to meet the customers' expectations. Any business looking to maximize its profits should have a well-managed supply chain, and it's possible when you make your strategy around the strategic goals of supply chain management.

Now you must be wondering what those goals are. Let's have a sneak-peek into some high-level supply chain management goals.

Top Five Goals and Objectives of Supply Chain Management

The top five supply chain management goals include the following:

• Ensure efficiency
• Optimize and standardize logistics
• Focus on improving quality
• Increase flexibility
• Monitor financial success

Ensure Efficiency

Efficiency is a fundamental aspect of supply chain management and refers to fulfilling orders timely by using the least amount of inventory. While operational efficiency is necessary, efficiency between all the links in the supply chain is also crucial. Therefore, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers must collaborate to increase the efficiency of the operations.

Inventory, logistics, and transportation management can become complex if companies lack ERP, MRP, and APS systems. For this reason, manufacturers should prioritize increasing visibility within their operations and with their suppliers and retailers. In this way, you can achieve the goal of ensuring efficiency in your supply chain management.

Optimize and Standardize Logistics

Another key goal of supply chain management is optimizing logistics. There are various ways to optimize your logistics, and deploying modern technology is the best way to do it. Due to the advancements in industrial-grade technology and cloud-based supply chain management software, you can easily optimize and streamline logistics.

Products like PackageX Mailroom can help you achieve these supply chain management goals and objectives. Its OCR-enabled software eliminates manual data entry as AI does all the work for you and provides end-to-end tracking on all inbound and outbound deliveries. Using technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, you can automate your logistics operations and increase the productivity of your staff.

Focus on Improving Quality

The main goal of supply chain management is to manufacture products and deliver them to the end consumers. However, providing the product is not the only goal; the quality of that product also matters. You should provide consumers with a product that offers the best value possible. Therefore, focusing on improving the quality of the product should be a shared goal between you and your supply chain partners.

One way to improve the quality of the products is to collaborate with the customers to identify their needs. They will highlight the inefficiencies in the product and provide you with an opportunity to correct them. In this way, you can produce a product that will be of value to your customers.

Increase Flexibility

Supply chain management is all about adapting to change. As the current business environment is highly volatile, supply chain management can help organizations adapt to the challenges of globalization, changing consumer expectations, and economic instability.

The firms that fail to foresee the changes in their supply chain are destined to perish. Therefore, businesses should aim to increase flexibility by creating adaptive operating models. It helps the companies scale up or down their operations rapidly in response to sudden changes in demand. In simple words, a responsive and flexible supply chain will react to changes with minimum disturbance.

Monitor Financial Success

Contributing to the organization's financial performance and monitoring financial success are some of the obvious goals of supply chain management. The traditional approaches revolved around cost-cutting strategies focused on reorganizing stock levels to reduce labor, inventory carrying, and freight costs.

However, today firms are leveraging the supply chain to enhance sales and market penetration. Their key objective is to increase the competitive advantage and shareholder profit. You can have an in-depth understanding of the supply chain management's organizational value with a dual focus on cost-control and revenue development. If a firm focuses on financial goals, it can evolve from day-to-day operations to a strategic process managed by supply chain professionals.

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The Bottom Line

You can get multitudes of benefits by incorporating supply chain management goals into your business. It will decrease the costs dramatically, improve the operations and reduce disruptions. In case you want to know what is the goal of supply chain management, give the goals mentioned above a read. They will help you take a step in the right direction when creating a productive supply chain management strategy.

The unprecedented rise in shipments and hybrid work has changed the dynamics of how coworking companies manage & deliver their mailroom services. 

Here’s a data-based look back on the year 2021 with a few lessons for mailroom & package management in 2022. 

The Data 

The data comprises of over 1.6 million packages processed by the PackageX platform across 40 countries. Approximately a million of these packages were received by coworking mailrooms while the rest were distributed between education, residential & commercial real estate, corporates, manufacturing & others.   

The Stats 

One thing is for certain – package volumes are increasing regardless of country & industry. This change in human behavior seems to be irreversible & here to stay. 

01 - Number of Received Packages  

Despite the sporadic lockdowns, whether partial or whole in some countries, the overall trend of packages received by coworking increased throughout the year.  

Analysis

If we look at the volume of the scanned packages in 2021, there was a drastic increase. In January, approximately 54,000 packages were scanned. However, this figure more than doubled to 112,000 at the year-end.  

In coworking spaces, each member received around 41 packages in 2021. This number is 41% lower than the average number of packages received by individuals in other sectors. 

Key Considerations

1. How can coworking mailrooms build enough flexibility in their operations to manage X number packages in one month and 2X in another without wasting precious resources such as space & manpower?
2. How can you effectively plan your mailroom operational requirements based on seasonality & your own business growth?
3. What can be learnt from other industries in terms of processes & systems who manage higher fluctuation and volumes of packages? 

02 – Same-day Package Pickups

Same-day pickups percentage is the number of packages that were picked up by the recipients on the same day they were received by the mailroom as a percentage of overall packages received. 

Analysis 

The same-day pickup rate did not deviate much throughout the year. Given the doubling of package volume in December compared to January (refer to the section above), this means that mailrooms required considerable more storage space in Q4 2021 & Q1 2022.  

Compare to non-coworking spaces, the overall rate for same-day pickups within coworking was 4 to 10% less.  

Key Considerations

1. How does your same-day pickup rate compare with your peers? 
2. Is your automated notification & reminder strategy based on data showing the best times to remind recipients? 
3. What’re the best practices adopted by other industries that coworking can adopt to increase this metric and reducing mailroom storage requirements? 

03 - Notify to Pick up Time Comparison 

This metric is the duration spent from the time that a recipient is notified through an email or text to the time that they pick up that package. 

Analysis 

In January 2021, the pickup time after notifying the member was 45 hours (about 2 days), but it increased to an average of 136 hours (about 5 and a half days) in September 2021.  

In December it lowered to 63 hours (about 2 and a half days) on average.  

This can be put down to increase in remote & hybrid work though the same did impact other industries too. 

This duration is significantly higher to non-coworking organizations (shown in orange in the graph above).

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Key Considerations

• The longer packages stay in the mailroom, the more the chances of losing or misplacing them. How can coworking spaces put in place processes & mechanisms to safely store & retrieve packages? 
• Remote & hybrid work are here to stay. What steps should be taken so that these remote employees are still connected to their packages & mail items being received in the mailroom? 
• Again, the benchmark with non-coworking shows great disparity. What’re those organizations doing differently to reduce this metric? 

Key Takeaways   

Here’re the key takeaways that coworking community managers & workplace experience managers in other industries should consider in their 2022 planning: 

1. Benchmarking your operations is the first step to improvement. Use the above three metrics to understand where you stand & where’s the biggest gap.
2. Root cause analysis – increase in recipient complaints about lost or misplaced packages can be for a variety of reasons. Rather than just opting for whatever is receiving the maximum buzz in the industry, analyze the cause of the symptom & then brainstorm possible solutions. 
3. Customer experience - the competition in coworking will get even more intense in 2022 and beyond. The only profitable way to compete is by enhancing member experience. How’ve your mailroom operations changed to cater the change in your members’ behavior such as working remotely? 
4. Revenue opportunity – there’s potential to differentiate your mailroom services and offer premium services such as Digital Mailrooms. Allow your recipients to receive their mail digitally or physically regardless of their location by offering scan & send services. 
5. Community – connect & talk to peers to share & learn new best-practices.   

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In recent times, the increasing use of digital media has increased the demand for digitized documents. Digitally stored papers have significant advantages over their ‘real-world’ equivalents, particularly in the amount of physical space they take up and the security that comes with their use.

Many firms and organizations are looking to automate and streamline their digitalization pipelines, and optical character recognition is becoming increasingly vital. For example, businesses require invoice automation or handwriting recognition to ensure accuracy and efficiency. These businesses make considerable use of optical character recognition artificial intelligence.

The global text recognition technology market is projected to cross USD 12.6 billion in the next four years. The OCR industry will foresee a growth of 13.3% during the forecast period.

What is Optical Character Recognition?

Optical Character Recognition, or OCR, gives us various options for viewing, finding, and recognizing text in images and labels. When we think of optical character recognition, we automatically think of a lot of paper.

From confidential personal documents to legal documents, not only do they take up a lot of space, but they can cause you problems if lost. This is where OCR comes in and acts as an essential part of document digitization. OCR Machine Learning is a group of computer vision problems where handwritten or typewritten text from a digital image is processed into a text readable by machines. Your system then performs a function to process, save, and edit the output as a text file or as part of data entry software.

Since the rise of machine learning text recognition in 2014, people have tried several traditional techniques to solve the OCR Machine Learning problem via computer vision. However, it is essential to explore new methods to make our models robust to these variations so that businesses can deploy their machine learning applications at scale.

What is Deep Learning Character Recognition?

With advancements in deep learning and machine learning text recognition, additional solutions to the OCR problem become available. This means there are now numerous ways to convert analog text to a digital format.

Deep Learning is considered one aspect of the OCR model, which encompasses a group of algorithms based on neural networks. The machine’s functionality is inspired by the way the human brain functions.

Deep Learning & Machine Learning Text Recognition

In-text recognition technology, people typically use recurrent layers and transformers, proven successful techniques for accurate results.

Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) are the most common and widely used recurrent layer systems. In this field, the concept of transformers is relatively new. Previously, we have seen transformers being used in Natural Language Processing (NLP). With the same idea, the use of transformers in computer vision applications has shown a lot of promise.

It will not be wrong to say that deep learning has completely transformed the field of OCR. There has been a lot of progress in this subject in the recent few years. Some of the techniques employed by an OCR system have also been employed in other fields.

Types of OCR

Yes, Optical Character Recognition has more than one meaning. The text recognition technology can also perform other tasks like reading license plates, street signs, and no-robot captchas.

Let’s have a look at different types of OCR:

OCR for Beginners

The entire OCR services engine comprises two elements for text detection and text recognition. These components are sometimes combined end-to-end, with the OCR engine taking an entire document as input and producing accurate and error-free output.

To create this solution, OpenCV may be used to process the photos, which will then be passed into a Tesseract OCR engine, which will extract the text from them.

Let’s learn a little bit about these technologies:

1. OpenCV

OpenCV is a library designed to work with C/C++ and Python programming languages. OCR utilizes this framework as a platform for text recognition technology which is frequently used to extract text and valuable data from images.

The library has predefined functions and can perform erosion, dilation, edge detection, slicing, and more. The goal is to produce an accurate result from a sample image.

2. Tesseract OCR Engine

Initially released by HP in 2005, Tesseract OCR Engine is an open-source library widely used for machine learning text recognition. It gained immense popularity when Google started developing the engine beginning November 2018.

The OCR engine can scan, identify, and detect text in various languages. The processing is relatively quick, and the image's textual output is instant. This library is used by many scanning applications which rely on its extraction algorithms.

How Optical Character Recognition Works?

Optical character recognition artificial intelligence works on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model. This OCR model utilizes embedded text recognition technology to extract and process text found in images. What makes OCR an amazing technology is its ability to recognize text from different images with the same font. This is where deep learning character recognition does wonder. The majority of the systems have implemented Tesseract OCR Engine to recover text from images.

Sounds simple, right?

It is not if we look in-depth at how optical character recognition works in its truest meaning. To accomplish OCR machine learning, the process starts with a text localization followed by character segmentation. Once all of this is done, the OCR performs character recognition to find the final missing pieces. The Tesseract OCR is in charge of all of these stages. When employed on printed text, the OCR engine is highly accurate.

So, what’s next?

Getting Relevant Information

Whether you use OpenCV or the Tesseract OCR Engine, the primary goal is to get relevant information using text recognition technology. If we specifically talk about invoices, the OCR model can easily help you recover crucial data such as the total amount and date of purchase. Imagine getting all this data with a simple scan.

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Accurate Results

Talking about the same example as given above, the ratio of the correct number of words acquired from the textual image can be characterized as text retrieval accuracy. Higher accuracy reflects the efficiency of pre-processing processes and the OCR's ability to extract relevant data.

How Can PackageX Help You With OCR Machine Learning?

Are you looking for a similar solution for your business? Whether you manage a warehouse, mailroom, or locker provider solution – OCR technology can be a game-changer making things easier and hassle-free for your staff. PackageX offers OCR API to help you improve your business processes and enhance customer experience. The OCR machine learning has become an invaluable tool in the past few years. Your business can easily process and extract crucial data from text vision to data validation, face, or document recognition with PackageX logistics solutions.

We believe in the potential of optical character recognition, so our objective is to assist businesses with their digital transformation.

In the US, most businesses do not track inventory or use manual systems. Manual inventory tracking and control processes are time-consuming and prone to error. That's where automated inventory systems come into play, revolutionizing how businesses manage their inventory. With this technology, businesses can streamline operations, optimize inventory levels, and make more informed decisions.

What is Automated Inventory Management?

Automated inventory management refers to using technology, specifically software systems, to streamline and optimize the processes involved in tracking, controlling, and managing inventory. It replaces manual, time-consuming tasks with automated processes, reducing human error and improving efficiency.

In an automated inventory system, various tasks such as recording inventory levels, tracking stock movements, generating reports, and analyzing data are performed automatically by the software. This eliminates the need for physical inventory counts, manual data entry and calculations, saving time and reducing the risk of inaccuracies.

According to Future Market Insights, the inventory management software market is set to reach an estimated value of $3291.1 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.2%. These numbers highlight the increasing importance and adoption of automated inventory management systems across industries. As businesses recognize the need for efficient inventory management, they are turning to technology-driven solutions to enhance their operations.

How Does an Automated Inventory Management System Work?

Using a hypothetical scenario, let's explore how an automated inventory management system works.

