A new trend in logistics is warehouse and storage automation technology. Warehouse robotics have been producing huge benefits to distribution centres like Amazon, by performing tasks such as arranging items on shelves that cannot be easily reached or are too heavy. They can also be used as totes that when full, carry the goods to the packing station. If the idea of robots in the warehouse appeals to you, here are four reasons why more warehousing and logistics companies are switching to automaton.

Flexibility and Scalability

Warehouse robots are more flexible and scalable than traditional automation. For instance, robots can pick lightweight, stackable items, fill a tote, and carry it back to a packing station where a human worker can complete his or her task. By allowing the robots to work in warehouse aisles, they can work faster without posing a risk to human workers, who do their daily tasks in a different area.

Improved Speed and Accuracy

Automated warehouse management systems with robots use sensors and software that continuously develops to increase the speed and accuracy of the order fulfillment process. When operations run faster and more efficiently, companies can stay on top of their business and provide greater customer satisfaction.

Reduced Cost and Time

With increased speed comes reduced cost and time. The entire process, from a customer’s order being made to it arriving on their doorstep, can be done within 48 hours. Services like Amazon Prime have been streamlined to keep robotics and workers on track, and update the customer with automated messages of the shipment status. Amazon uses tens of thousands of robots to assist in warehouse procedures, and they save a lot of money and time because of them. Google Inc. is even looking into fixed-wing drones that deliver packages to customers even faster than ground vehicles.

Easy Pick-and-Pack

Robotics has supported the growth of many companies over the last few years. Using computer-vision and machine deep-learning technologies, robots can pick items one at a time and package them. They are able to locate products sitting somewhere on a specific stack of shelves, safely retrieve them, and pack them into cardboard shipping boxes neatly and carefully.

Get Logistics and Warehouse Robotics Support at LSS

Lean Supply Solutions can help you if you are looking for a third-party logistics company with the latest technology. We make ourselves aware of the rising trends in e-commerce warehouses and always strive to stay up to date. We commit to being aware of our clients’ operational challenges as they arise and help them get the most out of their processes. Our third-party logistics, packaging, and supply chain management can streamline your processes for better success. By striving to ensure that the right products are provided to the right customers at the right time, Lean Supply Solutions is able to offer consistent, accurate, and quality results. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at 416-748-8982.

The digital revolution has had a profound effect on delivery logistics and supply chain management. The Internet of Things (IoT)—the use of the Internet to interconnect computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to transfer various data—has changed how delivery and fulfillment companies conduct and manage their operations. In the modern supply chain, IoT is making the process more efficient, and here’s how.

IoT Enhances Product Traceability in the Supply Chain

One of the first aspects of the supply chain that will be positively impacted by IoT is product traceability. These technologies can connect products, which each transmit their location and condition. Because of this, there is a better opportunity to converge back office systems, and prevent the need for proprietary hardware. By connecting products, businesses will also have the opportunity to gather data about product performance and consumer use of products, that have never been visible before.

IoT for Inventory and Fleet Management

Technology like active and passive RFID tags, which provide data on the items to which they are attached, is just one example of how IoT is used in inventory management. Internet-connected trackers, are another example. They use long-range networks or Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) to track specific items as they are being transported from one location to another. Additional examples include Bluetooth tags, and Near Field Communication (NFC) tags. In terms of fleet management, companies deploy IoT technology for physical asset movement and delivery, consumer transportation, and field service vehicles. This makes their processes more efficient, and much like warehouse and inventory management, the solutions include tracking technologies like GPS to gather various data in real-time while trucks or vehicles are on the road.

IoT Improves Product Visibility

IoT increases product visibility in the supply chain and allows managers to see important data for the material handling equipment, packages, vehicles, and warehouses, from any device. Some of these devices include GPS and RFID readers. With advanced technologies, sensors, and a supply network that knows how to operate these tools properly, businesses will be able to predict, correct, and prevent problems in the supply chain.

Outsource Your Operations to Knowledgeable Fulfillment Team

Switching to IoT applications in logistics might be a frustrating and confusing process if you’re a company who has done things the traditional way for many years. But instead of missing out on this grand opportunity to grow your business, consider outsourcing your operations to a fulfillment team that is knowledgeable about IoT. If you’re looking for the right company to partner with that meets your needs as a business, Lean Supply Solutions is the answer. We rise to the challenge of meeting our clients’ needs through our services which include product fulfillment, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, warehouse pick-and-pack, order fulfillment, and more. We can offer you consistent, accurate, and quality results, and we are experts with the latest tools and technology. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at 416-748-8982.

