In the dynamic world of e-commerce logistics, the crucial role of automation in processing orders and storing goods cannot be overlooked. Process optimization through fulfillment automation is a pillar that helps 3PL (third-party logistics) companies manage the increasing demand from e-commerce businesses for services, as well as the continuous growth of orders, not only during peak seasons.

Speed, accuracy, and efficiency are immensely important in the e-commerce market, and automation significantly reduces errors in order processing, ensures precision and speed in delivery, and enhances cost efficiency in the logistics process. Not to mention the trends and changing demands of online customers, who require fast delivery, carbon footprint reduction, fit-to-size packaging, real-time order tracking, and other "services" beyond traditional logistics.

It is precisely through automation that expectations of demand can be met, offering services that increase the competitiveness of e-shops in this challenging environment. Moreover, automation addresses the issue of a shortage of workforce, which has become particularly pronounced in recent years.

Automation in Fulfillment by FHB Group

Automation is an integral part of the Fulfillment by FHB Group´s process, with regular investments in the millions of euros. Through automation, the company enhances its comprehensive services and provides modern and efficient logistics to e-shops. Automation is regularly updated in warehouses in Sv. Jur and Senec, assisting in picking, packaging, sorting, delivering, and various other aspects of the process. The goal of automation is to expedite the process, handle seasonal peaks, eliminate errors, and address the issue of a labor shortage.

One advantage of Fulfillment by FHB Group is the multiplied automation in warehouses. In simplicity, it involves automation where not just one machine handles a part of the process but multiple machines, ensuring that unexpected or planned equipment failures do not slow down order processing or cause delays.

E-commerce clients have no reason to worry, and they can fully rely on the thorough management of their logistics. Thanks to advanced and multiplied automation, even small or medium e-shops can offer logistics comparable to those of major players in the market without having to invest millions in their own facilities and systems.

Examples of automation at Fulfillment by FHB Group:

  • CVP Everest Packing Lines - This equipment, through product scanning, enables fit-to-size packaging in boxes, using roughly half the packing material compared to manual methods. This allows more packages to fit into a vehicle, saving approximately every other trip and reducing the overall carbon footprint of the shipment. Products remain stationary during transport, reducing the risk of damage.
  • Sorting Sorters - Their role is to scan all codes on packages, accurately identifying and measuring their weight. Using scanners from five different sides and weight, the system significantly reduces the potential for errors caused by human factors. After identifying a package, the system sends data through the API interface to the Kika information system, allowing automatic sorting based on the delivery country and specific last-mile carriers. The sorter can handle several thousand packages per hour.
  • BVM Comtex Packing Lines - These devices offer an alternative form of packaging in foil envelopes, securely securing products for transport. In an hour, the machine can process up to 1800 packages, scanning and assigning products to individual orders.
  • Priority Pak Packing Lines - Another form of automated packaging is the Priority Pak device, which places products in recyclable paper envelopes, creating secure conditions for transport.
  • eComPack Packing Machine - This automated form, an alternative to manual packaging, replaces the manual insertion of products into envelopes. It's a prototype capable of opening, inserting, customizing, closing, and labeling an envelope in just 6 seconds, thanks to consistent and fast packaging.
  • Other devices - There are many more automated devices in the company's warehouses, including various automated conveyors, elevators, trucks, and other packing machines.

The Future of Automation and Information Systems

Automation is an indispensable part of e-commerce logistics, allowing companies to maintain a dominant position in the highly competitive environment of fulfillment companies. The goal of Fulfillment by FHB Group is to continually develop automation in its warehouses and processes, ensuring its leading role among 3PL providers in Central and Eastern Europe.

On the flip side of the same coin is the warehouse information system, which connects devices, eliminates errors, streamlines processes, and ensures fast delivery. That's why the company has its own information system, managed by professional IT workers.

While there's no need to fear automation and digitization in e-commerce logistics, it's essential to note that not everything that glitters is gold. This also applies to automated devices, which may seem interesting and useful at first glance but can ultimately cause more harm than good in warehouses. Therefore, Fulfillment by FHB Group carefully plans its steps and thoroughly analyzes the benefits of investing in specific automation for e-commerce clients and their customers.