How Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) Can Support Omnichannel Fulfillment for Retailers
The retail landscape has greatly changed in recent years with the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel shopping experiences. Consumers now demand flexibility in how they purchase and receive products. They expect retailers to allow them to move between digital and physical channels seamlessly. For instance, shoppers increasingly desire the flexibility to purchase items online and conveniently pick them up at a nearby store. Conversely, they also seek the convenience of finding a desired product in-store and promptly shipping it directly to their home.
Meeting these omnichannel demands requires rethinking traditional warehouse and fulfilment operations for retailers. Warehouses can be key strategic assets to enable seamless omnichannel fulfilment if retailers leverage them effectively. Nissin Belgium, a leading logistics provider, understands the power of a strategic warehouse management system (WMS) in navigating the omnichannel maze. Here are some ways warehouses can support omnichannel success:
Optimize Inventory Management
Omnichannel retail requires broad inventory visibility and availability across all sales channels. Warehouses should maintain centralized inventory management systems that provide a single view of SKU quantities across the enterprise. This shared pool of product stock enables the fulfilment of e-commerce and store orders.
Implement Advanced Fulfillment Processes
A warehouse management system can enable fast order processing and shipping for e-commerce orders. This includes efficient pick-and-pack workflows, high-speed conveyance systems, and automated sorting equipment. Furthermore, ship-from-store fulfilment can be seamlessly facilitated by granting stores convenient access to inventory.
Offer In-Store and Curbside Pickup
Buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) services are popular with customers. Warehouses should quickly replenish store inventory to support these services. Curbside pickup can also be enabled by staging online orders for easy retrieval at the store.
Support Quick Returns and Exchanges
A seamless returns process is key for customer retention. Warehouses can quickly receive, inspect, and process returned merchandise. In addition, we have the capability to efficiently manage credit customer accounts and redirect products to inventory that is ready for sale.
Leverage Advanced Warehouse Technologies
Emerging warehouse technologies like robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and warehouse management systems (WMS) can drive major fulfillment efficiency gains. RFID and barcode scanning optimize picking and inventory tracking.
Partner With a High-Performing 3PL
Omnichannel retail success relies heavily on warehouses operating at peak efficiency. By leveraging warehouses as strategic assets, retailers can fulfil orders quickly and accurately while controlling costs and inventory. For many retailers, working with a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) provider like Nissin Belgium is the easiest path to upgraded warehouse capabilities.
The Benefits of Choosing Nissin Belgium for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
At Nissin Belgium, we’re more than just warehousing experts. We’re your omnichannel fulfilment partner, dedicated to your success. We work alongside you to design customized solutions for your needs and budget. Our dedicated professionals ensure every process step is flawlessly executed, leaving you free to focus on what you do best – delighting your customers.
Contact us at + 32 2 751 44 99 or HowCanIHelpYou@be.nissin-eu.com to discuss optimizing your omnichannel operations.
