Earthblog

by Angela Cavallari Walker

According to a survey conducted by The Logistics & Supply Chain Forum, a large percentage of companies are not currently working with a 3PL or third party logistics company.

Of those surveyed, 23% felt that other fulfillment options were a better fit for their companies. One cited reason for this response was the belief that business owners could better control the level of service, cost and quality. Almost half of the other respondents had not even taken the time to review or weigh the option of using a third-party logistics provider.

Fulfillment outsourcing offers many opportunities for companies to control the shipping and fulfillment process without the hidden headaches associated with managing a warehouse, staff and equipment. Most fulfillment outsourcing now includes access to technological offerings such as a Warehouse Management System (WMS.) These systems are integral to the success of managing the storage and movement of inventory in a warehouse and depending on the level or tier can cost anywhere from $35,000 up to $2,500,000.

For fulfillment outsourcing companies such as, SBC Fulfillment, it was important to offer all the access to this technology as well as the control that business owners seek. "Technology continues to be a big driver in our service offerings," says SBC President Brian Schoenbaechler. SBC refers to their Warehouse Management System, SmartTurn as the "glass warehouse" effect, where companies still have the control to view what is going on with their inventory anytime from anywhere.

More reputable fulfillment services companies, such as SBC Fulfillment offer a dedicated client account manager and a customer service support team. By outsourcing their fulfillment, business owners are better able to hold fulfillment companies accountable to a higher level of service.

Perhaps the most surprising feedback from this survey is the amount of opportunity still on the table for both the fulfillment and 3PL industries.

Tags: warehousing | outsourcing | fulfillment | 3PL | WMS

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Tags: holiday | fulfillment | recession | consumer | economy | outsourcing | storage

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by Angela Cavallari Walker

SBC Fulfillment would like to welcome it's newest client, Cox Culinary Emporium. In this article, we will focus on those beautiful place settings through the eyes of a fulfillment company.  How does that elegant stemware find its way into the hands of party goers and guests? Here is the backstory to those special occasion settings.

A Seamless Process

Christmas is right around the corner, and fulfillment companies such as SBC are also gearing up. Take for instance that cocktail plate your coconut shrimp and dip are delicately resting on. What about that robust red wine that you are sipping in that beautifully-etched goblet? The process of getting those items into the hands of catering and party planners is accomplished through many solutions, including: kitting and assembly , packing, warehousing, order management, and customer service support . The first step involves the kitting and assembly process. Cox wanted the ability to focus on their core business without the distraction of having to organize and physically manage their inventory.

Their diverse items are ordered directly from the manufacturer and shipped to SBC where they are kitted and assembled . The kitting process refers to the act of picking parts or products from stock that require packaging. Items such as Cox's BPA-free LANITA WARE champagne flutes are picked by part number.  SBC's staff carefully packages each product and stores them in their 60,000 square feet of warehouse space. Cox is able to view product inventory such as their Clear Universal Utensil (an environmentally-friendly and elegant spork) at any time, from any computer with internet access.

Focusing on your business needs

Because Cox wanted to continue to market and grow their line of products, utilizing SBC's seasoned and knowledgeable customer service team was a must. By outsourcing this support, Cox can also avoid the expense of hiring and training a full customer support staff.

About the Client

Cox Culinary Emporium is an Atlanta-based company that serves up a line of LANITA WARE -a proprietary, dishwasher safe and BPA-free collection of plates, utensils and drink ware. Their extensive line of serving ware is casual enough for a barbeque but classy enough for a cocktail party.

To learn more about SBC Fulfillment and what they can do for your business click here

Tags: warehousing | packaging | holiday | Thanksgiving | outsourcing | fulfillment

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by Angela Cavallari Walker

Today's small business owners are turning to fulfillment outsourcing as a way to reduce their shipping costs, manage and control their inventory and streamline their processes. According to Brian Schoenbaechler, President of SBC Fulfillment, this not only gives merchants more control of shipping and packaging costs but allows owners to focus on increasing their bottom line. “Business owners want to spend more time on what they do best, which is running their business,” says Schoenbaechler.  Here are a few questions and answers to help navigate the best time and solution when seeking a fulfillment partner.

