At DWS Logistics, we specialize in efficient international and cross-border order fulfillment for companies expanding into Canada. Our Canadian warehousing and logistics services streamline every step of the fulfillment process, ensuring swift and reliable distribution to Canadian locations while maximizing customer satisfaction.
Understanding Order Fulfillment
Order fulfillment is the backbone of DWS Logistics’ warehousing and logistics operations. From the moment a product arrives at our Canadian warehouse to its delivery at the customer’s doorstep, every step plays a vital role in ensuring customer satisfaction and driving repeat business.
Order Fulfillment Stage 1: Receiving Inventory
Imagine a highly organized, efficient warehouse where DWS employees, many with decades of experience, operate with precision. Barcodes are scanned, boxes stacked, and pallets wrapped for secure storage. This is the receiving inventory stage of the order fulfillment process. Here, our dedicated team accounts for and inspects each item, scanning them into the system to lay the foundation for seamless operations.
Why Receiving Inventory Matters
Receiving inventory isn’t just about unloading products from the truck and moving them into the warehouse. It’s about ensuring that every item is properly accounted for, thoroughly inspected, and accurately scanned into the system.
The Power of Precision
Accuracy at this stage is paramount. A single misstep here can cascade into bigger problems down the line — stockouts or overstocking would be a disaster.
The Role of Technology
Gone are the days of manual counting and paper logs. Advanced technology now plays a pivotal role in inventory management. Barcoding and real-time order tracking systems are the heroes of modern warehousing, providing instant updates and ensuring that inventory data is always current. This technology not only speeds up the receiving process but also enhances accuracy, enabling us to maintain a precise inventory count and prevent costly mistakes.
Real-Time Inventory Tracking
With real-time tracking, every product’s journey is visible at a glance. This transparency allows our customers to manage stock levels effectively so they can meet demand without overstocking. It provides real-time insights into inventory needs, helping them stay proactive and prepared.
The DWS Logistics Difference
At DWS, our commitment to excellence starts at the receiving dock. Our Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software solution designed to optimize and manage warehouse operations. Overall, it helps in improving accuracy, reducing costs, enhancing efficiency and providing better service to customers.
Order Fulfillment Stage 2: Warehousing & Storage
Efficient warehousing and strategic storage are essential to optimizing the fulfillment process. At DWS Logistics, we prioritize both the protection of products and the organization of inventory to drive operational efficiency and ensure smooth transitions between each stage of fulfillment.
Product Storage
Efficient storage in warehousing is crucial for optimizing space, reducing costs, and improving the order fulfillment process. To ensure optimal efficiency, products must be stored in a way that provides easy access to all areas of the warehouse, also facilitating effective cleaning, inspections, and the implementation of pest control and sanitation measures. Here are some key steps for efficient and effective storage:
Store goods at least 30 cm from walls and elevate them from the floor to maintain airflow and prevent contamination.
Avoid overcrowded storage areas to ensure efficient stock rotation and minimize handling issues.
Clearly identify and isolate returned or defective products in designated areas for QA purposes and proper disposition.
Handle and store products carefully to minimize damage, such as controlling stacking heights and preventing forklift-related damage.
Maintain proper aisle widths and clearances to allow safe and efficient movement of goods.
Secure racking systems structurally and inspect them regularly to ensure stability and safety.
Store non-food items, like chemicals and cleaning supplies, separately from food products to prevent contamination.
Isolate allergen-related products in designated storage areas within the warehouse to avoid cross-contamination.
Keep non-food products that could contaminate foods through odor or toxicity in areas separate from food products.
Follow customer-specific storage requirements, including FIFO (First In, First Out), to meet distribution standards.
Temperature Controls
Maintaining proper temperature controls in a warehouse is critical, especially for temperature-sensitive products like food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals. At DWS Logistics we ensure our warehouses are kept at optimal conditions to prevent product damage from freezing or overheating and to maintain their quality and efficacy.
Carefully monitor and maintain warehousing conditions to prevent fluctuations that could impact product quality.
Storing temperature sensitive products. Storage should be according to customer SOP, and careful consideration of these products are stored in designated areas where both temperature and humidity are regulated.
Avoiding External Walls. Store sensitive products away from external walls to reduce exposure to temperature fluctuations caused by outside weather.
