A prompt, reliable, and flexible warehousing and logistics partner has become critical to the success of enterprises in the increasingly competitive business landscape. Even as e-commerce businesses try to outcompete the physical retail companies and even each other, the demand for an efficient warehousing and logistics partner continues to soar.
With stakes this high, businesses must choose the right services provider to outsource their logistics and warehousing operations. To understand how to do that, we must first take a closer look at warehousing and logistics in general.
What are Warehousing and Logistics?
If the two words “warehousing” and “logistics” sound like synonyms, you’re not entirely wrong. Even the industry professionals often use them interchangeably. However, they do not mean the same thing, although they are closely related.
Warehousing refers to the planning, organization, management, and implementation of the infrastructure and processes required for the efficient storage of physical goods.
https://www.camcode.com/asset-tags/what-is-warehouse-logistics/
Logistics, on the other hand, is the organization and management of the flow of goods – both raw materials and finished products – from their origin to the final delivery point. In the fulfillment context, logistics refers to the movement of goods to and from a warehouse.
https://warehouserecruiters.net/warehouse-vs-logistics-whats-the-difference/
Why Choose a Warehousing and Logistics Partner?
Traditionally, businesses hired logistics services while they operated their own warehouses to store their products.
Today, third-party warehousing and logistics providers are equipped with the tools, technologies, and people to handle both storage and transportation more efficiently than the businesses. Also, they offer value-added services like order picking, packing, loading, shipping, returns management, maintenance, and so on, which enhance the fulfillment experience of the consumers. These services are critical for small and medium businesses.
The specialized nature of warehousing and logistics means that businesses can outsource this aspect of their operations and ensure a better fulfillment experience for the customers. It can also allow small to medium-sized businesses to scale faster without so much upfront investment.
How to Choose a Good Warehousing and Logistics Partner?
Once you’ve decided to choose a warehousing and logistics partner, it’s time to shortlist, compare, and zero in on the best candidate for your unique business requirements. Here are some factors that you may want to consider:
- Location
Location is everything in the logistics business. A warehouse that is close to your customers will be able to deliver their products fast, process returns from them quickly, and provide them an overall satisfying experience. Besides, the proximity ensures minimum travel time and costs on transportation of the products, thereby giving you measurable savings.
- Technology
Large e-commerce enterprises have the technology to offer their customers advanced features like real-time inventory status updates, shipment tracking, and more. A state-of-the-art warehousing and logistics solutions provider can level the playing field and enable even small businesses to match the quality of services offered by large enterprises.
https://www.logisticsplus.com/factors-to-consider-when-choosing-a-warehouse-partner/
- Value-Added Services
Not all warehousing and logistics services providers are equal. They offer different value-added services like order picking, packing, shipping, returns management, stock sorting, loss preventing, unloading inbound goods, and so on. Make sure you pick a partner that offers value-added services that are relevant for your business. For instance, if your products are perishable, you may need a partner with cold storage capabilities.
Once you’ve decided to choose a warehousing and logistics
partner, it’s time to shortlist, compare, and zero in on the best candidate for
your unique business requirements. Here are some factors that you may want to
consider:
·
Location
Location is everything in the logistics
business. A warehouse that is close to your customers will be able to deliver their
products fast, process returns from them quickly, and provide them an overall
satisfying experience. Besides, the proximity ensures minimum travel time and
costs on transportation of the products, thereby giving you measurable savings.
·
Technology
Large e-commerce enterprises have the
technology to offer their customers advanced features like real-time inventory status
updates, shipment tracking, and more. A state-of-the-art warehousing and
logistics solutions provider can level the playing field and enable even small
businesses to match the quality of services offered by large enterprises.
https://www.logisticsplus.com/factors-to-consider-when-choosing-a-warehouse-partner/
·
Value-Added Services
Not all warehousing and logistics services
providers are equal. They offer different value-added services like order
picking, packing, shipping, returns management, stock sorting, loss preventing,
unloading inbound goods, and so on. Make sure you pick a partner that offers
value-added services that are relevant for your business. For instance, if your
products are perishable, you may need a partner with cold storage capabilities.
Check this additional article with a list of the most up to date warehousing services also!
Easy Logistics Management offers end-to-end warehousing
and logistics services that completely take over all your fulfillment needs
while simultaneously delivering a delightful experience to your customers. Get
in touch with us to learn more about how our services can drive your growth with
reliable solutions.
Thank you for your tips on choosing the right warehousing service partner. I agree that it would be important to consider their technology. I’d also suggest looking into their reputation.