WMS for a Small 3PL Distribution Centre
How we reduced picking errors by 90% and boosted throughput by 45% for a boutique 3PL.
The Challenge
A boutique third-party logistics (3PL) provider was handling fulfillment for multiple growing eCommerce clients from a 15,000 sq ft warehouse. They built strong client relationships through personalized service, but operations were hitting critical scalability limits:
- Order fulfillment relied on paper pick lists and manual bin location lookups
- Picking errors averaged 10%, leading to costly reshipping and customer complaints
- No real-time inventory visibility - clients could not see stock levels without calling
- Receiving and putaway were unstructured, causing items to be misplaced
- Month-end billing required days of manual tallying across spreadsheets
- Productivity varied wildly with no reliable way to identify bottlenecks
The owner recognized that without operational improvements, they would lose clients to larger competitors with better technology, despite superior customer service.
Our Solution
We designed and built a Warehouse Management System tailored to the unique needs of multi-client 3PL operations. The system balanced automation with the flexibility required for diverse product types and client requirements.
Barcode-Driven Receiving & Putaway
- Mobile scanning for receiving inbound shipments with automatic client assignment
- Dynamic putaway suggestions based on product velocity and available space
- Real-time inventory updates synced across client accounts
- Lot and expiry tracking for date-sensitive products
Guided Picking System
- Optimized pick paths to minimize travel time
- Barcode verification at each pick location to eliminate errors
- Batch picking support to improve multi-order efficiency
- Real-time pick rate monitoring and performance dashboards
Client Self-Service Portal
- Live inventory visibility with SKU-level detail and movement history
- Order management interface for clients to submit fulfillment requests directly
- Shipment tracking via carrier API integrations
- Custom reporting for inventory aging, order velocity, and fulfillment KPIs
Automated Billing & Reporting
- Activity-based costing engine tracking storage, picks, packs, and special handling
- Automated monthly invoicing with detailed transaction breakdowns
- Client-specific billing rules and tiered pricing support
- Financial reporting showing profitability by client and service type
The Results
The WMS transformed operations and strengthened the 3PL’s competitive position. Within six months:
Barcode verification dramatically reduced reshipments and complaints.
Optimized pick paths and batch picking increased output without added headcount.
Clients gained self-serve inventory and order visibility in real time.
Automated activity capture eliminated spreadsheet consolidation.
- 3 new clients onboarded: a stronger tech platform helped win accounts against larger providers
- Employee satisfaction improved: clearer workflows and no paper-chasing reduced frustration
Client Testimonial
"The WMS Crescere Aeternum built has been a complete game-changer. Our clients love the portal, our error rate has dropped to nearly zero, and we have grown without adding warehouse space. It gave us the tools to compete with the big players while maintaining our personal touch."
Ongoing Partnership
As the 3PL grew, we continued enhancing the WMS. Recent additions include EDI integration for automated order imports, advanced slotting optimization, and expanded carrier integrations for international shipping.
Need a Warehouse Management System?
Whether you operate a 3PL, in-house distribution center, or a multi-location fulfillment network, we can build a WMS that fits your workflows and growth trajectory. Learn more about our WMS solutions or schedule a consultation.
Ready to Optimize Your Warehouse?
Let's discuss how a custom WMS can transform your fulfillment operations.
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