A contract packaging service, also known as a co-packer, is an organization that provides supply chain services such as warehousing pick-and-pack, equipment rental, and more. These companies can provide businesses with total turnkey solutions, or labour. Outsourcing your packaging and warehousing operations with a custom packaging company can benefit your business in many ways. But, before you settle on a co-packing company, it is important to make sure it is aware of your needs. By informing the contract packager of your goals, you’ll be able to discuss and identify if they are the right team for you to work with. Here are three important aspects to consider when choosing a contract packaging company.

Three Things to Consider When Choosing a Contract Packager

Flexibility and Co-Packing of Packaging Service

Packaging and repackaging in the supply chain will always go through changes, and the co-packer should be able to guarantee their ability to respond quickly and make adequate changes to prevent any problems along the way. It is important to ask and find out how the company would meet challenges such as changes in planning, scheduling, and management. Many packaging companies will charge extra for last-minute or rushed projects, which you should expect. It is more important to focus on their ability to adapt to changes.

Capability and Location of Contract Packager

The company you desire to work with should never take for granted aspects such as maintaining machinery and the workspace required. You should ask your contractor what equipment they would use for your project, and request a walk-through of their recommended process. They should also have headquarters in close proximity to where your project will be the most effective. You should be able to reach your end customer or distribution centre as easily and quickly as possible. This will save you costs in terms of shipping and packaging. It will also help you build stronger relationships and explain your expectations clearly to your partner company.

Quality and Cost

Cost may be an important aspect to consider for your business, but it is not the most important factor that influences a successful packaging partnership. You should be budgeting 10% of the total cost for packaging, but be aware that this budget includes materials as well as paying your service vendors. Once you have considered the other factors, then you can negotiate your price with the contract marketing manufacturers as long as they are reliable, resourceful, and responsive to your needs.

Hire a Contract Packager from the GTA

If your business operates in the Greater Toronto Area, you could benefit from working with a reliable company that has warehouse locations and provides operations management within that area. If you’re looking for the right company to partner with that meets your needs as a business, Lean Supply Solutions is the answer. We rise to the challenge of meeting our clients’ needs through our services which include product fulfillment, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, warehouse pick-and-pack, and order fulfillment. We can offer you consistent, accurate, and quality results. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at 416-748-8982.

Warehousing and distribution services can get complex, especially when products need to be shipped from location to location without delay. We know that warehouse space is commonly used when retailers need a more long-term storage option, and that distribution centres are used for short-term storage—so what are cross-docking warehouses used for? Cross-docking is used when items are to be shipped from the manufacturing plant directly to the customers, with little to no material handling in between. This strategy has had a profound impact on retail warehousing and supply chain services. What does cross-docking mean for supply chain management and e-commerce fulfillment services in Toronto? Keep on reading to find out.

Enhances Inventory Management

Inventory management becomes more complex when items need to be organized and kept track of in a warehouse for a longer period of time. Since items are in and out almost immediately with cross- docking, it makes it easier for providers to keep track of their items. Cross-docking decreases the likelihood of items being lost and/or damaged, since the turnaround period is so fast.

Reduces the Need for Warehouse Space

There’s much less demand for warehouse space when e-commerce businesses take advantage of cross-docking. Not as many items need to be stored, and products are typically only in the warehouse for a short period of time until they’re shipped out. This allows smaller warehouses to increase their productivity and move items even faster than warehouses with more storage space.

Decreases the Cost of the Supply Chain

The cost of your supply chain can be greatly reduced with cross-docking. It can ship multiple orders at the same time, and even utilizes less labour, such as warehouse pick and packers, for example. Cross-docking eliminates the cost of inventory and product rotations, and you can save a ton on freight when you consolidate less-than-truckload shipments into full loads.

Boosts Service Levels

Since items are shipped in bulk with cross-docking, there will be more flexibility further down the supply chain to accommodate unforeseen changes. This aids in creating a more accurate and responsive order fulfillment process, with shorter order cycles.

As one of the leading logistics service providers in Toronto, Lean Supply Solutions can help you create an efficient end-to-end supply strategy to ensure your customers receive their parcel in tact and on time, while remaining cost effective for you. Our customized services will give you a competitive edge against your competitors, and have you come out on top, every time. Whether you’re looking for contract logistics, manufacturing support, or complete 4PL services, we have the solution for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services, and how we can take your order fulfillment process to the next level.