Imagine a retail store that sells clothing, accessories, and footwear. They have an extensive range of products and want to efficiently manage their inventory to ensure optimal stock levels, prevent stockouts, and improve customer satisfaction. This is how an automated inventory system will work:

• An automated inventory system uses scanning technology to track inventory items.
• When new inventory arrives, the barcodes are scanned and entered into the system.
• Real-time updates occur as items are scanned at the point of sale, deducting sold items from available stock.
• The system integrates with order management, forecasting demand, and managing suppliers. It generates reports and analytics and integrates with the retailer's POS system for seamless data flow.
• Alerts and notifications can be set up to proactively manage inventory, such as low-stock alerts prompting the store to reorder the item.

7 Advantages of Using an Automated Inventory Tracking System

An automated inventory system is a game-changer for businesses in effectively managing their inventory. By replacing manual processes with automated technology, businesses can streamline operations, reduce errors, and gain valuable insights into their inventory management.

Here are seven key advantages of using an automated inventory tracking system.

1. Automation of manual tasks

Implementing an automated inventory system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual tasks such as data entry, stock counting, and record-keeping. By automating these processes, businesses can save valuable time and allocate resources to more strategic activities.

2. Accuracy with automation

It is a known fact that automation brings accuracy and minimizes the chances of human errors. When businesses utilize an automated inventory system, they can ensure control and precision, two crucial factors in running a successful operation.

Automation also reduces any potential loss of sales that could have occurred while using a manual inventory system. Businesses can save valuable resources in the long run by investing in an automated inventory control and tracking system.

3. Increased efficiency and productivity

Automated inventory tracking systems streamline workflows and boost overall operational efficiency. Businesses can reduce delays, improve inventory turnover, and maximize productivity by automating tasks like order management and demand forecasting. An automated inventory system can save up to 95% of the time spent on manual data entry if it uses OCR technology that scans and captures every piece of information mentioned on the label.

4. Early problem detection

An automated inventory management system enables businesses to identify potential inventory issues early on. With real-time monitoring and alerts, businesses can proactively address stock shortages, product expiration, or discrepancies in inventory counts. This early problem detection prevents disruptions in supply chains, ensures seamless operations, and enhances customer satisfaction.

5. Real-time insights and tracking

One of the significant advantages of an automated inventory system is access to real-time insights and tracking. Businesses can monitor inventory levels, sales patterns, and demand fluctuations in real-time, enabling them to make data-driven decisions. These insights help optimize stock management, identify trends, and effectively plan for future inventory requirements.

6. Reduced overhead costs

Manual inventory management processes can be resource-intensive and prone to inefficiencies. By implementing an automated system, businesses can reduce overhead costs associated with manual labor, storage expenses, and inventory errors. The improved accuracy and efficiency of the system contribute to cost savings and improved profitability.

7. Increased customer satisfaction

Accurate and efficient inventory management directly impacts customer satisfaction. With an automated system, businesses can ensure product availability, faster order fulfillment, and reduced instances of stockouts. Meeting customer demands promptly enhances their experience, fosters loyalty, and drives positive word-of-mouth referrals.

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How to Choose an Automated Inventory Management System?

Choosing the right automated inventory management system is crucial for businesses to streamline their inventory processes effectively. Enlisted below are some crucial factors to consider when selecting:

- Automatic reordering

Look for a system that offers automatic reordering capabilities. This feature ensures that inventory items are replenished automatically when stock levels reach a predefined threshold. It helps prevent stockouts and ensures seamless operations.

- Inventory alerts and notifications

An automated system should provide inventory alerts and notifications. These alerts can be customized to trigger when inventory levels are low, items are expiring, or there are discrepancies in stock counts. Such notifications help businesses stay proactive in managing their inventory.

- Automated order management

An automated inventory management system should integrate with order management processes. It should be capable of automatically processing and fulfilling customer orders based on available inventory. This integration improves order accuracy and speeds up order fulfillment.

- Seamless integration with other apps

Consider a system that seamlessly integrates with other business applications like accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and point-of-sale systems. Integration ensures smooth data flow across different systems, minimizing manual data entry and improving overall efficiency.

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- Inventory forecasting

Choose a system that offers inventory forecasting capabilities. Advanced algorithms and historical data analysis enable accurate predictions of future demand, allowing businesses to optimize inventory levels, reduce excess inventory, and make informed purchasing decisions.

- Reporting and analytics

Look for a system that provides comprehensive reporting and analytics features. The ability to generate customizable reports and access key inventory metrics allows businesses to gain insights into inventory turnover, stock aging, and supplier performance. These insights facilitate data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

How Can PackageX Optimize Your Inventory Management?

When evaluating automated inventory management systems, consider PackageX Inventory as a solution. This comprehensive software combines inventory, fulfillment, and shipping functionalities, providing a holistic solution for optimizing logistics workflows. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate systems and allows for seamless coordination between inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping processes.

With features such as AI-powered OCR scanning for seamless data extraction, detailed tracking and logging of shipments, streamlined order fulfillment processes, and dispatch planning with shipping label generation, PackageX enhances accuracy and efficiency throughout the inventory management process. Its flexibility allows for inventory operations in various locations, and the ability to track individual items through their lifecycle provides valuable insights for better inventory control. Choosing PackageX Inventory empowers businesses to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in inventory management practices.

The use of data has become more critical to businesses for analyzing their weaknesses and strengths to improve performance. Keeping track of inventory is therefore essential. Many manufacturing plants around the world have struggled with inventory management.

Inevitably, questions arise. Are there enough stocks to be kept on hand? Are there ways to keep costs down while still managing our inventory effectively? Is it possible to have a better understanding of our inventory situation at any given time?

Inventory management is the foundation for any business that sells products. Data management is an important tool for companies to run smoothly and manage their expenditures. Therefore, automated inventory management system software is the best way forward to keep track of all your inventory items and, ultimately, enhance the profitability of your business.

The pandemic caused moderate disruptions to 56% of retailers. You may wonder if your company can keep up with recent digital innovations and the current economy. With Inventory by PackageX, you don't have to stress. By optimizing inventory usage, increasing output on bottlenecks, providing visibility, enabling data-driven insights, and synchronizing supply with demand, you can save money and increase revenue altogether.

Manual Vs Automated Inventory System – What’s the Difference?

Data on the manual inventory is kept on inventory sheets, and each item is manually noted. Many still employ it today. The manual inventory system involves a person manually maintaining and updating each record, increasing the risk of human error. Furthermore, this system is also susceptible to data loss because inventory sheets can get torn up over time, lost, or replaced. In contrast, an automated inventory system is controlled and managed by a software. It is safe, more efficient, more secure, and almost impossible to lose data. A growing number of people are now using automated inventory systems to manage their inventory and data.

Advantages of an Automated Inventory Management System

Mentioned below are some major advantages of an automated inventory management system:

1. Reordering and In-Stock Information

Employees and customers can instantly determine if an item is in stock or not using computerized inventory. Inventory and sales are synced, keeping an eye on what is in stock and what isn't. The reordering process is facilitated, and customers receive better service. The system tracks new orders placed with vendors and tracks them if inventory has fallen below safety stock requirements. Customers are also informed of new product deliveries.

Logility Survey reveals that 36% of supply chain professionals say inventory management optimization is a driving force behind their analytics initiatives to balance supply and demand.

2. Data Insights and Cloud backup

Another key advantage inherent to automated inventory management software is forecasting and planning. Computerized inventory management software helps companies track inventory on hand, how much they need to reorder, and when. Reports for forecasting and strategic planning are also generated using this data collection system.

Business owners review trends in selecting the products to sell in certain months or during certain cyclical seasons. Backing up data regularly is essential to preventing data loss. Additionally, cloud-based management of inventory levels makes it easier to centralize inventory management from multiple outlets. A feature that holds a strong place in the debacle of manual vs automated inventory systems.

Inventory by PackageX can be integrated right into your system. You can manage your business's or campus' inventory across buildings, offices, and campuses. Retailers can automate their inventory management in a streamlined manner yet remain robust enough to scale with their businesses. The software’s real time tracking, intuitive dashboard, and AI scanning along with many other features will be the only right approach for all solutions.

3. Efficient Waste Tracking System

Your profits can be increased by preventing expenditures and decreasing daily wastage. Software that maintains an automated inventory will keep track of every item that is brought in and discarded in real time.

You can use the statistics to determine which items can be replaced on your list to reduce daily waste. Over time, you could save a lot of money. Utilizing an automated inventory system is an ideal way to minimize waste and maximize usage over time.

4. Multi-location Control

Being able to know what's in stock and maintain a standard inventory spreadsheet is difficult enough even when all inventory is in one place. The advantage of using automated inventory management is that once multiple warehouses and consignment warehouses enter the equation, it is possible to integrate inventory levels across all locations.

Drawbacks of an Automated Inventory System

There are certain drawbacks of an automated inventory management system which include the following:

Prone to System Crash

One of the main concerns of any computer system is its vulnerability to a system crash. Several technical problems can lead to the loss of information, including a corrupted hard drive and power failures. To protect against system failure, owners must regularly backup their data. A lack of data access is at minimum hampering business operations.

Risk of Hacking

Cybercriminals, or hackers, are always on the hunt to obtain information about a company or a customer. In conjunction with point-of-sale and accounting systems, the inventory platform is indeed a valuable resource that can be exploited to obtain significant financial data or sensitive information about suppliers and consumers. However, updating security systems and antivirus software can still counteract this potential problem.

Manual Inventory Process – A No-Brainer?

Simplicity is the hallmark of the advantages of a manual inventory system. Manual inventories are often perceived as static, but they are reliable unless they are lost or lost. Additionally, they are easily readable and understood.

While manual tracking is limited in its ability to analyze sales data, it may be the only advantage of a manual inventory system if you are starting in your business and do not have a variety of large or varied product lines. A computer-controlled inventory management system can facilitate tasks and analyze data rapidly within a short timeframe.

In comparison to an automated warehouse management system, a manual inventory process is more labor-intensive. The benefits that can be reaped from an automated inventory system will affect not only your team but the entire organization.

Small businesses with limited stock may benefit from a manual inventory process. But as businesses become more complex with growth, controlling inventory through a manual process becomes challenging. Using barcodes or QR codes becomes a much more reliable and convenient method of inventory control than manually sorting through inventory sheets.

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Bottom Line – Manual vs Automated Inventory System

Having a well-managed inventory is integral to a company's health, as it helps limit the possibility of stockouts and inaccurate records. Today's market is becoming highly competitive. In the long run, success goes to those who adapt to current conditions and make changes accordingly.

Globalization is accelerating at present, and technology is increasing in importance. The needs of consumers have changed dramatically, and they want more efficient services and products. A company that is in sync with these dynamic circumstances is sure to succeed in any industry.

Are you tracking stock movements and locations within a warehouse, planning inventories, tracking trends, or both? Questions that will determine the best module for you! It is important to identify the features that your business needs before getting into the ground of a manual vs automated inventory system.

Ever since Amazon teased drone delivery concept back in 2016, the drone delivery system is the future of e-commerce. But is it?

Analysts are still questioning if drones are the future of e-commerce. If we look at how some companies are approaching drone package delivery, the market is expected to grow to USD 39,013 million by the end of 2030. This is a staggering CAGR of 53.8% from USD 528 million in 2020.

Even when we see newer technological advancements with each passing day, the drone delivery system still seems fancy to consumers. One reason could be Amazon failing to deliver on its promises where it envisioned to take over the packaging industry by storm. This does not mean if Amazon could not do it, no one could!

Three major companies including Alphabet’s Wing, have gained approval from the FAA to use drones for delivering parcels. This unlocks so many opportunities for existing and upcoming businesses competing to capture the untapped market.

The Rise of Drone Delivery

According to a study conducted by McKinsey, nearly 80% of deliveries will soon be made by autonomous vehicles including commercial drones. Over the past couple of years, an increase in interest has been seen in drone delivery of packages.

It is believed that those retailers who incorporate drones for their logistic needs will ultimately bypass the need for 3rd party companies, minimize delivery times, avoid delay in traffic and reduce costs in the short and long term. Moreover, it enables the retailer to offer a completely personalized solution.

What is Last Mile Delivery?

Consumers anticipate their deliveries and are often frustrated when they only track the progress in real-time to see it’s out for delivery. Last Mile Delivery is exactly as the name suggests – it is a process from when a package is dispatched from the warehouse and enroute to reach its destination. Inefficiency in last mile delivery can hamper a business’ progress when competing in an already saturated and cutthroat market.

The costs are higher as last mile delivery takes up to 53% of the overall shipping cost. And, with the recent ‘free delivery’ concept, if businesses are not efficient enough, they are losing customers to their competition.

How Is Drone Package Delivery Shaping the Future of Last Mile Delivery?

The drone delivery system is a game-changer and can shape the future of logistics in the coming time. Here is how it is impactful when it comes to fulfilling last mile deliveries.

Quicker Turnaround Times

The major problem consumers have with online shopping is waiting and delivery times. Even though online shopping is convenient but anticipating a parcel is hard. With drone delivery, companies are looking to improve their delivery times.

As the delivery system will be flying high in the air and free from road congestion, businesses can easily commit delivery turnaround times of 30-60 minutes, depending on the territory. Furthermore, they’ll have optimized routes planned and integrated to reach the desired set point. This is a win-win for both businesses and customers.

Cost-Efficient Delivery Method

Whether businesses partner with third-party logistics companies or plan to handle customer deliveries on their own, there is a lot of money involved. From acquiring a fleet of vehicles to managing human resources such as riders and delivery persons, a drone package delivery system can easily reduce overall logistics costs to a great extent.

Moreover, with better delivery times, the shipping costs can potentially reduce, resulting in a boost in sales for businesses. Analysts believe that delivery drone technology can work alongside existing modes of transportation to ensure cheaper and efficient merchandise fulfillment.

Less Labor Dependent

Implementing drone delivery as your primary shipping method can help businesses be less labor-dependent. This eventually reduces overall operational costs where a single drone can handle multiple deliveries with faster turnaround times instead of relying on multiple people covering the same area to meet committed delivery times.

