3PL Reporting for Brands

The Ecommerce industry has undergone a dramatic transformation, with brands now expecting much more visibility into their operations. As companies focus on optimizing efficiency and profitability, Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers have evolved from mere service providers to essential partners in a brand's success.

This article will delve into the key data points brands need from their 3PL partners, explaining why providing this information is crucial for 3PLs to maintain client relationships. We'll also explore effective methods for delivering actionable insights to brands. By understanding and implementing these strategies, 3PLs can meet the growing demands of modern Ecommerce brands and foster long-term partnerships in an increasingly competitive market.

Data points brands need from 3PLs

Ecommerce brands rely on their 3PL partners for more than just storage and shipping. They require specific data to manage operations effectively and serve customers better. Brands want to know how 3PLs are meeting promised Service Level Agreements (SLAs). This includes metrics on fulfillment and delivery times, showing how long order processing, packing, and shipping actually take.

Information on stuck or delayed orders allows brands to address issues promptly and keep customers informed. Transparent invoicing is a top priority. Brands need easily understood breakdowns of costs, including storage fees, pick and pack charges, and shipping expenses. Detailed cost breakdowns for each product, covering storage, handling, and shipping, help brands make informed decisions on pricing and product offerings. By providing these data points, 3PLs can strengthen their partnerships with Ecommerce brands and demonstrate their value in a competitive market.

How 3PLs can provide the data

Providing comprehensive data is no longer a luxury for 3PLs and Ecommerce brands increasingly view this transparency as a standard requirement. By offering detailed data, 3PLs can significantly enhance their value proposition. It allows them to move beyond simple order fulfillment to become strategic partners in their clients' success. This data-driven approach enables 3PLs to demonstrate their impact on the brand's bottom line and operational efficiency.

Proactive data sharing also transforms client management. Instead of waiting for clients to raise issues or submit tickets, 3PLs can anticipate needs and address potential problems before they escalate. This preemptive strategy not only improves client satisfaction but also streamlines operations for both parties.

Transparent data sharing also builds trust. When brands have full visibility into their logistics operations, they're more likely to view their 3PL as an extension of their own team. This deepened relationship can lead to longer partnerships and increased client retention.

Ultimately, 3PLs that embrace data transparency position themselves as industry leaders. They meet the evolving demands of Ecommerce brands and set new standards for service and partnership in the logistics sector. In an increasingly competitive market, this commitment to data-driven collaboration can be a key differentiator for 3PLs seeking to attract and retain clients.

Options for 3PLs to deliver the data

3PLs have several options for delivering crucial data to their Ecommerce clients.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Most 3PLs already use a WMS, which often includes some reporting capabilities. However, these systems are primarily designed to manage warehouse operations, not to provide comprehensive, easily digestible analytics to clients. While WMS reports can offer basic insights, they often fall short in delivering the depth and clarity of data that modern Ecommerce brands demand.

Custom Dashboards: Building custom dashboards using tools like PowerBI, Qlik, or Sisense is a step up from basic WMS reporting. This approach allows 3PLs to create tailored metrics that align precisely with client needs. However, it comes with significant drawbacks. Developing and maintaining these dashboards is time-consuming and expensive. It often requires a dedicated team of data analysts and developers, which may not be feasible for many 3PLs.

Octup: This specialized SaaS solution offers a more efficient and effective approach to data delivery. With Octup, 3PLs can immediately consolidate all client data in one place. The platform's custom dashboarding features make it easy to build and display the exact metrics clients want to see. Octup streamlines the process of data aggregation and visualization, allowing 3PLs to offer sophisticated analytics without the need for extensive in-house development resources.

By leveraging Octup, 3PLs can quickly elevate their data reporting capabilities, meeting the growing expectations of Ecommerce brands while avoiding the pitfalls of more traditional approaches. This solution enables 3PLs to focus on their core competencies while still providing the high-level data insights that modern clients demand.

Interested in giving Octup a try to help provide your brands with the best possible experience? Try Octup free for 30 days.