What is fulfillment outsourcing?
Simply stated, fulfillment outsourcing is the practice of using an outside vendor to store inventory and ship product to customers as orders are received. Other terms related to outsourcing fulfillment include: 3PL (third Party Logistics), outsourced warehousing and distribution centers. Over the years, fulfillment outsourcing has become a preferred method of managing back-office operations. Companies such as, SBC Fulfillment focus on handling this arduous task which can be costly and time-consuming.

Why not rent or build your own warehouse space?
According to Schoenbaechler, the estimated cost of renting and maintaining just 20,000 square feet of warehouse space can run as high as 100,000 annually. “This doesn't include other variables such as the liability of hiring employees to manage this space,” says Schoenbaechler.  Fulfillment companies are able to charge merchants a fixed cost for only the space that they use to store their inventory. Additionally, fulfillment companies typically offer larger warehouse space enabling merchants to expand and grow their business.

What role can a fulfillment network play in the world of Ecommerce?
Whether you are using USPS, FedEx, or UPS to deliver your goods your shipping was already being outsourced. Today, fulfillment companies are turning to technology to ease outsourcing for Ecommerce and traditional merchants. This “glass warehouse” concept gives businesses the ability to view their inventory, track and ship their orders all online from anywhere.  SBC has taken this technology a step further by offering a product called, Magento Connect - an application that allows current or new Magento customers to plug into SBC's warehouse management system.

When should a business consider outsourcing fulfillment?
Every business is different but all share the common goal of increasing productivity and profit. Here are some points to ponder when thinking of a good time to outsource.

Growth periods- As business sales increase so do does the need to be prepared to handle the volume without any hiccups.

Reducing costs- Outsourcing is a good way to view your current expenditures and cut your current costs.

Global growth- International growth can be risky. By outsourcing you assume less of that risk and are able to test the market without investing additional time and cost.

What should businesses look for when seeking a fulfillment company?
A good place to start would be through a referral. This could be a fellow business owner that you trust or through the Better Business Bureau .  Either way, you want to find a fulfillment partner that you can trust.  Here are a few other questions you should ask before making a decision.

Do you offer a trial period?  Before handing over your entire inventory see if the fulfillment company can provide a trial period for a smaller amount of inventory.

What software platform do they offer?  You will want to make sure that you are able to plug into their warehouse management system without the cost of purchasing software.

What is the location of their warehouse? Is the warehouse location/locations centrally located to where you will be shipping?

What are the terms and pricing of their contracts? Be sure to look for hidden costs and long-term contracts.

To learn more about fulfillment outsourcing or to obtain a quote click here

Tags: outsourcing | fulfillment | warehousing | ecommerce | georgia | magento

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by Angela Cavallari Walker

In a new study titled: “E-Commerce Trends for 1010” conducted by FFP Global, found that online businesses and retailers are more likely to use regional fulfillment companies.  According to the latest study, the largest cited reason for this trend is the lower shipping costs and the faster turnaround in delivering these products to consumers.

Regional fulfillment companies such as Atlanta-based,  SBC Fulfillment are able to offer low-cost shipping charges while increasing their clients'''' operations.  SBC''s SmartTurn Warehouse Management System is an invaluable tool that allows fulfillment customers to order, ship and track those orders all online from anywhere. “In talking with our customers, we found that technology played a big role in providing the most comprehensive fulfillment process”, says SBC President Brian Schoenbaechler.  SBC''s 60,000 square feet of warehouse space is strategically located near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the heart of Atlanta''s busiest industrial park.

FFP projects that our current economic situation will continue to pressure online retailers into meeting the demands of deal-seeking consumers and faster shipping windows.

The study also found that fuel costs were a big driver for retailers to seek regional fulfillment providers.  For e-commerce companies this solves two problems: reducing fuel surcharges and increasing delivery times.  Another fulfillment trend that will continue includes the ability to drop-ship directly from manufactures to retailers'' customers.

In order to effectively drop-ship, retailers need a comprehensive order management and customer contact system that can seamlessly communicate with suppliers.  "We work closely with our merchants to ensure the most accuracy," says Schoenbaechler.

Customer service and mobile commerce will continue to play a role as regional fulfillment companies strive to meet these challenges.