Environment Friendly Technology

Using vans and trucks for delivering parcels daily means environmental pollution. With drone delivery, companies plan to reduce their carbon footprint by using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to deliver packages. According to a study published by Nature Communications, companies using vans or trucks to deliver a package are responsible for creating 1 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing this with UAS and drone delivery can help the environment and tackle climate change issues.

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Challenges of Drone Delivery

Even though businesses are implementing this system to enjoy its benefits, the delivery method is still in its infancy. There are numerous challenges if we talk about the drone delivery system, primarily getting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly the UAS. Drone systems offer convenience but come with a fair share of challenges. While autonomous with a planned optimized route, it takes a couple of trial-and-error runs to successfully land a drone in a known or unknown environment. Furthermore, dropping packages safely from height is another challenge. Consumers expect their packages to be delivered safe and sound. However, these challenges can be catered to with efficient software and training to the person supervising UAS.

Package Management in the Modern Era

Currently, automation is slowly taking over package management and package room software like Mailroom by PackageX are aiding the process. The software is responsible for inbound deliveries and delivers the packages and mail to the right recipient. The powerful OCR technology helps scan everything that is on the label and processes packages in 7 seconds. Isn’t it amazing how technology is revolutionizing the last mile delivery?

Final Remarks

Reduced delivery times and costs are two of the primary reasons drone delivery is the future of logistics, especially last mile delivery. Companies are constantly looking for ways to get consumers’ packages faster at their desired location. And, with the drone delivery system, they seek to achieve just that.

The future of package delivery is greatly dependent on technological advancements. The parcel industry has seen a constant boom over the years. After the pandemic, global parcel volumes received another boost.

According to Statista, the number of shipments worldwide was 131 billion parcels in 2020. Most likely these numbers will face a continued upward trajectory. By 2026, the expected parcel volumes will be approximately 266 billion according to the current growth trends.

As the parcel industry continues to grow, package delivery also needs to transform to keep up with the increasing customer demands. Following are a couple of trends to look for that may define the future of package delivery:

Smart Parcel Lockers

Smart Parcel Lockers are efficient technological parcel locker solutions. Affiliated smartphone apps make it easy to manage these lockers from the palm of your hand.

Automated notifications alert customers when their parcel is ready for pick up. Users can also arrive at the smart locker and scan a QR code to access their package.

Smart Lockers come with many different advantages such as:

• They offer complete control over the delivery. Users can be aware of their package status at every stage through automated locations.
• They are available 24/7 and are easy to access at prime locations.
• They offer a better, faster, and considerably more flexible service.
• They have a high level of security as nobody can open these lockers without the secret code they receive.
• They receive, log and track packages without involvement from staff that reduces errors.

Overall, smart lockers have already started to shape the future of package delivery. They are a robust solution that many companies have already implemented.

Package Delivery Drones

Shipping by drones is to be a major placeholder in the future of delivery services. Companies like Google and Amazon have already started exploring the option of drone delivery, with Amazon introducing Amazon Air.

Irish company Manna has already implemented drone technology quite effectively. Moreover, shipping by drones is likely 90% cheaper than delivery by conventional car-based services.

According to Statista, in 2025, drone sales are likely to triple as compared to 2020. Furthermore, forecasters expect that the drone delivery market will be worth around 1.68 billion US dollars in 2023.

Forbes explains how orders delivered through drones will be exponentially faster and reach recipients within half an hour of placement. A lot of that has to do with the fact that drones travel through the air. In this way, they avoid all traffic-related issues. Moreover, drone delivery is especially useful in the post-pandemic world as it offers contactless delivery and a reduced risk of transmission.

All these benefits point to drones being extremely prominent in the future of parcel delivery.

Autonomous Cars

According to a report from PMI, the autonomous vehicles market was worth 68.7 billion US dollars in 2019 and will continue to expand to around 196.2 billion by 2029.

Many companies like Tesla, Gatik, and Amazon are testing self-driving vehicles, which will massively contribute to innovating the future of eCommerce delivery. The increased demand for contactless deliveries has also accelerated the need for shipping through autonomous cars. If implemented properly, it could be a game-changer for the shipping industry.

It includes expected benefits like lowered costs, freight and delivery times coupled with improved fuel efficiency. Moreover, with autonomous vehicles, customers can track their packages every step of the way.

Since autonomous vehicles are not human, they can work long hours with fewer breaks. They also use less gas and maintain better engine health. Ultimately, these vehicles offer an effective and cleaner supply chain.

Package Delivery Robots

Delivery robots comprise containers on six wheels that drive the parcel over to your location. Their most prominent benefit is that they are a fast delivery option. They can allow customers to receive their packages extremely quickly.

Shipping through a delivery robot is also a cost-effective solution, as seen by Starship Technology Delivery Robot, which only requires customers to download the app and pay a monthly subscription of 10 dollars. The chances of the robot reaching its destination without failure are also extremely high.

These robots are also fitted with alarms that notify the company in case of any disturbance. Furthermore, they come with GPS, a programmed map, speakers, and microphones to communicate effectively.

However, despite their many advantages, the package delivery robots still require a lot of research and come with some security concerns. As these robots are usually dependent on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, connection issues can surface.

Still, delivery robots have a major role in the future of delivery services.

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Conclusion

The parcel delivery industry has continued to expand and become more innovative over the years. As package volumes grow in size every year, delivery methods also need updating to accommodate increased demands. The future of package delivery would be significantly influenced by technology. Delivery drones and robots, self-autonomous cars, and smart package lockers are more likely going to be prominent in the future of e-commerce delivery.

These new delivery methods aim to be faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. However, due to logistics issues, these nifty ways of package delivery still have a long way to go before they become the new normal. Meanwhile, customers can benefit from good digital package management solutions like Mailroom by PackageX. It’s an efficient system that helps customers receive their packages without the hassle and with complete transparency!

With the onset of ecommerce and multiple shipping options, consumers placing an order online want it quick. They want the order to arrive at their doorstep within two or three days. Logically then, next-day delivery options get an even bigger pat on the back.

Same-day delivery has become very important to consumers. A survey by Retail Touchpoint states that 88% of people are willing to pay more for same-day delivery. According to a study by Invesp, around 51% of retailers offer same-day delivery, which you are up against. If you are running an online store, you must have your supply chain in top shape to ensure no delivery delay.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though, and once you have a firm grip on the detail, you will have your customers returning for more. Let's dive deep into it then!

Causes of Delivery Delay

There are multiple package delivery problems that businesses and customers come across on a daily basis. These problems can contribute negatively to a business’s customer service. Similarly, there can be. Multiple reasons for the delivery delay. Let us first examine the cause of delayed delivery. After all, if we know the problem, only then can we solve it!

1. Current Events

This is the one we are most familiar with these days. Current events, political events, and social circumstances all contribute towards a delayed delivery. Take the COVID pandemic as an example. Companies had to lay off workers, reduce the number of workers working in their warehouses, and reduce the shipping volume. All this means delayed deliveries for a few days.

2. Holiday Season

Generally, the holiday season brings about a whole host of sales and a remarkable increase in shipping volume. With this seasonal increase in packages, warehouses and sorting centers can get clogged and have trouble catering to this influx.

3. Weather Conditions

Snow, hail, rain, or just a good old-fashioned hurricane, all these weather events can cause mayhem. This is out of our control, though, so all you can do is look out for the weather forecasts and plan in advance.

4. Data Entry Errors

You will often see these with your orders. Misspelled addresses or just wrong ZIP codes entered by the customer are far too common. Sometimes, there can also be an error from the shipping agent or operator. This can make it difficult for the shipping company to send the package to the correct address, resulting in delayed delivery.

5. Technical Glitches

This is something we all dread, a technology breakdown. When your shipping software breaks down or the website has a glitch, all your shipping operations can come to a screeching halt. Unfortunately, this is something which gives the wrong impression to the customer and is better to avoid.

6. Inadequate Logistics

If you have a logistics setup that is insufficient for the product demand, you will get delays. Your warehouse simply can't process the volume, and the orders will lag by days. This is something that most companies overlook, but perhaps it is the essential factor of all.

How to Solve Delayed Delivery?

With the causes sorted out, now it's time to look for solutions to delivery delays.

Automate Your Warehouse Management Software

To give your customer the best service, you need the best yourself. Introduce automation within your warehouse so that a computer does maximum work. This not only reduces the chances of error but also speeds up the process. Mailroom by PackageX is the ultimate solution to your problem. Its OCR-enabled app processes up to 50 packages in one go. Faster processing means your package is sent out to the customer almost as soon as the order comes.

Moreover, a digital warehouse system gives you a real-time picture of your operations. This allows you to keep a real-time track of your deliveries.

Keep Track of Your Inventory

Some products of yours might be selling like hotcakes, while others may be a bit mellow. Be sure to regularly update your inventory, almost in real-time, so that you have an accurate picture of how much you can sell. It will be a great disappointment if a customer orders an item that is out of stock in your inventory. This would mean only one thing, a delivery delay.

You can plan for such a scenario. As soon as your stock is getting low, you can replenish it before it entirely runs out.

Go For a Fulfillment Service

This tip might only be for high-volume shippers. If your shipping quantity is large enough and across a vast area, you could use a fulfillment service. This means that you can use their warehouses located across a particular region, enabling you to get to the customer faster.

For example, if you sell in the US and have your main warehouse in New York, you can have a fulfillment service for your delivery. They can have a center in the southwest, northwest, and eastern coastline. This way, if there is an order from California, the southwest fulfillment center can send out the order rather than coming from New York.

By employing this method, you have reduced the chances of a delivery delay!

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Plan in Advance

Planning is key to a lot of things, and that rings true here as well. If you have a holiday season coming up or a big sale lined up, plan for it. Keep your inventory levels high, place your product across your selling regions, and have your technical systems be ready for the influx of orders.

Reduce Delayed Delivery, Keep the Customer Happy!

You have to provide your customers the service they want. Only then can you take the top spot in the market and make a name for yourself. Reducing delivery delays is one method to do just that and an effective one. Keep the above points in mind while auditing your delivery process and remove any possible loopholes. Happy shipping!

With the boom of eCommerce, the dynamics of the logistics industry are rapidly changing. People prefer online shopping over visiting a physical store since the latter is very convenient. Now, everything available to the consumer is just one click away. The process takes a few clicks and ta-da! You get what you want.

According to a report by Statistica, over 2.14 billion people worldwide are expected to shop online. The number has increased since it was 1.66 billion in 2016. This trend shows no signs of slowing down. With the increase in online shopping, the relevant problems also increase and need an instant solution. Why?

More and more people are buying online because it is a very convenient process. Consequently, they expect smooth and quick package delivery. Thus, it is essential to ensure a swift package delivery process.

If any of these metrics are not fulfilled, or a package is lost or broken, you will most definitely face a disgruntled customer. An unsatisfied customer will result in bad reviews and directly affect your business. Hence, it is vital to look at these problems in detail. So, what are the typical package delivery or courier delivery problems, and how to solve them?

Let’s delve deep into the issues!

Package Delivery Problems

Package delivery problems are diverse, ranging from logistical issues to packaging workflow. Each of these problems needs to be looked at individually. Some of the package delivery problems are:

1. Lack of Visibility
2. Delayed Deliveries
3. Lost or Stolen Packages
4. Wrong Delivery Address
5. Damaged Packages

1. Lack of Visibility – Do Not Keep the Customer in the Dark

Ensuring visibility of any package's complete chain of custody is vital to assure timely delivery of the package. One thing that customers love to have is the visibility of their package, and it is critical. Without it, a business can become a victim of countless inefficiencies. Such inefficiencies can potentially lead to a delivery delay or losing shipments.

Easy-to-navigate dashboards on desktop and mobile applications allow a recipient to track their package from start to finish. This provides a sense of transparency for the whole process. Moreover, if the customer has any plans tied to the delivery, they can accurately plan them since they know the exact delivery times.

2. Delayed Deliveries – Do Not Keep the Customer Waiting

Late delivery is a problem for both the sender and the recipient. The recipient doesn’t want to wait longer than what is committed. Furthermore, late deliveries can immensely harm your brand image. Moreover, you can experience a drop in your sales if you do not have an efficient delivery system. It is often noted that your delivery time is directly related to your customer retention. Quicker delivery times, better customer retention.

Delivery times are not always in the sender’s control. The choice of the shipping carrier, location, and weather conditions all play their part in the delivery timelines. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the most effective shipping carrier to ensure adherence to strict timelines. Conversely, the choice of shipping carrier also has to be seen through the financial lens.

3. Lost or Stolen Packages – Keep the Packages Safe

In the absence of an efficient package management solution, packages are easily misplaced. Some extreme case scenarios include packages getting stolen. Porch pirates are always on the outlook to steal packages. What is the result? Bad customer experience and negative impact on the brand image. It is very embarrassing for customer support as well when they are clueless about the packages.

A possible remedy to this dilemma is to reach out to the customer on the day of their delivery. Another measure is to confirm with the customer if they have received the package or not. Both these measures not only ensure that the customer has got the package, but also enhances brand reputation and customer satisfaction.

4. Wrong Delivery Address – Get It to the Right Person

To err is human. Sometimes packages are delivered to the wrong address where they are not supposed to be delivered. It could be human error, or sometimes the customer enters the incorrect address. In this case, the business usually, as they should, settle for reimbursement to the client. If this has occurred due to the sender’s fault, it can negatively effect brand image and result in customer loss. All these problems arise when the package management system is inefficient, and the business does not use a package management software.

Employing an up-to-date package management software and shipping workflow can virtually eliminate these problems.

5. Damaged Packages – Get the Package in Perfect Condition

What is worse than waiting for a package? Receiving a damaged package. The packages should be taken care of, and they should come with a ‘handle with care’ label. This is not the only label that is required. Every package should have a custom label accordingly. Take care of these things before the package goes out for delivery. Taking care of the package before it goes out for delivery saves you from the customer’s wrath and overhead costs.

