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Opportunities and Challenges in Footwear Fulfillment
Bryan Corbett • Sep 22, 2014
Logistics operations, like many other things, are constantly evolving. This is especially true for the footwear industry. As technology creates new opportunities for consumers and new efficiencies for companies, it can also introduce new challenges.
Take the National Football League for example. Athletes are bigger, faster and stronger than ever and the sport has never been more popular. Star players are earning astronomical salaries and outlets are covering teams around the clock. However, strategies that worked 20, 10 or even five years ago may not be effective today. Changes in rules, player discipline and coaching have made this quite a different game. The footwear fulfillment game has also changed, creating these opportunities and challenges:
Opportunities
- E-Commerce: E-Commerce has become a premier platform for shoes. Its strength over traditional brick and mortar is that it can offer selection, convenience and value. These three elements are prime factors for the footwear industry. Where the restraints of a physical store limit the amount of styles and sizes available at any given time, e-commerce can virtually make any and every shoe available, often at a better price, without the hassle of shopping in person. In 2012, online shoe sales increased to over $7.8 billion, according to Daily Deal Media. As more companies embrace this technology, the opportunity for more revenue is there.
- Omni-Channel Fulfillment: With more and more options for customers as it pertains to not only shoes, but also ordering and delivery preferences, omni-channel capabilities are becoming more important. The ability to offer “ship-to-store” or fulfill product orders from store inventory can meet new consumer demands and present a better overall experience.
Challenges
- Limited Fulfillment Capabilities: Just as yesterday’s playbook doesn’t work in today’s football game, the technology and processes of heritage systems and operations are quickly becoming ineffective. Upgrades to warehouse management systems, inventory controls and the development, or optimization, of an e-commerce platform are essential.
- Supply Chain Visibility: As the channels to generate revenue increase, so does the complexity of the supply chain. Tracking inventory and creating efficiencies can be key differentiators in the footwear sector. The more streamlined your supply chain, the greater impact it can have on your bottom line.
While the landscape of the footwear industry is changing, the supply chain is playing a larger role. Consumers are demanding more options and lower prices.; sound supply chain management can meet both of these criteria. With the proper resources and management, the challenges facing footwear brands can become opportunities to increase efficiency and, in turn, business. A 3PL can provide the necessary resources and skills to meet these demands and produce these results. аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø, with a focus on technology and transparency, specializes in footwear fulfillment, warehousing and logistics.
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By deploying a drone-based inventory monitoring solution at its Hillsborough, N.J., facility, аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø, a growing 3PL, has taken license plate accuracy to the next level, helping with order picking and eliminating time spent on manual cycle counts.
As a third-party logistics provider with over 80 years of experience in the industry, Barrett Distribution understands that speed and accuracy are crucial. E-commerce brands need their orders picked, packed and shipped to customers within minutes. Barrett meets these demands by offering a wide range of integration options tailored to its client's specific needs. Barrett's Expertise in Simplifying IT Integration for Clients Barrett supports everything from traditional, straightforward system integrations like flat files transferred to an SFTP site to more sophisticated solutions such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) over AS2 or a value-added network (VAN). However, the real innovation lies in Barrett’s robust stack of REST APIs. These APIs allow clients to programmatically interface with various systems within Barrett, including the Warehouse Management System (WMS) layer, providing a future-ready technology solution. For tech-savvy clients, this means the possibility of integrating with Barrett’s systems even before operations go live, ensuring a smooth transition and continuous operation. Additionally, Barrett offers quick and effective plug-in solutions for popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and QuickBooks Online through its partnership with Pipe17. This enables rapid integration, making connecting with Barrett's systems easier for clients using these platforms. For brands using NetSuite, Barrett's long-standing Oracle SDN partner expertise provides a best-in-class interface. Whether a client uses TrueCommerce, SPS Commerce, or another EDI provider, Barrett can integrate seamlessly, making NetSuite the central hub of operations. This flexibility extends to environments with pre-existing customizations, allowing clients to benefit from Barrett’s solutions without disrupting their current setups. How Barrett Prioritizes Security and Integrity in a Digital Landscape As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, the security and integrity of client data have never been more critical. Barrett Distribution takes this responsibility seriously by adhering to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which guides its technology choices and security posture. Barrett has established long-term partnerships with industry-leading cybersecurity providers including Okta, CrowdStrike, Arctic Wolf, and GuidePoint Security. These relationships ensure that Barrett remains at the forefront of IT security, leveraging the best technology to protect client data from a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Investment in IT security is a top priority at Barrett. Unlike some organizations that operate under the principle of "no budget" for IT security, Barrett carefully allocates significant resources to this area. This strategic investment ensures Barrett can provide a secure environment for client operations and data, safeguarding against potential data loss and other cyber threats. How Barrett Stands Out in IT in the 3PL Industry Barrett Distribution's approach to IT infrastructure combines innovation, flexibility, and robust security. For many years, Barrett has been a cloud and SaaS-first company, giving it a significant advantage over its peers. Barrett can deliver tailored innovations quickly and efficiently by maintaining deep partnerships with commercial software providers while developing in-house capabilities. This unique approach allows Barrett to react swiftly to client needs, whether implementing a small yet impactful change or responding to an urgent business opportunity. In contrast to competitors relying solely on off-the-shelf packages, Barrett’s ability to innovate internally ensures that it can provide the right solution at the right time, keeping client operations running smoothly and securely. Conclusion Barrett Distribution is a third-generation 3PL leader in IT integration and security within the 3PL industry. With a comprehensive approach that includes advanced integration options, strong cybersecurity measures, and a commitment to innovation, Barrett ensures its clients can operate seamlessly and securely in today’s digital landscape. Ready to Enhance Your Logistics with Cutting-Edge IT аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø? We understand that your business demands more than just logistics—it requires seamless integration, robust security, and innovative technology—partner with us to experience a long-term 3PL partner that aligns with your digital needs. Contact us today to learn how our tailored IT solutions can uplevel your operations and keep you ahead of the competition.
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