What is Omnichannel Fulfillment?

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.

Omnichannel fulfillment is the integrated management of order processes and inventories across all sales channels. Orders are processed centrally, which optimizes internal ordering and delivery processes and reduces delivery times and costs in the long term. Data such as warehouse stocks, customer details and order histories are available across all channels and can be synchronized. This enables efficient warehouse management and personalized customer service.

Types of omnichannel fulfillment

Because of the constantly growing share of online sales, it is important for companies to decide how they want to manage their fulfillment.

🛍️ Pick up on site (Click and Collect):

Customers can order online and collect their goods from the store. Orders are taken from the store's existing stock, which enables fast processing.

🏢 Central distribution center (1PL):

The company handles all logistical tasks itself - from storage and order picking to shipping. There are no external partners; the entire process is handled internally with the company's own resources and personnel.

🚛 Transportation by an external service provider (2PL):

The company stores and packs the goods itself, but commissions an external logistics service provider (e.g. DHL, UPS, freight forwarder) with the transportation. The service provider is only responsible for the physical transportation of the goods to the customer.

🤝 Contract with external fulfillment service provider (3PL):

Companies work together with third-party providers or specialized fulfillment centers which handle the storage, picking, packing and shipping of orders.

Multichannel Fulfillment in comparison: Separate channels, individual customer experience

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.

Similar to omnichannel fulfillment, products are also sold across different sales channels in the context of multichannel fulfillment. The difference, however, is that in a multichannel strategy, each channel works completely on its own. Orders, inventory management and customer service are channel-bound and separate from each other. The information and products that a customer receives in the various channels can differ. The customer experience therefore varies depending on the chosen sales channel.

The key to long-term success

A company does not automatically become an omnichannel provider just because it uses several sales channels. Only the systematic integration of these channels makes the difference – and offers real added value for customers and the company. Companies that already successfully operate multichannel fulfillment can increase customer satisfaction, optimize existing processes and become even more competitive in the long term by expanding into an omnichannel model. Omnichannel fulfillment can help to meet the rising expectations of prospective customers and retain customers in the long term. However, the transition to omnichannel fulfillment is a challenging process that requires both technological investments and fundamental adjustments to internal processes and corporate culture.

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Automation of logistics as part of omnichannel fulfillment

A conveyor system transports beige fabric bags along an overhead track in an industrial or warehouse setting, supporting seamless omnichannel fulfillment. The bags appear to be in motion, with some blurred due to speed.

Intelligent logistics solutions can be used to automate a wide range of intralogistics processes. From incoming and outgoing goods sorting, to storage, picking and 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 precisely to your requirements. Our systems offer you the right solutions for all omnichannel strategies to enable the connection and integration of a wide range of channels.

Automated Sorting and Sequencing

Systems for automatic sorting and sequencing are an efficient solution, especially when it comes to the fulfilment of store and e-commerce orders in parallel. With the help of intelligent sorting matrices and dynamic buffering, e-commerce orders with a large number of different items can be delivered to the picking stations in the correct order and dispatched in a very short 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 crucial to the long-term realization of effective omnichannel fulfillment.

👉 Jetzt die AutoPocket für ein effizientes Omnichannel Fulfillment entdecken
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

Intralogistics solutions from DFT for successful omnichannel fulfillment

✅ Processing high volumes of different ordertypes

DFT solutions such as the AutoPocket optimize omnichannel fulfilment by efficiently processing large quantities of different orders. Through intelligent sequencing and automatic infeed for 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 fast 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% tracking 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.

✅ Quick and reliable onboarding of new employees

The workplaces of DFT’s solutions support the fast and reliable training of new employees through clearly defined processes. New employees quickly get a structured overview of their tasks and responsibilities. This makes it easier to integrate 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.

Advantages of an effective omnichannel fulfillment strategy

Reduced delivery times and logistics costs

More efficient processes can shorten delivery times and reduce logistics costs.

Optimizing the customer experience

Fast delivery and returns response times significantly improve the customer experience.

Transparent processes

Transparent logistics processes increase customer confidence in the company.

Increase in customer loyalty

Efficient fulfillment strategies help to win new customers and retain existing ones.

Improved sustainability

Sustainable fulfillment options help to reduce the ecological footprint.

Efficient inventory management

Real-time transparency across all channels reduces excess stock and stock shortages.

Your partner for efficient omnichannel fulfillment

Our solutions enable seamless integration of all sales channels and optimize your intralogistics processes to maximize efficiency. Get in touch with our experts and find the perfect solution for your challenges.

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