Lot Codes, Expiry Dates, and Product Disposal (Client Specific)
Managing shelf life, lot codes, and expiry dates in a Warehouse Management System is crucial for maintaining product quality and adhering to industry regulations. Here are some warehousing best practices:
Barcode/RFID Scanning: each product receives a unique lot code linked to its batch for traceability.
Lot codes and expiry dates, in line with product specifications, are easily accessible through our Warehouse Management System (WMS). This ensures that the system accurately picks and ships orders using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method, maintaining product freshness and proper stock rotation.
Set Expiry Dates: Expiry dates are input into the system for each lot upon receiving products into the WMS.
Implementing FIFO/LIFO Strategies: FIFO will prioritize picking older lot codes to ensure products are shipped before they expire. LIFO will prioritize newer stock to be shipped first.
Reporting and Analytics: The WMS generates reports on lot expiration dates and aging inventory, and it sends alert notifications when products are nearing their expiry dates.
At DWS Logistics, we use advanced technology to track and manage these critical details, ensuring timely and accurate product handling. Equally important is staff training on how to use the WMS for managing shelf life and SOPs for receiving, storing, and shipping products with lot codes and expiry dates.
Order Fulfillment Stage 3: Picking and Packing
Supply chain transactions are supported by EDI software solutions, so it’s important to choose a solution provider that is reliable, scalable, and extensible to meet all your integration platform challenges.
The Heartbeat of Fulfillment: Picking and Packing
Our WMS acts as an extension of your existing system, focusing on warehousing and related supply chain activities. From the moment an order is received to the moment it’s ready for picking, our system optimizes all of the warehousing functionality.
Real-Time Efficiency
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) plays a crucial role in real-time efficiency. It organizes the work of the distribution center and ensures it operates efficiently to meet its objectives.
Our system manages the process of picking, packing, and shipping orders by optimizing picking routes, reducing errors, and ensuring orders are filled accurately and efficiently. Additionally, real-time updates on warehouse activities, inventory levels, order processing times and more helps our customers make informed decisions.
Smart Picking Strategies
Efficiency starts with smart picking strategies. At DWS Logistics, we use a combination of zone picking, batch picking, and wave picking to streamline the process:
Zone Picking: Assign workers to specific zones, where they pick items exclusively from their designated areas. This reduces travel time and significantly boosts picking efficiency.
Batch Picking: Pick multiple orders simultaneously, which is ideal during high-volume periods, such as the holiday season, when speed and productivity are essential.
Wave Picking: Group orders and pick them in waves, optimizing workflow and efficiency throughout the day.
Numerous unit-of-measure picking capabilities allow us to pick pieces from bins, inner cartons, master cartons, and full pallets. These strategies and the flexibility of unit-of-measure ensure items are picked accurately, minimizing errors and maximizing productivity.
The Art of Packing
Once items are picked, it’s time for packing—the final touch before shipping. Packing isn’t just about putting items in a box. It’s about ensuring that products arrive safely and in perfect condition. We use high-quality packing materials and techniques tailored to each item’s needs. Fragile items get extra padding, while sturdy products are securely fitted to prevent movement.
The DWS Logistics Standard
Our team expertly handles every product with care, and our systems ensure each order is processed with accuracy. We use cutting-edge barcoding systems to print shipping labels and real-time order tracking to ensure customers are informed of the status of orders.
Ready for the Journey
After the picking and packing stage, we ensure that every order is ready for the next big step: shipping. It’s a critical transition point where precision meets care, and every detail counts.
Order Fulfillment Stage 4: Shipping Across Canada
Choosing the Right Shipping Partners
At DWS Logistics, we work with a trusted network of carriers to ensure efficient, on-time deliveries for all your shipping needs. Whether it’s same-day local deliveries, courier, rail, LTL, or T/L within Canada, we work with industry specialists to provide reliable and cost-effective solutions for your business. Our partnerships ensure your products reach their destination safely and efficiently, supporting your distribution strategy across Canada.
Real-Time Tracking and Transparency
Transparency is the cornerstone of our shipping process. Tracking numbers are provided for each order so customers have visibility into delivery times. This level of visibility builds trust and keeps customers informed.