Other measures which can be taken to prevent damage to a package are airbags, cushioned packaging, Styrofoam balls, and paper balls.

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What is The Solution to Package Delivery Problems?

The use of cutting-edge technology is essential to make package delivery smooth. This also gives a competitive advantage to your business. In the world of cutthroat business competition, you should make use of the latest technology. So, what is the solution to these problems? An efficient package management software.

An efficient package management solution will help you eliminate all these problems. Such management solutions give you and the recipient complete visibility of the product. In case of a wrong delivery address, such software allow you to hold the package until the correct information is extracted. How else do these software help?

They help you locate the package quickly and deliver it to its intended recipient. Not only this, but these management software help you keep the packages organized. Having an organized package storage means easy retrieval of packages with fewer wait times for the customer.

Wrap Up!

All these factors collectively result in improved customer experience – giving an edge to your business. It is essential to keep up with the industry standards and stay on the top of your game in modern times, and these solutions will help you do just that!

USPS is one of the largest postal services in the US, recording a staggering parcel volume of around 7.6 billion in 2021 as per USPS. As it has continued to grow and change, it has steadily increased the amount of tracking information given to its customers.

USPS is likely doing this out of necessity as consumer expectations for visibility into the delivery process continue to increase. Retaildive reported that 70% of consumers said that the ability to track their orders was one of the three things they considered when buying a product from an eCommerce store. For postal services, keeping users updated about their parcels is a key focus as it builds both shopper and seller trust.

In the case of USPS, while some of their tracking statuses and notifications are pretty straightforward, others can be tricky to understand. One example is their “Shipment received, package acceptance pending” notification.

What Does “Shipment Received Package Acceptance Pending” Notification Mean?

At a high level, it’s when a package has been physically accepted by the USPS clerks but hasn’t arrived at the sorting facility. This is when the shipper/sender receives the “shipment received package acceptance pending” notification.

Stages Leading to the Package Acceptance Pending Notification:

• Postmasters physically accept your package or shipment of packages and the information is put into the USPS system.
• This activates USPS tracking and the sender receives the “Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending” notification first. 
• USPS receives a large batch of shipments consisting of smaller units from the seller. While the large shipment gets scanned in bulk, the individual items take time to get scanned. This is why senders get the “package acceptance pending” notification.
• When the individual package gets scanned, the tracking status will change to “Accepted at USPS Origin Facility. This is when the package will move between the USPS sorting centers.
• Shippers receive further updates once the shipment gets sorted. The sorting process decides the time and route of the shipment.
• When the parcel reaches the processing and distribution center called “Sectional Center Facility”, the sender will receive a new tracking status.
• There are around 195 sectional center facilities in the U.S. They serve as a processing and distribution center for Post Offices in certain geographic areas which are defined by the first three digits of the zip codes in those offices.

What Can You Do About This?

Since packages take time to be processed at the sorting facility, it’s not unusual to receive this status for up to 48 hours. If it persists beyond that, contacting USPS customer care can help you find out exactly where the package is.

In rare instances, the USPS can neglect to ship your parcel, which may cause delays. If you haven’t received an update about your package in more than 15 days, there is a chance it has been lost or broken. Ultimately, the “shipment received package acceptance pending” notification means that the package has taken the first step necessary to be delivered to the recipient.

Here are some guidelines, we recommend you follow when going through the shipping process with USPS to avoid lost packages or other issues:

How Long Does It Take for USPS to Accept the Package?

Usually, it takes around 1 to 4 days which is approximately 24 hours to 96 hours to receive the package acceptance confirmation. Most cases get done within the one-day timeframe and it takes four days in rare cases.

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Use Shipping Software to Track Your Package

Using intelligent shipping software like PackageX Ship can make your shipping and tracking operations flexible and easy. It allows you to know wherever the package is at all times and notifies the recipient of their package status through automated notifications. Moreover, you can generate shipping labels within seconds, eliminating the need for manual label generation. 

Conclusion

USPS enables users to receive a number of notifications so they are aware of their package status throughout the delivery. “Shipment received package pending” notification gets sent when parcels are scanned in bulk but not individually.

If your parcel is marked delivered but the shopper/recipient hasn't received it, make sure to have them check everywhere; including the back door and garage. If they still cannot locate it then contact USPS customer care for it may have been delivered to the wrong address. Moreover, a shipping solution can help you navigate lost packages more seamlessly.

Why Does Last-Mile Delivery Matter To Carriers And Customers? Delivering a package to its destined address is not as simple as it seems. There are several stages involved in the logistics process. Every step needs to be coordinated with the other for smooth package delivery. Technology plays a significant role in facilitating the process.

Moreover, at every stage, delivering goods timely is of critical importance. Package security also must be kept in mind when a parcel leaves until it arrives at its destination.

While we are discussing the stages, the last step of logistics is also regarded as last-mile delivery. A report from Frost and Sullivan states that up to 40% of the logistics costs are associated with last-mile delivery. Given the importance of last-mile delivery, industry giants have been using importance of last mile delivery to ensure safe package delivery. The use of a management solution minimizes the operational costs and helps you keep track of the chain of custody of the parcels.

What is last-mile delivery, and why is it so crucial for businesses? Let's delve deep into it.

What is Last-Mile Delivery?

Last-mile delivery refers to the last step of any package delivery process before it reaches its destination. It could be to an office, educational institute, a hotel, or any other location. It is the most critical step, and the one that the sender wants to ensure is quick, efficient, and safe. But why is last-mile delivery essential?

It is essential to ensure efficient last-mile delivery to keep up with the increasing demand for fast shipping. Last-mile delivery concerns e-commerce stores the most, especially food and retail industries. Furthermore, it is the most expensive and complicated leg of the logistics process.

Why is Last-Mile Delivery Important?

The process of manufacturing a product and showcasing it in the market is dependent on the last-mile delivery. First-mile delivery is a back-end process and does not deal directly with the end consumer. The last-mile delivery is the forefront that engages with your customer.

Think of a scenario where last-mile delivery is out of the picture; first, the customer will spend on the product and then physically pick up the product. It will not only add to its cost but time as well.

Think of yourself as a consumer? Would you prefer shopping from a store that provides last-mile delivery or a store where you must visit to pick up your package? You have your answer.

Factors to Choose Last-Mile Delivery Service

Now, what can help you make last-mile delivery smooth since it is one of the pillars of your business. The use of technology! You can also use a last-mile delivery service that can make the delivery process convenient. A few factors can help you choose an exemplary last-mile delivery service and amp up your delivery process. Let's have a look!

1. Secure Delivery

Being a last-mile delivery service brings a particular element of trust with it. When consumers hand over their goods to a delivery service, they expect complete security of their packages.

Timely delivery and in a safe manner are the two factors which hold almost equal importance to you. There is no point if your package arrives on the dot, but it is damaged. Even though a last-mile delivery service strives to reduce lost package instances, some still can slip through. What to do if this happens?

To cater to this scenario, companies can often offer insurance benefits with the delivery offer. Moreover, an additional surcharge adds up to the final billing amount. It can work either as part of the total or under a different head. This method can go a long way in putting a customer at ease with complete peace of mind.

2. Efficient Management

Even if a last-mile delivery service has all the tools required for an efficient platform, it still needs to be managed effectively. Without sound management practices, you will run into more problems with the delivery service.

Some key areas that need to be kept in mind while choosing a delivery service are staff scheduling, smooth process workflows, friendly company outlook, and customer complaints. A last-mile delivery solution helps with that.

Without able management over the different functions of the delivery service, there can be chaos. At every stage of the process, there can be disruptions and roadblocks. These can be harmful to your business.

3. Reduced Operational Costs

In the end, it is a numbers game. You need to go for a last-mile delivery service that provides the lowest cost with the highest gain.

Be careful; you do not want to go for the cheapest option and then regret it later. If the cost is too low to be accurate, then the service probably has cut a few corners here and there.

A delivery service can provide you unbelievably low rates. The downside is that it might lack adequate package security, timely deliveries, status updates, etc. Hence, you need to take a holistic view of the price point which a last-mile delivery service provides.

From a service provider's point of view, the delivery costs have to be kept low enough to keep you competitive. If the cost is high for you and the consumer, there won't be any takers for your business. That is why it is essential to manage and allocate resources and keep costs down efficiently.

4. Customer Satisfaction

A happy customer is a paying customer. It is crucial to fulfill all the customer demands and keep them satisfied. Only then will they return for your services.

Customer-centric services help to address customer issues directly. One such method is by having a functional customer review and complaint portal. Furthermore, you should promptly address the customer complaints.

Another example of a customer-oriented feature is giving customers the flexibility to choose the timing and location of their delivery, along with pictorial proof. They might also be able to delegate pick-up to an acquaintance if they are unavailable.

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Benefits Of Using a Last-Mile Delivery Solution

Let's see some of the benefits of last-mile delivery solutions:

• Smooth Shipping and Delivery Processes

Modern last-mile delivery solutions make the whole delivery process a piece of cake. You can schedule deliveries, keep track of them, and prepare for pick-ups in advance.

• Flexibility

A functional delivery solution will accommodate your needs and requests. You can reschedule deliveries, delegate pick-up authority, or put in other last-minute requests. It is possible by two-way communication between you, the consumer, and the delivery service.

• Structured Delivery Management

With every step of the delivery process digitized and recorded, you can plan the complete journey. You can plan routes with no delays; the management can send out customer alerts and more.

• Safe deliveries

Pictorial proof of delivery, complete chain of custody, and real-time tracking ensure that your package now never gets lost. The idea of safe deliveries brings great ease of mind to a consumer while also reducing the risk for a service provider.

Conclusion

Last-mile delivery is integral to the package delivery journey and can often make or break the customer experience. Modern last-mile delivery solutions are increasingly incorporating technology into their products. It paves the way for a better and efficient future of last-mile delivery.

For customers, a progressive last-mile delivery solution can make their shopping experience that much better. For a service provider, a robust solution ensures that their business manages to meet customer requirements.

Porch pirates have become a recurring nuisance for many people. Just last year, 1.7 million packages were reported lost or stolen per day. As a result, services and items worth $25 million or more were wasted. In 2020, over two billion people bought goods or services online. This increase in online shopping over the years makes the threat of porch pirates that much more concerning.

On average, 40% of package theft usually happens in apartment buildings. Porch pirates are one of the primary reasons why some people avoid online shopping. Around 41% of consumers say that they have avoided shopping online at times for fear of package theft. The problem of porch pirates has just become more significant after the pandemic.

What Is a Porch Pirate?

A person who steals newly delivered packages from other people’s porches is known as a porch pirate. For porch pirates, stealing packages is a crime of opportunity. There is always a chance that small packages can contain something valuable that can be resold, for example, watches or phones.

Package theft increased dramatically after the pandemic, as depicted by the peak in Google searches related to stolen packages. One of the reasons for this is the massive increase in online shopping after COVID-19.

How Can We Use Technology to Prevent Porch Pirates?

Package theft prevention is at the forefront of the mind of every online shopper. Luckily for us, we can use technology to our advantage when dealing with porch pirates. Here’s a list of ways you can use technology to help avoid package theft:

1. Using package tracking applications.
2. Pick-up your package yourself.
3. Ensuring proof of delivery on your packages.
4. Installing security cameras.
5. Using package lockboxes.
6. Installing video doorbells.
7. Putting up signs advertising your security system.

1. Use Package Tracking Application

Package tracking applications can be an excellent way of preventing package theft. The software allows recipients to see where their package is at all times via notifications. Through these apps, users can know when to expect their package, which can help them pick it up promptly.

Through these digital trackers, users can also easily find out their package’s last known location. So, in case it goes missing, you know where to start looking for it.

2. Pick-Up Your Package Yourself

One more way of avoiding package theft is by picking up your package directly from the mailroom upon arrival or have it delivered when you are present. The best way to do this is by opting for nifty applications like PackageX mailroom.

The app notifies you as soon as your package arrives at the mailroom. You can get the mailroom to hold your package, have it discarded, or schedule a delivery for it at a better time as opposed to it being left on your porch.

3. Use a Mailroom App to Ensure You Receive the Package Yourself

Another advantage of using an automated mailroom is that it sends out automated notifications to the recipients upon package arrival. If the package has arrived at the mailroom of their building, apartment, business, etc, recipients can pick it up or have it delivered to them. Through these apps, you can also ask the company to hold the package for you if you can’t make it in time.

These measures ensure that your package is not left alone on the porch reducing the number of stolen packages.

4. Install Security Cameras to Catch Porch Pirates in Action

There are many excellent security cameras available on the market nowadays. These cameras can send you notifications on your phone in case any audio or motion is detected. Some of them are equipped with night vision, giving you 24/7 video coverage.

Moreover, many solutions nowadays provide cloud storage and backups of the video feed. This way, you can keep an eye on your package and know who picked it up in case you are not at home.

5. Use Package Lockboxes to Conceal Your Deliveries

One of the biggest reasons for package theft is that porch pirates can see your newly delivered unsupervised items on the porch. Lockboxes can be installed in conjunction with your mailbox because not only do they hide your package from plain sight, but they also provide maximum security.

Some of them come with easy slots for delivery and require a key for package retrieval. Others that stay locked at all times need you to coordinate with your delivery person so only they and you can access it.

6. Installing Video Doorbells to Catch a Thief’s Identity

Video doorbells are easy to install, are motion-activated, and come with multiple features. Some also offer an excellent vantage point that can more clearly catch a thief’s identity than an overhead camera. However, they are not very good theft deterrents because they aren’t as clearly visible as security cameras.

7. Putting Up Signs Advertising Your Security System to Deter Thieves

If you don’t have a well-functioning security system in place, putting up faux signs advertising it can also do the trick. Most porch pirates are looking for a momentary thrill and aren’t too knowledgeable about security systems. Window and yard security signs can sometimes be enough to scare them off.

