In the growing world of (online) retail, the importance of efficient logistics is increasing. Terms like fulfilment and e-fulfilment pop up regularly, often used interchangeably but with subtle, yet crucial, differences. But: what is fulfilment or e-fulfilment and what is the difference?
Fulfilment: the entire logistics process
To understand where fulfilment differs from e-fulfilment, we first need to understand the concept of fulfilment itself. Fulfilment covers the entire logistics process of order fulfillment, regardless of whether it comes from an online shop or a physical shop.
The fulfilment process starts at goods receipt. From there, the products go to a storage location to be picked & packed as soon as an order happens. This is followed by, hopefully the last step, shipping. But these days, a 5th step sometimes follows, namely the return and processing of the return.
E-fulfilment: specifically for e-commerce
E-fulfilment, on the other hand, focuses specifically on order processing for online shops/e-commerce businesses. This is all about processing and dispatching orders from an online platform. This includes the entire process, from receiving and storing products to collecting, packaging and sending orders to the customer. Processing returns can also be part of this service.
The difference: online versus all channels
Although fulfilment and e-fulfilment are often confused due to their similarity, there is a crucial difference. While e-fulfilment is strictly focused on order processing for online stores and webshops, this does not apply to fulfilment. Fulfilment encompasses both the order processing process for online (webshops) and offline (physical) stores, as well as a combination of both.
Which type of fulfilment partner suits me?
Understanding the difference between fulfilment and e-fulfilment is essential for any online retailer striving for a streamlined, efficient supply chain. Choosing the right partner can optimise processes but also increase your organisation’s customer satisfaction, focus and profitability.
It depends on where and how you want to offer your products today and in the future: online, offline or a combination. If you prefer to play it safe, then it is better to choose a filfulment partner. After all, they offer support for all possible channels.