Handling Delays and Challenges
Shipping isn’t always smooth sailing. Weather, traffic, and other unforeseen challenges can cause delays. At DWS Logistics, we proactively manage these risks. Our dedicated customer service team is always on standby to address any concerns, ensuring that even when challenges arise, our customers feel supported and informed.
The DWS Logistics Advantage
Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of the order fulfillment process. We use high-quality packaging materials and techniques to protect items during transit. Our partnerships with top carriers ensure reliability and speed. And our real-time tracking and proactive customer service provides peace of mind.
Order Fulfillment Stage 5: Reverse Logistics
Handling Returns
Even with successful deliveries, there will always be a need for returns. Handling returns, often known as “reverse logistics,” refers to the process of moving goods from their final destination back to the designated warehouse. Efficiently managing returns is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. This involves a systematic approach to receiving returned items.
Upon arrival, place returned products in a segregated area for inspection and to ensure compliance with the return policy.
Ensure returned goods are in acceptable condition and do not pose a product quality concern before placing them back into finished goods inventory.
Evaluate returned products and classify them as either good or designated for destruction, based on Customer Quality Standards.
Update inventory systems to reflect the status of returned items.
At DWS Logistics, we manage every stage with precision and care, from the careful coordination of receiving inventory to the final shipping and smooth handling of returns
Partner with us for a seamless cross-border warehousing and logistics solution. We’ll handle your Canadian coast to coast order fulfillment, so you can focus on expanding your business.
At DWS Logistics, we specialize in efficient international and cross-border order fulfillment for companies expanding into Canada. Our Canadian warehousing and logistics services streamline every step of the fulfillment process, ensuring swift and reliable distribution to Canadian locations while maximizing customer satisfaction.
Understanding Order Fulfillment
Order fulfillment is the backbone of DWS Logistics’ warehousing and logistics operations. From the moment a product arrives at our Canadian warehouse to its delivery at the customer’s doorstep, every step plays a vital role in ensuring customer satisfaction and driving repeat business.
Order Fulfillment Stage 1: Receiving Inventory
Imagine a highly organized, efficient warehouse where DWS employees, many with decades of experience, operate with precision. Barcodes are scanned, boxes stacked, and pallets wrapped for secure storage. This is the receiving inventory stage of the order fulfillment process. Here, our dedicated team accounts for and inspects each item, scanning them into the system to lay the foundation for seamless operations.
Why Receiving Inventory Matters
Receiving inventory isn’t just about unloading products from the truck and moving them into the warehouse. It’s about ensuring that every item is properly accounted for, thoroughly inspected, and accurately scanned into the system.
The Power of Precision
Accuracy at this stage is paramount. A single misstep here can cascade into bigger problems down the line — stockouts or overstocking would be a disaster.
The Role of Technology
Gone are the days of manual counting and paper logs. Advanced technology now plays a pivotal role in inventory management. Barcoding and real-time order tracking systems are the heroes of modern warehousing, providing instant updates and ensuring that inventory data is always current. This technology not only speeds up the receiving process but also enhances accuracy, enabling us to maintain a precise inventory count and prevent costly mistakes.
Real-Time Inventory Tracking
With real-time tracking, every product’s journey is visible at a glance. This transparency allows our customers to manage stock levels effectively so they can meet demand without overstocking. It provides real-time insights into inventory needs, helping them stay proactive and prepared.
The DWS Logistics Difference
At DWS, our commitment to excellence starts at the receiving dock. Our Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software solution designed to optimize and manage warehouse operations. Overall, it helps in improving accuracy, reducing costs, enhancing efficiency and providing better service to customers.
Order Fulfillment Stage 2: Warehousing & Storage
Efficient warehousing and strategic storage are essential to optimizing the fulfillment process. At DWS Logistics, we prioritize both the protection of products and the organization of inventory to drive operational efficiency and ensure smooth transitions between each stage of fulfillment.
Product Storage
Efficient storage in warehousing is crucial for optimizing space, reducing costs, and improving the order fulfillment process. To ensure optimal efficiency, products must be stored in a way that provides easy access to all areas of the warehouse, also facilitating effective cleaning, inspections, and the implementation of pest control and sanitation measures. Here are some key steps for efficient and effective storage:
Temperature Controls
Maintaining proper temperature controls in a warehouse is critical, especially for temperature-sensitive products like food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals. At DWS Logistics we ensure our warehouses are kept at optimal conditions to prevent product damage from freezing or overheating and to maintain their quality and efficacy.
