FFI works closely with a contract assembler for the U.S. Army. This contractor provided multiple components that needed to be assembled with guaranteed accuracy for use in the field. Only some of these components were required, depending on the equipment used. FFI was asked to assemble these kits and package items to avoid breakage or deterioration during shipment and storage. Correct packaging was critical since material needed to last for long periods in harsh climates. FFI uses the kitting module within its fulfillment system to manage the task. The company’s systems specialists wrote a program to ensure that kit contents were accurate. Each of the kit components has a bar code. The system does not close out the kit until each item is individually scanned. The program is now in its second year of delivering 100% order accuracy. In the case of problems, FFI can track items back to the exact kit in which they were shipped.
category: Featured Case Study
The Ethical Manufacturing Order Fulfillment Success Story
The shoppers of today expect their items to arrive on their doorstep quickly. They want the ability to track their items during every step of their journey, and they expect their items to arrive in pristine condition. These buyer expectations were becoming a challenge to one of our customers, an ethical manufacturing customer. A wholesale B2B and B2C retailer, they sell products to wholesale boutique shops, large retailers, and Amazon direct, that were created by artisans and artists. They were growing rapidly and needed to optimize their e-commerce order fulfillment processes.
Growing Businesses Need the Right Fulfillment Partner
This manufacturing customer’s accelerating product demand was creating a fulfillment bottleneck. Having their orders kitted, picked, packed, and fulfilled out of their increasingly cluttered basement was no longer an option. They needed a fulfillment solution that could scale and support the growth of their business, and they turned to FFI to help them.
Within their first full year of operation after switching to Fulco Fulfillment Inc.’s services, our ethical manufacturing customer was able to triple their order volume.
The Customer Had Unique Fulfillment Challenges
Shipping: Finding a provider that has the correct expertise to keep up with order volumes.
Location: Pinpointing location and finding a 3PL partner located in the NY/NJ tri-state area to give the customer the ability to quickly and conveniently access their product.
Specialized Packaging: Finding a fulfillment provider with excellent attention to detail who supports their personalized touch. All packages are paper-wrapped and sealed with a logo sticker, including packing tape customized with their colorful logo.
Sales and Marketing: Getting meaningful, trustworthy fulfillment services so that they could focus on sales and marketing and continue to grow their business.
Trade Shows: Our ethical manufacturing customer displays at major trade shows and holiday markets throughout the year. In this method of marketing, the product has a chance to shine and captivate new customers. The fulfillment provider must get the product there on time and in good condition.
Customer Communication: Customers expect excellent communication, including phone calls, frequent status updates, and shared details about deliveries.
Timing Is Everything: At the time, peak shopping season was just around the corner and this ethical manufacturing company needed a solution that could help them meet and exceed their demands even when facing an unknown future.
Successful Fulfillment Creates Business Growth
Shipping/Freight Savings: Outsourcing fulfillment to FFI has allowed this customer to enjoy the combined freight discount offered by FFI, substantially lowering their shipping costs.
Inventory Management: Using Fulco Fulfillment Inc.’s Order Management System (OMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS), this ethical manufacturing customer saw their inventory management streamlined. With the Veracore software platform, they manage inbound and outbound shipments along with inventory volumes and order status in real time.
Determining the Right Location: The customer’s base of operations in the New York East Coast Area meant that FFI in Dover, NJ was in an ideal location, conveniently located right off of Route 80, Route 46, and with access to Route 287 and Route 10. Clients can visit the warehouse and stop in for a continued hands-on type of approach.
Dedicated Client Service Manager: At FFI, a dedicated client service manager is assigned to each account and operates under the client service manager team of dedicated pickers. Our team ensures quality control of customized packaging by learning and mastering the details of each client’s specialized packaging needs.
Focus on What They Do Best: By choosing FFI to handle their fulfillment needs, our ethical manufacturing customer was able to increase marketing efforts and sales instead of being consumed by managing shipping and inventory.
Holiday Markets and Trade Show Solutions: FFI’s order management system allowed our client to allocate, manage, and track all of their tradeshow assets. They received special deliveries of materials directly to the New York City holiday show in a small delivery window and, upon conclusion of the show, items were picked up by FFI personnel and received back into client inventory.
24/7 Web Access: Our ethical manufacturing client now has 24/7 web access to its entire inventory via our web portal. They can generate reports, set understock notification levels, access order inquiries to track shipping status, or see a history of inventory usage.
