Logistics in transition - increasing requirements

Stoffbahnen hängen an Klammern an einem automatisierten Fördersystem in einer Fabrik und veranschaulichen die entscheidende Effizienz für die Omnichannel-Abwicklung. Der Bewegungsunschärfeeffekt zeigt die Bewegung entlang der Schiene in dieser hell erleuchteten Industrieumgebung.

Increasing channel diversity is leading to growing complexity in order processing:

Customers expect fast delivery times, cross-channel services and smooth returns. At the same time, the requirements for warehouse flexibility and automation are increasing. Today, logistics systems must be able to do more and remain scalable at the same time. With the right strategy and the right system, you can stay in control at all times – thanks to automated processes, cross-channel inventory management and intelligent order management.

Multi-channel fulfillment models

In order to process orders via multiple sales channels, there are various models for how this order processing can be organized.

🏠 Inhouse fulfillment (1PL):

The company handles the entire logistics itself - from storage to order picking and shipping. This method offers maximum control over processes and quality, but also requires considerable human and infrastructural resources.

🚛 Second-Party Logistics (2PL):

The 2PL model describes a logistics structure in which a company handles the storage and order picking of its products itself, but outsources transportation to external service providers - typically freight forwarders, parcel services or carriers

📦 Third-Party Logistics (3PL):

3PL refers to the outsourcing of logistics to a specialized service provider. This typically takes over warehousing, packaging, shipping and, in some cases, returns management.

🔀 Hybrid fulfillment

Hybrid fulfillment combines different fulfillment strategies, such as in-house fulfillment for certain products, 3PL for others and dropshipping for other product ranges. This flexible approach allows companies to adapt their logistics to different requirements and sales channels, but also involves a certain degree of complexity in terms of coordination.

Stores as part of the supply chain

An automated packaging conveyor belt carries cardboard boxes through a bustling warehouse. In the background, shelves brimming with similar boxes hint at a seamless packing and shipping system. The bright lighting accentuates the efficiency of the organized inventory process.

Stores can be used as decentralized fulfillment points if required – e.g. for Click & Collect or Reserve & Collect. Our systems support the seamless connection of store areas to central logistics processes and ensure that customer availability and operational efficiency are not a contradiction in terms. Whether e-commerce shipping, wholesale processing or store delivery: with intelligent sorting systems, you can control everything via a central system. Picking, packing and distribution – efficient, flexible and fully automated.

Standardize and intelligently process returns processes

Returns from different channels often lead to separate processes. With the help of integrated multi-channel fulfillment, returns from online, retail and store businesses can be processed together. With DFT’s solutions, these cross-channel returns can be managed transparently, automatically and efficiently – from collection and sorting through to return to the warehouse or resale.

👉 Learn more about returns management
EN TEst

Technology as a link: automation of multi-channel fulfillment

Große weiße Stoffsäcke hängen an einem sich schnell bewegenden industriellen Fördersystem in einer Fabrik und verschwimmen in der Bewegung, während sie sich drehen - ein Beispiel für die Effizienz von Multi-Channel-Fulfillment-Vorgängen.

Our systems combine cross-channel order and warehouse data with physical conveying and sorting technology. Interfaces to ERP and the WMS enable a holistic view of all movements and stocks. At the same time, the processes remain highly automated and resilient – even when volumes fluctuate. From incoming and outgoing goods sorting, through storage and retrieval, to fully automated returns processing. DFT’s solutions for material handling, sorter systems and associated software can be individually adapted to your strategy and requirements by consulting our DFT experts. The degree of automation can also be tailored to your requirements. Our systems offer you the right solutions for your multi-channel strategy to enable the networking and integration of a wide variety of channels.

Intralogistics solutions from DFT for successful multi-channel fulfillment

✅ Processing high volumes of different orders

DFT solutions such as the AutoPocket optimize multi-channel fulfillment by efficiently processing large quantities of different orders. Through intelligent sequencing and automatic feeding to packaging, orders are transferred just-in-time to the packaging stations. This minimizes manual intervention and walking distances and increases the efficiency of the entire fulfilment process.

