The last link in the supply chain and one of the most important business processes is the order fulfillment process. Defined as the process of receiving an order, then shipping the order to the buyer to complete a transaction, enterprises must focus great attention to theorder fulfillmentprocess as it plays a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. However, with enterprises having their own core competencies to concentrate on, order fulfillment sometimes does not get the attention that it deserves. Hence, those enterprises that cannot manage effectively the fulfillment process can outsource it to fulfillment companies that provide scale, speed, and cost-competitiveness. Here is a look at some of the fulfillment solutions offered by a best of the breedsupply chain solutionsprovider.

* Fulfillment , Warehouse, and Distribution Solutions

* Retail/OEM/WholesaleRetail Packaging (hardware and software pack out: retail box, RF sealing clamshell packaging, blister pack, shrink wrap, etc.)

* Retail fulfillmentsolutions ,Customization that includes custom kitting, promotional solutions, serial number capture, etc

* POP (point of purchase) display manufacturing

* Order Management ,Inventory Control, Lot Control, Distribution -- Direct to Store or Distribution Center

* On-line Visibility, Inquiry, and Reporting

Lets look at some of these solutions in detail in order to understand the advantages of outsourcing the fulfillment solutions to third party solution providers.

Warehousing / Storage Fulfillment companies

* Provide storage facilities for the products
* Provide inventory control management services that include online and real-time access to inventory

Order Processing Fulfillment companies

* Handle one configuration to one customer, low-volume-high mix through high-volume-low-mix orders
* Allow to order a configured product through a secure link to a global tech page and stay informed at every step of the process with real-time information. This reduces program management time and enables quick management decision making.
* Accomplish the highest levels of test and debug on a wide variety of products with its experienced and skilled staff
* Ensure that clients are shipping only the most recent products in the quantities that are ordered and that there are no stocking of products with a limited shelf life

Exchanges andReturns Management Fulfillment companies

* Detrash and destruction of returned materials (CDs packaging materials, etc.),Date code based warranty assessment
* Test diagnostics and repair ,Software and/or firmware upgrades
* Refurbishment and Repackaging
* Warehousing and Distribution
* Legally compliant disposal (i.e. WEEE and SB2050) ,Web-based inquiry and reporting

As it is the fulfillment companies that the customers interact with when ordering or returning a product, it is essential to ensure good fulfillment so that customers come back for more.