Why Choose a Cloud-based 3PL WMS?
Owning and operating a third-party logistics (3PL) business is no simple task. One minute you’re handling a steady stream of orders; the next you’re sinking in piles of inventory, shipping delays, and angry customers. Imagine a solution offering 360 visibility, end-to-end automation, and real-time control without the burden of costly IT infrastructure. That is the power of a Cloud-Based 3PL WMS.
Across the globe, businesses are moving towards cloud-based solutions, and according to industry reports, more than 90% of organizations are adopting cloud technology to gain a competitive edge and streamline operations. But is the switch worth it? Absolutely. Dive deep into this blog to explore why a Cloud 3PL WMS is not just a smart move but is indispensable when it comes to staying relevant in the competitive logistics world.
What is a Cloud-based 3PL WMS?
Okay, let's break it down. Your Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the brain of your warehouse. It helps you manage everything from inventory and order processing to shipping and returns. Now, by adding that "cloud" element, you have a system that can be accessed, anywhere, anytime via the internet. It is much like checking your emails from anywhere whether you’re present or not in the office, you’ve got your phone with you, your tablet, or your laptop. This is the beauty of a Cloud-based WMS. They are specifically designed to meet the needs of 3PL providers. The software is not an on-premise server but one hosted in the cloud, giving 3PL companies access to real-time inventory, orders, and analytics, which leads to smooth and efficient operations.
Top Features of Cloud 3PL Warehouse Management System
Imagine you’re running a 3PL business, and out of the blue, you just got hit with a ton of orders. Now with an old-school WMS, you’d be working with obsolete data and cubes of traffic. However, with a Cloud-based 3PL WMS, you are never out of the loop with real-time insights.
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Scalability – Scale your business without making massive IT investments.
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Remote Accessibility – You can manage operations from anywhere, at any time as WMS is hosted on the cloud.
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Seamless Integrations – Easy integrations with shipping carriers, accounting tools, and marketplaces.
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Automatic Updates – Your software will be updated automatically without the need for any manual updates or expensive maintenance.
How a Cloud-Based WMS Solves Major 3PL Challenges?
The Pain Points of Traditional Warehouse Management (and How a Cloud 3PL WMS Solves Them)
1. Inventory Inaccuracy
- Solution: Solve this by using 3PL WMS like Fulfillor to get a real-time view of your inventory, which removes the guesswork, reduces errors, and prevents you from going out of stock.
2. High Operational Costs
- Solution: Cloud-based WMS solutions can be deployed at a very low cost without heavy investments in expensive hardware and IT maintenance, saving money
3. Lack of Visibility
- Solution: A Cloud-based WMS provides a 360-degree view of the whole supply chain; and provides end-to-end transparency to the market.
4. Slow Order Fulfillment
- Solution: Picking, packing, and shipping processes are automatic in a 3PL WMS, resulting in accelerated fulfillment times, and minimizing errors.
One of our 3PL clients decreased order fulfillment errors by 25% in just three months after transitioning to a cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) such as Fulfillor.
Top Reasons 3PL Companies are Upgrading to Cloud-Based WMS | Cloud 3PL WMS Advantages
Still thinking that you should switch or not? Here are some compelling reasons for 3PLs to make the switch:
1. Cost-effective
Traditional WMS solutions need massive upfront capital investing in hardware and IT support. Say no to pricey hardware and IT maintenance with Cloud 3PL software. It saves your upfront infrastructure investment, as it is a subscription product and is subscribed on a pay-per-use basis, which lowers your cost and is easily within the budget.
2. Scalability
Growing pains? Not anymore. Adapt to peak seasons without any sweat with 3PL WMS. Cloud-based WMS solutions can grow with your business which means that you can always meet higher demand without worrying about infrastructure.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
A 3PL WMS provides advanced analytics to extract valuable data insights and track order trends, customer behavior, and warehouse efficiency. Data-driven companies are growing 5x faster than those that aren’t.
4. Enhanced Operations & Better Accuracy
Work from anywhere at any time with cloud-based access Cloud-based WMS solutions use automation and streamlined processes that eliminate manual error and save time while delivering more productivity and accuracy, which ultimately leads to increased customer satisfaction.
5. Real-Time Visibility
Track everything. Cloud-based WMS provides real-time data about inventory levels, orders, and shipments from anywhere, at any time. So you can avoid mistakes and fulfill orders much faster with real-time inventory tracking.
6. Enhanced Security
Cloud-based WMS providers invest heavily in the security of their services to ensure that your data is safe from malicious hackers and cyber attacks.
What to Look for in a Cloud-Based WMS for Your 3PL Company?
Things to Consider When Making the Switch
The fact is, 3PL software is not one-size-fits-all. Your selection of Cloud 3PL WMS makes all the difference. Here’s what to look for:
- Integration Capabilities: Does it connect with your e-commerce platforms, Shipping carriers, and accounting tools?
- Scalability: Can it grow with you without degradation in performance?
- Security & Compliance: Is it GDPR, SOC2, and ISO certified?
- Easy-to-Use Interface: Is it easy for your team to use it and get up to speed?
- Customer Service: Is support available whenever needed?
Fulfillor 3PL WMS ticks all these boxes, making it a top choice for 3PLs looking to streamline their operations.
Conclusion
The future of warehousing is not about working harder — but rather, working smarter. Using a Cloud-based WMS enables 3PLs to reduce expenses, streamline operations, and delight customers.
A robust 3PL WMS like Fulfillor is designed to tackle these pain points head-on, making it a top choice for 3PLs looking to streamline their operations, making it easier for 3PLs to focus on growth rather than operational headaches. Fulfillor offers advanced, scalable, and intuitive 3PL WMS Software to manage your 3PL businesses. With its advanced features like seamless integrations and real-time tracking, you can transform and scale your business like a pro!
To know more or want to see how a cloud-based 3PL WMS works and transforms your 3PL Operations? Book a free demo with Fulfillor today!
About the Author: Visvendra Singh Rajpoot is a logistics tech expert with over 5 years of experience in warehouse management solutions, helping e-commerce, retail, multi-channel, 3PL, manufacturing and warehousing brands optimize their logistics and supply chain operations, achieving operational excellence, scalability and long-term growth.
