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Article Outline:
Have you ever wondered what the fulfillment process at 5 Stones looks like behind the scenes?
It might surprise you how effortless it is!
If your organization is considering working with a 3PL, there are a few things you should know about the fulfillment process.
At 5 Stones, we keep things simple, efficient, and cost-effective. Visit our Fulfillment Page for more information on what we can do for your organization.
It starts with receiving. Clients reach out to us with the information about their inventory in the form of a purchase order. This purchase order tells us which inventory is being sent to our warehouse, so we can be prepared to receive and stock it.
The process begins when an order enters our system, and a custom-sized box is created. Each box is given a license plate number (LPN), which is generated by our Warehouse Management System (WMS).
The box then goes on a conveyor belt and passes through a series of scanners, which scan the LPN to determine which zone the box will divert to. Once a box diverts to a particular zone, items will be picked from that zone and packed into the box. It will then continue along the conveyor belt until the whole order has been packed.
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The next step, when the box goes past the inline scale and reaches the processing zone, is known as the weight verification process. This lets us know whether the box is the same weight as previously reported by the WMS.
If the weight does not match up, the box is sent to the “hospital” to diagnose what might have gone wrong during the picking process. We are then able to correct the issue before the package even leaves our warehouse, which reduces the need for replacement orders or reshipments.
The Releasing Profile determines how each package will be packed and sealed.
There are 4 different processing methods:
The boxes that have been packed are given pre-generated shipping labels and sent through an auto-taper which seals the boxes.
This method is used for things like Amazon or LTL orders or orders that require special handling/packing (e.g., fragile items that need more bubble wrap).
This method quickly processes single-item orders or small orders that that would normally fit into an envelope.
The cold seal machine will pressure-seal items in secure corrugated cardboard packaging, so you can rest assured that each item is handled carefully and efficiently.
Sometimes we have to process larger orders that are packed by case unit, rather than just individually. This method looks at these large orders of identical makeup and batches them for a streamlined production process.
These orders are processed in a separate part of our warehouse with a slightly different process. For case orders, an entire pallet, rather than a box, will receive an LPN, and a forklift operator will pick entire cases of a product and pack them onto the pallet. Once the pallet is full, it will be sealed, processed, and placed in the warehouse's pickup area.
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Sorting takes place after each package is processed. Once all orders have been packed and labeled, the packages are scanned and sorted according to carrier into a bin or a pallet. This lets our system know that the package has gone through all the necessary steps and confirms that it is now in the hands of the carrier who will pick it up, which helps us keep track of each and every order!
We are constantly growing. We work with many different carriers that help make your mission possible: UPS, FedEx, and USPS are just a few that we partner with.
Wondering how long this all takes? You might be surprised by how quick the process is!
From the moment your order enters our system, our warehouse begins picking, packing, and labelling your packages, meaning we process your order in under 24 hours.
We understand that different organizations have different busy seasons. As a Catholic apostolate ourselves, we know how sales are impacted by the liturgical calendar. From getting books shipped out for the next Catholic conference to making sure our clergy have everything they need for the Lent and Advent seasons, we get your products shipped on time.
We are excited to see what God has in store for your team! We would love to work with you.
