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Toy Fulfillment: 3 Supply Chain Strategies to Consider
Scott Hothem • Mar 30, 2018
This year over will be purchasing toys. With the average consumer expected to spend about $800, this is a substantial time of the year for toy manufacturers and retailers. The pressures of keeping costs low while responding to greater delivery demands and options are amplified during the holidays, but need to be addressed year round. Poor fulfillment can quickly ruin a birthday or special occasion. To prevent your toys and your brand from being synonymous with disappointment, optimizing your fulfillment operations and supply chain is imperative. Here are three strategic tips that can keep your supply chain lean, fulfillment accurate and inventory efficient.
- Upgraded technology: A lot of issues that toy manufacturers and retailers run into stem from heritage systems and legacy software. Tapping into the new technologies that address customer concerns and expectations can be difficult with these tools. Implementing technology and processes that enhance visibility can keep your supply chain lean and running smoothly.
- Leverage brick and mortar locations as fulfillment centers: A lot of big companies are utilizing their inventory and store locations to meet consumer demands. This strategy is creating the opportunity to keep pace with on-line only operations by cutting shipping costs, shipping longer into the holiday season, and even offering same-day delivery. Drop shipping directly from store locations can be an efficient use of inventory as well as a great option for consumers.
- Outsource when and where necessary: Recognizing your strengths and utilizing outside skills and resources to improve your operation, specifically your supply chain, can create a tremendous advantage. Even newer strategies, like drop shipping from store inventory, can benefit from fine tuning. Too much can disrupt customers visiting the store, too little can become an expensive undertaking. Understanding how fast inventory is moving from both the storefront and distribution center is key. Scaling human resources, space and technology for peak times can also be more effective from a third party.
As more purchases shift from the store to the web, effectively handling those orders and the increased demands that accompany them has never been more important. As your brand grows and peak seasons arrive, having the ability to scale, avoid errors and keep costs down can become difficult. Leveraging the expertise and experience of a third party logistics company can relieve these pain points. With a focus on technology and a customized process that fits your supply chain needs, аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø has been creating fulfillment solutions for over 73 years.
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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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