To learn more about SBC Fulfillment click here

Tags: export | fulfillment | e-commerce | shipping | georgia | trends | outsourcing | import

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When Brian Schoenbaechler, President and CEO of SBC Fulfillment, was seeking a WMS (Warehouse Management System) he wanted a solution that would bring together two key technology components to his customers: collaboration and communication. “In talking with customers and prospects, they wanted to be able to see their inventory from anywhere,” says Schoenbaechler. This solution can be best described by SBC as a “glass warehouse” where clients are able to order, ship, track and view their entire inventory.

The solution? SmartTurn, an on demand inventory and warehouse management system with all the tools that businesses need to succeed from a fulfillment standpoint. As a small company, SBC Fulfillment needed to have high technology to position themselves as a leader in the industry.

The biggest deciding factors for SBC involved cost and a team that would be able to support their needs and their clients'' needs. “The setup process was so easy and seamless for us, and their technology team was very informed,” says Schoenbaechler.   The biggest impact for SBC has been the reaction from customers and prospects. The lower cost and higher functionality has allowed SBC to position themselves as a fulfillment solutions leader.  “Overall we are a better value to our customers.”

Recently, SBC expanded it''s offerings to include a Magento application. Magento is a powerful e-commerce platform that allows online merchants to begin and expand their growth. As SBC''s customers began moving their e-commerce to Magento, SBC set out to bridge the gap between their existing technology and SBC''s technological offerings allowing them to tie into SBC''s fulfillment services. The developed integration is called, Magento Connect- an easy integrable solution very similar to Apple''s popular iphone applications.

According to Schoenbaechler, rising energy costs are going to lead to more localized fulfillment and distribution. SmartTurn allows SBC''s customers to have several locations. “They have solved a lot of the challenges of multi-locations from the IT perspective.”

Click here to see a full interview with Brian Schoenbaechler on SmartTurn''s technology solutions

Tags: warehouse | fulfillment | atlanta | technology | outsourcing | ecommerce | magento

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Tags: fulfillment | distribution | atlanta | warehousing | import | export | outsourcing

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Tags: magento | application | fulfillment | outsourcing | georgia | packaging | supply chain

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Outsourcing your fulfillment needs just got easier with a new e-commerce website application called Magento Connect. Atlanta-based shipping and fulfillment company, SBC Fulfillment announced today that it would roll out this new application in September, which will allow current and potential customers who utilize Magento''s e-commerce sites to outsource their shipping and fulfillment services with one keystroke.

SBC Fulfillment and Magento collaborated to create a bridge for those that already use Magento''s e-commerce product, but are seeking ways to reduce their shipping and inventory costs through outsourcing. The application ties into SBC''S comprehensive Warehouse Management System, and allows clients to inventory, ship, track and manage their orders.

Typically, businesses would have shouldered the expenses associated with building their own data integration piece, and purchasing/managing the WMS or warehouse management system.

According to SBC President and CEO, Brian Schoenbachler, this application is very similar to computer and software company Apple''s app store, but with no additional cost to companies that outsource their fulfillment services to SBC. "The purpose of the connector is to make us the most Magento-friendly fulfillment house on the internet", says Schoenbachler.

SBC e-commerce and fulfillment client, Nature''s Cradle Foods is the first business to go live with this exciting new technology and Brian couldn''t be more thrilled with the results. "This application will make it easier than ever for customers to integrate their fulfillment services."

For companies that need an e-commerce site built, SBC Fulfillment could create one using Magento''s state-of-the-art e-commerce platform. Magento''s features include: marketing and promotions tools, reporting, search engine optimization (URLs and Google site map), site management, catalog management/browsing, mobile commerce (iphone optimization), and checkout and payment management.

To learn more about Magento and this new application Click Here

Tags: magento | fulfillment | outsourcing | ecommerce | georgia

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The 2009 Georgia Textbook Submissions evaluation period is coming to an end. The dates set for retrievals from the Evaluation Sites are for the week of July 20^th – July 24^th. SBC Fulfillment will be offering retrieval services to all publishers. SBC would retrieve all materials remaining at each of the sites and coordinate the returns to each publisher.

SBC Fulfillment offers these services at the rate of $9 per box per site, with a minimum fee of $50 per site. If you wish to be added to the list, please contact Andy Whitaker at 678.370.0776 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

for an estimate.