These package theft solutions can significantly help reduce the number of stolen packages from your porch!

What to Do If a Porch Pirate Steals Your Package?

No matter how many package theft solutions you employ, sometimes you still end up getting robbed. Here’s what you can do if a porch pirate steals your package:

• Check the Package’s Delivery Status

Before taking any steps, make sure that your package is marked delivered. If not, you can either choose to wait or contact the shipping company.

• Get in Touch with Your Retailer

By contacting the retailer, you can find out their stance on lost packages. While most retailers deal with packages on a case-by-case basis, you might be able to get a refund or a replacement if you present your case.

• Get in Touch with Your Carrier

Usually, carriers don’t take responsibility for the package once it has been delivered, but you can still file a claim or request a mail search with some of them.

• Check Your Security Cameras

Checking footage for the last 24 hours and looking for activity can help you spot the thief. If this happens, you can file a police report for further assistance. Neighborhood security cameras can also help in this.

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• File for Purchase Protection

Some credit card companies have package protection benefits. If you file a claim within the first 120 days of losing your package, you might get a replacement or reimbursement.

• Claim Insurance

Some homeowner’s insurances cover mail theft. However, filing an insurance claim is only ideal for high-value packages.

• File a Police Report

Letting the police know that your package has been stolen as soon as possible can help battle package theft in your neighborhood.

Conclusion

Package theft is closely linked with porch pirates and is a growing problem. If you want to be able to safely retrieve your packages, some package theft solutions are needed. These solutions to package theft include the use of technology like security systems and applications that help you track your package delivery when it arrives at the mailroom. Quick reporting and filing claims after your package have been stolen can also help you minimize your losses. And increase the chances of package retrieval.

These days, emails are used for most communication; however, snail mail is still needed to send out certain types of letters. The mailing process includes delivering letters and packages, acceptance by the recipient, collection, and processing. But, how long does it take for mail to arrive?

Regular mail can take a maximum of 7 days to arrive. However, there are different delivery services through which you can send your mail quicker. Whereas priority mail can come quickly, forwarded mail can take slightly longer to arrive.

The postal services market has been influenced by major trends like the use of drones for delivery. Moreover, mobile phone integrations have been introduced to provide customers with additional services. The postal services market reached USD 208,550.8 million in 2019. Though it has decreased in the following year due to the pandemic, we expect to see an increase in the market value again, expected to reach USD 200,766.9 million in 2023.

When Will My Mail Arrive?

When will my mail arrive? That is a question that we ask ourselves when we are waiting for our mail. Though the average delivery time for mail is 2.5 days in the USA, it can take around seven days for regular mail to arrive, depending on the state it is being sent to. The delivery can also get delayed if there are public holidays like Christmas.

During the holiday season, the postal services receive an overwhelming number of mails which causes delays. Other situations like the COVID pandemic and strikes can also cause delays in receiving mail. So, the delivery service may take more than the regular delivery days.

In this era of cutting-edge technology, digital mailroom services can help mail recipients in ensuring that their mail is not lost, and to make mail management much easier. Mailrooms are used to ensure that mail is delivered in time and safely to your corporate offices, apartments, universities, and flexible workspaces. Mailrooms can also keep the mail safe and hold it until it is convenient to be picked up. Moreover, with a digital mailroom, the mail is scanned, and a notification is sent with a single click to the recipient for mail pickup.

Will My Priority Mail Arrive Quicker?

There are special delivery services that you can use to have quicker deliveries. The service providers offer priority mail with additional charges and a shorter delivery period. It takes around 2-3 days for priority mail to arrive. The delivery service is offered six days a week.

Customers can send priority mail based on the size and weight of the mail. Mails that weigh more than 13 ounces are covered by priority mail. Priority mail can also be tracked, giving you complete information about the location of your mail.

Mail Forwarding: What You Should Know

Forwarded mail can take around 3-12 days to arrive. It is best to put in a request about forwarding mail so it can be processed as soon as the package arrives. You can submit a temporary change of address or a permanent one where your mail can be forwarded.

Mails can be forwarded temporarily for six months if you are moving to another place. The service can also be extended for up to 12 months upon request. However, for a more extended period, you need to update your address in the system. State mail like newspapers and priority mail can be forwarded without any additional charges.

Mail forwarding has become very easy with digital mailrooms. Recipients can request mail forwarding with a single tap on their smartphone app. They can have all or some mail forwarded to another address by choosing from the scanned versions that they can access online.

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Digital Mailrooms: Automate Your Mail Delivery And Processing

To speed up the mail delivery time, mailrooms have now been using automated software solutions. Digital Mailrooms can receive your snail mail and send it to you on the same day after scanning, or hold it for whatever time necessary. You can also receive your mail in your inbox just like regular emails.

Digital mailrooms use software solutions like Mailroom by PackageX that let the mailroom staff efficiently handle mails. It is delivery management software that mailroom staff can use to send automated notifications to recipients when their mail arrives without any manual data entry. The mailroom staff can scan a package label, and let the software do the rest.

Using Mailroom by PackageX, you can reduce the cost and improve operational efficiency of your mailroom. Users have been able to achieve same-day deliveries, reduce pick-up times, and eliminate lost package instances. Furthermore, mail recipients can choose to forward mails with a single click, unlike the regular mail forwarding request that takes around ten days to process.

Conclusion

Snail mail remains an essential form of communication. But to provide quick access to mails, mailrooms have to be automated to perform efficiently. Mailroom management software is the answer to automating complex and tedious processes involved in receiving, sorting, and sending mails.

It has become an essential tool for businesses where there are excessive incoming and outgoing mails. This software can either be cloud-based or web-based, depending upon its capabilities and design. Whatever the case may be, you can be assured that the implementation of such a system is going to improve your mailroom operations by leaps and bounds.

If you are in the manufacturing or retail business, then you must have heard of barcode types. That bit of information comes with a lot of questions. For example: What is a barcode? Which one is best suited for your business? How many different barcode language types are there? We are going to answer all of your questions in this article.

A printed series of parallel lines used to enter data into a computer system is called a barcode. Shop items usually come with a label on their packaging. This label contains lines and different numbers that are used to gather information about the product.

These barcodes are scanned at the counter, and the product's price and description are displayed on the computer screen. According to statistics, about 18.8% of consumers agreed to witnessing an increase in use of barcodes like QR codes since September 2020. However, there are many different types of barcodes available which makes it difficult to identify them. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of all barcode types.

What Is the Standard Barcode Type?

A standard format for barcodes does not exist. However, they do come with particular characteristics depending on how they are created. Different types of barcodes differ in the following ways:

• Size.
• Capacity.
• Material used.
• Linearity.
• Requirement of checksum..

The size of the barcode usually depends on its application and the machine used for scanning it. The capacity of a barcode refers to all the character combinations it comes with. It depends on the character set it supports.

The width of the barcode's narrowest bar can be a measure of its density. The amount of area that can be scanned on the barcode tells its linearity. Some barcode formats come with a standardized portion to check whether the retrieved information is correct. That is called checksum.

It is the number at the far right of the barcode. Scanners perform calculations on the digits of the checksum to ensure the right results. If the results are correct, you hear a beep from the scanner. These factors vary for different barcode types and use, and being aware of them can help you choose the most suitable barcode format for you.

Here we have a great resource about barcode types. Have a look!

What Is the Most Common Barcode Type?

One of the most commonly used barcode types is UPC (Universal Product Codes). This barcode is used for labeling retail products. It's found on almost every sale item in the market and all grocery stores in the US. It consists of a 12 digit numeric-only number. Every product is assigned its unique number by GS1, making up the first six digits of the barcode. The product's manufacturer assigns the next five digits. Each product has a unique UPC that its manufacturers use for identification.

These barcodes help them digitally scan and track the product. Many excellent management software like PackageX come with the technology to scan these barcodes to track mail and packages. It helps users easily keep an eye on where their item is and when they will receive it. Other commonly used barcode types include:

1. Code 39
2. Code 128
3. GS1-128
4. Codabar
5. EAN-13 and EAN-8
6. ITF-14

Different Combinations of Barcodes

Barcodes use lines of different widths to represent a 12 or 13 digit number. That is why the possible combinations it can represent can be up to 10^13 different combinations. Barcodes are available in two different types: Linear barcodes and two-dimensional matrix barcodes.

There are countless ways to encode data for barcodes, and each encoding consists of different combinations. It means that barcodes will never run out!

What Is the Difference Between a QR Code and a Barcode?

For manufacturing businesses, tracking inventory is vital. That is why they use labels on their products so their customers can know where it is in the assembly line and when it will be in their hands. Customers can also use this tracking data to solve a multitude of problems.

However, companies need to decide which barcode types to use. The primary choice is between a one-dimensional barcode system or 2D barcode types like QR codes. The main differences between barcodes and QR codes are as following:

In the past, scanning 2D barcodes wasn't as cheap as scanning linear barcodes. That is because of the need to cover two dimensions instead of one. The price difference of the scanning equipment was one of the significant drawbacks of QR codes. However, that's not a problem anymore.

That's because now QR codes can quickly be scanned through mobile devices. New package tracking and mail management apps come with OCR technology that efficiently scans QR codes and helps users track their package. According to statistics, around 25 to 30% of the population in developed nations use QR codes.

How Can You Identify a Barcode Type?

Since there are so many different barcode types available, readers might get confused about which is which. If you do not identify barcodes correctly, you will never decide which barcode type best suits your business.

The best way to identify linear barcodes is by their start and stop patterns. They tell barcode readers where to start and stop, and comparing them can help identify different barcode types.

2D barcodes, on the other hand, can be identified by comparing shapes and finder patterns. A unique mark that exists in all barcodes of the same format is referred to as finder patterns. They can be used to identify different 2D barcodes.

An example of finder patterns is the unique square pattern in the center of every Aztec code.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Let us go through some frequently asked questions about barcodes.

Q. What do numbers on a barcode mean?

The numbers on the barcode are unique to the product you are buying. There are 12 numbers on a standard UPC-A barcode. Here is what the digits mean:

• The first digit is the system identifier that helps classify the type of product.
• Examples of standard Universal Product Codes are the digits zero, one, six, seven, and eight.
• Weighted items such as meat are identified by the number 2.
• Health-related products are identified by the number 3.
• Four is the number reserved for non-food-related items.
• Numbers five and nine are used to identify coupons.

After the first digit, there are two sets of five numbers in the middle. The first set corresponds to the manufacturer number and the second set refers to the product number. The final digit is used to scan errors and is used as a control digit.

Q. Why you should use barcodes?

Scanning barcodes has now become easy with the right technology. Designing and printing a barcode is exceptionally cheap. Barcodes reduce the chance of human error and help users make informed decisions.

In the case of delivery tracking, order information can quickly be sent out to customers so they can schedule their day around when they need to pick up their package. Both expensive and easy to use, barcodes are an excellent option to track a variety of data. That's why delivery management apps like PackageX Mailroom ensure safe package delivery, without any hassle.

How likely are you to receive a delivery package at your home or work every month? If the answer is “very likely” then you’d be surprised to know that you’re not alone. With the constantly evolving eCommerce landscape, the delivery industry has been booming. Due to the pandemic, parcel traffic increased from 18.4 billion parcels per year in 2018 to over 21 billion units in 2019. For eCommerce businesses, effective last-mile delivery management is all about ensuring customer orders arrive on time and in perfect condition. With online shoppers expecting flawless delivery experiences every time they shop, this becomes essential. And it’s not just about meeting expectations—it’s also important to keep customers happy and protect your profit margins.

Delivery management is all about ensuring goods move smoothly and efficiently from point A to point B. Often referred to as dispatch or fleet management, it focuses on timely and accurate transfers every step of the way. Delivery management brings together several processes, such as order processing, logistics planning, and tracking, to ensure smooth operations. It’s a complex system that relies on a specialized delivery management system and tools to automate and simplify these tasks, making it easier to handle deliveries efficiently and accurately.

Now businesses are constantly looking to improve their delivery management through automation and personalization. That’s not a wrong move considering in the aftermath of COVID-19, some trends will be here to stay. Based on findings from TSIA research, 97% of companies will continue remote delivery even when things go back to normal.

That means efficient delivery management has now become a need. It saves you time in manual work, minimizes human error, accelerates warehouse deliveries, and improves customer service. However, achieving all that is a pretty daunting task. The delivery process is riddled with challenges, and managers always need to be on their A-game to guarantee success.

Challenges with Delivery Management and Delivery Service

With customers demanding high delivery standards every day, delivery management is no easy feat. Deliveries need to be flexible, prompt, and completely transparent. Delivery managers need to oversee a series of things every day. It includes planning routes, measuring KPI, supervising the field staff, locating the customer address, and more.

Delivery managers are often faced with several hurdles. It’s tricky to stay profitable while making deliveries. Failed delivery attempts, driver salaries, and long routes can all be costly. Unpredictable weather, bad traffic, or accidents like flat tires can pose as roadblocks to successful delivery.

Sometimes route planning is not done efficiently, which is one of the primary reasons for late deliveries. Managers need to keep fuel efficiency and environmental factors in mind when scheduling delivery routes. Some other challenges with delivery service include:

• Not being able to find accurate customer addresses quickly.
• Difficulty in keeping track of drivers and agents.
• Faulty communication with drivers and agents while they are making rounds.
• Failing to let your customers know the estimated time of arrival.
• Lack of a proper database for all deliveries, agents, and customers.
• Unable to plan for time saving routes that ensure rapid deliveries.
• Failing to optimize the load and capacity of delivery vehicles can lead to multiple trips, increasing delivery time and costs.
• Handling returns efficiently is key to maintaining customer satisfaction, and poor return processes can lead to a negative delivery experience.
• When the systems used for tracking, inventory, and delivery aren’t integrated, it can lead to errors, inefficiencies, and delays in order fulfillment.

