The Advantages of Partnering with a Technology-Enabled 3PL

The order fulfillment process is a crucial part of any e-commerce business. Many businesses outsource it to third-party logistics (3PL) providers, who manage storage, packing, and shipping professionally. 

However, traditional 3PLs often lack the technology and scalability that modern e-commerce businesses need. They may have outdated systems, manual processes, and hidden fees that can hurt your bottom line.

That's why you need a technology-enabled 3PL company, such as 3PL Fulfillment Prep, to handle your fulfillment needs. Meeting customer expectations for swift deliveries and real-time tracking.

A technology-enabled 3PL leverages advanced technology to optimize and automate every aspect of the fulfillment process. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss what a tech-enabled 3PL is and how it can benefit your ecommerce business. Let’s get into it!

What Defines a Technology-Enabled 3PL?

A technology-based 3PL works with the latest technology, such as cloud-based software, artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, to streamline and improve the fulfillment process. These tech-based 3PLs go beyond the basics, offering comprehensive digital solutions that can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall supply chain visibility. 

In essence, they provide similar services as any other 3PL — they are just better, quicker, and more efficient at delivering their promises. Automated systems and up-to-date technology enables 3PLs to eliminate human error. rather than manual labor. 

The best part is that they incorporate AI-assisted and data-driven decision-making for important logistics decisions. For instance, which warehouse to store specific products, which carriers to choose for reduced shipping costs and improved transit times, etc. This makes them more efficient and quick at their job, which provides an excellent value-addition for businesses that work with them.

3PL Software - The Basis of a Tech-Enabled 3PL

At the heart of a tech-enabled 3PL is its cloud-based 3PL software. This platform automates and streamlines various processes such as inventory management, order fulfillment (picking, packing, shipping), and tracking across multiple sales channels. 

It also brings together separate programs such as the warehouse management system (WMS) and order tracking system. So everything can be managed from a centralized and transparent platform. 

Moreover, these software platforms, such as extensiv, connect you with your 3PL provider and enable you to monitor the fulfillment operations from one place. This makes the collaboration between you and the 3PL smoother, more transparent, and more beneficial.

How a Tech-Enabled 3PL Benefits Sellers

So what difference would it make if you choose an innovative and forward-looking 3PL provider that utilizes the latest technology? Here are some advantages that sellers get with a tech-centered 3PL:

Faster and Cheaper Operations

A tech-enabled 3PL can save you time and money by taking care of your fulfillment needs effectively and letting you focus on your core business activities. 

Leveraging their updated systems, they can make quick route optimization decisions to help drive down e-commerce fulfillment costs and achieve quicker delivery times. A tech-enabled 3PL will be able to provide you with cheaper services while ensuring a higher quality. 

Enhanced Customer Experience 

A tech-enabled 3PL can enhance your customer experience by delivering your products faster, cheaper, and more reliably. 

With a powerful tech-enabled 3PL working in the background, you can offer your customers more choices and convenience such as last-minute fulfillment options. For instance, you can offer free or discounted shipping, 2-day or next-day delivery, and easy exchange and return processing. 

A centralized and transparent system also allows you to improve customer service, as you can readily answer the queries of your customers. Plus, you incorporate their feedback and meet their expectations - all enabled by the 3PL technology.

Enabling Business Scaling & Growth

From the point-of-view of an e-commerce business, the best thing you can get out of a tech-enabled 3PL is growth!

Integrating data from various sources, they enable your business to grow by providing accurate analytics that show you key metrics and insights. You can also leverage these insights to identify and capitalize on new opportunities and trends.

Moreover, a tech-enabled 3PL can scale your business growth by providing you with flexible and scalable solutions that can adapt to your changing needs and demands. You can easily expand your product catalog, enter new markets, and reach more customers without worrying about your fulfillment capacity or quality. 

More Transparency & Flexibility

A technology-focused 3PL ensures a transparent and predictable pricing model that charges you only for the services you use. You don't have to worry about hidden fees, long-term contracts, or minimum order requirements. 

Seamlessly integrating with online stores and marketplaces, this software offers real-time visibility into information and inventory levels. 

Conclusion - Leverage the Benefits Tech-Enabled 3PL with 3PL Fulfillment and Prep

The integration of advanced technology not only sets these 3PLs apart but also translates into tangible benefits for sellers. Working with a tech-powered 3PL will help you retain and grow your customers and multiply your earnings. So if you’re going to choose a 3PL for your business, always ensure that they are well-integrated with the latest technologies.

Ready to improve your logistics and fulfillment game? Partner with 3PL Fulfillment and Prep, where technology meets efficiency. 

With 3PL Fulfillment and Prep, you can get all the benefits of a tech-enabled 3PL partner. Experience the seamless integration, real-time visibility, and scalable solutions tailored to your business needs. Contact us today!