Here we discuss the features and advantages of 3PL software, along with a comparison of top third-party inventory management platforms, so you can select the best 3PL WMS software for your operation.
Key features to prioritize in 3PL warehouse software
3PL inventory management software provides tools and resources to streamline third-party logistics services and supply chain management. While every operation has different needs, the following features are crucial for modern 3PL warehouse software:
- Multiwarehouse syncing: Choose 3PL software with multiwarehouse management capabilities. Using a multiwarehouse tracking system lets you view and track inventory levels across all of your warehouse facilities.
- Automation: Automated warehouse and inventory management software tracks inventory in real time and facilitates quick warehouse transfers and order rerouting to ensure prompt order fulfillment.
- Ecommerce platform integration: Ecommerce platform integration with third-party logistics inventory management software connects ecommerce businesses directly to the 3PL provider. Ecommerce orders go to the 3PL provider for picking, packing, and shipping, while the ecommerce organization receives real-time inventory updates and shipment tracking information.
- Client-specific workflows: Opt for 3PL warehouse software that includes multiclient architecture. Clients see their own inventory, reporting, and billing through a personalized portal, while the 3PL provider can access workflows for multiple clients.
Each of these features promotes agility and scalability to encourage your 3PL business growth. Taken together, they can help you lower costs, improve fulfillment efficiency, and boost customer satisfaction.
Why warehouse software matters for 3PL operations
Managing multiple clients and warehouses is virtually impossible without the use of modern 3PL warehouse management software. 3PL inventory management tools streamline complex fulfillment operations, track inventory for multiple clients, and meet fluctuating customer demands. Benefits for your 3PL operation include:
- Efficiency gains: Order processing, picking, packing, and shipping are less labor intensive with automated 3PL warehouse management. Real-time tracking and automated warehouse transfers reduce the amount of human time and effort needed to fulfill each order.
- Reduced error rates: With fewer hands-on steps, automatic SKU verification, and real-time stock levels, 3PL operations see fewer inventory and shipping errors. This improves overall operational efficiency, reduces costs, and boosts customer satisfaction.
- Fulfillment speed: Modern 3PL inventory software provides real-time information about all your available inventory across warehouses. You can quickly initiate product transfers between warehouses to meet demand or automatically route orders to warehouses where the product is in stock for quicker and more efficient fulfillment.
- Operational control: A centralized 3PL inventory management system allows logistics providers to control the workflow for multiple warehouses and clients from one platform. This streamlines order fulfillment, warehousing, and inventory management across the organization.
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Leading inventory management systems for 3PLs
Scaling your 3PL operation in today’s competitive ecommerce market requires investment in the latest inventory management 3PL software. Below we discuss the top inventory management systems for 3PLs.
Logiwa
A cloud-based 3PL WMS, Logiwa is the next generation in 3PL warehouse management systems. The platform offers extensive operating flexibility, with cloud scalability, smooth 3PL integration with multiple platforms, and extensive automation for inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping. Logiwa’s 3PL WMS is ideal for both small and large warehouse operations and 3PL networks serving a variety of ecommerce and retail clients.
ShipHero
ShipHero provides 3PL fulfillment and warehouse management services for ecommerce marketplaces, shopping platforms, and multiwarehouse operations. They offer centralized, user-friendly controls and are capable of integrating with numerous ecommerce platforms.
Extensiv (3PL Central)
Extensiv streamlines warehousing operations, including receiving, order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping for ecommerce clients. Picking, packing, and shipping are automated through the platform, which also provides real-time inventory updates and order statuses through a client portal.
ShipHawk
ShipHawk is a WMS and shipping software provider for parcel, full-truckload, and less-than-truckload shipping. They provide scalable warehouse and fulfillment solutions, including automated shipping software and multicustomer management for high-volume ecommerce, retail, and wholesale organizations.
Choosing the right platform for your fulfillment network
When selecting the best 3PL inventory management platform for your fulfillment operations, consider the following factors:
- Product features: Review the features offered by each 3PL fulfillment platform. Do they meet your needs when it comes to scalability, multiwarehouse management, real-time inventory tracking, and customer-focused workflows? Can the platform handle your operation’s complexities, and can it be tailored to your brand’s fulfillment requirements?
- Software pricing: Calculate the return on investment for investing in quality 3PL inventory management software. How much will you save in labor, error mitigation, and other management costs? How do the cost savings compare to your initial investment and monthly service fees?
- Integration capabilities: Ensure that your 3PL platform is compatible with systems throughout your supply chain. Does it integrate with ecommerce providers and your own internal systems?
Smarter fulfillment starts with Logiwa
Logiwa leads the industry in advanced warehouse and inventory management software. Our forward-thinking 3PL fulfillment software is a fulfillment management system that integrates both B2B and B2C functions. This comprehensive approach enables your 3PL to compete in a hybrid market of ecommerce and brick-and-mortar demands.
Reach out to our experts today to request a demo and see how our AI-driven 3PL management software can streamline your fulfillment operations.
3PL inventory management FAQs
What is 3PL inventory management?
3PL inventory management is the practice of using third-party logistics companies to handle inventory tracking, warehouse management, and order fulfillment.
Why do 3PLs need dedicated warehouse software?
3PLs need dedicated warehouse software to handle complex multiclient operations, including inventory tracking, fulfillment, and shipping efficiently and accurately.
How does software improve fulfillment accuracy?
Software improves fulfillment accuracy for 3PLs by employing real-time inventory tracking, automated SKU verification, and AI-powered fulfillment to avoid human error and streamline operations.
