Small Is Beautiful for eComm Scale-Ups
There
are some familiar maxims among business people. ‘Think big’
they’ll say; ‘the ‘bigger the better’ time to be a ‘big
cheese’. When you look at eComm behemoths like Amazon with its
vast warehouses and all-encompassing distribution network, it would
be easy to think that if you’re not ‘big’ you may as well give
up and go home.
However, before you go, it’s worth having a look at the work from Warehouse Management System (WMS) provider SnapFulfil who have identified the new and exciting trend of micro-warehousing. An innovation in the logistics sector that has the potential for smaller eComm firms to offer the same fulfilment quality as Amazon by using a much more elegant solution.
Micro Warehouses?
On
first reading, this seems to be a contradiction. Warehouses to most
people are traditionally cavernous buildings capable of storing and
distributing huge amounts of goods. A warehouse is enormous, right?
It stands to reason.
However, Snapfulfil has observed eComm firms making use of an extensive network of smaller ‘micro-fulfilment’ facilities located in high population centres that are much closer to the customer base. Using this network, along with a well-designed WMS like SnapFulfil, allows smaller eComm firms to provide a responsive service rivalling that of much larger organisations.
Problem
Solving With Technology
The
combination of micro-warehousing and cloud-based fulfilment software
is an excellent example of technology enabling new and novel
approaches to ‘the last mile’ problem. This, in logistics
circles, is perceived as a persistent and intractable problem that
hinders a truly customer-responsive logistics industry. As Tony
Dobson, MD of SnapFulfil,
explains about micro-warehousing.
“It’s not only intuitive but engineered to scale in line with the ebbs and flows of online retailing, so avoiding the need for expensive system upgrades. Moreover, it uses rich functionality and real-time management software to help e-retailers optimise inventory, space and labour across all these fulfilment centres.”
Flexibility
And Scalability
For
smaller eComm businesses who adopt micro-warehousing, the benefits
are clear. It allows them to be highly efficient and gives the
ability to flex-up their fulfilment operations as required, such as
at Christmas. And the option to scale back at times of reduced
demand.
Cloud-based WMS solutions can now offer precise inventory control and the efficient allocation of consignments to be close to the end-user. They can do this even over the complex granular network that underpins this developing approach. In short, micro-warehousing could be a game-changer for smaller firms, cutting their cost base, rationalising fulfilment, speeding up delivery and crucially, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Just
Add A TruckCraft Van
Micro-warehousing
is a remarkable innovation for the logistics sector and will be a
massive boon to smaller firms looking to serve their clients in a
‘big firm’ manner. All an ambitious eComm firm needs is a fleet
of beautifully constructed vans to convey their goods to their
delighted clients. And there’s no better vehicle than one made and
supplied by the Truckcraft team.
And
to buck the trend slightly, we can assure growing eComm firms there
nothing ‘micro’ about the capabilities of a Truckcraft van, far
from it.
Get in touch to discuss how our range of trucks or vans is the perfect choice to service your micro-warehouse network. You can contact the Truckcraft Bodies sales team on 0161 304 9404.
Published: Mar 16