E-Commerce Supply Chain Automation 

The global ecommerce supply chain market was valued at a staggering $551.71 billion.

As customer preference is shifting towards online shopping and hyperlocal delivery, the factors deriving customer satisfaction are also shifting. From a diverse number of product choices to 10-minute deliveries, customers prefer a seamless and hassle-free experience. Hence, it is imperative to support that experience with a seamless supply-chain process for your e-commerce business. 

E-commerce supply chain automation is a crucial component of contemporary business operations. Businesses must effectively manage the flow of commodities, items, and funds from the procurement of raw materials through the delivery of the finished product, considering the growth of online shopping. Apart from basic methodologies for managing inventory, automated solutions for picking, storage, and material movement can help in creating a competitive edge. 

Need for Supply chain management 

Inventory management 

It is one of the most important aspects of e-commerce supply chain automation. It’s critical to strike the correct balance between keeping just enough inventory on hand to quickly fill customer orders and avoiding having too much on hand. Inventory levels can be optimised and stock availability guaranteed by putting in place inventory management systems and using real-time tracking technologies.  

Order fulfilment  

Another crucial factor in e-commerce supply chain automation is timely and correct order fulfillment is crucial for customer happiness. Distribution and warehousing are essential components of the e-commerce supply chain. Order delivery is made possible by strategically situated warehouses quickly and affordably. Distribution networks should be made as efficient as possible to reduce shipping fees and transit times. Managing warehousing and distribution activities can be scaled up and expertly managed by working with third-party logistics providers (3PLs). 

Controlling reverse logistics 

Online purchasing inevitably involves returns, so businesses must set up effective procedures for them, including quick product inspection and repair or disposal. The return process can be made better by looking at the causes of returns and using data tracking.  

Supplier management 

It’s crucial to have trusting connections with suppliers who can regularly deliver high-quality goods on schedule. The supply chain can be made less vulnerable to risks and interruptions via regular communication, performance monitoring, and contingency planning.  

Efficiency and visibility in the supply chains of e-commerce are significantly boosted by technology integration. Processes can be streamlined, decision-making can be improved, and real-time insights can be provided by order management systems, inventory management software, transportation management systems, and customer relationship management tools. 

Technology Advancement 

New technologies that improve automation, security, and traceability include blockchain and artificial intelligence. E-commerce supply chain automation must take scalability and flexibility into account. Demand varies frequently for businesses, particularly during busy times or when there are exceptional offers. Scalable and adaptable supply chain automation is necessary to meet shifting demands. This could entail using on-demand logistics services to accommodate spikes in order volume, having backup suppliers, temporarily expanding warehouse capacity, or any combination of these.  

The performance of the supply chain automation must be optimised by using data analytics. To find bottlenecks and areas for development, e-commerce organisations should monitor important indicators like order cycle time, on-time delivery, and inventory turnover. Businesses may increase efficiency, cut costs, and boost customer satisfaction by utilising continuous monitoring, analysis, and process optimisation. 

Tools and Solutions for Ecommerce Supply Chain Management

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) 

Examples: Addverb’s WMS, Manhattan Associates WMS 

Micro-Fulfillment Centers (MFCs) 

Examples: Fabric, AutoStore 

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) 

Examples: Addverb AS/RS, Kardex Remstar Shuttle XP 

Sortation Robots and Systems 

Examples: Addverb’s Zippy Robots, Honeywell Intelligrated Sorters 

Robotic Picking Systems 

Examples: Pick-to-Light by Addverb, Knapp Pick-It-Easy 

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) 

Examples: Addverb’s Dynamo, Fetch Robotics 

Last-Mile Delivery Drones 

Examples: Amazon Prime Air, Wing (by Alphabet) 

Internet of Things (IoT) for Supply Chain Visibility 

Examples: Tive, Samsara 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Predictive Analytics 

Purpose: AI-powered tools for demand forecasting, route optimization, and warehouse efficiency. 

Examples: ClearMetal, Relex Solutions 

Smart Packaging Technology 

Examples: Thinfilm Smart Labels, Blulog IoT Sensors 

Collaborative Robots (Cobots) 

Examples: Addverb, Universal Robots, ABB YuMi 

Cloud-Based Supply Chain Platforms 
Examples: SAP Integrated Business Planning, Oracle Cloud Supply Chain Management 

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) 

Examples: Addverb AGVs, JBT Automated Systems 

Parcel Lockers for Last-Mile Fulfillment 

Examples: Amazon Hub Lockers, InPost Lockers 

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants for Customer Support 

Examples: Zendesk AI Chatbot, HubSpot Service Hub 

Blockchain for Secure Transactions 

Examples: IBM Blockchain, VeChain 

Addverb Advantage 

To address the various needs of e-commerce supply chain automation, Addverb Technologies provides a wide range of products. 

Fixed Automation  

Fixed Automation products consist of systems that rely on a fixed infrastructure for operation. These solutions are ideal for industries that demand high-volume, repetitive production of standardized products, such as automotive, electronics, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and packaging.  

AS/RS: Innovative warehouse automation technologies designed for high-density storage and retrieval of goods. They are equipped with rails, robotic arms, shuttles, lifts, and software for inventory management and quicker material handling processes. 

▪ Carton Shuttle ▪ Pallet Shuttle ▪ Mother Child Shuttle ▪ Multi-Level Shuttle ▪ 4-Way Pallet Shuttle  

Stacker crane: Efficiently loads and unloads heavy items, ensuring precise storage. It’s highly designed for unit loads and pallet loads, with accurate real-time inventory tracking. 

Vertical Sortation Robot: Delivers highly accurate sortation while sorting individual packets to their destination locations at varied heights on a dedicated track. 

Rail Guided Vehicle: Provides a fast and flexible alternative to continuous conveyor systems used to transport pallets within warehouses and factories 

Flexible Automation  

Fixed automation products consist of systems that rely on a fixed infrastructure for operation. These solutions are ideal for industries that demand high-volume, repetitive production of standardised products, such as automotive, electronics, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and packaging. 

Autonomous Mobile Robot: Powered by Lidar and operates on natural navigation. It can carry payloads of 100 kg, 200 kg, 500 kg, 1000 kg, 1500 kg, and 2500 kg. 

Multi-Carton Picking Robot: Navigates through grid-based paths to pre-decided locations for storing and picking carton loads, working in perfect sync with one another. 

Sorting Robots: Automated systems to identify and categorise order parcels or packages. They are equipped with sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms for accurate and quick sortation. 

Autonomous Forklift: Autonomous forklifts are self-operating vehicles equipped with sensors and software that allow them to navigate and transport materials without manual intervention. 

Collaborative Robot: Designed to work alongside humans in shared spaces to perform industrial operations. 

Pick-To-Light: Our trusted Pick-to-Light solution empowers your workforce to pick the correct products and quantities swiftly and accurately for order fulfillment. 

Pick-By-Voice: Our advanced Pick-by-Voice technology revolutionises the order-picking process. By eliminating the need for paper or RF devices, Zesty streamlines operations through voice commands. 

END NOTE 

The success of online enterprises is heavily dependent on the management of the supply chain automation for e-commerce. Businesses may assure customer pleasure and retain competitiveness in the quickly changing market by managing inventory efficiently, streamlining order fulfilment procedures, managing reverse logistics, and keeping strong supplier relationships. The supply chain cycle is made more efficient and visible through the integration of technology, such as order management systems, inventory management software, and transportation management systems. To adapt to changing needs, scalability and flexibility are critical, and data analytics can assist in pinpointing performance bottlenecks and optimising workflows.