eLogistics: how to manage the logistics of your retail e-commerce
When you have a ecommerce for retail you must optimize all processes: from storage to transport, from reverse logistics to return management, from packaging to delivery. That is, to have a ecommerce logistics or fully efficient e-logistics.
The fact is that the main objective of logistics management must be the satisfaction of the customer, who expects to receive the goods on time, intact and, above all, without additional costs.
For this reason, it is essential to apply well-defined strategies and to review the entire model for managing e-logistics.
eLogistics: How to Manage Your eCommerce Logistics
What is eLogistics or logistics for ecommerce and how does it work in the retail sector
La ecommerce logistics refers to the processes of storing and shipping inventory in an online store. Ecommerce logistics begins with the movement of inventory from the manufacturer and lasts until it reaches the destination of the end customer. This includes inventory management, sorting, packaging, and shipping online orders.
Logistics for e-commerce begins when the customer completes their purchase on the digital channel:
- The first step, therefore, is the processing and preparation of the order. Here, the retailer locates the merchandise in stock, validates the purchase and payment, and issues the invoice.
- Once this is done, the order is processed by the credit card administrator or bank responsible for paying the receipt. At this stage, the customer's payment is also subject to an anti-fraud analysis.
- In the third step, the object is removed from stock and sent to the carrier along with the invoice. From that moment on, the delivery time reported by the carrier is counted.
- Finally, the concession is made to the recipient. Throughout this journey, it's common for carriers to provide follow-up. However, it's important to keep in mind that this logistics only ends when the product is delivered.
The 3 most important parts of ecommerce logistics
Among the most important aspects for successful e-logistics management are:
1) Digital e-Logistics Information Systems
If you want to sell directly through your online channels, they must necessarily equip you with special software for logistics management.
Keep in mind that technology is more than an ally, it is the basis for innovative, efficient, agile management that has a positive impact on the consumer.
Ecommerce logistics represents both an operational and a technological strategy. Thus, this joining of forces can serve to improve service, costs and the entire chain, from payment confirmation to arrival at the recipient.
For this reason, innovation and joint work in sales and logistics are essential to guarantee competitive and quality services.
The performance of these two sectors must be dynamic and interconnected, since one depends on the other and both depend on digital transformation.
2) Storage for ecommerce
The warehouse can be considered the heart of e-logistics. Organized and conscious warehouse management will help you simplify the logistical complexity of your store and reduce any problems such as availability and control of stock or quantity of goods offered for sale.
For online activities, the warehouse represents the archive of all the information necessary for optimal order management.
Therefore, to better manage it, you'll need to integrate merchandise storage and information storage through the use of management software capable of continuously updating and synchronizing the store and warehouse.
3) Last-mile logistics for ecommerce
One factor that determines customer satisfaction is last-mile logistics. Optimizing processes in the last mile will result in greater shipping efficiency: planning and optimization of shipping routes, vehicle tracking, delivery management and final reports.
Even better use of vehicle space taking into account the characteristics of the order, delivery times, route restrictions. All of this can be optimized to improve your company's level of service.
5 key points for successful logistics management in your retail ecommerce
For efficient management of the logistics of your ecommerce, pay special attention to these key points:
1) Managing your customers through different channels
Logistics issues in online stores have a lot to do with customer and information management through different channels.
Both with regard to orders, in fact, and to consumers' comments and interactions with the brand, special attention must be paid to the management and return of this interactivity.
Delivering orders on time, with quality, combining this policy, with efficient and fast customer service and service, with an omnichannel system, makes e-commerce a logistical success.
2) Management and control of your retail stock
When you have an ecommerce you must do good stock management and control. Remember that e-commerce, unlike a physical store, works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This makes constant control of the stock level all the more important.
To do this, you must ensure that all product inventory information is as accurate as possible, with constant updates in real time.
Inventory management is an essential operational phase for any e-commerce. Errors and delays come at a very high cost for companies: customer dissatisfaction.
Carrying out proper stock management and control, relying on technology, allows you to prepare a larger number of orders in the shortest possible time and guarantee delivery times to provide a quality service.
3) Picking or order preparation
In order preparation, it is the part where it is guaranteed that the product sent was the one requested by the customer and that it will arrive undamaged. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in packaging suitable for each type of object, from the fragile to the most robust.
Picking is the collection and separation of orders of different varieties and quantities in warehouses, in order to meet customer needs.
These two aspects must be managed and controlled in real time in order to provide the customer with an efficient service and thus improve their shopping experience.
4) Transportation and distribution of orders
Transportation and distribution management deserves special attention in online logistics planning. Deliveries on time and in good condition depend on this sector, factors that influence customer satisfaction.
Whether to take products from a distribution center to a physical store or directly to the final consumer, transport must be carried out with the highest quality and efficiency.
5) Return of orders and reverse logistics
In the final stage of the sales process, there is reverse logistics, which is responsible for returning orders from the customer to the initial warehouse.
This phase is often forgotten, but in the ecommerce channel it is of paramount importance. This is because consumers are increasingly demanding, they do not hesitate to express their dissatisfaction and in the event of any problem with the product, they can request a return of the product.
How can Picker improve the last-mile logistics of your retail ecommerce?
Picker allows your retail ecommerce to have more coverage for product delivery, since it connects you to multiple home delivery platforms in one place so you can choose the one that's most convenient for you.
With Picker you save on operational management, since you don't have to worry about delivery logistics, only about preparing your orders.
You don't have to rely on a single company for your homes, on our platform you have the best options to decide, and thus expand the coverage of all your shipments.
Conclusions
Logistics is an essential part of any business and e-commerce is no different. The importance of ecommerce logistics lies in concern for organization and business growth.
Only with efficient logistics planning can you have a structured store, able to meet deadlines and capable of retaining the public.
Understanding all the variables and scaling your logistics strategy as your business grows is critical to your long-term health and success.
It is important to continuously improve your strategy and address the weaknesses of your e-logistics in order to have sustained growth and stand out from your competitors.
