What a logistics software integration is and what advantages it brings to your online store

Martin Jezy07 November 202310 min

You're considering outsourcing the logistics of your online store and wondering what a logistics software integration is, how it works, and what exactly a logistics management software does?

We'll address these questions and demonstrate why logistics software integrations are the key to success in e-commerce!

  • What logistics software integration means 
  • What a logistics software is and how it operates
  • Integrating your shop system into a logistics software
  • The advantages of using a logistics management software
  • How logistics software will change your business for the better

What logistics software integration means

  • In fulfillment, logistics software integration refers to establishing a connection between your online store and the logistics software of the fulfillment company.

This connection enables seamless communication and the automatic transfer of orders from your online shop to the logistics system. Manual input is eliminated, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in the order processing.

 

What a logistics software is and how it operates

Logistics software plays a crucial role in the fulfillment process, facilitating the smooth flow of orders and coordinating all logistics activities between a company and its fulfillment provider.

Typically web-based, our logistics software, the Connector, acts as the interface between your online shop and our warehouses, where all order data is tracked and managed.

Take a look at our cutting-edge logistics software, the Connector, which boasts a user-friendly logistics dashboard.

Once a customer places an order on your online shop, it is automatically transmitted to the logistics software. The program captures essential information such as product details, quantity, delivery address, and shipping preferences, eliminating the need for manual data entry and potential errors.

Additionally, the logistics software is closely integrated with the fulfillment company's warehouse. 

This seamless integration enables efficient communication between the two systems, allowing warehouse staff to promptly view and process incoming orders. When an order is received, it is immediately forwarded to the relevant warehouse, enabling staff to begin picking and packing the products.

 

Integrating your shop system into a logistics software

The technical integration between your online shop system and the logistics software is typically handled by the fulfillment company. You won't need to do much yourself.
 

  1. The process of integrating an online shop system with logistics software typically involves utilizing an interface known as an "API," which is mutually supported by both systems.
     
  2. Now, let's delve into the technical details: once the connection is established, you gain the flexibility to tailor the data transfer between these systems. This entails "mapping" the corresponding data fields between your online shop and the logistics software.

    However, don't worry, it's not as complicated as it might seem! It simply involves aligning key information such as product names, quantities, delivery addresses, shipping options, and more, to ensure accurate and seamless transfer.

  3. As soon as a customer places an order on your online shop, it automatically gets transmitted to the logistics software. This transmission can occur in real-time if there's a direct connection, or it can be done at regular intervals through a method called "batch" or batch processing.

The initial step in collaborating with a fulfillment provider to outsource your logistics involves integrating the shop system. Throughout the onboarding process, the fulfillment team guides you through each step. As part of this process, your products are added to the logistics software and organized within the fulfillment provider's warehouse.

Consequently, each of your products can be accurately assigned and efficiently processed.
  

With our services, integrating shop systems is typically a breeze and only takes a few minutes. We offer pre-built interfaces to seamlessly connect with all major online shops, ERP systems, and marketplaces.

Be it Shopify, WooCommerce, Prestashop, Plentymarkets, Billbee, Xentral or Amazon. No problem at all! Our logistics cockpit, the Connector, developed in-house by logistics experts, is being further improved every day and geared towards optimum efficiency. Find out more.

The advantages of using a logistics management software

What makes a logistics software integration so practical? Well, it offers a wide array of advantages!

  •   Time-saving integrations:

Automating the transfer of order data into the logistics system eliminates the need for manual data entry. This results in less work for you and your team, allowing you to focus on essential tasks like business growth.

  •   Error reduction through integrations:

Manual data entries are susceptible to errors, leading to potential delays or incorrect shipments. However, with a properly set up software integration, these errors are minimized. Orders are accurately and correctly submitted, leading to increased customer satisfaction.

  •   Data-rich integrations:

Data is invaluable! Integrating your online shop system with logistics software grants you real-time access to critical information. With just a few clicks, you can track order statuses, monitor inventory levels, and stay on top of deliveries. This provides you with a comprehensive overview, enabling quick problem-solving.

  •   Scalable integrations:

Software integrations offer remarkable flexibility! As your business expands, there's no need to worry about whether your logistics software can keep up. Integrations make it seamless to add new products, incorporate additional warehouse locations, and effortlessly integrate your fulfillment provider into your expansion plans.

Bottom line: If you want to put the logistics of your online shop in experienced hands, you should definitely consider integrating with a fulfilment provider. They bring efficiency, accuracy and real-time information to your business.
 

With a seamless connection between your online shop and logistics software, you can focus on what's really important: the growth of your online shop and the satisfaction of your customers.

How logistics software will change your business for the better

Now you know a lot about what logistics software is and the benefits of integration. But the best is yet to come!

The many useful features of logistics software, improve the workflow of your business at every level and free up resources to grow and penetrate new markets!
 

  • Inventory management: 

The software records current stock levels and allows for accurate monitoring of available products. It automatically transmits the current stock and tracking numbers back to the shop system via the interface.

This keeps you up to date, helps you avoid bottlenecks and ensures that there is always enough stock.

  • Order management:

The logistics tool organises and manages all incoming orders. You can track the status of each order, from order acceptance to dispatch. This avoids chaos, creates transparency and allows you to plan ahead accordingly. 

  • Shipping optimisation:

The logistics software calculates all shipping options for each order, from which fulfilment customers can choose the most cost-effective and fastest shipping method for them.

  • Tracking and notifications:

You can track your orders in real time and your customers receive automatic notifications about the shipping status and estimated delivery time. Our connector alerts you - among other things - automatically when certain products in stock are running low.

  • Reports:

Detailed reports on orders, stock levels, shipping costs and much more are delivered up to date by the logistics software. This gives you valuable insight into your business and allows you to make informed decisions. Plus, our dashboard in the Connector shows you the most important data at a glance.

Instead of spending hours processing orders and shipping parcels, you can focus on growing your business and attracting new customers. Benefit from the automation of your logistics by integrating your online shop with an innovative logistics software like our Connector!

 

Set your business up for growth and your logistics will scale with it. With an integrated solution, you're ready for change and can easily adapt to new situations. 
 

Sources

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