What Is The Difference Between a Distribution Center And a Fulfillment Center

What Is The Difference Between a Distribution Center And a Fulfillment Center?

The terminology in eCommerce can be confusing. Some facilities appear to carry out the same function but are called different things. Two locations, in particular, are easily confused; the distribution center and the fulfillment center. Both are essentially warehouses but fulfill different roles in the supply chain. Here we examine the important differences between these two vital elements of modern logistics.

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Logistic Automation Will Shape The Future Of Logistics and Warehousing

Logistic Automation Will Shape The Future Of Logistics and Warehousing

In logistics, automation or automatic control refers to the use of control systems, machinery, or software to increase operational efficiency. It usually refers to processes that must be carried out at a warehouse or distribution centre with the least amount of human intervention possible. In fact, there are numerous procedures that could be automated along the supply chain (procurement, distribution, customer support, reverse logistics, etc.). According to Reports and Data, the logistics automation market has been growing significantly. Growing from USD 52.59 Billion in 2020, the logistics automation market is expected to register a CAGR of 12.4% to reach USD 133.21 Billion in 2028. Robotic arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and software are all examples of logistics automation. This technology combines to make warehouse procedures more efficient, safe, and precise. What was previously unthinkable in warehouses has now become not only conceivable, but also profitable, thanks to modern automation.

Material handling and logistics automation are inextricably linked. To increase efficiency and accuracy, automated processes and technology are used to supplement the personnel. These technologies can include, among others, the following:

  • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that transport totes and pallets
  • Warehouse-specific robotic arms that grasp, move, palletize, depalletize, and sort totes
  • Advanced automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RSs) with the ability to store products in racks

From the first mechanical pallet conveyors to the most recent lights-out facilities, the logistics business has always been ripe for automation. However, today's most sophisticated logistics automation technologies can be found in the cloud rather than on the warehouse floor. Automation technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) bots, Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) systems, and full hyper-automation platforms that orchestrate end-to-end processes involving both software and human workers are helping logistics managers eliminate operation-wide inefficiencies.

Logistics management used to be done on paper. Orders, bills of lading, and invoices were typed and passed back and forth by shippers. It was sluggish and prone to errors. In the 1970s, as computing began to take off in the industry, Electronic Data Interfaces (EDIs) were developed to share transportation data, allowing carriers to execute their first track-and-trace programs. Later, same carriers began to share such information with their customers, ushering in the present era of delivery notifications and tracking numbers included with every order.

Logistics automation tools began to face more complicated problems with the introduction of artificial intelligence. Today, AI-enabled automation solutions are automating logistical processes ranging from document verification to order tracking to predictive modelling.

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Shipping Methods and Order Fulfillment

Shipping Methods & Order Fulfillment: Everything You Need to Know

eCommerce is booming with time! Over the years, on observation eCommerce is more about convenience and choice. Renowned freight companies offer preferred shipping methods & multi-courier shipping solutions to their potential customers. Shipping products successfully is an integral part of customer satisfaction. Clients like to receive their goods quickly, safely, and in perfect condition.    

There are various modes of transporting cargo and other goods such as air, land, or water. All these three modes of shipping play a vital role in boosting the economy. Depending upon the benefits of each one, you can make a well-informed decision. In this article, here we discuss some common shipping terms, carriers, popular methods, drop ship service and fulfillment solutions.  

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TOP SUPPLY CHAIN TRENDS

Top 8 Supply Chain Technological Trends in 2021

Due to the global pandemic (COVID-19), the supply chain and logistics were the affected sectors back in 2020. Companies have been forced to search for new strategies and enhancements to adapt to the customers' sudden change of behaviour. All this is due to the domination of e-commerce and online purchase, which made them unable to resist the technology and to enhance their digital supply chain management and business performance.

This did generate the appearance of new technological trends that would have an impact on the supply chain in the upcoming years.

This article will present to you the different supply technological trends that are currently taking over in 2021 that will help it shape up and increase efficiency according to Gartner.

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