Direct to consumer (D2C) or direct to consumer (DTC) is a coordinated process that efficiently delivers your consumers’ orders. D2C firms became well-known as a result of developments in e-commerce technology and the acceptance of social media. They have gained from the fact that e-commerce has less entry-level competition than conventional retail. Operating costs are substantially lower for DTC fulfillment e-commerce enterprises than for brick-and-mortar retail stores because there is less need for actual stores.
Before attempting to include more technology, many fulfillment centers need to strengthen the fundamentals of affordable and customer-centric fulfillment. Here are a few effective strategies that any fulfillment operations team may use to assist them in concentrating on the fundamentals and the basics.
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Emphasis on the location control system, replenishment, and slots
The foundation of micro fulfillment operations is made up of these three actions. Much of the rest of the process will function efficiently if they are taken care of.
Keep your processes and layout flexible
A rigid or inflexible design or procedure should be avoided.Reduce traffic snarls and obstructions to free flow: Avoid needless crowding or congestion. The wasted time is a big deal.
Reduce associate travel time
You’ll save money on labor by making an effort to shorten associate travel distances. Walk times can be cut by using efficient planning and slotting techniques.
Conveyors should be used for horizontal movement
Try out this approach whenever possible to increase operational efficiency by minimizing product handling and walking distance.
On docks, allow enough room for accumulation and storage
Your DTC fulfillment operations get off to a terrible start when there are inefficiencies brought on by dock space shortages. It not only results in inefficient dock operations but also has an impact on and may be detrimental to other warehouse activities.
Use barcodes as much as possible
Take into account applications to boost precision, cut labor costs, and increase productivity in as many aspects of the micro fulfillment operations process as possible.
On orders with a single line, use batch picking
More than half of orders frequently consist of them. Batch choosing singles is a quicker and more effective method.
Participate in decision-making with your warehouse team
Whether it comes to facility layout or planning fulfillment operations. The process is typically best understood by those who have been involved most closely.
Move as much merchandise as you can in one trip
Doing so will cut down on the number of trips and the time needed. Picking, putting away, and replenishing are only a few examples of applications.
Considerations for direct-to-consumer fulfillment success
Integrating processes
Simplifying the ordering process is a vital first step to successful e-commerce. To make the purchasing process as fluid as possible, order integration uses the most recent inventory control techniques and technologies.
The order management process is being automated as much as feasible as the initial step in the order integration process. The amount of manual work should therefore be kept to a minimum; batch files, order files, and emails should all be automated.
You must set up an order management system that provides your customers with a thorough and automated view of the inventory in stock, as well as backorder receipt dates for all the things you have on sale.
Speed of processing
Customer perception of your e-commerce brand will be considerably enhanced by quick order fulfillment. Due to social media’s widespread use, customers can now connect in ways that were before unthinkable.
These connections enable them to talk about who provides the greatest service as well as the highest quality products. Your consumers will be delighted the faster you complete their requests.
Fast order processing and delivery will boost not only customer satisfaction but also the effectiveness of your supply chain by incentivizing repeat business from customers’ friends, family, and acquaintances.
Follow the above strategies and keep in mind factors for an efficient DTC fulfillment operation.
