A while ago we told you about our visit to the Webwinkel Vakdagen in Utrecht and the observations we made there. For example, in the Netherlands there is a very strong focus on BtoC e-commerce and it is mainly BtoC issues that fulfillment service providers focus on.
Consequently, logistics service providers in the Netherlands are betting heavily on automation. In itself not an illogical way of thinking, based on the specific market. Nevertheless, we notice from our customer contacts, both in Belgium and the Netherlands, that a new demand is emerging from the BtoB environment.
E-commerce principles in a BtoB environment
How can you use the principles of e-commerce in a BtoB environment and take into account a growing need for an omnichannel approach? Actually, this question has three different parts:
- As a BtoB player, can you have orders processed in a fast, digital way by a third-party logistics provider to focus on your core business?
- Does this open up opportunities to address other sales channels and perhaps even evolve into an omnichannel player?
- Does this align with your strategy so that in addition to your product, your service can make a difference?
You can only answer the first question if, as an e-fulfilment service provider, you focus on both BtoC and BtoB. For example, there is a big difference in the automation of picking. A great tool for picking goods quickly and efficiently, always thinking at piece level.
In a BtoB environment, however, there is much more work with packing quantities. This creates the need to pick at piece, box and carton level. A complexity that is almost impossible to solve in a purely automated environment.
Even a rather traditional logistics BtoB service provider will find it difficult to respond. Their processes are not built to handle this complexity of orders at the required speed.
Logistics services in a changing market
The answer to the third part is quite simple. In the future, companies need to be increasingly flexible. As a logistics service provider, you are an extension of the customer's strategy. The only way to do this successfully is to set up a digital integration. In doing so, take into account the customer's current strategy as well as the changing market. Make sure your integration is designed to be flexible.
In short, there is more and more need for a logistics partner that evolves with a customer's market. This is why, at the start of a cooperation, we invest a lot of time in the digital integration between different platforms. Here we take into account the current operation, but also the fact that this integration must be flexible to cope with change.
If you want to know more about our comprehensive approach, feel free to contact us!
