E-commerce logistics is becoming increasingly demanding as companies handle orders from online shops, marketplaces and B2B platforms simultaneously. Each channel may have different requirements regarding delivery, documentation and fulfilment times. For manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, this means the need to integrate various processes into a single, efficient system. Centralising orders, synchronising stock levels and automating dispatch help to reduce manual work and improve customer service. Find out how to organise multi-channel sales logistics and make the most of Centoro OMS’s capabilities.
E-commerce logistics – how can you organise shipments from multiple channels?
E-commerce logistics involves much more than simply dispatching parcels. It encompasses the entire process of receiving an order, checking stock availability, picking, packing, preparing documents and handing the parcel over to the carrier. In multi-channel retail, the biggest challenge is maintaining a consistent flow of information when orders come into the company from various sources and require different fulfilment methods.
The situation is even more complex in wholesale warehouses, as orders from B2Bbusiness partners may involve whole pallets or bulk packaging, whilst marketplaces mainly generate individual parcels. It is therefore worth consolidating the management of all channels within a single environment, whilst retaining the option to use different logistics procedures. This approach makes it easier to manage orders and organise warehouse operations.
Where should you start when organising shipments in a retail business?
The first step should be to analyse how orders are processed across the various channels. It is worth checking where transactions originate from, who is responsible for verifying them, how documents are prepared, and when the information reaches the warehouse. Identifying the points at which data is entered manually or checked repeatedly helps to pinpoint the processes that require automation.
When organising the process, it is worth bearing in mind the following:
- sources of orders – online shops, marketplaces, B2B platforms and sales representatives,
- product availability – how to update stock levels and reserve goods,
- the organisation of order picking – the sequence in which orders are prepared and the allocation of tasks to warehouse staff,
- delivery methods – courier deliveries, pallet deliveries and collection in person,
- documentation – generating invoices, consignment notes and labels,
- communication with customers – providing information on the status and tracking numbers of parcels,
- returns processing – receiving goods, checking them and updating stock levels.
An analysis prepared in this way makes it possible to establish uniform rules for the fulfilment of orders and to determine which processes should remain separate, given the specific nature of a particular sales channel.
Shipping management – a single order queue instead of multiple dashboards
Companies that sell on several platforms often use separate admin panels. Staff have to check orders from Allegro, the online shop or other marketplaces, and then pass the data on to the warehouse. This approach makes it difficult to monitor order fulfilment and increases the risk of transactions being overlooked. Centralised dispatch management allows orders to be organised regardless of where they were placed, enabling the team to work according to a common set of rules.
In Centoro, the order management system enables transactions from connected channels to be consolidated into a single operational queue. Staff can view information about products, delivery methods, payments and order statuses. The system also allows users to add notes and carry out operations on multiple orders simultaneously. This makes it easier to organise the day-to-day work of the warehouse and sales department.
OMS system – how to automate the process from order to dispatch?
The centralisation of transactions forms the basis for further automation. Centoro OMS allows you to create your own order statuses and rules that trigger specific actions. The automation of repetitive tasks reduces the need to update information manually, which is particularly important when a large number of parcels are prepared every day.
For example, an order’s status may change once a payment has been posted, and a suitably configured rule may trigger the preparation of a label or the sending of a notification. The system also allows orders to be grouped according to specified criteria. In practice, this makes it possible to separate transactions awaiting fulfilment from those that are already ready for dispatch. Staff can focus on processing orders that require their attention, rather than having to carry out the same administrative tasks each time.
Sending parcels – how can you speed up the process of preparing labels?
When there are a large number of orders, preparing waybills manually can take up a significant part of the working day. It is therefore worth linking the dispatch of parcels directly to the order management system. Centoro OMS enables the generation of labels and consignment documents using courier integrations. An operator can select multiple orders and prepare labels for them in a single operation, without having to enter the same data repeatedly.
Centoro works with, amongst others, InPost, DPD, DHL, FedEx, GLS, Poczta Polska and Orlen Paczka, as well as selected logistics brokers. The generated labels can be combined into a single PDF file and printed on a thermal printer. The system also allows tracking numbers to be shared for further communication with recipients. This makes the preparation of consignments more organised, and staff do not need to use a separate dashboard for each carrier.
Order dispatch and warehouse organisation
The dispatch of orders depends primarily on the efficient preparation of products in the warehouse. Even a well-integrated courier system will not eliminate delays if staff do not have up-to-date information on stock availability or the order in which items are to be picked. It is worth establishing standardised procedures for passing orders on to the warehouse, taking into account lead times, product types and packaging methods.
In businesses that handle both wholesale and retail orders, it may be a good idea to establish separate order-picking processes. Individual items usually require a different approach to work organisation than orders comprising entire bulk packages. Centoro OMS supports order picking and order status management, which facilitates the preparation of appropriate operational queues. A clear division of tasks helps to minimise downtime and improves the flow of information, particularly during periods of increased warehouse workload.
Stock levels – how can you avoid selling out-of-stock products?
