The AERO Fulfillment Blog

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  • Strategic location of Aero Fulfillment's Midwest facilities, enhancing retail distribution efficiency.
    What’s right for your business.

    3 Reasons Why Choosing a Midwest Fulfillment Service is Smart for Business

    Ah, the Midwest. This region not only offers scenic beauty and a relaxed lifestyle, but it’s also becoming a hub for Midwest fulfillment services. The Midwest is considered one of four census regions in the United States and is home to almost 69 million people (21% of the US population)...

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    Categories: Order Fulfillment General Shipping Solutions

    Fulfillment Centers Look to Mitigate the Impact of Employee Turnover

    Overcome Employee Turnover: 6 Key Factors Influencing Employee Retention Decisions

    Are you struggling with employee turnover in the logistics industry? In this in-depth blog post, we explore the key factors that influence employees' decisions to stay at their jobs or seek new opportunities. From the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the Great Resignation, we examine the latest labor statistics and insights from the Voice of the Blue-Collar Worker survey. Discover the top priorities for employees and learn effective strategies to retain top talent, boost satisfaction, and create a thriving work environment. Don't miss this valuable resource for navigating the complex world of employee retention in logistics.

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    Categories: Covid Order Fulfillment Supply Chain Logistics Supply Chain Workforce Management

    Robotics in Fulfillment Centers

    Recognizing the Benefits of Using Robotics in Fulfillment Centers

    Robotics for fulfillment centers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers has been to get goods from warehouse to customer in the fastest, most efficient way possible, without sacrificing quality of service.

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    Categories: Order Fulfillment Supply Chain Technology Supply Chain Workforce Management

    SCaaS and Cloud Computing

    Fulfillment Centers Employ Supply Chain as a Service (SCaaS) and Cloud Computing

    Managing the supply chain is one of the most important functions of a successful business, but skillfully executing it in-house can be a challenge. Outsourcing all or a part of this management, by partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) company, can help improve efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility, while reducing costs.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Technology Supply Chain Efficiency Warehouse Management

    Impact of Blockchain on Fulfillment Centers

    Impact of Blockchain on Fulfillment Centers

    Mention the word “blockchain” are you’re likely to get one of several reactions. Some people have embraced this new technology and are very enthusiastic about it. Others are skeptical that it will live up to its hype and recommend caution. Many are confused and don’t understand it. 

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    Categories: Order Fulfillment Supply Chain Technology

    Go Green

    3 Eco-Conscious Resolutions for Logistics for the New Year

    A new year - new resolutions and new ideas. Becoming greener will probably be on the list of most everyone. Companies and consumers are concerned about the effects our actions are having on the earth and are looking for sustainable solutions.

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    Categories: General Goals Packaging Shipping Solutions

    Help Wanted

    4 Ways to Succeed at Attracting and Retaining Star Employees

    Help Wanted. The sign beckons and pleads. It’s everywhere you look – your favorite restaurant, the bank, the grocery, even your own place of employment. The current labor shortage is just one of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is having a devasting impact on the economy.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Workforce Management General Warehouse Management

    Caution: Rocky Holiday Road Ahead

    Caution: Rocky Holiday Road Ahead

    Businesses are gearing up for the busy holiday season. This one could be a bumpy ride. They are cautioning that the mantra “order early” is especially important this year. There are several forces in play that will likely significantly impact the cost of products and the rate at which they can be delivered...

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    Categories: Supply Chain Workforce Management General Supply Chain Logistics

    Medium Sized Logistics Companies May Be Just the Right Fit

    Medium Sized Logistics Companies May Be Just the Right Fit

    Contrary to popular opinion, bigger is not always better. This may be particularly true when it comes to choosing a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. Large companies may be too distracted to give you the customized attention you need. Smaller companies may struggle to provide necessary products and services. A mid-sized company may be just the right fit. Below are some of the advantages of that choice.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Logistics Supply Chain Efficiency Warehouse Management

    Understanding Importance of Customer Experience in Logistics Industry

    Understanding Importance of Customer Experience in Logistics Industry

    It seems that every industry is buzzing about customer experience (CX), and with good reason. Whether it be on-line, over the phone, or face-to-face, these exchanges give you the opportunity to put your best foot forward. Delivering exceptional customer service should be a priority for every business. Here we talk about how this applies to the logistics industry.

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    Categories: Goals Partners Supply Chain Logistics

    3 Ways to Improve Your Forecasting and Planning

    3 Ways to Improve Your Forecasting and Planning

    The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major disruptor of the logistics industry, with shortages and delays being the norm over the past year. Many companies are still not in full recovery. Moving forward, those companies that can take a fresh look at how they forecast and plan, stand the best chance of remaining viable. Here we will explore three ways to do that.

