The 10 biggest e-commerce fulfilment trends in 2024
The e-commerce sector is growing rapidly, with online retail sales increasing year on year and more and more stores selling their products digitally. The pandemic of store closures and contact restrictions has further fueled this trend. All of this has a direct impact on global logistics - with fulfilment providers as a one-stop shop when it comes to handling the rising volume of packages.
So let's dare to take a look into the future! These are the most important logistics and fulfilment trends 2024:
- Fulfilment trend #1: Customer journey
- Fulfilment trend #2: Cross-border logistics
- Fulfilment trend #3: eFulfilment
- Fulfilment trend #4: Real-time tracking
- Fulfilment trend #5: Anticipatory logistics
- Fulfilment trend #6: Personalization
- Fulfilment trend #7: Sustainability
- Fulfilment trend #8: Automated fulfilment
- Fulfilment trend #9: Big data
- Fulfilment trend #10: Augmented reality
Fulfilment trend #1: Customer journey
As people increasingly store online, it's important to set up a technical infrastructure that can capture and track all user experiences on a web store. Of course, everything must be done anonymously and in compliance with data protection laws: from the first click on the website, through product selection, optimization of the ordering process, to e-mail marketing.
This also includes the automatic sending of tracking data when parcels are shipped or the collection of reviews across all platforms. Only when the effectiveness of a web store is measured can various adjusting screws be turned to enable the best possible shopping experience.
Fulfilment Trend #2: Cross-border logistics
One of the biggest trends in fulfilment is still internationalisation. Even for smaller companies, it is now worthwhile to tap into larger markets and sell their products across borders.
On the one hand, this is made possible by simple shop system solutions such as those from Shopify or WooCommerce and, above all, globally operating fulfilment centres. With their extended logistics networks, these allow uncomplicated cross-border trade.
Fulfilment trend #3: eFulfilment
Digitalisation has long since reached the fulfilment industry. Innovative logistics management tools like our Connector make it easier than ever to effectively manage all logistics processes. Because the processes in an eFulfillment Centre are software-based, they can be easily scaled. This helps manage seasonal peaks and large marketing campaigns.
In this way, companies remain competitive and can focus on their core business. An overview of their own logistics is provided around the clock. All this, of course, on the computer and smartphone, from anywhere! Endless order confirmations and unnecessary paperwork are a thing of the past.
Fulfilment trend #4: Real-time tracking
For most, this is the absolute standard, but there are still an enormous number of eCommerce merchants who do not provide their customers with parcel tracking. This is often due to the lack of a technical framework for the online shop or the company's logistics provider. Fulfilment customers in particular attach great importance to having transparent insight into the warehouse at all times in order to be up to date.
Logistics management tools such as our Connector fulfil precisely this purpose by clearly preparing all important tracking data and automatically passing it on: From order status, stock levels and returns to parcel tracking, which customers can use to track their delivery.
Fulfilment trend #5: Anticipatory logistics
Customer data is worth its weight in gold. This is proven above all by the largest data collectors such as Google, Facebook and others, who use it to generate their immense advertising revenues. Another big player in this business is the world's largest online department stores', Amazon! They are the first to try "anticipated logistics" on a large scale: By analysing historical buying habits and orders from customers, Amazon sends certain product groups to its logistics centres much earlier than usual.
This saves a lot of money, as fast transport becomes obsolete and customers receive their parcels just as quickly.
Fulfilment trend #6: Personalization
A growing trend in fulfilment over the years has been customization:
Corporate-style branded packages and creative add-on content are an effective way to enhance the customer's shopping experience. These add a personal touch to the order and make you stand out from the uniform package crowd. There are various ways to enhance packages, such as through the type of packaging and shipping boxes, the use of custom tapes and packing paper, personalised stickers, flyers and much more!
We would be happy to give your packages that certain special ‘something’ and offer various packages for you - just get in touch!
Fulfilment trend #7: Sustainability
Various crises made the headlines in 2023. Climate change is almost forgotten. However, it remains a reality in which countries, cities and companies have declared their commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and must implement strict targets to protect our planet.
Similarly, consumers are increasingly placing greater emphasis on options that are as sustainable as possible, such as plastic-free packaging, recycled paper as filler or CO2-neutral shipping. This topic is probably the biggest challenge of our time and will also play a weighty role in fulfilment. It is much more than a fulfilment trend, it is a duty for all of us.
Fulfilment trend #8: Automated fulfilment centres
The use of advanced robotics and automated transport systems in fulfllment centres could significantly enhance efficiency and speed. Automated systems can reduce human errors and manage repetitive, physically demanding tasks.
This not only lowers operational costs but also improves working conditions by allowing employees to focus on more complex, value-added activities. Real-time data analysis integrated into these systems could optimize workflow and inventory management.
Fulfilment trend #9: Advanced use of big data and analytics
Advanced data analysis techniques could enable companies to not just shorten delivery times and optimize inventory, but also to create personalized customer experiences.
By analyzing purchasing patterns and customer behavior, predictions can be made to foresee future trends and demand shifts, allowing for proactive planning and inventory management. Additionally, the use of big data could help optimise delivery logistics routes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transportation costs.
Fulfilment trend #10: Application of Augmented Reality (AR)
AR technology can significantly increase efficiency and accuracy in warehouses and fulfillment centers. For example, AR glasses could assist warehouse staff in quickly locating products and speeding up picking processes.
Moreover, AR can be used for interactive training, enabling faster onboarding of new employees. Also, AR offers the potential to visualize complex warehouse layouts virtually, optimizing space utilization and internal transport routes. The integration of AR in logistics could lead to a significant increase in productivity and a reduction in errors.
The world keeps turning and no stone remains unturned for long. At Quivo, we are never satisfied with the status quo, but always endeavour to question and further develop all fulfilment processes.
Sources
10 Ecommerce Fulfillment Trends to Pursue:
URL: https://multichannelmerchant.com
URL: https://logistik-heute.de/news
Pictures:
LOGSTA / Quivo © 2023
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