For delivery managers facing all these challenges alone can prove to be quite tricky. That’s why investing in promising technology delivery management solutions is vital for efficient delivery service management.

How Does a Good Delivery Management Software Help?

Delivery management software is a tool that helps you improve your business performance. It monitors all delivery operations to ensure a smooth transfer of items. Some of the key features of delivery management software involve:

• Automating dispatch, assigning tasks to drivers, and keeping track of their availability.
• Allowing customers to track and trace their deliveries, hence offering them complete transparency. (Customers love staying informed about their orders—it gives them peace of mind knowing things are moving quickly. Sending regular updates on order status reduces the number of inquiries your customer service team has to handle. The more transparent you are about the process, the better! Sharing detailed updates through real time delivery management builds trust and enhances the overall customer experience.)
• Giving automatic notifications to the customer, updating them of delivery status, and letting them know the accurate ETA.
• Built-in features like e-signature collect proof of delivery to ensure the package is delivered to the right person.
• In-built analytics tools that let delivery managers study trends and measure employee performance.
• Accessible communication between delivery managers and agents.
• Planning and scheduling tools Delivery route management software helps managers figure out the best delivery routes.

All these nifty features help your business improve its delivery management service. With the help of good software or delivery management app, you can save time, increase customer satisfaction levels, reduce costs and ensure efficient deliveries.

What Does the Role of a Delivery Manager Entail?

The title of delivery manager comes with a lot of responsibilities. They need to review all orders placed by customers and schedule deliveries. They are also responsible for promptly troubleshooting and evaluating all delivery-related issues.

They manage the delivery team and provide them with directions and guidance. Furthermore, their tasks include listening to client complaints, reporting delivery statuses to customers, setting delivery priorities, and evaluating team performance.

Delivery managers need to evaluate several KPIs to ensure that the company’s delivery service management is immaculate. Customer satisfaction directly affects sales. That’s why there is a need to have a thorough insight into customer satisfaction metrics. Mangers have to analyze how customers feel at every stage of the delivery to improve the overall process.

As a delivery manager, you are responsible for tracking driver performance to see how agents are doing on the field. Delivery management system (DMS) integration with a transportation management system (TMS) creates a seamless flow of communication and data sharing between the two platforms so you can track deliveries with ease. You also have to analyze how deliveries affect revenue and compare revenue metrics across the board to find what needs improving. Overall, it is a time-consuming and detail-oriented job.

How Does PackageX Optimize Delivery Management

PackageX offers a game-changing solution for optimizing delivery management. With AI-driven scanning technology, comprehensive mobile apps, and real-time tracking updates, it’s designed to improve every step of the delivery process, from receiving to delivery. By maintaining a clear chain of custody and enabling efficient route optimization, PackageX ensures that deliveries are completed smoothly and on time. Ready to take your delivery management to the next level? With PackageX, you can enhance efficiency, reduce support inquiries, and keep everything visible on any mobile device. Start optimizing your delivery process today!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is delivery management?

In the past year alone, the United States saw a massive rise in online shopping. Moreover, it is expected that in 2021, 19.5% of all global retail sales will come from online purchases. The U.S Postal service alone handles around 500 million pieces of mail daily. With that big of a number, delivery problems are common.

Delivery Management provides a systematic way to transfer deliveries from their point of origin to their final destination. It can be thought of as project management on a broader scale. It includes supervising people, processes, and technologies- the combination of which leads to a detailed plan used to yield successful deliveries.

Q. Why is delivery management important?

With approximately 500 million pieces people shopping online in the US alone, the need for good deliveries is direr than ever. Successful deliveries are crucial to customer retention. Nobody likes to wait days for their package to arrive. That’s why late deliveries dramatically decrease your customer base.

Proper delivery management ensures that never happens and facilitates you to retain your client base effortlessly. High delivery standards will not only maintain customer loyalty it will also give your company a good reputation. Moreover, it reduces your employee’s time spent dealing with delivery issues and increases overall efficiency.

Q. How can we improve delivery service?

With delivery service directly affecting client base and online sales, it’s important to tweak it to perfection. Always plan for deliveries and work on getting them out as soon as possible. Set a realistic timeline for your customers and adhere to it. Don’t promise them an unsustainable delivery time which can cause you to lose customers.

For larger companies, investing in local warehouses can be a good option as it takes less time to ship out goods across the country. Furthermore, choosing a reliable carrier helps you meet your delivery demands. One of the easiest ways to improve delivery service, however, is to invest in suitable delivery management software. It allows customers to track their orders in real-time and minimizes the risk of lost packages.

Q. How do you manage delivery orders?

Order management is essential for every customer order you receive. It usually involves four main steps:

• Accepting the order placed by the customer.
• Picking and packing the order so it’s ready for shipment.
• Shipping the purchase mentioned in the order received.
• Tracking the order till it is successfully delivered.

The order management process starts as soon as you accept an order from a customer. That includes retrieving it from the warehouse, packing it properly, and shipping it. The last stage is making sure that the customer received the order and was happy with the purchase.

Of course, the entire process is not as easy as it seems. Multiple problems can occur, especially if you are receiving a lot of orders at the same time. That is why it is essential to be diligent at every stage. Using the right delivery management service can be extremely helpful for your business and help you avoid all the hassle.

Receptions are the face of every organization. They are the first people your customers engage with; therefore, they leave a significant impact on your customers' experience. It is significantly essential for receptionists to have outstanding skills and be super good at multitasking.

According to the market study, the number of receptionists employed in 2019 was around 1.2 Million. This was approximately 6.59% more than the previous year. Females occupy most of the receptionist jobs, which is 89.9% of the job market. The demand for receptionists in the medical field is increasing. Employment is expected to grow at 3.6% from the year__ 2019 to 2029__.

With the increasing demand, there is a required skill set the receptionists need to have. Receptions need to possess hard and soft skills that will contribute to their performance. What are the skills that can help you secure the job? Let's have a look.

18 Essential Receptionist Skills

Here we have highlighted some of the best receptionist job skills of 2021 that receptionists and front desk officers need to demonstrate on their resumes.

1. Be a Good Communicator
2. Active Listening
3. Data Entry
4. Mail Management
5. Business Phone Answering
6. Multitasking Expert
7. Good Hygiene!
8. Be Calm and Empathic
9. Education
10. Stay Updated With the Latest Technology
11. Stay Organized
12. Good Problem-Solving Skills
13. Working Under Pressure
14. Information and Memory
15. Visitor Management Skills
16. Ability to Work Independently
17. Billing and Coding
18. Coping With Constant Interruption

1. Be a Good Communicator

Good communication skills are essential if you are somebody working in the reception area of a corporate office or a hotel. You have to master the art to convey critical information and messages effectively for visitors to understand. Some good verbal communication skills include:

• Address people with their first name
• Apologize for making them wait
• Inform before putting a caller on hold
• Never say 'I don't know,' instead request time to find out the required information
• Provide accurate and complete information
• Watch the tone of the voice
• Use good volume

When we talk about effective communication, we think of non-verbal communication skills, besides verbal communication skills. Here are some non-verbal factors of communication:

• Maintain eye contact
• Have pleasant facial expressions and smile
• Nod when you understand the other person

2. Active Listening Skills

To be able to communicate well, you need to be a good listener too. When communicating, 45% of the time is spent listening. Effective listening is believed to reduce errors and understand the visitor query.

Active listening lets the visitor know that you are interested in their query. Here are some tips to follow for active listening.

• Use affirmation and acknowledgment words: "I understand" and "I know."
• Maintain eye contact
• Face the speaker
• Re-state the visitor's questions

3. Data Entry

Data entry is another crucial receptionist skill needed to enter and upload data into the database. Data entry needs to be accurate. Firstly, it is to avoid inconvenience for customers. Secondly, data is processed and used for the analysis of company performance.

Data is extracted from various documents or received from visitors for entry into the system. Here are some important data entry skills that receptions need:

• Fast typing speed
• Accuracy
• Concentration

4. Mail Management

Front desk officers also must be proficient in handling mail for the residents in the multi-tenant building or employees and staff in an office. The building often uses mail management software tools like Mailroom by PackageX, which automates the entire process.

The front desk management has to receive mails on behalf of its residents and inform the recipient about the package arrival. They also must manage the mailroom to avoid clutter skillfully.

5. Business Phone Answering

Phone calls received at the reception area make the first impression. It may turn a lead into actual customers, or it may drive them away. Thus receptionists need to be proficient with their phone skills. Here are some important rules to consider regarding phone calls.

• Receive the call at the second ring, do not receive the call too early or late. Too early can put get the caller off-guard.
• Greet and mention your name.
• Keep a pleasant tone and hearable volume.
• Do not keep the caller waiting or request before putting it on hold.
• Be informed about departments and personnel, to forward the calls.
• Keep a paper and pen ready to note down important messages or information on.

6. Multi-Tasking Expert

Front desk operators need to put on different hats. They need to handle multiple tasks and visitors at the same time. They may have to answer a phone call while searching for important information on the computer.

It is always important to note down important tasks to not miss out on them when interrupted. Furthermore, it is important to understand that visitors who physically take the time to come are a priority. Calls and emails come after visitors.

7. Good Hygiene

Staying neat and clean is crucial as it speaks volumes about the culture of the company. Good hygiene projects a good image of the individual and the company both.

Keeping this in view, receptionists should follow these fundamental rules:

• Wear clean and pressed clothes.
• Maintain tidy hairstyle.
• Maintain dental hygiene.
• Use good fragrance.

8. Be Calm and Empathic

In some organizations, visitors can be unhappy due to multiple reasons. For example, visitors in hospitals are usually distressed, and hotel visitors are often tired. To make these customers feel at ease, receptionists need to listen to the customer. They need to be calm and empathic and should not invalidate the problems of the customers.

They need to understand that the visitor may not be happy and can display unpleasant and negative emotions. In such situations, the receptionist needs to empathize with their situation and understand their behavior while resolving the issue.

9. Education

Most organizations need receptionists to have at least a high school diploma or an equivalent. Higher education is always preferred.

Candidates with additional skills like administration are preferred. So, if you have certifications in administration and other clerical work, such as typing, it will move you one place upwards on the list of candidates.

10. Stay Updated With the Latest Technology!

Besides basic data entry skills and email checking, front desk officers must use different software tools. Every organization is going digital; thus, they use other software solutions designed for their industry. So, using technology is an additional front desk operator skill that is essential to have.

For example, organizations use various business management systems and flexible workspace management systems. Therefore, receptionists should be prepared to learn and use these software tools.

11. Stay Organized

Receptionists have multiple tasks to take care of, but they have to ensure that they focus on staying organized amidst these tasks. To maintain the first impression, the front desk counter has to be organized. It should be clean and tidy.

Papers have to be appropriately filed so important papers are not lost. Using attractive organizers helps in keeping things in place and accessible to find when needed. They also need to maintain calendars to know of important dates and information related to employee availability.

12. Problem Solving Skills

As a receptionist, you should identify the root cause of a customer’s dissatisfaction and offer a solution. It would be best if you focused on the problem rather than focusing on the unpleasant feeling of the customer.

Sometimes there will be callers or frustrated visitors because they were not happy with the service or product. In this case, the receptionist has to stay calm while finding a solution to the problem.

The solution could be in different forms, including:

• Be an active listener.
• Identify the root cause of the problem.
• Find an alternate solution to the problem.
• Take responsibility for mistakes.
• Take up the issues to the concerned department.
• Be creative with the solution.

13. Working Under Pressure

As a front desk officer, you often have to work under pressure due to workload, busy front desk, or multitasking. However, you have to make an effort to stay calm and focus on each task individually.

Furthermore, receptionists should identify crunch times and outsource tasks so they can deal with that time effectively. Some important tips for working under pressure are:

• Break down the tasks.
• Prioritize queries.
• Work mindfully to remain calm.

14. Information and Memory

Receptionists need to have all the information regarding the organization they are working in. This is to be able to answer visitor queries accurately.

They should have information like:

• Directions to different departments.
• Employees that are on leave.
• Business off-days and employee off-days.

15. Visitor Management

Receptionists must keep an eye on who enters the building to ensure security. Similarly, they have to check the equipment that enters the premises, including USBs, laptops, and cameras. Visitor check-in and logging the relevant data is also a part of their duty.

In 2021, receptionists have an additional duty of health checks to keep COVID cases at bay. They have to make sure everyone is wearing a mask and using sanitizers. Visitor management software used by organizations help in automating these tasks.

16. Ability to Work Independently

As a front desk staff, you will primarily be working in isolation. Therefore, independent work is an essential front desk operator skill. You should be able to handle all kinds of front desk tasks and be responsible.

You should be well informed about the activities to give accurate information to visitors. Receptionists need to be able to work without direct supervision.

17. Coping With Constant Interruption

Being at the front desk means many people will be interrupting you for information as they all depend on you. Amidst these interruptions, you need to regain your focus and continue doing your pending work.

It is, therefore, crucial to note down important tasks and prioritize so you do not miss out on these tasks.

18. Billing and Coding

If you are applying for a receptionist job in the medical industry, you will know about billing and coding. This is entering patient information and a code associated with the health issue into the system. The code is then used to connect to insurance companies for billing.

Highlighting the Skills in a Resume

If you want to land a job as a receptionist, you need no showcase these receptionist job skills to your recruiter. Create a skills section in your résumé and list down both soft skills and hard skills. In the summary section, you could add a few statements highlighting the skills to your recruiter.

The Future of Receptionist Jobs

Do not be scared of technology replacing receptionist jobs. Technology has created visitor management software tools to automate the process and make the job efficient. Receptionists are still needed in organizations such as universities and offices because visitors and callers need a point of contact to get information from.

Thus, receptionists will always be required, but job nature is changing with the changing market trends. Consequently, the receptionist skills and qualities needed to be a receptionist are also changing from before.

