omnichannel fulfillment

Amazon Effect Still a Major Driver in DTC, Ecommerce Operations

| Mike O'Brien

The Amazon effect is still having a major impact on DTC and ecommerce operations and fulfillment, judging by the results of the MCM Outlook Survey 2016. This impact is seen in the increasing frequency of same-day and next-day delivery offerings – and providers – as well as the growth in omnichannel operations, now seen as table stakes by many retailers. Find out more about the survey results and how they reflect industry trends.

warehouse automation totes

Choosing the Right Order Fulfillment Automation Solution

| Mike O'Brien

For a growing number of merchant companies, automated systems have become a way to address the issues of increasing throughput and order accuracy while decreasing returns. In addition to accuracy, often the biggest driver of automation decisions, the ability to achieve higher throughput per headcount, increasing efficiency while keeping down labor costs, is also paramount.

J.C. Penney Continues Turnaround with Strong Q4

| Mike O'Brien

J.C. Penney posted strong Q4 and 2015 numbers, citing omnichannel tactics as a big part of its continuing turnaround, in a period when competitors stumbled. The return of popular private-label brands and the recent addition of appliances by customer demand are evidence that the company has been responsive to what shoppers want. Learn more about the retailer’s recent performance.

key performance indicators, KPIs, operations and fulfillment, warehouse/distribution Center, distribution center, direct-to-consumer, direct-to-consumer operations, performance metrics, employee productivity, employee coaching, manager training

13 Steps To Help You Plan An ERP System File Conversion

| Curt Barry

An ERP system file conversion “don’t get no respect,” as Rodney Dangerfield would say. Everyone knows they need to write programs and convert files. However, it’s not uncommon to leave off detailed discussion of which files and tables to convert, what data fields and how much data (this year’s only or how many years’ history) until the implementation. So to help, here are 13 steps to help you navigate the often tedious but critical process.

ERP, Enterprise Resource Planning, WMS, OMS, operations and fulfillment, warehouse technology

9 Ways Procedures and Documentation Improve ERP System Use

| Curt Barry

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “This ERP system’s design is intuitive!” as an excuse for not writing procedures. These systems are so intuitive that management can’t seem to use them. Maybe it’s intuitive for Windows-based systems to some degree in terms of navigation and functions. Or it’s intuitive for those under 30 that have far more PC and web browser skills than mature workers.

To help alleviate these issues, here’s a checklist of 9 action steps to take that will help ensure a smooth ERP system upgrade.

OMS, order management system, omnichannel retail, ecommerce fulfillment, warehouse management system, WMS, omnichannel fulfillment

The Omnichannel OMS Empowers the Retail Operation of the Future

| Mike O'Brien

While order management systems are not a new concept, the technology has been advancing to keep up with the evolving world of omnichannel commerce and rising customer expectations of placing orders how, where and when they want to. So how do you go about identifying the right system for your particular business needs, now and in the future?