Lot Codes, Expiry Dates, and Product Disposal (Client Specific)
Managing shelf life, lot codes, and expiry dates in a Warehouse Management System is crucial for maintaining product quality and adhering to industry regulations. Here are some warehousing best practices:
At DWS Logistics, we use advanced technology to track and manage these critical details, ensuring timely and accurate product handling. Equally important is staff training on how to use the WMS for managing shelf life and SOPs for receiving, storing, and shipping products with lot codes and expiry dates.
Order Fulfillment Stage 3: Picking and Packing
Supply chain transactions are supported by EDI software solutions, so it’s important to choose a solution provider that is reliable, scalable, and extensible to meet all your integration platform challenges.
The Heartbeat of Fulfillment: Picking and Packing
Our WMS acts as an extension of your existing system, focusing on warehousing and related supply chain activities. From the moment an order is received to the moment it’s ready for picking, our system optimizes all of the warehousing functionality.
Real-Time Efficiency
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) plays a crucial role in real-time efficiency. It organizes the work of the distribution center and ensures it operates efficiently to meet its objectives.
Our system manages the process of picking, packing, and shipping orders by optimizing picking routes, reducing errors, and ensuring orders are filled accurately and efficiently. Additionally, real-time updates on warehouse activities, inventory levels, order processing times and more helps our customers make informed decisions.
Smart Picking Strategies
Efficiency starts with smart picking strategies. At DWS Logistics, we use a combination of zone picking, batch picking, and wave picking to streamline the process:
Numerous unit-of-measure picking capabilities allow us to pick pieces from bins, inner cartons, master cartons, and full pallets. These strategies and the flexibility of unit-of-measure ensure items are picked accurately, minimizing errors and maximizing productivity.
The Art of Packing
Once items are picked, it’s time for packing—the final touch before shipping. Packing isn’t just about putting items in a box. It’s about ensuring that products arrive safely and in perfect condition. We use high-quality packing materials and techniques tailored to each item’s needs. Fragile items get extra padding, while sturdy products are securely fitted to prevent movement.
The DWS Logistics Standard
Our team expertly handles every product with care, and our systems ensure each order is processed with accuracy. We use cutting-edge barcoding systems to print shipping labels and real-time order tracking to ensure customers are informed of the status of orders.
Ready for the Journey
After the picking and packing stage, we ensure that every order is ready for the next big step: shipping. It’s a critical transition point where precision meets care, and every detail counts.
Order Fulfillment Stage 4: Shipping Across Canada
Choosing the Right Shipping Partners
At DWS Logistics, we work with a trusted network of carriers to ensure efficient, on-time deliveries for all your shipping needs. Whether it’s same-day local deliveries, courier, rail, LTL, or T/L within Canada, we work with industry specialists to provide reliable and cost-effective solutions for your business. Our partnerships ensure your products reach their destination safely and efficiently, supporting your distribution strategy across Canada.
Real-Time Tracking and Transparency
Transparency is the cornerstone of our shipping process. Tracking numbers are provided for each order so customers have visibility into delivery times. This level of visibility builds trust and keeps customers informed.
Handling Delays and Challenges
Shipping isn’t always smooth sailing. Weather, traffic, and other unforeseen challenges can cause delays. At DWS Logistics, we proactively manage these risks. Our dedicated customer service team is always on standby to address any concerns, ensuring that even when challenges arise, our customers feel supported and informed.
The DWS Logistics Advantage
Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of the order fulfillment process. We use high-quality packaging materials and techniques to protect items during transit. Our partnerships with top carriers ensure reliability and speed. And our real-time tracking and proactive customer service provides peace of mind.
Order Fulfillment Stage 5: Reverse Logistics
Handling Returns
Even with successful deliveries, there will always be a need for returns. Handling returns, often known as “reverse logistics,” refers to the process of moving goods from their final destination back to the designated warehouse. Efficiently managing returns is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. This involves a systematic approach to receiving returned items.
At DWS Logistics, we manage every stage with precision and care, from the careful coordination of receiving inventory to the final shipping and smooth handling of returns
Partner with us for a seamless cross-border warehousing and logistics solution. We’ll handle your Canadian coast to coast order fulfillment, so you can focus on expanding your business.