Category: Order Fulfillment

Technological Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fulfillment Center


When considering outsourcing a fulfillment center, companies search for a technologically compatible fulfillment partner. They want a company that can deliver seamless and integrated fulfillment, logistics, and supply chain solutions. Technology allows all of this to happen in a cohesive manner and allows customers to view and interface with data online. Fulco Fulfillment, Inc. (FFI) is a leader in e-commerce fulfillment. We support our customers’ online visibility with control and easy-to-use technologies by aligning our technical services to meet their business objectives.

FFI delivers a powerful suite of solutions including:

  • real-time reporting with live access to data
  • custom distribution wireless scanning solutions
  • easy e-commerce integration options

Real Time Custom Reporting For Fulfillment and Access to Data

Around the clock access to real-time data is an essential part of fulfillment. At FFI, customer reports can be automatically exported from our order management system and forwarded to the relevant decision maker. Accessible reporting captures data and allows users a password-protected login to view classic reports and data sheets, including:

  • Order Reports
  • Product Reports
  • Offer Reports
  • Shipping Reports
  • Territory Client Structure Reports
  • Product History Reports
  • Products Shipped
  • and much more

Empower your sales and marketing team while maintaining control over brand assets

Without the proper tools, managing sales force logistics can be extremely challenging. FFI enables literature fulfillment customers to automate the decision making associated with collateral distribution while limiting the need for manual review of orders. Sales and marketing managers can automatically control/limit recipients’ access to products. They can set-up product-specific and budget-based controls. Order limits can be set by access levels and approval management is available for rush/expedited shipments or even restricted products.

For fulfillment clients, peace of mind is having a partner with a state-of-the-art warehouse management system which includes inventory email alerts and lot code / serial tracking capabilities. While product version / lot tracking products may be modified or changed over time, these changes are easily tracked by a Version ID—giving clients the ability to define versions and set parameters in the OMS which dictate how versions are handled.

E-commerce Integrations for Inventory and Warehousing

As a warehousing, inventory, and order management company, we’ve learned through working with e-commerce customers that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to data transfers. One thing is for certain though: there are better ways to transfer and share data between systems other than entering it by hand. For example, CSV (comma-separated values) files are one way. A CSV is a universal file type that many systems support and merchants feel comfortable managing when it comes to exporting and importing text files of their data between systems.

Ease of integration is an important benefit for companies outsourcing fulfillment.

Indeed, some systems require CSV as an alternative to an API or a direct database connection because file-based integration allows data to be passed between different databases or operating systems, without necessarily connecting directly to them.

And since CSVs are plain-text files, it’s easy for a web developer or other members of the team to create, view, and validate the data as a spreadsheet. All you need is a header row at the top and subsequent rows of data, which can be manipulated and easily shared across different systems.

There are several cases where transfer via CSV order files has proven very useful. However, APIs have emerged as a newer way for two systems to communicate or integrate with each other. APIs are a great solution for many use-cases, but they are not the only solution. There are several cases where a transfer via flat files has proven very useful, as well.

API Systems Integration

An API (Application Program Interface) is a set of code that allows two software programs to communicate with each other, creating a streamlined and paperless flow of goods from receiving to shipping. Using code, an API spells out a standard, predictable way for a developer to write a program requesting services from another system or application.

Veracore, FFI’s order management system, integrates with numerous platforms via real-time API or batch mode order integrations with both web-based and legacy platforms. For example, Veracore’s shopping cart and marketplace integrations include: Amazon.com; Ultracart, BigCommerce, Shopify, Volusion, Magento, and WooCommerce.

As an alternate option, FFI also partners with DropStream. This partnership allows FFI to provide our e-commerce customers with automated integrations to over 60 e-commerce systems, including online shopping carts, marketplaces, and ERPs. DropStream allows our customers to be totally connected to these integrations and automated order fulfillment workflows. E-commerce orders are imported directly into our Warehouse Management System (WMS), and tracking numbers are exported directly to our e-commerce client’s online shopping cart.

In summary, e-commerce customers can receive orders via three different ways:

  1. shopping cart integration
  2. upload an order file (CSV)
  3. manual order entry

Custom Distribution Wireless Scanning Solutions for Order Fulfillment

With time-saving mobile barcode readers, accuracy and streamlined shipping of e-commerce purchases are greatly improved. Barcode scanning verification and wireless scanning pick-and-pack services read a pre-printed SKU (stock keeping unit) or barcode appearing on each inventoried product. Each product is given a unique SKU which helps minimize errors and automatically updates the inventory system as goods are shipped. This eliminates manual changes and physical counts which waste valuable production time. For e-commerce clients, the real-time updates from the scanner to the order management system (OMS) helps them maintain real-time visibility and a more accurate inventory.

