Summer is here, and people are off and ready to push the “checkout” buttons on their online shopping carts!
Summer typically results in a surge of eCommerce sales as consumers eagerly shop online for products ranging from beachwear to outdoor equipment.
Staying on top of the demand as a fulfiller means riding the wave of rising shipping volume and surfing over the unique challenges eCommerce businesses face during the warmer season.
GFS Logistics helps brands across the nation ensure their customers stay happy with their online shopping experience and fulfillment process. Let’s explore some effective strategies and tips to optimize eCommerce fulfillment during the summer shipping rush.
Forecast and Prepare
No matter your industry, it’s important to know what audiences typically shop for when demand surges. This is critical to effectively handling the summer shipping rush.
Well before summer strikes, work with your logistics team and warehouse management. Analyze historical data from previous summer seasons to identify patterns and forecast sales accurately. This will enable you to plan ahead, ensuring you have adequate inventory levels and resources in place to meet customer demands as the pile in.
Streamline Order Processing
Efficient online order processing is essential to manage increased order volumes during the summer.
As we’ve seen in our industry, automation within supply chain management is the future for smoother delivery processing.
If possible, automate as many steps as possible, such as order entry, inventory management, and shipping label generation. Consider utilizing an order management system (OMS) or an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to streamline operations, reduce errors, and save time.
Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
A well-organized warehouse is the backbone of successful eCommerce fulfillment. This starts with your warehouse team utilizing a WMS to Implement the following optimization strategies.
WMS can help you address layout issues within your warehouse. It can help you create a digital floorplan that lets you arrange products in a logical manner, grouping them based on popularity or category.
This reduces the time taken to pick and pack orders, improving overall efficiency.
Speaking of the pick and pack process, your WMS can assign pickers to specific zones and let you implement batch picking, which optimizes order fulfillment and minimizes the travel time between the shelf and shipping.
Training and Staffing
Summer camp doesn’t have to end when you’re a kid! Take some time to Invest in training your warehouse staff to ensure they are well-versed in handling peak season demands.
Summer may be a rush, but seasonal inventory is something your staff will face throughout the year. It’s always more effective to keep your employees prepared for any amount of demands.
Additionally, consider hiring temporary employees to handle the increased workload, ensuring timely order fulfillment.
Plan Early and Collaborate with Shipping Partners
During the summer shipping rush, maintaining strong relationships with shipping carriers is essential. Work closely with your shipping partners to understand their capacity constraints and cut-off times.
Discuss options for expedited shipping or additional pickups to ensure your packages are delivered on time. Regular communication with your carriers will help you navigate potential delays or disruptions effectively.
If you find that your shipping partners can’t offer desired routes or rates during the summer season, an experienced logistics team can help connect you with shipping partners in their own roster that can help satisfy your shipping needs.
Implement Advanced Inventory Management
Accurate inventory management is critical during the summer shipping rush.
Leverage advanced inventory management techniques such as real-time tracking, barcode scanning, and RFID technology to maintain visibility into your inventory levels.
This will enable you to replenish stock in a timely manner, minimizing the chances of overselling or stockouts.
Opt for Regional Warehousing
Consider establishing regional fulfillment centers strategically located near major customer bases. This approach reduces transit time and shipping costs, allowing for faster and more cost-effective deliveries.
For example, GFS Logistics is located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, a major shipping hub in the nation. Our clients have the benefit of our 1.6 million square foot warehouse that allows them to quickly fulfill orders, reduce shipping distance, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Ship Smarter This Summer with GFS Logistics
The summer shipping rush presents both challenges and opportunities for eCommerce businesses. By implementing effective strategies and optimizing various aspects of the fulfillment process, you can navigate the surge in demand and ensure timely deliveries.
Let the experienced team at GFS Logistics help you streamline order processing, optimize warehouse operations, and keep your inventory moving throughout the summer.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