✅ Efficient returns handling

DFT’s AutoPocket enables returns to be processed quickly and automatically. With the help of dynamic buffers and customized strategies, returns can be resold without being put into storage.

✅ Store delivery & eCommerce fulfillment

DFT’s sorting and sequencing systems enable precise processing and rapid distribution of large quantities of goods to different stores. This ensures that stores are supplied on time and in line with demand, which increases customer satisfaction in the long term and optimizes stock levels. DFT’s solutions also support the efficient processing of e-commerce orders, which often consist of many different individual items and require fast and accurate processing.

✅ Maximum accuracy in order picking

The use of technologies such as RFID and matrix sorting ensures 100% traceability and unique identification of each item. This means that ordered items can be delivered to the picking stations automatically and error-free, in the exact order.

✅ Fast and reliable training of new employees

The workstations in DFT’s solutions support the fast and reliable induction of new employees through clearly defined processes. New employees are very quickly given a structured overview of their tasks and responsibilities. This facilitates the integration of new employees and increases productivity right from the start.

✅ Pleasant and safer working conditions

DFT’s automated logistics solutions help to minimize physical strain and the risk of injury, which can significantly increase safety in the workplace. Ergonomically designed workstations and reduced noise levels create a comfortable and productive working environment.

Automatic sorting and sequencing

Systems for automatic sorting and sequencing are an efficient solution, especially when it comes to the parallel implementation of store, fillial and e-commerce orders. With the help of intelligent sorting matrices and dynamic storage, e-commerce orders with a large number of different items can be delivered to the picking stations in the correct order and dispatched in the shortest possible time. At the same time, the systems can process store or branch orders, which typically consist of various items in very large quantities. Smart pocket sorters such as the AutoPocket can optimize the entire picking and ordering process in terms of speed and efficiency. Automated and smart solutions are particularly critical to the long-term implementation of effective multi-channel fulfillment.

👉Discover the AutoPocket now
The Pocket Sorter, AutoPocket is hanging on a metal rail system in a warehouse. One pouch contains an orange plastic-wrapped item, partially visible as it is transported. It is used in terms of Omnichannel Fulfillment

Questions & answers on the topic of multi-channel fulfillment

What is multi-channel fulfillment?

Multi-channel fulfillment refers to the logistical processing of orders across multiple sales channels – typically e-commerce, stationary retail (stores) and wholesale. The aim is to efficiently process different order types from a central warehouse system. The special feature: processes such as picking, packing, shipping and returns take place across channels, but within a consolidated system. This creates synergies, shorter throughput times and greater transparency – without redundant structures or separate warehouse areas for individual channels.

Does multi-channel fulfillment also make sense for smaller companies?

Yes, even smaller retailers benefit from cross-channel logistics – especially if they sell on multiple platforms or combine bricks-and-mortar retail with e-commerce.
By automating and centralizing processes, resources can be used more efficiently and sources of error reduced.
In addition, a scalable fulfillment model enables smaller companies to present themselves professionally and keep up with larger competitors.

Are DFT's solutions scalable for growing requirements?

Yes, DFT’s sorting solutions are modular and can be flexibly adapted to increasing volumes, new channels or additional locations. The performance of the processes is maintained even during seasonal peaks or short-term market changes.

Thanks to the sophisticated system architecture, additional functions or automation solutions can be integrated at any time.

How long does it take to implement an effective multi-channel fulfillment solution?

The implementation time of our solutions depends on the scope of the project. As a rule, implementation takes place in several phases – from analysis and integration to go-live. Depending on the complexity of the existing system landscape and the number of connected sales channels, implementation can take some time.

Together with our experts, we develop a structured project plan with clearly defined milestones that ensures transparency and smooth implementation.

Your partner for efficient multi-channel fulfillment

Our tailor-made solutions enable seamless integration of all distribution channels and optimize your intralogistics processes for maximum efficiency. Let our experts advise you and find the perfect solution for your challenges.

👉 Contact our experts now