Warehouse & Fulfillment Insights
Expert insights on warehousing, order fulfillment, assembly, and logistics from Midwest AWD.
Why Use a 3PL for Subscription Box Fulfillment?
As subscription boxes increase in popularity, the businesses behind them are growing rapidly. With that growth comes the challenge of keeping up with orders. Not only can the increasing demands of order fulfillment distract from core business functions like marketing, customer retention, and product development, but without a proper system in place, essential aspects of ... Why Use a 3PL for Subscription Box Fulfillment?
First In, First Out (FIFO) Inventory Flow
In the world of warehousing and distribution, how inventory flows through your facility can make or break operational efficiency. The FIFO method — short for First In, First Out — is a tried-and-true strategy that prioritizes using or shipping older items before newer ones. It’s essential for maintaining product freshness, reducing spoilage, and staying ... First In, First Out (FIFO) Inventory Flow
Why Average Inventory Matters
No inventory = no sales. Too much inventory = lost profits. Much like the porridge of Goldilocks’ fame, companies must get inventory levels “just right.” If purchases exceed incoming and stored inventory, businesses face stockouts and customer frustration. If goods sit on shelves without being purchased, warehouses and distributors are paying to store products that ... Why Average Inventory Matters
How 3PLs Streamline Returns Management
Ecommerce has become a part of everyday life, gaining significant ground in the last few years alone, and showing no signs of stopping. With this increase in ecommerce comes an increase in returns, and thus, an increase in the need for efficient returns management. Mass returns can become overwhelming without proper support, leading to lost ... How 3PLs Streamline Returns Management
How To Create SKU Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide For Effective Inventory Management
Introduction to SKU Numbers SKU numbers, or stock keeping units, are a critical component of inventory management for any business that sells physical goods. These alphanumeric identifiers help track products throughout the supply chain, from warehouse shelves to customer orders. By assigning a unique SKU code to each product variant, businesses can manage stock levels ... How To Create SKU Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide For Effective Inventory Management
What Is Cross-Docking?
Speed and efficiency are essential for success in today’s logistics landscape. Whether you’re managing retail replenishment or overseeing 3PL eCommerce fulfillment, optimizing the movement of goods through the supply chain is key. That’s where cross-docking comes in — a method designed to minimize delays, reduce warehousing costs, and enhance customer satisfaction through streamlined distribution. So, ... What Is Cross-Docking?
Ultimate Guide To FBA Prep
Selling on Amazon through the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program allows sellers to scale their businesses efficiently, but success depends on preparing inventory correctly before it reaches a fulfillment center. Amazon enforces strict compliance requirements, and failure to meet them can result in delays, penalties, or rejected shipments. Proper FBA prep helps sellers avoid inventory ... Ultimate Guide To FBA Prep
The Connection Between Warehousing and Distribution
Warehousing and distribution are closely linked in supply chain management. Warehousing involves the storage, organization, and management of goods, while distribution focuses on efficiently getting those goods from the warehouse to retailers or customers. Together, they ensure products are stored properly and delivered on time, helping businesses meet consumer demand and maintain smooth operations. In ... The Connection Between Warehousing and Distribution
Calculating Warehousing Costs
Check out our warehouse space calculator here! One of the most commonly asked questions by those looking to partner with commercial storage facilities is how warehousing costs are calculated. When it comes to warehousing, prices are dependent upon more than just the amount of storage space being used. Every decision made in a warehouse has ... Calculating Warehousing Costs
Food Storage Warehouse Requirements And FDA Regulations
Storing food properly is not just a matter of staying organized – it’s essential for preventing contamination, preserving product quality, and protecting a brand’s reputation. Warehouses that handle food products must follow strict guidelines to maintain safety and compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food storage warehouse regulations. Failing to meet these standards ... Food Storage Warehouse Requirements And FDA Regulations
What Is Third-Party Logistics (3PL)?
In today’s rapidly evolving supply chain landscape, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and meet growing customer demands. One key solution that has emerged as a game-changer is third-party logistics (3PL). A 3PL provider is a specialized partner that helps companies optimize their supply chain and logistics operations. These providers offer ... What Is Third-Party Logistics (3PL)?
Different Types of Manual Assembly Services
Traditionally speaking, assembly refers to the process of putting parts together to create a final end product. However, in the warehousing industry, this can take multiple forms and even bleed into other categories, all while still falling under the umbrella of assembly services. These services exist on a scale. On one side, there’s automated assembly, ... Different Types of Manual Assembly Services