Automated fulfillment is the implementation of technology and resources to automatically manage the fulfillment process, which helps to speed up operations, save time, and reduce human error. By leveraging automation, businesses can handle increasing order volumes with ease and maintain high standards of accuracy and customer satisfaction.
At Waredock, automation puts fulfillment on ‘autopilot’ by fully delegating the pick, pack, and shipping process to fulfillment experts across key locations, ensuring orders are processed swiftly and efficiently.
The Six Steps of Order Fulfillment
Understanding the steps in the order fulfillment process is crucial to identifying where automation can make the biggest impact. The six fundamental steps are:
- Receiving Inventory Shipments
This step involves the intake of goods from suppliers or manufacturers. Proper inspection, sorting, and recording of inventory are vital to ensure accuracy and prevent discrepancies. - Inventory Storage
Once received, products are stored in a warehouse or fulfillment center. Strategic storage ensures that items are easy to locate and retrieve, which is essential for speeding up the picking process. - Order Processing
This includes receiving customer orders, picking items from storage, packing them securely, and preparing them for shipping. Efficient processing is key to minimizing delays and errors. - Shipping
Products are dispatched to customers through various shipping carriers. Shipping includes labeling, tracking, and ensuring timely delivery. - Returns Processing
Handling returns efficiently is critical for customer satisfaction. This step involves receiving returned items, inspecting them, restocking if necessary, or processing refunds. - Customer Support (often an overlooked step)
While not always listed, responsive support throughout the fulfillment process—from order confirmation to delivery—is essential for ensuring a positive customer experience.
How to Automate Order Fulfillment
Automating Inventory Storage
An automated inventory system refers to software and technology that automates key parts of the inventory management process. Leading brick-and-mortar and e-commerce retailers rely on inventory automation to streamline their fulfillment and supply chain management, helping them reduce manual tasks and focus on growth.
Some of the vital business operations that can be automated include:
- Automating Replenishment and Purchase Orders
- Automated Delivery of Customer Orders
- Assigning Fulfillment Operations
- Inventory Tracking Across Warehouses
- Syncing Order and Inventory Data
- Multi-channel Inventory Management
Popular providers of inventory storage automation include Skubana, SkuVault, ShipBob, and others, offering tools to optimize and streamline warehouse operations.
Automating Shipping
Shipping automation involves automating various shipping procedures, including:
- Order Picking: Using robots, pick-to-light systems, or AI-powered tools.
- Packing: Automated packing machines for boxing and labeling.
- Routing and Dispatch: Software for selecting the fastest, most cost-effective options.
- Infrastructure Enhancements: Conveyor belts, AGVs, and robotic arms.
By automating shipping, businesses can:
- Boost productivity without increasing staff.
- Minimize human error.
- Ensure faster, more reliable deliveries.
What Is Order Fulfillment Cycle Time?
Order Fulfillment Cycle Time (OFCT) measures the total time from when a customer places an order to when they receive the product or service. This key metric highlights internal efficiency and supply chain performance. Reducing cycle time directly enhances customer satisfaction and helps businesses stay competitive in a fast-paced market.
Why Choose Waredock?
Waredock is a leading fulfillment partner offering automated, scalable, and reliable fulfillment services across Europe and beyond. With a network of strategically located warehouses, Waredock ensures that your products are picked, packed, and shipped quickly and accurately—helping you meet growing customer expectations without the hassle.
Key benefits of working with Waredock include:
- Full-Service Automation: From inventory management to last-mile delivery.
- Scalable Solutions: Flexible plans to grow with your business.
- Advanced Technology: Real-time tracking, reporting, and multi-channel integration.
- Expert Support: A dedicated team of logistics professionals at your service.
Whether you’re a fast-growing e-commerce brand or an established retailer looking to optimize your supply chain, Waredock provides the tools and expertise to elevate your fulfillment process.