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    Categories: Warehouse Management Pandemic Supply Chain Efficiency

    3 Ways Omni-Channel is Transforming the Logistics Industry

    3 Ways Omni-Channel is Transforming the Logistics Industry

    Omni-channel is a hot topic right now, but what does it mean? If you look up “omni” in a dictionary it is defined as all/everywhere. Applying this to logistics means that you can tailor the process to meet the needs of individual customers. Third Party Logistics (3PL) companies that are doing business in this fashion are transforming the industry. There are three areas where this true.

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    Categories: Warehouse Management Supply Chain Efficiency

    5 Ways to Turn Your Warehouse into a Well-Oiled Machine

    5 Ways to Turn Your Warehouse into a Well-Oiled Machine

    To see a warehouse running like a well-oiled machine is a thing of beauty. It seems that it would be simple enough to achieve, but there are numerous areas where breakdowns in the process can occur. Learning what to look for, and ways to improve and even optimize operations, is possible. Warehouse efficiency, as well as good warehouse real estate management, is attainable with a focus on the following five key areas.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Efficiency Warehouse Management

    Should Your Fulfillment Center Be Striving for 100% Inventory Accuracy?

    Should Your Fulfillment Center Be Striving for 100% Inventory Accuracy?

    Everyone in your company has likely experienced the difficulty of inaccurate inventory—from the warehouse picker staring blankly at a bin that shouldn't be empty to the customer service rep explaining to distressed customers that their items are backordered. It's a natural part of doing business, right? Not entirely. Inventory accuracy may be a moving target, but it doesn't mean you can stop aiming for it.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Logistics

    COVID One Year Later: How Have You Adapted?

    COVID One Year Later: How Have You Adapted?

    It has now been one year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. To say that it has been a challenging time is an understatement. Disruptions and restrictions were common. Shortages and delays were the norm. Moving forward, those companies that have found ways to adapt will thrive. A focus on the areas discussed below will become even more valuable as circumstances continue to change.

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    Categories: Warehouse Management Covid Pandemic Supply Chain Workforce Management

    5 Potential Pitfalls to Using 3PL And How to Avoid Them

    5 Potential Pitfalls to Using 3PL And How to Avoid Them

    Third-party logistics (3PL) is a multi-billion dollar industry. Most of the Fortune 1000 companies use some sort of 3PL services; but for your business, you may be questioning whether the timing is right for you to take the plunge. The decision to contract with a fulfillment partner is a big one.

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    Categories: Warehouse Management Partners Reverse Logistics Shipping Solutions

    4 Factors to Maximizing Supply Chain Efficiency

    4 Factors to Maximizing Supply Chain Efficiency

    When fulfilling your e-commerce orders, supply chain efficiency plays a major role within the warehouse. Your supply chain performance measurements may fundamentally differ from day to day, depending on which facets need work. Many factors — both inside and outside the warehouse play a professional tug of war with your goals and intentions, requiring constant adjustment just to maintain the status quo.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Efficiency Supply Chain Technology

    5 Questions to Ensure your Fulfillment Center is “Holiday Rush” Ready

    5 Questions to Ensure your Fulfillment Center is “Holiday Rush” Ready

    With e-commerce fulfillment centers facing down a proverbial tide of year-end business, productivity and efficiency soar to the top of managers' wish lists. How do you fulfill your e-commerce orders and give these must-have gifts to your managers? Here are five ways to prepare for the winter storm of orders without breaking a sweat or investing in expensive new warehouse technology:

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    Categories: General

    The Best Order Fulfillment Partner: 3 Factors To Narrow Your Search

    The Best Order Fulfillment Partner: 3 Factors To Narrow Your Search

    With all the complexities of order fulfillment, there is no overall winner suited for every company. Considering all the areas of expertise, the right provider for one business may be the wrong provider for your business. So what is a conscientious supply chain manager to do?

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    Categories: Partners Ecommerce Fulfillment Order Fulfillment

    How to Improve Warehouse Picking Process Efficiency | Aero Fulfillment

    How to Improve Warehouse Picking Process Efficiency

    As a warehouse manager, you know how essential warehouse picking is in the supply chain. At Aero, getting your orders out on time means careful planning of all warehouse activities. Order picking is one area where inefficiencies take a serious bite out of the bottom line.

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    Categories: Order Fulfillment Warehouse Management

    What is Pick and Pack Warehousing and How is it Beneficial?

    What is Pick and Pack Warehousing and How is it Beneficial?

    What is picking and packing? Warehouse Picking Warehouse fulfillment starts with finding the relevant stock so that it can be properly packed. The Pick and Pack Warehouse may choose to automate this process to save time and reduce labor costs. Without a great inventory management system in place, there's no way to make the pick packing efficient. 