Virtual Receptionists

The changing trend of remote work in 2021 has also brought about a change in the receptionist job market. As companies are going remote, they are hiring remote receptionists too. Receptionist skills like voice tone, acknowledgment words, being a good listener, and problem-solving skills still hold the same importance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Let's go over some frequently asked questions about the receptionist's skills in 2021.

Q. What are the skills required to be a front desk officer?

To be a front desk officer, you need to possess social skills and be friendly with the visitors. You need to use your interpersonal skills and be helpful. Your helpful attitude should be prevalent, and you should always be available to assist others.

The front desk officer has the power to make visitors their loyal customers or drive them away with their behavior, tone, and communication skills. Thus, as a front desk officer, you have a huge responsibility to drive the company.

Q. What is the most important skill that is required of a receptionist?

Receptionists need to have outstanding communication skills by practicing active listening. Moreover, they should be great at multi-tasking. It is also significantly important for them to have good knowledge of using computers to record visitor information.

Q. What should be the key priorities of a receptionist?

Though receptionist educational requirement is not high, in 2021, you need to possess outstanding computer skills. Every organization has a software solution to automate tasks for which you need to be prepared.

There will need different software tools in different organizations and industries. As a receptionist, you should be able to learn how to use the software quickly.

Q. What are the two essential qualities of a receptionist?

Firstly, it is significantly important for receptionists to have professionalism. As they give the first impression of the company, they have to be professional in every aspect. This includes their tone, their dress code, and the way they greet everyone.

Secondly, they need to be pro in time management. As they juggle between the tasks, they need to know the strategy of prioritizing essential tasks and putting them on top of the list. Moreover, they have to divide the time to handle calls and visitors while completing the clerical work.

If you are a new entrant in this industry, the receptionist job skills mentioned above will be your guide to make your résumé shine. Being the first contact in a company, recruiters want to review résumés with receptionist skills and qualities that will immediately impact. Using your objective statement, convey a strong message to the employer explaining how you can add value to the organization.

A receptionist job may seem a small one; however, it is a high-impact job with a huge responsibility. With the right attitude and interest in a receptionist position, you have great chances of growth and success.

Working conditions form the essential core of the paid work and employment relationships. In the most generic terms, working conditions cover a broad horizon of issues from working time, including hours of work, rest periods and work schedules, salary scales, and the physical and mental pressures that are also a considerable part of the workplace environment.

According to a report by the World Bank Group, the pandemic of 2019 is expected to bring a drastic rise in poverty with a rough estimate of 88 million to 115 million people in a year, bringing about the total to about 150 million people by the end of 2021.

Bad working conditions create an atmosphere that affects the productivity of the employees. Unproductive employees tend to be lethargic and de-motivating, which slows down the organization's progress. So, maintaining a favorable work environment at offices or even flexible workspaces has proven beneficial for both the organization and the employees in the long run.

Importance of a Healthy Work Environment

Maintaining a positive and healthy work environment is essential to boost your employees' morale, retention, and, most importantly, their productivity. A healthy work environment gives you and your employees multiple opportunities to share ideas for the company's betterment that can further contribute to your organization's growth.

Contrary to the above, toxic work environments are also seen in multiple organizations that hinder their employees' productivity and contribute to the downfall of various organizations.

Common Work Conditions That Affect Productivity

Working conditions are primarily the demands, the environment, and the circumstances of a job that directly impact its employees' satisfaction and activity of various organizations are usually in a competition that offers attractive conditions to retain good resources for the company.

The most common working conditions that should be taken care of are:

1. Hygiene factors
2. Health and safety
3. Remuneration
4. Employee benefits
5. Responsibility and accountability
6. Workload
7. Occupational stress
8. Work-life balance
9. Commuting and Travel
10. Organizational culture
11. Performance management
12. Job security

Poor Working Conditions

Creating an efficient and comfortable workspace is essential for the office's outlook. The office's outlook significantly boosts employees' morale and makes them more productive. Poor and unfavorable work conditions make your employees lethargic and unmotivated, which hinders the overall growth of your organization. Some of the most common poor working conditions include the following:

1. Poorly-lit Spaces
2. Inefficient Processes That Hinder Growth
3. Uncompetitive Work Culture and Disengaged Employees
4. Lack of Innovation and Technology
5. Workplace Politics with Unsynchronized Employees
6. Poor Workplace Hygiene
7. Lack of Concern for Employees' Health and Safety
8. Poor Employee Benefits with Low Employee Productivity
9. Unreasonable Workloads with Additional Stress and Fatigue
10. Lack of Recognition and Achievement on Public Platforms
11. Poor Job Security for Growth of the Company
12. Unstable and Unpredictable Business Continuity
13. Unfair Terms and No Incentives of Employment
14. No Remote Work Mindset in the Prevailing Pandemic
15. Lack of Vision and Organizational Leadership

1. Poorly-lit Spaces!

Well-lit rooms and office spaces are essential. Rooms with bad lighting can put unnecessary and unwanted stress on the eyes, affecting productivity. Dim lighting can cause tripping and falling hazards, too, which can have devastating effects.

Bad lighting is related to multiple other factors such as eye strain, headaches, and anxiety in more pressuring work environments. As we spend much of the day in artificial lighting, there is evidence that the lack of natural sunlight harms the body and the mind.

2. Inefficient Processes That Hinder Growth

Workplace processes are as important as any other operation of the organization. Therefore, it is crucial to keep evaluating the organization's ongoing processes, which allows you to identify the allowing you to identify further improvement prospects soon for welcoming suggestions that can motivate your coworkers to perform better.

3. Uncompetitive Work Culture and Disengaged Employees

Healthy competition anywhere is one of the fundamental driving forces for employees to perform better. Your company culture directly influences employee engagement and productivity. Much of today's workforce will choose to move on to a new job if the workplace culture doesn't meet their expectations. Just like a bad attitude, negative company culture is contagious. It lowers employee engagement and reduces productivity.

4. Lack of Innovation and Technology

This is probably the only highly essential condition, especially in the present era of COVID-19, when everything has gone online. Every business, every entity (big or small), is digitized and is entirely dependent on smooth and updated technology that always ensures connectivity.

Inefficient technology either for workplace management or mailroom management hurts productivity in a big way. Technology that's slow, outdated, or ineffective is frustrating to use. And over time, that frustration can erode employee satisfaction and even push employees out the door. Therefore, utilize the latest and innovative technology to modernize different operations at your workplace and increase productivity of your employees.

5. Workplace Politics with Unsynchronized Employees

Office politics primarily consolidates as people taking advantage of others using their abilities, social skills, and persuasion in the work environment. Whether the politics originate in the public sphere or between individuals within the office, the harmony and cooperation in the workplace.

Political issues can grow into a complex series of complaints on both sides as employees make free speech claims and managers respond with charges of poor performance and lack of thorough work. This is a dimension of workplace environments that is generally unavoidable.

It should be clear that office politics must be addressed as a management concern. Ultimately, an organization is only as good as the decisions its people make. Anything, including office politics that diminishes or obstructs their ability to make effective decisions, must be remedied for a company to succeed.

6. Poor Workplace Hygiene

A clean and hygienic environment is one of the most important selling points of office space. Especially considering the pandemic times, the bar of hygiene and cleanliness has been kept very high. Shared office spaces and facilities generally tend to quickly spread and transmit these germs, which can harbor high levels of viruses and bacteria.

Poor hygiene standards reduce people's ability to focus on their work and trigger a negative mindset. This can affect productivity and morale. A dirty or untidy office puts off potential clients and hires, too. People gain instant insight into your workplace culture when they step into your premises, and wrong first impressions do nobody any favors.

7. Lack of Concern for Employees' Health and Safety

An employee's health and safety significantly contribute to his well-being. A healthy worker is mostly more productive with his assigned tasks, and better performs them promptly. Similarly, safe environments are also highly essential to give your employees the boost to work more effectively and efficiently.

Poor working conditions involving your health and safety could ultimately lead to you having the right to refuse to work until your employer corrects the situation or until your employer investigates and determines that there are no safety violations.

8. Poor Employee Benefits with Low Employee Productivity

Compensation and workplace benefits are given to employees in return for their services rendered, and it is often the cornerstone of a productive workforce. The quality and performance of your company's talent pool are usually directly dependent on how well you execute your employee benefits strategies. A good package of employee benefits ensures employee retain their position in the organization. Employees will be more inclined to stay in their role, which saves potential expenses related to turnover.

Furthermore, these benefits are also a huge motivating factor for employees to strive for greater heights continuously. It offers them a reason to work hard and keep driving towards achieving the next milestone.

9. Unreasonable Workloads With Additional Stress and Fatigue

Stressing work environments have recently come to the forefront, which is neither concerned with the company's or employee's productivity nor are they beneficial to the organization in the long run. Serious measures need to be taken into consideration to minimize these exhausting work environments so that employees can achieve maximum productivity.

A stressed workforce can have detrimental effects on your organization. Your employees may lose their motivation, engage in conflicts, and have difficulty completing their tasks. Poor mental focus, sleep deprivation, fatigue are all common side effects of work-related stress.

10. Lack of Recognition and Achievement on Public Platforms

Employees feel happy and motivated when they know they matter and, most importantly, their work matters. And employees who are so glad and motivated tend to be more industrious. Amplifying their happiness further through acknowledging their efforts publicly or in person is what recognition is all about. However, employers often confuse recognition with rewards and end up associating it with extra expenses. But praising employees can be as simple as saying a simple "Well done" or "Good Job." An employee works hard to hear these words from their seniors, and you shouldn't hesitate to say them.

11. Poor Job Security for Growth of the Company

Establishing and maintaining employee job security is essentially about the company admitting that it will only be as good as the structure management has implemented. Creating job security goes way beyond establishing a legal contract, and at the center of it is a good relationship between the employer and employees. For an employee, job security means the security of income, which will translate into reduced stress.

Job satisfaction levels decrease when an employee feels threatened by a lack of job security. A worker is filled with feelings of discontent and uncertainty when his future at the company is uncertain, which leads to resentment. When an employee feels threatened by a lack of job security, she may stop putting the necessary effort into completing assignments and interacting with colleagues due to having no future with the organization.

12. Unstable and Unpredictable Business Continuity

Business continuity planning is essential to keep people productive during planned or unplanned disruptions, protect the business from financial losses, damaged reputation, weaken customer and partner relationships, and lose productivity.

Whether planned or unplanned, business disruptions that aren't managed effectively come at a high cost. Lost revenue, missed sales opportunities, and broken service level agreements can have a devastating financial impact. An inadequate response can harm the company's public image and the confidence of its customers and investors.

13. Unfair Terms and No Incentives of Employment

Management matters for the success and profitability of companies. Simple but effective management practices can improve the productivity of companies substantially. Many of these management practices relate to an organization's structure, particularly its workflow and control. But the relationship between managers and workers is also essential. This relationship is characterized by both the wage paid to a worker as an incentive to work hard and the worker's perception that he or she is being treated fairly.

If workers believe that their employer is acting unfairly towards them, this can significantly reduce their performance at work. Unfair behavior towards workers can be costly for the employer, even if the only directly affected workers have quit the firm. This is important for any organization that has to accommodate economic shocks by reducing labor costs.

14. No Remote Work Mindset in the Prevailing Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of employees worldwide transitioned to remote work. As a result, organization leaders who may have never considered allowing employees to work from home must now evolve their thinking about being productive and measuring and managing productivity from afar.

Furthermore, there are still several employers that are far from accepting this concept of remote working. This mindset needs to be inculcated and accepted as early as possible, especially in these unprecedented times to ensure the smooth running of operations in companies to achieve maximum productivity.

15. Lack of Vision & Organizational Leadership

It is generally said that a unique idea is what forms the core of any successful business. Where that is quite essential, it is the vision and the leadership that builds the idea far more essential to determine the success of that business. An inspired leader who can motivate their team to perform at their full potential is much needed to create an organization where people can achieve remarkable things even with average talent.

The majority of people generally perform only to the minimum acceptable standards. These standards could be perceived standards in their heads or generally accepted standards in the organization. The types of leaders & mentors heavily influence an employee's success and performance, which they can observe and learn from. One of the leader's most important qualities is to motivate the team to perform to their full potential, if not beyond.

Leadership commands an even more significant role in a startup since it is difficult for new businesses to attract the best talent due to limited resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Poor Working Conditions

Here are a few questions concerning poor working conditions:

Q. What Are the Main Causes of Poor Working Conditions?

A. In any given organization, the factors that help prolong poor pay and conditions for workers may include anything from inappropriate retailer purchasing practices to lack of transparency in the supply chain, weak government capacity to implement laws, limited representation of workers, etc.

Q. Can I Sue My Employer for Poor Working Conditions?

A. Your first action when you face some poor working conditions that compromise your safety – or the safety of other people in your workplace – should be to talk to your supervisor. If that supervisor doesn't effectively address your apprehensions, there is no harm in going to a higher authority and talking to your supervisor's boss. When you've gone as high as you can, you may need to speak to Cal/OSHA's enforcement branch. They will investigate the situation.

If a safety hazard doesn't pose an imminent danger, notify your employer of the problem in writing. Your employer is not allowed to retaliate against you for reporting a safety violation. If it does, you could have an entirely different type of lawsuit.

Q. How Do I Report Poor Working Conditions?

A. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act of 1970, also known as the OSHA Act, employees, and their authorized representatives have the right to file a complaint about severe hazards and request an OSHA official visit to inspect the workplace for safety and health concerns.

Employees, representatives, and anyone else aware of severe health or safety violations in the workplace have three options to file an OSHA complaint, which are as follows:

• Submit online via OSHA's electronic complaint form
• Download a PDF complaint form and fax or mail it to your local OSHA Regional or Area Office
• Call the violation into your local OSHA office

Wrap Up!

Creating an efficient and comfortable workspace is essential for employees, and it significantly contributes to boosting morale and making your employees more productive. Poor and unfavorable work conditions and environment are bound to bring the employees' opposite picture to the forefront. Not only do they make your employees lethargic and unmotivated, but they also hinder the overall growth of your organization.

