Retail Logistics for E-commerce,
Omnichannel and Brick and Mortar Retail

Efficient returns processes are key for success in retail. Maximizing efficiency means focusing on intelligent automation and data-based control systems:

• Digital recording and inspection: Software provides vital assistance in receiving, checking and, if needed, processing returns quickly and transparently.
• Automated refunds and re-integration into the warehouse: Refunds are issued automatically while returns are stored back into the system.
• Flexible warehouse zones: Fast movers are placed in dynamic buffer areas to ensure that they’ll be available again quickly.
• Efficient storage of slow movers: Items in lower demand are systematically stored to save space.
• Partially or fully automated processes: Processes can be designed as needed to either receive manual support or to function fully automatically.
• Data-based analysis and prognosis: Intelligent software can create return prognoses and provide support for strategic decision-making.

These solutions do more than just make your reverse logistics processes faster and more cost-efficient – they also make them more customer-friendly and sustainable.

Peak periods such as Black Friday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas or Singles’ Day demand especially flexible and high-performing logistics processes. The following measures will help you manage them effectively:

• Prognosis-based planning: Demand is analyzed based on data, providing an early estimate of volume and allowing you to adapt personnel and resources accordingly ahead of time.
• Optimized storage strategies: Targeted placement and picking of items keeps processes speedy and ensures high availability during peaks.
• Data-driven decisions: Real-time data allows for ongoing analysis and adaptation of processes, including route optimization that takes current bottlenecks into account.
• Flexible use of the system: Storage and retrieval systems can be adapted dynamically to provide efficient fulfillment for both stores and e-commerce.
• Efficient returns management: After peak periods, return volumes soar. Automated processes speed up return storage and re-availability.
• Simulation and Health Checks: Simulations help you identify potential errors early and prevent them from occurring. Performing a Health Check on the installation lets you know whether all systems are functioning properly and are ready for peaks.

These measures make your logistics processes stable, scalable and customer-oriented – even when demand peaks.

When it comes to e-commerce, the last mile – that is, the journey from the warehouse to the customer’s doorstep – is decisive for customer satisfaction. Intelligent technologies and sophisticated logistics solutions greatly simplify the last mile process:

• Smart delivery routes: Our KiSoft software plans routes based on data, taking current traffic into account to reduce both delivery times and CO₂ emissions.
• Mobile navigation and proof of delivery: An app guides drivers along their route and the handover process is documented digitally.
• Data-based optimization: Long-term evaluations provide valuable key figures for continuously improving the delivery process.
• Automated storage solutions: Systems such as the Evo Shuttle pick quickly and precisely, making them an ideal fit for the requirements posed by the last mile.
• Micro fulfillment centers: Small, automated warehouses near cities shorten delivery routes, save resources and improve customer satisfaction.

With these solutions, we make the last mile high-performance, flexible and sustainable – a major plus for retailers and consumers alike.

Whether you choose a central or decentral network depends on your own requirements and your company’s logistics strategy.

• Central warehouse: A large warehouse lets you enjoy economies of scale, lower operating expenses per unit and central control over your stock. It’s ideal for stable demand structures and for supplying multiple regions.
• Micro fulfillment centers: Small warehouses closer to consumers shorten delivery times, lower transport costs and improve flexibility – especially in urban areas or during major fluctuations in demand.
• Urban logistics: In urban areas, local warehouse solutions improve last mile delivery and help increase customer satisfaction.

The most efficient solution is often a combination of these two approaches, accounting for factors such as product range, delivery speed, infrastructure and cost structure.

Omnichannel fulfillment combines warehouse processes for both brick and mortar retail and e-commerce into one system. It allows for combined stockkeeping, picking for all sales channels and more flexibility for order fulfillment during peak periods – along with more efficient use of warehousing space and faster responses to changes in demand, allowing you to capitalize on synergies between the channels.

Single channel fulfillment, on the other hand, separates processes by sales channel. It’s advantageous when demand varies a lot because it allows you to focus on different packaging types, delivery times or service levels.