A new cloud-based multi-channel order management programme has been developed that enables third-party logistics (3PL) companies to fulfil business-to-company (B2C) orders quickly, cost-effectively and accurately.
An artists' representation of the Utordo interface
Created by British e-commerce and tech company, Utordo, the new middleware enables 3PL's to integrate their existing management systems with any retailer's website, such as Amazon or eBay.
This enables the retailer's stock information to be synchronised in real-time while maintaining all relevant information for an order is displayed clearly and is exported to the warehouse management system without needing to be keyed-in by admin staff.
It enables a logistics company's warehouse management system (WMS) to automatically interact with and exchange data with any online retailer's multiple sales platforms.
Utordo converts and standardises order information and exports data relating to each order to the WMS using a secure, flat XMS or API file format.
Utordo hopes this new software will enable 3PL companies to best micro-manage relevant orders with retailers to ensure their products are delivered and ordered without any hitches while gaining transparency and efficiency.
Utordo director, Richard Davies, said: "As everyone knows, the online retail sector is growing at a fantastic pace. In June of this year, the British Retail Consortium announced that internet sales accounted for 50% of the UK retail market.
Clearly logistics companies need to have the necessary technology in place to be able to compete in this market, so the launch of Utordo couldn't be more timely.
"Utordo brings a host of benefits to any 3PL/online retailer-client relationship and we believe it will revolutionise the way that logistics companies will operate fulfilment contracts going forward. It is a game-changer."
Utordo claims a massive return-on-investment for the system and to minimise any logistics company's upfront costs and capital expenditure commitment.
It is offered in a "software-as-a-service" - a subscription service with regular updates - model with a minimum 12-month contract agreement.
Mr Davies added: “The logistics space is going through a period of rapid change and internet traders want to work with fulfilment companies that have systems in place that are capable of linking to their web-stores and any other online marketplaces where they are visible.
“Utordo gives 3PLs this ability without impacting upon their WMS’s core functionality or, indeed, interfering with a 3PL’s day-to-day operational processes. Utordo is entirely independent of the WMS and works alongside it to deliver a raft of complimentary benefits. This is a key product differentiator because, quite understandably, 3PLs want to avoid the cost and disruption to the business that reconfiguring a WMS involves.”
“In short, Utordo is a highly advanced integration system that delivers an extremely low-risk opportunity for 3PLs to dramatically improve the levels of service that they offer to their existing internet retail clients.
He said: "In addition, by adopting Utordo, logistics operators that are new to online order fulfilment and have always focused on storing, picking and packing full pallet loads for B-2-B clients, can now tender for new online fulfilment accounts with full confidence that they have the systems in place to offer a reliable, first-class service.”
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