Just as it seemed like supply chains might finally be recovering from pandemic-induced kinks, ecommerce sellers are facing a flurry of fresh headwinds.
With congestion in the Panama Canal and a possible UPS strike threatening supply chain timelines, merchants need solutions that help them sidestep the obstacles ahead.
From real-time inventory visibility to automatic carrier selection and optionality, Flowspace empowers merchants with the software and solutions they need to accommodate dynamic needs and unexpected disruptions.
Improve Inventory Visibility with OmniFlow
Real-time inventory visibility is crucial during times of uncertainty and disruption. From manufacturing delays to inbound interruptions – like the six-day Suez Canal blockage in 2021, and droughts currently choking traffic through the Panama Canal – a lack of visibility in times of uncertainty threatens merchants’ ability to accurately plan and forecast.
Flowspace’s OmniFlow software provides real-time visibility into inventory status, availability, and location, empowering merchants to optimize their resources and more effectively plan for the future. Without this information, sellers are flying blind, forced to make uninformed assumptions about what lies ahead.
Automate Carrier Selection with TMS
Businesses that are over-reliant on a single carrier create risk. Flowspace’s transportation management system (TMS) allows merchants to easily and automatically rate-shop across carriers. This means sellers are better able to ensure reliable shipping times and avoid delays in the event of a disruption.
With Flowspace’s TMS, merchants access easy-to-use customizations that allow them to set rules based on individual needs and preferences. Include only preferred carries, and/or exclude those that will extend delivery timelines or increase costs.
By diversifying the carriers, companies can choose the best cost-effective shipping options for their products. Additionally, they can eliminate less-dependable carriers and restricted shipping options that provide insufficient or stop gap measures, ensuring they remain well-positioned to manage disruptions and delays effectively.
Maintain Momentum with Flowspace
In the face of emerging headwinds, Flowspace supports merchants in supply chain resilience and end-to-end business success. Here’s how:
Enhanced Flexibility
In the dynamic world of e-commerce, flexibility is key. Flowspace software gives merchants the real-time visibility they need to best manage inventory, allowing for easy adjustment of strategies in the face of fluctuating market demands and supply chain disruptions.
Increased Scalability
Flowspace’s software and solutions grow with your business. Whether you’re expanding your product line, entering new markets, or dealing with unexpected disruptions or spikes in demand, Flowspace scales along with your needs, accommodating fluctuating demands and future growth.
Risk Mitigation
With connectivity across a broad network of carriers, partners, and fulfillment locations, Flowspace helps merchants mitigate potential threats before they become problems. Enabling diversification with solutions like TMS, businesses can prevent disruptions, avoid costly delays, and maintain their reputation for reliability.
Streamlined Operations
Efficiency is at the heart of Flowspace’s approach. A centralized dashboard simplifies inventory and order management across channels, automates complex processes, provides a command center for omnichannel fulfillment throughout the entire network. This not only improves operational efficiency but also allows merchants to focus more on their core business—selling products and delighting customers.
Flowspace’s commitment to providing best-in-class software, service, and SLAs means merchants can feel confident as they navigate challenges, no matter the market conditions. Get in touch with a fulfillment consultant today to learn more about how Flowspace can set your business up for success.
Written By:
Allison Champion
Allison Champion leads marketing communication at Flowspace, where she works to develop content that addresses the unique challenges facing modern brands in omnichannel eCommerce. She has more than a decade of experience in content development and marketing.