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    Categories: Order Fulfillment Warehouse Management

    Guide to the Different Order Picking Systems & Methods in a Warehouse

    Guide to the Different Order Picking Systems & Methods in a Warehouse

    Your warehouse management system is an integral component of your business, especially if you run an eCommerce business. Customer satisfaction depends on how efficiently you can process orders. If your warehouse picker takes too much time walking from one place to another, chances are you won't deliver your customers' orders on time. When you work with Aero, you will get guaranteed quality service within your warehouse.

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    Categories: Warehouse Management Ecommerce Fulfillment Packaging

    Fulfillment Center vs. Distribution Center: How are they Different?

    Fulfillment Center vs. Distribution Center: How are they Different?

    When setting up an eCommerce business, one of the most important things to consider is how your customers will get their orders. You have two warehouse options to choose from - fulfillment centers and distribution centers.  A distribution center and a fulfillment center both store and ship product. So, the terms are often used interchangeably when talking about logistics and supply chain management. 

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    Categories: Warehouse Management Order Fulfillment

    What’s the difference between Warehousing and Fulfillment?

    What’s the difference between Warehousing and Fulfillment?

    Partnering with Aero's warehousing and fulfillment centers frees up your time and worry, so you can focus on what you do best - growing your businesses. Our fulfillment warehouse takes care of inventory management, packing, and shipping, leaving you more time for product development, marketing and sales.

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    Categories: General

    Ramping Up Post-COVID: Ensure Your Fulfillment Plan is Ready for Restart

    Ramping Up Post-COVID: Ensure Your Fulfillment Plan is Ready for Restart

    During this time when the coronavirus pandemic caused many businesses to close or slow down, you might have discovered some weaknesses and risks in your supply chain. You might even have new priorities. As we all begin to ramp business back to full capacity, now may be a good time to take a look at your logistics and maybe revamp a few things to make sure your fulfillment plan is ready for a restart.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Logistics Covid Goals Pandemic

    The Hidden Pitfalls of In-Store Fulfillment

    The Hidden Pitfalls of In-Store Fulfillment

    Offering a variety of options to get items to customers is good business, but keeping everything in one place might not be the best idea. With the goal of saving money and consolidating inventory, many stores are turning to in-store fulfillment. The practice has its drawbacks.

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    Categories: General Order Fulfillment

    Automating Your Fulfillment Center is Key to Optimizing Your Supply Chain

    Automating Your Fulfillment Center is Key to Optimizing Your Supply Chain

    Businesses which fall into the trap of putting too much focus on manufacturing and inventory costs are being held back from their full potential as they fail to acknowledge the inefficiencies arising through weak links in the supply chain.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Technology Supply Chain Efficiency

    When Is It Time to Say Goodbye?

    When Is It Time to Say Goodbye?

    Parting may be sweet sorrow, in interpersonal relationships, according to the Bard, but in business it can be what saves your company.   Vendor management best practices place a great deal of focus on how to manage and optimize the existing relationships your supply chain depends on, but they may fall short on guidance when it comes to enough is enough and it is time to break things off with an underperforming vendor. 

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    Categories: Vendors

    Third-Party Warehousing

    A Complete Guide to Third-Party Warehousing & Distribution for Retailers

    Millions of retailers have become etailers as more and more shoppers choose to make their purchases online. Smart Insights estimates that consumer spending over the Internet accounted for $3.5 trillion  in sales in 2019 and will pass $4.2 trillion in 2020. The research company projects that online customers will spend $6.5 trillion in 2023. Online sales are growing at an annual rate of about 15 percent, increasing the need for many third party warehouses.

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    Categories: Warehouse Management Ecommerce Fulfillment Order Fulfillment

    What is Aero Fulfillment Services?

    What is Order Processing Fulfillment: Defining and Improving it

    Order processing fulfillment involves each individual step a business or organization takes from the initial point of receiving an order to getting that order to the customer. It is the way that each organization responds to and ultimately fills an order.

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    Categories: Order Fulfillment

    3PL Fulfillment Services

    3PL Fulfillment Services or a Warehouse Investment

    As your ecommerce business grows so does your operations need to evolve to meet the changing demands of your business. In running an ecommerce business; fulfillment logistics is one of the most important aspects. You need to reconsider your fulfillment logistics strategy every so often as your ecommerce business expounds.

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    Categories: Ecommerce Fulfillment Order Fulfillment

    Peak Season Returns

    Peak Season Returns: Reducing Your Cost

    Peak Season Returns: Reducing Your Cost. Overall, holiday’s sales this year appear to have been robust, with Mastercard reporting total retail sales were up 3.4% year-over-year for the period of November 1st to December 24th. Online sales represented 15% of the total, with total e-commerce sales up 19% over last year.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Logistics Reverse Logistics

    Freight

    4th Quarter Freight

    Any company with a D2C ecommerce model is well aware of the increasing challenges of managing fulfillment, in particular, freight costs during the fourth quarter. Consumer shipping expectations continue to rise driven by the fulfillment benchmark being set by Amazon, Walmart, and other large D2C companies.