In multi-channel sales, the same product may be available simultaneously on a marketplace, an online shop and a B2B platform. If stock levels are not properly synchronised, there is a risk of accepting an order for goods that have already been sold via another channel. Up-to-date information on product availability is essential for ensuring timely dispatch, which is why it is important to specify the source of stock data and the rules for updating it.
Centoro enables the management of multiple physical and virtual warehouses, as well as the synchronisation of selected data with the ERP system. A well-organised product catalogue also plays an important role. The PIM system available within the ecosystem supports the management of product names, variants, codes and parameters. Consistent identifiers make it easier to match order items to the correct records, which helps to minimise errors during order picking and document preparation.
How do you organise deliveries from marketplaces and online shops?
Marketplaces and your own shops may have different requirements regarding delivery methods, dispatch deadlines and communication with buyers. Therefore, before integrating the channels, it is worth determining which activities can be carried out according to a single procedure and which require individual configuration. A shared logistics process does not necessarily mean identical rules for handling every order, as the specific characteristics of individual platforms may require separate settings.
Dispatching orders from sales representatives – how can this be integrated with OMS?
In many wholesale businesses, some orders still reach the company via field sales representatives. Sales representatives take these orders during their visits, often based on individual prices and terms of cooperation. To streamline further processing, it is worth integrating this channel with other sales processes. Orders entered by sales representatives should be fed into a structured information flow, rather than requiring office staff to manually transcribe the data.
In Centoro SFA, the system supports mobile order taking, appointment scheduling and access to customer history. Integrating the application with other modules in the ecosystem facilitates the transfer of transactions for further processing. This enables the company to coordinate orders received from sales representatives, B2B customers and online channels, whilst maintaining consistent information on the product range and availability.
B2B logistics – how does it differ from retail order fulfilment?
Wholesale orders often involve larger quantities of products, bulk packaging or goods requiring special transport arrangements. They may also be subject to individual commercial terms and agreed delivery dates. Therefore, B2B logistics requires taking into account the specific needs of business partners and the process of fulfilling larger orders, rather than simply automating courier deliveries.
Centoro’s B2B sales platform enables wholesale customers to place orders themselves, access personalised prices and view their purchase history. Integrating it with the OMS allows B2B transactions to be incorporated into the wider sales fulfilment process. It is also worth defining the procedures for handling pallet deliveries, self-collection and orders requiring non-standard packaging. Separating these procedures in this way makes it easier to ensure deliveries are made on time, regardless of the order size.
How much does it cost to implement a dispatch management system?
Centoro allows you to start by implementing the OMS system and then expand the environment with additional modules. You can find details of the available options and the price of the OMS system in our price list. The final terms and conditions depend on the scope of the implementation and the required integrations. It is worth specifying the number of orders to be processed and the key logistical challenges in order to select a configuration that meets your company’s actual needs.
At Centoro, we help you tailor a solution to your sales structure, your existing ERP system and your order fulfilment process. You can start by centralising your online transactions, and then integrate your OMS with your B2B platform, CRM and SFA application. Contact us to find out how Centoro can streamline your company’s order fulfilment and logistics management. We’ll help you choose the features that best suit your business’s needs.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about e-commerce logistics
Where should you start when organising your e-commerce logistics across several sales channels?
It is best to start by analysing the sources of orders, how stock levels are updated, and how order fulfilment and dispatch are organised. It is worth identifying manual tasks and determining which of them can be automated. The next step should be to consolidate orders from various channels into a single environment so that staff can access consistent information. Centoro OMS supports the centralisation of transactions, the automation of order statuses and the preparation of parcels.
What does the order processing time consist of?
The processing time includes transaction acceptance, data and payment verification, confirmation of product availability, order fulfilment, packing and the preparation of dispatch documents. The parcel is then handed over to the carrier. To reduce processing time, it is worth analysing the duration of each stage and eliminating unnecessary operations, such as manually re-entering data or generating labels separately. The carrier’s delivery time should be considered separately from the time taken to prepare the order.
How can I dispatch orders from Allegro, my shop and wholesale customers all from one place?
Centoro OMS enables the centralisation of orders from integrated marketplaces and online shops. Integration with the B2B module also allows transactions placed by wholesale partners to be processed. Orders can be processed within a single environment, using common statuses and logistics tools, whilst maintaining different procedures for individual channels. The scope of integration and automation depends on the configuration of the implementation.
When is palletised shipping better than parcels?
Palletised transport is worth considering for large orders, heavy products and goods that need to be transported in bulk packaging. It can make it easier to secure the load and reduce the number of separate consignments. However, the choice should be based on a comparison of weight, dimensions, transport costs and collection conditions, as not every large order requires a pallet. In the case of B2B deliveries, the customer’s unloading facilities should also be taken into account.
What system helps to organise the dispatch of orders from multiple channels?
Centoro offers an OMS system designed for manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers operating across multiple sales channels. The solution centralises orders, supports order fulfilment, automates status updates and facilitates the preparation of consignments. Thanks to courier integrations and the ability to generate labels in bulk, it reduces the number of manual operations, whilst integration with ERP, B2B and SFA platforms enables the development of a cohesive sales environment. Contact Centoro to tailor the scope of the implementation to your company’s needs.