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In your career, you’ve probably had some managers that you’d like to forget and then some powerhouse managers who fostered workplace synergy and motivated you to greater achievements. While there are some people who are born with strong leadership traits, most of us have to develop them through experience. We can grow and improve and learn from our mistakes.

Everyone manages in a different way. In fact, if you try to copy someone else’s brand of leadership, you’ll probably find yourself faltering. You need to leverage your own strengths and style to create your unique brand of leadership. Mail management software automates your mailroom but in the end, it is the mailroom manager who has to oversee all the tasks.

Tips for Mailroom Managers

That said, there are some basic tenants that are critical to good management. Read on to learn more—and decide how you can put these tips to work in your own way.

1. Touch Base with The Team

Know your employees. How much do you know about your employees? Their past work experiences, their career goals, their hobbies etc. People want to be known and understood, and there are several ways you can make this happen. First, hold regular interviews with employees. (Lock them in on your calendar at the start of the year so you don’t get busy and forget to schedule them.) These interviews help you know what makes your workers tick and assess their job satisfaction. Ask your employees if they are happy on the job and what the company could do to make their job more fulfilling. Regular and open communication about successes and barriers in your workplace can help you know how to keep employee morale high.

You should also make sure to acknowledge employees’ special days. That might mean a handwritten note on their desk when they hit their one-year anniversary in your mailroom or a gift certificate on their birthday.

2. Train the Team

You should Offer adequate training to your team mates. Employees work best when they are empowered with the right knowledge. Take time to assess your current training for new employees. Does it more closely resemble a hodgepodge of information? Or a well-oiled presentation easily replicated for each new employee? Could any of your training be automated to save your staff time and ensure greater consistency?

Depending on the size of your organization, there are sophisticated workflow platforms that create training modules and alert you about employees’ progress. And if that’s more than you want to invest in, programs like Loom allow you to instantly record training videos and get a shareable link. Editing software like Camtasia can take those videos to the next level with editing, animation, and more if you want to get fancy.

Poor training will lower morale. Employees may not feel like they are able to contribute without the right knowledge, and that will make them feel stifled. In addition, they’ll be more likely to make errors that could cost your organization time and money.

3. Keep Employees Engaged

Give employees “buy-in.” Engaged employees are the best employees. According to a Gallup Poll, engaged employees are 17% more productive and 41% less likely to miss work. One of the best ways to engage employees is to encourage them to buy into your company’s mission and success. You can do this by setting departmental goals and offering incentives when employees reach these goals. This could include anything from reducing package loss over time to improving ratings on customers satisfaction surveys.

In addition, as you meet with employees, find out what their career goals are. Help them know how they can meet these goals by advancing within your company. Give them opportunities to oversee projects or lead meetings. As employees take on increased responsibility, they will feel more engaged in the success of the company.

And finally, buy-in can also come in the form of morale-building activities, such as potluck lunches, morning coffees, family picnics, or community service projects. These activities allow employees to bond with each other in a more relaxed setting and feel a stronger tie to their work community.

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4. Update Your Technology

A report by the research firm Enterprise Strategy Group shows that 27% of employees want newer computing devices, and 30% want more tech training. Every mailroom has different setups when it comes to technology, but the results from this report make clear that people want workplaces that leverage the latest tech for their benefit.

Consider these scenarios:

• You currently use a handheld scanner that is unresponsive and error-prone. Your employees are wasting time with this unreliable piece of hardware, having to scan and rescan packages.

• Your employees have no way to verify that a package was picked up other than a paper log at the front desk. More than once, a client has complained that they never received their package. Your employee swears they remember handing the package off to someone, but the paper log wasn’t signed so they can’t prove it. This leaves your employee looking incompetent with no way to resolve the problem.

• Your employees spend hours each week trying to contact people to pick up their packages. If they don’t come, they have to keep generating emails to remind them. The process feels stressful and disorganized.

All of these problems can be addressed with better technology in the form of mailroom management software. If you haven’t incorporated a cloud-based package tracking system into your mailroom, let this be the year.

Even if you’re a small organization, there are mailroom apps that are cost-effective, easy to incorporate, and will yield a strong return on investment. Look for features like:

• Digital scanning from any device

• Optical character recognition for “reading” shipping labels

• Machine vision technology that can photograph packages at delivery or pickup to prove receipt

• Auto-generation of text/email notifications to package recipients

5. Lead By Example

Employees can sniff out hypocrisy very quickly. If you enact certain safety protocols, live by them. If you are asking employees to work more during the holidays, put in extra time yourself. If you have certain procedures in place for releasing packages to recipients, don’t cut corners. If you hold a company service project, show up and stay. And if you want a culture of respect in your mailroom, treat every person with dignity.

These are some tips and tricks that can help you keep your employees motivated. These will not only help you stay motivated but will also manage your mailroom operations smoothly. Smooth mailroom operation will not only guarantee quality work but will also save you from last minute hustle and bustle.

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The 2019 SafeMail® Mail Security Survey revealed that more than one-third of U.S. organizations surveyed had received at least one mail threat, including hazardous mail and hoaxes, within the past year. Those interviewed included mailroom managers and facilities and securities managers from a variety of service sectors, including government, financial services, and manufacturing. The same survey revealed that 48% of organizations screen only some or none of their mail for hazards

While we hear a lot about threats to digital mail, threats to mailroom security concerns still standstill. These include a letter or package bombs, chemical threats, biological threats, radiological threats, and mail theft.

Mail screening is just one of a suite of processes of mailroom screening to tend to if you want optimal security for your mailroom. But if you’re like many mailroom managers, just keeping up with the chaos of the day-to-day activity is enough to pack your days full. So how do you improve mailroom safety with only limited time to do so?

Mailroom Security Handbook

Mailroom security is essential. That is why we have created a mailroom security handbook that can help you with mailroom screening. It is necessary to follow mailroom security procedures to keep your space safe.

1. Assess your Risks

Mailroom security is essential, and your security plan will look different depending on your organization’s risk profile. Perpetrators of mail threats could include terrorists, homegrown extremists, disgruntled employees, ex-employees, or people who have a vendetta against your organization. Consider the following factors as you assess your risks from these potential perpetrators:

• Public profile — If you’re a dance studio in Beaver, Utah, you probably have less to worry about than a congressional office in Washington, D.C. Some industries—such as banking, legal, and transportation—loom more extensive in the public eye and tend to be more vulnerable to threats.

• Location — Per our example above, location matters. Organizations in urban areas are more prone to mailroom threats than those in more rural areas.

• Symbolism — If your organization is associated with something controversial, it could still be a target no matter how small or rural it is. An abortion clinic or a small non-profit to help immigrants might be the subject of mail attacks because of the fraught issues they represent.

• Mail volume — This one is simply a game of odds. If you get massive volumes of mail, it follows that you’ll have a higher chance of getting a dangerous piece of mail.

If your risk for mailroom security profile is high, you’ll need to raise your standards accordingly, augmenting your processes with sophisticated mail scanning equipment if appropriate.

Be mindful that your risk levels could change. For example, if your organization shakes up the staff with hirings and firings, or if they release a controversial press release, you’ll want to alert your staff to increased risks.

2. Streamline Your Workflow

Sloppy or clumsy processes create security gaps. Carefully define proper procedures for receiving, sorting, storing, and delivering mail and packages. We’ve seen some pretty chaotic mailrooms with archaic equipment, cramped or haphazard sorting areas, undefined receiving areas, and unsecured package storage areas.

Don’t be one of those. Organizing processes and physical spaces help reduce risks for errors and security breaches. If you haven’t integrated a cloud-based package tracking system yet, consider doing so. It can go a long way in improving your workflow. The software can generate automatic emails to recipients when you scan incoming mail, letting them know that their mail has arrived. With a few keystrokes, they can signal their intentions for the package (Receive connect).

The software can also track how long a package has been sitting around waiting for pick up. In addition, many of these software suites include machine vision to track packages and assets with a simple photo. This end-to-end visibility helps you see exactly what is coming in and out of your mailroom.

3. Define Communication Processes

Things can fall through the cracks if mailroom employees don’t know who to report suspicious mail to. Ensure that employees on every shift (including graveyard) know exactly who to contact and how to reach them if they have concerns. Clearly define which types of threats must be escalated higher up the chain of command.

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4. Train Your Employees

Do your employees know what constitutes a suspicious package? If you have screening equipment, do they know how to use it? How do they handle suspicious powders or liquids? Explosives? How do they report missing packages? Are they cautious of mailroom security best practices? Knowledge is power, and your employees need to know how to handle the full range of potential mail threats. This can be accomplished through thorough staff training.

Ensure that these trainings are integrated into new employees' onboarding process and that you regularly hold refresher courses. You should also conduct drills so that employees can put what they have learned into practice. This can help get those processes into their “muscle memory.” Appoint someone with the proper credentials to develop and offer this training and run the drills (or consider outsourcing it to a qualified company).

5. Post-Safety Guidelines

Post threat mitigation steps in conspicuous places in your mailroom. This helps keep mailroom safety measures the top of mind for your employees and gives them step-by-step guidance that they can refer to if a threat arrives. Because these experiences can induce panic, posted refreshers can help people stay calm and follow directions.

It has been said that complacency is the enemy of security. Mail attacks will undoubtedly continue—and in many cases, with greater sophistication. You need to take mailroom security measures to avoid any security hazard. However, proactive preparation can help safeguard your staff, residents, and facilities and give you greater peace of mind.

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Moving items throughout a company's distribution chain is referred to as logistics. However, this process entails a number of functions that must be effectively handled for the organization's supply chain to be productive and useful. Logistical functions are essential because they result in increased productivity, lower costs, higher production rates, and better inventory control when executed efficiently.

According to the Global Logistics Market Report and Forecast, the market value of global logistics was around USD 9,525.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 13,326.3 billion by 2027. With the advancement in technology and transportation, the logistics industry will likely continue to boom over the years. Therefore, it's crucial to understand logistics and its functions.

Top 7 Functions of Logistics Management

Logistics is as simple as it is complicated. It's never that easy to get a service or product from point A to B. Logistics and supply chain management are interwoven. The two work together to develop network topologies of logistical activities that service clients.

Logistics encompasses a lot more than just physical distribution. It has a lot of other functions as well. In this article, we will go through the seven most prominent logistical functions:

1. Processing Orders

A critical part of logistics functions is order processing. There are various ways to submit an order, such as through mail, telephone, salespeople, or computers. However, orders must be processed as soon as they are received. Business organizations and customers both reap the benefits of efficient order processing. Some major order processing activities include the following:

• Checking the order for any changes in negotiated terms.
• Payment and delivery terms.
• Checking the availability of stock.
• Production and material scheduling to cater to shortages.

2. Transportation

Transportation is the most crucial and essential function of logistics in supply chain management since it allows items to move from the provider to the buyer. When a customer places an order, the purchase is not complete until the products are physically delivered to their location. Transportation consumes 60 to 70% of logistics costs, particularly for low unit-priced and mass-consumed products. Various transportation modes are used to physically move items, such as rail, truck, water, and air.

Firms select methods of transport based on the state's or area's transportation systems. When choosing a form of transportation, the most important factor to consider is the price. However, the necessity of the product at the customer's end might occasionally outweigh the economic issue. Regardless of the expense, the goods are sent through the fastest route.

3. Managing Inventory

Inventory management is one of the most important logistical functions that is also considered the worst offender in a company's entire supply chain because of its high carrying cost, which eats into profits indirectly. It includes costs such as inventory funding, security, warehousing, damages, repairs, and thefts.Inventory management is all about having enough inventory on hand to meet customer requirements while keeping carrying costs low. It's a delicate balancing act between offering exceptional customer service while minimizing market share loss and the associated costs.

4. Warehousing

The storage of finished items until they are delivered is known as warehousing, which is significant to a company's logistics functions. The right warehousing decisions determine the efficacy of a company's marketing.

With the recent developments in technology, warehousing has improved significantly. Single-storied automated warehouses have replaced older multi-storied warehouses with a limited number of employees.

In logistics, warehousing is a critical decision area. With right and modern warehousing, you can reduce labor costs and have greater inventory control.

5. Packaging

Packaging is a critical element of logistics management functions. It impacts the effectiveness of the logistics system by influencing the physical flow of a product. It's not the same as package design, which is focused on marketing goals.

However, logistical packing is necessary for breakage prevention, handling of materials, and storage space efficiency. In terms of packing cost, load utilization significantly impacts logistical packaging.

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6. Handling Materials and Storage

Material handling is considered influential among other logistical functions because it affects how inventory moves along the distribution chain. Product breakage, delivery delays, and incidental overhead expenses will increase because of incorrect material handling.

Advanced manufacturing technologies and material handling increase the efficiency of the logistics system. The numbers to be managed, the speed necessary for material transportation, and the degree of service to customers are all factors to consider when choosing a material handling system.

The storage system is critical for maximum space utilization in a warehouse of a particular size. For quick movement (holding and retrieving) of items to and from the warehouse, the supply chain strategy should work in tandem with the storage system.

7. Monitoring

Businesses must keep inventory control, transport, and warehousing all up to date. Each site needs to know about its present supply chain situation, future obligations, and restocking capacity regularly.

Similarly, a company must study the various means of transportation available, their prices and appropriateness for services and additional features before choosing a carrier. Storage space, labor schedules, order demands, and delivery must be monitored and tracked. Also, businesses can enhance their efficiency by keeping a check on services and reviewing total delivery efficacy.

Conclusion

Logistics is a complicated process, but ultimately, it's all about customer service, which can be readily improved by enhancing the quality and speeding up delivery. Through proactive and data-oriented planning, you can boost commercial earnings and increase your sales. Digital solutions like PackageX help companies improve logistical functions like inventory management and warehousing to make them more seamless.