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    Categories: Shipping Solutions Ecommerce Fulfillment Order Fulfillment

    Don't let fulfillment issues haunt you

    Don’t Let These Peak Season Issues Haunt You

    It is easy to get spooked this time of year. The weeks leading up to peak season can be scary, but peak will be even scarier if you don’t have the right partner. The holiday season is almost upon us and customers are ready and will test the mettle of your supply chain.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Logistics Ecommerce Fulfillment Order Fulfillment

    Seasonal Labor Strategies

    Seasonal Labor Strategies During Peak Season

    With one of the tightest labor markets on record it’s not surprising that many HR departments are struggling in the areas of hiring and retention. And while hiring and retention have always been a challenge, the impact of eCommerce is raising the stakes to a whole new level – if your company has adopted a direct to consumer (D2C) eCommerce channel...

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    Categories: Supply Chain Efficiency Warehouse Management

    Third-Party Warehousing

    Amazon and Beyond: Creating a Multichannel Strategy

    Today let’s start off with what may be an uncomfortable question. How flexible is your long-term eCommerce strategy? In other words, have you created a system that is designed to adapt easily to an online multichannel marketplace where change is relentless, and the future can be unforgiving to those that fail to adjust quickly and efficiently?

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    Categories: Supply Chain Efficiency Ecommerce Fulfillment

    West Coast Shut Down Shows Why You Can't Hold Back on Risk Mitigation

    West Coast Shut Down Shows Why You Can’t Hold Back on Risk Mitigation

    You've worked hard to build a strong supply chain— you've negotiated for the best deals, you've cultivated relationships with your suppliers, your internal warehousing is well-balanced. For all intents and purposes, you are an engine of commerce, humming along efficiently. Would it surprise you to learn that could all come to a screeching halt tomorrow?

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    Categories: Supply Chain Efficiency Supply Chain Logistics

    5 Steps to Streamlining Your Scale Up Processes In Your Supply Chain

    5 Steps to Streamlining Your Scale Up Processes In Your Supply Chain

    Here are 5 steps to batten down the hatches and streamlining your supply chain to ensure smooth sailing into optimum scalability.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Logistics Supply Chain Efficiency

    3 Warehouse Layout Strategies that Can Make Warehousing More Efficient

    3 Warehouse Layout Strategies that Can Make Warehousing More Efficient

    The measure of success for a warehouse is typically determined by results: the number of goods successfully received and sent out, minimal stock damages, no injury incidents. If target numbers for categories like these are achieved, warehousing strategies might not venture beyond maintaining the status quo — the adage of "don't fix what isn't broken" at work.

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    Categories: Warehouse Management

    The Essential KPIs You Need to Measure Your Warehousing Efficiency

    The Essential KPIs You Need to Measure Your Warehousing Efficiency

    If you can't accurately pinpoint what warehousing is costing your company on a per-unit basis, your profit projections and goals — and, thus, your measures of success — will be entirely off-base. The good news is that determining this specific number will force you to reevaluate many expenses that are often simply shrugged off as necessary: utilities, rent-per-square-foot, insurance and so on.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Logistics Supply Chain Efficiency

    1 Thing You Need to Get Right in the Customer Experience: Order Fulfillment

    1 Thing You Need to Get Right in the Customer Experience: Order Fulfillment

    What's the worst customer service mistake that you've ever made? Was it refusing to acknowledge that the customer was right (hint: the customer is always right)? Was it a failure to apologize for a mistake or, perhaps worse, issuing a back-handed apology for your wrong doings?

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    Categories: Supply Chain Logistics

    The Wrong Fulfillment Team Can Wreck Supply Chain Efficiency

    The Wrong Fulfillment Team Can Wreck Supply Chain Efficiency

    In any supply team, efficiency is key to maintaining a consistent level of both productivity and profits. In order to maintain this efficiency, it is important for fulfillment and distribution teams to be on the same page in regards to overall goals with strategies that will help them overcome any challenges that may occur in the process.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Workforce Management

    Supply Chain Efficiency vs. Responsiveness – Getting Better Results

    Supply Chain Efficiency vs. Responsiveness – Getting Better Results

    Efficiency is a perennial business buzzword. After all, it describes the very best of business practices across the board. Efficient production means making products without wasting materials, natural resources or man hours. Efficient facility management means running your business while reducing your energy costs and minimizing its carbon footprint.

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    Categories: Supply Chain Efficiency Supply Chain Logistics

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