Choose a Fulfillment Provider that You are Technologically Compatible With

Fulco Fulfillment, Inc., works with e-commerce businesses of every size, with a wide variety of product profiles and pick-and-pack demands. We’re used to handling difficult circumstances and exceeding expectations by helping our clients fulfill their client promises and delivery demands. To learn more, contact us.


Warehouse Fulfillment Technology Saves Clients Time & Money


Fulco Fulfillment’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) follows best practices to streamline every aspect of our warehouse management fulfillment processes.

While each client has its own needs, managing their differences doesn’t have to be an arduous process. Whatever the primary focus of your business, whether it is B2B, B2C or e-commerce, the flexible solutions offered by Fulco Fulfillment are guaranteed to meet your needs and scalable to grow along with you.

Warehouse efficiency is critical to operational success. Fulco Fulfillment WMS helps keep our warehouse organized, clean and accurate, so workers can be more productive and we can keep customers happy.

How WMS helps us focus on our warehouse fulfillment solutions

A Warehouse Fulfillment System Keeps Things Organized

In order to keep our warehouse running at tip-top efficiency, we utilize barcode technology in addition to a wide array of picking options and shipping station integrations that run in real time. When your company outsources warehouse services the last thing you need is unorganized mess that will set you up for failure. With our proprietary WMS system we can locate any inventory within the warehouse with just the push of a button. Before a receipt is submitted to the WMS, the system is told where the units we receive are to be located.

Thereafter, by engaging WMS we can select search or open, or use warehouse location services to drill down to specifics including where in the buildings, which aisle, which rack, which shelf and more.

Fulco Fulfillment also offers temperature monitored areas in the warehouse that range from approximately 60° F to 79° F, and we can provide reporting for tracking.

A Warehouse Fulfillment System Keeps Things Clean

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a warehouse is keeping it clean on a daily basis. This begins at the receiving dock which is kept clean and well organized. Orders that arrive are immediately expedited to their place in the warehouse so that the next order that comes in can be accepted without any clutter getting in the way.

Products more in-demand and moved around more often are kept closer to shipping, this allows for more efficient movement of goods throughout the warehouse. Stock in high demand is easier to handle on a regular basis if it is closer and more accessible. Transporting it across less space also means saving time and money.

A Warehouse Fulfillment System Keeps Things Accurate

Clients have the ability to set their own understock levels so they know when to replenish stock. Depending on the circumstances of every business, an e-mail reminder can be delivered the moment inventory dips below this level and a secondary e-mail notification can be delivered when the inventory becomes completely empty, reaching zero.

Fulco Fulfillment places tremendous importance on the accuracy of material received, because when receiving is out of order so is the rest of the warehouse. Proper inventory accuracy, faster order fulfillment, and an increase in overall receiving productivity are goals we constantly strive for.

When WMS receives the details of the inventory, clients have the ability to access multiple inquiry options and generate reports. Every product that is received through Fulco Fulfillment’s warehouse is recorded in the WMS, allowing the end user to navigate the information pertaining to all products with complete ease.

When receiving our clients’ specifications Fulco Fulfillment will make inquiries to determine the following information:

  • Products specifications: Do they include versions, lots or expiration dates?
  • Pallets: Can they be stacked, will they be floor loads, shrink-wrapped, what are the size requirements and are there labeling requirements?
  • Quality: What is the customer’s tolerance level of acceptable defects?
  • Carton sizes and types, including corrugated, branding, size limits and other considerations.

When it comes to receiving, our fulfillment director ensures the receipt of materials is done correctly, beginning with verifying all receipts by skid, carton and piece count against packing slips supplied. This is a critical part of the process because receiving mistakes often lead to negative impacts on future productivity and accuracy. Packing lists or shipping documents are signed off for accuracy. Any and all discrepancies are immediately reported to the client via e-mail. If necessary, images are taken and sent to the customer.

We use our receiving procedure to verify all quantities received and the data entered by our operators. Verifying goods received can depend on the cargo and customer expectations regarding:

  • Quantity
  • Description
  • Product code
  • Condition of goods
  • Weight of goods
  • Temperature, if applicable.
  • Receipt identification number
  • Customer name
  • Shipper name (vendor)
  • Purchase order

Once everything is confirmed, the material is put in its proper place in the warehouse, also known as “locating.” This allows a computerized manifest to be accessible on-line to our clients 24/7. If physical count of receipt quantities performed by Fulco Fulfillment does not match the packing list quantities, the client is notified immediately. The client can now contact the vendor to determine how to proceed and advise Fulco Fulfillment accordingly. This concludes with confirming that the putting away of the product is completed.

