Product Fulfillment How it Works?

Product fulfillment is the process of delivering products to customers after they have placed an order. The process involves several steps, including order processing, inventory management, picking and packing, and shipping.

Order processing: The first step in product fulfillment is order processing. This involves receiving an order from the customer, verifying the order details, and entering the order into the system.

Inventory management: The next step is inventory management, which involves keeping track of the available stock of products. This is essential to ensure that the products are available when the customer places an order.

Figure 1: Product Fulfillment in Kenya

Picking and packing: Once the order is processed and the products are available in inventory, the next step is picking and packing. This involves locating the products in the warehouse, picking them from the shelves, and packing them in a box or a package.

Shipping: The final step in Product Fulfillment in Kenya is shipping. This involves selecting a shipping carrier, printing labels, and arranging for the package to be picked up and delivered to the customer.

Order processing: When a customer places an order, the information is entered into the system. The information typically includes the customer's name, shipping address, billing address, and payment method. The order is then verified to ensure that it is accurate and complete. If there are any issues with the order, the customer may be contacted to resolve them.

Inventory management: The inventory management system keeps track of the available stock of products. This ensures that the products are available when the customer places an order. If the product is out of stock, the customer may be notified that there will be a delay in shipping or offered a substitute product.

Picking and packing: The picking and packing process involves locating the products in the warehouse, picking them from the shelves, and packing them in a box or a package. The products are typically arranged in a way that maximizes efficiency and minimizes the chance of errors. Once the products are packed, they are labelled and prepared for shipping.

Shipping: Once the products are packed and labelled, they are ready for shipping. The shipping carrier is selected based on the customer's preferences and the shipping method chosen. The shipping label is printed, and the package is picked up by the carrier and delivered to the customer.

In addition to these steps, there are other factors to consider in product fulfillment, such as quality control, returns processing, and customer service. Quality control involves checking the products for defects or damage before they are shipped. Returns processing involves handling any returns or exchanges from customers. Customer service involves responding to customer inquiries and providing support throughout the fulfillment process.

Overall, the goal of product fulfillment in Kenya is to ensure that the customer receives the product they ordered in a timely and efficient manner. This involves coordinating multiple processes, from order processing to shipping, and requires a combination of technology, logistics, and customer service.