The rise of global e-commerce product fulfillment has led to an increase in returns processing and costs due to customer actions. Customers can now browse for products they want online, order them to arrive at their doorstep, and test them out. But without seeing the item in their hands as they would at a retail store, they face the risk of ordering items that aren’t exactly what they’re looking for. Also, if you are managing your shipping on your own, there may be a higher risk of damaged items. The rise of e-commerce is one of the biggest operational challenges for reverse logistics services companies, and as more retailers offer free shipping, more consumers will be taking advantage of product returns. The power has shifted towards customers and away from retailers. Despite these changing trends in the reverse supply chain, you don’t have to fall by the wayside. Here is what you need to know about the changes in logistics due to e-commerce, and how you can save money and perform more efficiently.

How e-Commerce Influences Logistics and Retail

Years ago, independent retailers had a harder time competing with automated warehouses and cargo barges like Walmart’s. These large companies had better ability to draw in mass numbers of customers and meet all their needs in one location. However, the rise of e-commerce has almost flipped this scenario. Companies that operate through e-commerce are now rising in popularity, and physical retailers are having a harder time competing. Physical retailers that have not adopted e-commerce practices are threatened by the success of online counterparts. Based on this dramatic shift, it is safe to assume that brick-and-mortar retailers should adopt e-commerce as well. Working with a third-party logistics (3PL) and supply chain service can help you manage your shipping and retail e-commerce shift so you can focus on your marketing (web content and advertisements).

Return Process: Managing, Outsourcing, and Shipping

Managing returns and orders in the same space is challenging and it is not viable for many businesses because of the differing margins. The cost to process returns is usually high, while the residual value of goods is usually low. These problems can be reduced by working with a 3PL provider that is able to handle returns and provide flexibility within the supply chain. They can also mitigate costs and capitalize on external efficiencies. Outsourcing returns processes does not eliminate the need for inventory space, but it shifts them to a company that has enough space and warehouse management to handle it. Since 3PL companies also handle transportation and distribution, you can process products much more efficiently and cost effectively.

Reverse Logistics: How Retailers Can Save Money

Processing a return and repurposing, reconditioning, or recycling the goods can be costly in terms of time and finances for the merchant. Reverse logistics can actually cut into your profits by up to 20% per year. The rise of e-commerce makes this even worse as customers can order an item online—a shirt for example—find out it does not fit, and send it back without having to go to a retail store. The convenience of e-commerce puts all the control in the hands of the consumers and removes it from the retailer. So how can retailers save money? The answer is simple: outsource the process to a 3PL company. Retailers can claim a significant percentage of the total product cost by effectively setting up a reverse logistics function with a 3PL provider. They can resell the product, recycle it, remanufacture it, and more, so you don’t have to.

e-Commerce: Impact of New Mobile Trends on Logistics

These aforementioned effects are changing standard processes and companies should start adapting sooner rather than later. Distributors that take the time to understand these changes can prepare to become one of the leading logistics and supply chains partners of the future. The following items are new trends affecting the logistics system due to mobile commerce.

• Systems must be frequently updated to prevent future problems within the chain
• Web design must be responsive and optimized for customers to easily view pages on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices
• Vendors and companies want access to Internet-based wholesale environments to simplify the ordering process
• Companies should all have mobile apps, which quickly load on smartphones and provide information at the tap of a finger
• Integration must be seamless so shoppers can have instant order capabilities and real-time inventory updates
• Advertising will be more automated thanks to Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and other online ad agencies (pay-per-click (PPC) marketing campaigns)
• Inventory management will be more data-based

Outsource Your e-Commerce Fulfillment with Lean Supply Solutions

Working with e-commerce fulfillment services in Toronto can help you manage the shift to online retailing so you can focus on making your business and brand more accessible to shoppers. Some warehousing and distribution order fulfillment services in the USA are quickly learning and adapting their processes to implement functions that support the growth of e-commerce, and they can help you, too. If you’re looking for the right company to partner with, Lean Supply Solutions is the answer. We rise to the challenge of meeting our clients’ needs through our services, which include product fulfillment, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, warehousing pick and pack, and order fulfillment. Lean Supply Solutions is able to offer consistent, accurate, and quality results. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at 416-748-8982.