When it comes to eCommerce fulfilment, there are many acronyms that fulfilment centres use. And though most are well-known we’ve created a glossary of the jargon we 3PL’s use when referring to your business and the processes used along the way.
Check out our A-Z of fulfilment acronyms below:
3PL: Third-party-logistics.
This refers to the outsourcing of your entire logistical operation. A 3PL will provide eCommerce fulfilment, warehousing, returns and so much more for a brand. As experts in the logistics field, a 3PL can take on the entire fulfilment process and often provide the components to promote growth whilst taking on the day-to-day of the operation from picking and packing through to returns management and stock control.
API: Application Programming Interface.
Often heard in the context of integration, many fulfilment centres will use API integrations to connect their WMS (see below) to your eCommerce platform. API integrations are software components that automatically update data between clients and servers, removing the need for manual integration and data transfer. This removes the likelihood of human error whilst also providing a more fluid integration, which saves both parties time.
B2B: Business-to-Business.
Referring to transactions which occur between businesses, this can be for either products or services. Sometimes referred to as wholesale, B2B fulfilment requires a different set of expertise as retailers have specific guidance for receiving products. At SCEND we work with a range of well-known retailers from ASOS to Superdrug, and adhere to each of their individual and stringent guidelines. Explore our B2B fulfilment page for a full breakdown of the B2B service offering.
B2C: Business-to-Consumer.
Referring to transactions which take place between the end-user and a business, this can be any business which sells any product or service to an end-user. At SCEND we work alongside multiple B2C businesses, and getting this logistics journey right can be the difference between retained, happy customers and one-time buyers.
BFCM: Black Friday Cyber Monday.
Anyone in the eCommerce industry knows that BFCM is one of the BIGGEST weekends in the commerce calendar. This is exactly the same when it comes to fulfilment. With more orders coming in, there are more orders going out. For an experienced 3PL this is something that can be handled with the correct care and attention so that no orders are dropped, or incorrect during this high-intensity period.
DTC: Direct-to-Consumer.
Similar in concept to B2C but ONLY referring to businesses that sell their own products directly to consumers through their own online channels. Whether you’re selling through Shopify or another eCommerce platform, SCEND work with multiple DTC brands that have removed the middleman creating a more direct route between themselves and their end user.
FBA: Fulfilled by Amazon.
This is a service which allows third-party businesses to outsource their fulfilment to Amazon. Using this service means that your products will be housed in the Amazon warehouse and the whole logistical operation will be handled by Amazon staff. From pick and pack through to returns and beyond, Amazon will handle the whole operation. This service comes with stringent guidelines and fees.
OR: Open rate.
Though not usually referred to in terms of fulfilment, open rate or OR is often used in the world of marketing to track how many people open brand materials. However, in the world of fulfilment, we often look at how a 100% open rate can be used by marketing professionals to boost the brand through the materials placed directly in packages. Why waste a 100% open rate on a brown box with a white slip inside – when you can use custom packaging options and custom inserts to bolster your customers’ journey and keep them coming back?
SFP: Seller fulfilled prime.
This refers to a programme which Amazon offers in which you can utilise a warehouse of your choice, be that your own or a 3PL, to fulfil orders sold on Amazon using the Prime logo. By displaying the prime logo you agree to follow Amazon’s guidance including a commitment to their next-day and same-day delivery expectations. Something which is easy to stick to when you use a 3PL like SCEND.
SKU: Stock keeping unit.
A SKU consists of around ten (though the actual length can vary depending on product configuration) numerical or alphanumerical characters which are specific to both that retailer and that product. The SKU can be used to determine a product’s size, weight, colour and more easily identifiable aspects making it a great way to differentiate similar products in the same range or category. You can find out more information on what a SKU is over on our helpful blog.
WMS: Warehouse management software.
This is a software that streamlines the entire logistical operation. From goods in to pick and pack, packaging selection to returns and stock replenishment a WMS is the backbone to any eCommerce fulfilment process. Every 3PL will utilise a WMS. At SCEND our trusted WMS integrates with your eCommerce platform to create a smooth, traceable connection which gives peace of mind to our brands.
With so many acronyms – we’re sure to have missed one or two along the way. These are just some of the key abbreviations and terminology which you might hear within the world of eCommerce fulfilment. Interested in learning more about eCommerce fulfilment, or exploring how a 3PL can help boost your process – speak to the team here at SCEND.
