tag: Warehouse and Inventory Management

Uniform Apparel Company Turns to Fulco Fulfillment to Reinvent Their Inventory Management

Fulco Fulfillment, Inc. (FFI) partnered with a rapidly expanding uniform apparel company that was quickly outgrowing their fulfillment and storage areas. They were looking for a 3PL partner that could handle their increasing sales and changing environment and needed a warehousing solution to assist with their supply meeting demand.

Faced with the dilemma that their previous fulfillment provider abruptly shut their doors and went out of business, they found FFI while looking for a suitable 3PL partner to handle their warehousing and fulfillment needs. Owners Jennifer Marcello and Tony Rossi visited the uniform apparel company’s current warehouse to review the current situation. They immediately noted the challenges ahead of them, that would be required to effectively organize the inventory. A lot of work needed to be done before being able to pick and pack orders. To properly manage an accurate inventory for our new client, we would need to work together.

Searching for a Smart Warehousing Solution

To begin, the uniform apparel company’s physical inventory was transferred to FFI’s facility which was then sorted, separated, re-labeled, counted, and placed in picking stations for order fulfillment. As time went by and demand for the apparel grew, so did the varieties and styles on their website.

Seeing the Need for Inventory Management

With all of the new varieties and styles of uniforms on their website and an increase in orders, the company saw that they were outgrowing their basic inventory management system which involved receiving a daily file upload for orders to be completed and shipped out. Working with the client, FFI implemented an API integration with their ecommerce system for real time inventory management.

Building Efficiencies to Accommodate Growth

FFI quickly saw the need to scale our client’s warehouse picking areas to accommodate their growth. With the use of a time study, FFI measured the length of time it took employees to pick orders of various sizes and complexities. Keeping the importance of prioritizing the quickest moving items in the front, over the next five weeks FFI reorganized the majority of warehouse inventory by moving our customer’s entire SKU (stock-keeping unit) list into a dedicated area. In addition, we reviewed the receiving process step by step looking to revamp the way that items came into the warehouse to further help streamline the process.

The Result: A Revamped Warehouse and Inventory Management System

After consolidating inventories into a singular location, FFI saw measured improvements of 14%-18% efficiency increase in our client’s pick rates. Our suggestions to the client on revamping the receiving of their inventory also saw a radical time improvement.

The inventory management ecommerce API integration works seamlessly and provides an interface for client access to live inventory numbers whenever they need them. The integration transmits orders via an automatic order import to FFI’s order management system (OMS) and seamlessly returns tracking information and does an inventory sync. We helped our client automate time-consuming and redundant tasks by replacing error prone manual processes.

With FFI’s help, the client benefitted from a streamlined order fulfillment and management system that helped get orders out faster and built a future-proof system that can scale as the company increases its sales and product offerings.

Need Help Streamlining Your Inventory Management? Contact Fulco Fulfillment Today!

At Fulco Fulfillment Inc., we are always looking for ways to work smarter and more efficiently when it comes to services like warehouse and inventory management. Call Fulco Fulfillment at 973-361-1700 to schedule your free consultation and get things moving with your company’s warehouse and inventory management.

Fulfillment and Inventory Control

In order to prevent a kit backorder situation, a major manufacturer and Fulco Fulfillment Inc. (FFI) worked together to set-up an automatic reorder system.

The FFI order management system allowed us to set minimums for each kit, kitting supplies and component of each kit. When inventory levels reach the minimum level an automatic reorder notification is generated. The notification goes to the appropriate printer or supplier of each component creating an automatic reorder. Kits remain stocked at all times and never fall to zero.

FFI created a web shopping cart for wholesalers in the field to order kits. To keep the customer’s wholesalers informed, FFI set the system to automatically generate email notifications for order confirmations and order shipments. Order shipment emails also include a tracking number.

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.