The Efficiency of Using Warehouse Space

Fulco Fulfillment’s warehouse is occupied with the inventory of a wide array of clients, each with their own variety of different sizes and shapes. We store it all. Utilizing vertical and horizontal space has always posed a challenge, but Fulco Fulfillment has the experience to circumvent any problems time and time again. By adding half-pallet locations, bins can be utilized in flow shelves whenever applicable. Our expertise helps us spot and engage underutilized space by reducing aisle width when it becomes available, consolidating the location of inventory, and reviewing the depth of the needs of storage.

To learn more about our warehousing services see https://www.fulcofulfillment.com/our-services/warehousing/ or give us a call at 973-361-1700. We look forward to assisting you making your business the best it can be.


Outsourcing Fulfillment Transition Planning


There may come a point in time when you get sick of using your basement, garage or spare bedroom as a means to organize your product and fulfillment, Fulco Fulfillment wants to make that transition process as seamless as it could possibly be when you outsource your fulfillment. As your business grows, it is important to keep up to date with deliveries or else the business could begin to lose credibility and no one wants to see that happen.

Outsourcing and moving your product to a larger fulfillment facility such as Fulco Fulfillment Inc. would be an optimal move to continue shipping products without any interruption of service. Transitions, however are not as easy of a process as it might appear to be for each business is unique and requires different methods of delivery, storage, etc. In order to begin this transition process, it’s important to understand and think about what would be best for your small business.

Understanding the Logistics Profile

Transitioning begins with planning and in order to accomplish that meetings must be scheduled to talk about what the appropriate requirements are for the product and how a fulfillment warehouse such as Fulco Fulfillment Inc. can provide those requirements to you through our operational processes. If necessary compromises may need to be made in order to fulfill the appropriate requirements for your business. Transitioning to a larger facility may throw what you may know about delivering and storing your products out the window but that is what makes these meetings so important so that in the end you feel more at ease about spreading your product far and wide. Here are some things that should be considered throughout the meetings:

  • Service levels required
  • Sources of inventory and replenishment lead times
  • Special product handling requirements:
    • Environmental requirements
    • Fragile
    • Liquid
    • Hazmat
    • Weights and dimensions
    • Expiration dates
    • Serial number control
    • Subscription handling
  • Channel support:
    • Amazon
    • Big box selling (EDI and routing guides)
    • Small box retail
    • Selling online or on multiple online platforms
    • Controlling inventory availability across channels
  • The more obvious discussions:
    • Order volumes, line item volumes
    • Seasonality
    • Number of SKU’s and SKU churn
    • Who will handle customer service and returns
    • Packaging and assembly requirements
    • International shipping

In order to make your meeting as effective as possible, think about the points listed above so that your company and a fulfillment company such as Fulco Fulfillment Inc. can reach a proper agreement that makes everyone happy in the end.

Systems integration

In order for the transition process of outsourcing fulfillment to begin it is imperative that both your methods of delivery whether it is manually or through an ecommerce service can communicate with Fulco Fulfillment Inc. quickly and flawlessly. Without any method of communication to Fulco Fulfillment’s it would impossible for your small business to get the orders out on time and without fail. Becoming familiar with how your business is able to relay product information will be important when beginning the transition process so you will know how to keep track of the items going in and out of the fulfillment warehouse on a daily basis.

A strategy for shipping is also important when beginning the transition process of outsourcing fulfillment. If your business has a policy for 2-3 day shipping for example then that is something the fulfillment warehouse should know right away in order to properly organize orders that will need to be shipped. Let the fulfillment warehouse know about carriers to use, strategies for international shipping and etc.

The transition process and outsourcing fulfillment can only start once you are certain your existing systems incorporated already at your business can be properly moved over to a warehouse like Fulco Fulfillment Inc.

Make sure any customers, carriers, suppliers and vendors know about the new location of the warehouse you move to otherwise you’ll be left with a lot of angry individuals.

Moving day

Something to keep in mind once the day to move actually arrives is to move the product in your current location in pieces or specifically halves. While moving it is important to keep shipping from the old location until all of the product is moved successfully to the new warehouse. Moving in parts will be able to give you some insurance in case there are any issues that may arise during the move process. The better you plan, the more likely the transition process will go as smooth as possible without issue and with Fulco Fulfillment Inc. at your side transitioning will be as stress free as possible for the sake of your business.