Consistent Results: The FFI team has tested and optimized processes that streamline operations and get orders out on time. Even during peak season, our team has kept and maintained an astounding 99.8% accuracy on all orders.
Fulco Fulfillment Provides the Right 3PL Solutions
Fulco Fulfillment Inc. has improved this ethical manufacturing customer’s supply chain. It reduced the amount of time it takes orders to reach their valuable customers and increased the efficiency of their orders from vendors. In addition, FFI provided logistics solutions at a variable cost to maximize efficiency during the retailer’s peak and non-peak seasons.
We can have the same powerful effect on your business! To learn the ways we can solve your specific challenges, give us a call at 973-361-1700 or fill out our contact form.
Branded Promotional Product and Apparel Fulfillment Success Story
A national home improvement company found it impossible to keep up with the constant packing and distribution of its branded promotional products and apparel as its network of authorized dealers grew. They had been handling all of these functions internally, but the demand was growing far beyond their ability to keep up. They needed support if they were going to continue to be a trusted source of quality home improvement services.
The Fulfillment Challenge
To focus on the growth of the business, management decided it was best to outsource the warehousing, inventory management, and fulfillment to a company with expertise. They specifically sought a provider experienced in promotional product fulfillment with real-time inventory and 24/7 access to an ordering system. They required a customized order management system (OMS) portal that provided two unique views. They needed to physically transition 100+ SKUs and set up an effective re-stocking program to avoid issues like product surplus or stockouts.
The Fulfillment Solution
There are many different kinds of logistics providers, but Fulco Fulfillment Inc. (FFI) was the perfect fit. Our robust logistics, exceptional inventory management system, top-notch customer service, and branded promotional products web portals were the ideal solution for this home improvement company’s needs.
Managing Inventory: Transition 100+ SKUs
FFI’s management and dedicated client service coordinator took the steps to gain a thorough knowledge of the client’s business. The trained and attentive warehouse team then accurately transitioned the 100+ SKUs into our warehouse in Dover, NJ. The inventory was organized and included a diverse set of products.
- staff uniforms
- promotional giveaway items
- marketing materials
- signage
- everyday brand ware
- prizes
FFI learned the details of their inventory and requirements for packing and shipping. Setting up SKU locations for efficient picking streamlined the fulfillment process for a smooth transition.
Order Management System
Our flexible order management system platform provides on-demand access. Each pre-registered user was given a login and password to access the portal 24/7. The pre-registered user was then able to view the inventory permitted by their access level:
- Client Management View
- Authorized Dealer View
Order screens are pre-populated based on the login. The managers see all inventory, but the franchise owners have access to limited earmarked inventory. Orders are entered into the order management system and captured with easy, shopping cart functionality. Once an order is placed, the customer receives an email acknowledging that the order has been received. They receive another email when the order ships.
Inquiries done on product details are in real time, and inventory reports can be generated through the portal. Users can keep track of their order’s historical data and package tracking information.
Using barcode technology, FFI accurately tracks and maintains inventory from receipt to inventory movement to picking and shipping. This kind of solid inventory management avoids pitfalls like running out of branded promotional products right before a scheduled tradeshow or convention.
FFI’s OMS also can prioritize orders by selecting a “rush” button, which sends the order directly to the customer service coordinator for priority processing.
Keeping the Inventory Stocked
Maintaining optimal inventory levels is integral to our customer’s success.
Levels are managed in real time to prevent an item from going out of stock. FFI worked with the customer to establish a re-stocking program, assigning a replenishment point to each product, referred to as the understock level. When a product reaches the understock level, an email notification gets sent to our customers, allowing ample time to order replacement inventory. Replenishment is shipped to FFI’s warehouse from the customer’s marketing and promotional products provider and the products are received into inventory for ordering visibility. This process prioritizes meeting customers’ demands, ideally without experiencing stockouts or overstock issues.
Fulco Fulfillment Helps Businesses Grow
With Fulco handling their branded promotional product and apparel fulfillment, our client has been able to triple their network of authorized dealers. Their commitment to quality continuously exceeds the expectations of their customers and they remain a trusted source for quality and reliable home improvement services.
If you’d like to learn how we can help your business grow, give us a call at 973 361 1700 or fill out our contact form.