Tags: Education | outsourcing | georgia | operations | fulfillment

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Tags: operations | fulfillment | outsourcing | warehousing

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I read this grat article today on "How to select a 3PL." It is written by David Blanchard.

Link

Here is a summary

Before selecting a third-party logistics provider (3PL), Marc Tanowitz, principal with Pace Harmon, an outsourcing advisory services firm, suggests that manufacturers consider these five fundamentals:

Know Your Demand

Master (and Own) the Forecast

Set Clear and Fair Expectations

Measure Business Impact

Tags: outsourcing | fulfillment | operations | warehousing | supply chain

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I ran into this great article called "The Dos and Don''ts of Third-Party Logistics."written By David Blanchard.

Link

Here is a summary

Tags: warehousing | outsourcing | fulfillment | operations

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Tags: outsourcing | import | fulfillment | operations | warehousing | sustainability

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Over the years we have performed various projects for many of you. First of all I would like to thank you for your business! Please let us know if we can help you with any future warehousing, distribution, packaging, and/or fulfillment needs.

Also, if you have a moment, would you be so kind as to post your comments to our Google profile.  We have found that we are getting new customers from Google searches, so we are working on increasing our relevancy with Google .  A review will go a long way in improving our ability to be searched on Google .  However, it does require a Google account; if you do not have one then we appreciate your feedback none the less. I have provided a link below.

SBC Fulfillment Review Link

Thank you for your business,

Brian

Tags: outsourcing | fulfillment | packaging | warehousing | ecommerce | georgia

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As I write this I cannot help but think of the James Taylor song “Carolina in my mind .” This song has a certain sadness to it. I must say, building a business more fun than taking a business apart. SBC Fulfillment has not been immune to this year’s recession. In the past, we thought the textbook business to be recession proof; however this year is proving that theory wrong. As a result of these tough economic times, we closed down our North Carolina warehouse effective June 1, 2009. Chad Ross has done a wonderful job the past 12 years running the North Carolina Operation. He has been a tremendously loyal and hard working employee. Many of you have sent me letters over the years singing praises over his performance. Chad and I really appreciate the work you have given us into the North Carolina facility. Chad Ross and his team would like to say thank you to everyone in the textbook publishing industry with whom he has worked over the years. Chad is moving into the next phase of his professional career. I believe Chad plans to start his own business, providing services similar to those he performed for SBC over the years. Since SBC Fulfillment will not be supporting the North Carolina Caravan this year, I would encourage you to contact him at the following email if you are interested in his services. Chad can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thank you for your support over the years. SBC Fulfillment will continue operations from our Atlanta Georgia facility. If we can assist you with your warehousing, distribution, packagings, and/or fulfillment needs, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 678-370-0772.

Sincerely,

Brian Schoenbaechler

President

SBC Fulfillment

Tags: north carolina | fulfillment | operations | packaging | warehousing | outsourcing

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The Milken Institute released the report: North America’s High-Tech Economy: The Geography of Knowledge-based Industries , which ranked the top fifty metros with the largest concentrations of high-tech industries.

Tags: georgia | outsourcing

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Regular conventioneers know the schwag bag – that ubiquitous accessory for carrying a laptop and whatever free stuff there is to pick up on the trade show floor.  So what’s the best way to distribute them by the thousands?  At the recent BIO 2009 show in Atlanta, one sponsor found out the easy way.  Metro Logo , an all-inclusive marketing and promotions company, used SBC Fulfillment to fill the hands of 25,000 thousand convention-goers with laptop bags in record time.

SBC Fulfillment was able to import the collateral pieces directly from China allowing Metro Logo the time and convenience of printing the materials in Georgia. The bags were stored in SBC’s 60,000 square feet of warehouse space just minutes from downtown Atlanta and were ready to roll.

The key component to providing top -notch fulfillment services starts with SBC’s solid web-based WMS, or warehouse management system. Seamless management, access to the same data, and a safe automation process are just some of the pluses to using this product. SBC customers are able to enter orders through the web browser, select shipping, and even track the status of their orders or their clients’ orders . For a free demo or to learn more about SBC’s automated shipping services go here.

Tags: outsourcing | packaging | georgia

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When it comes to the challenge of meeting customer''s needs one size does not fit all. Companies such as SBC Fulfillment offer creative solutions customized to meet their customer ’ s ever-changing needs.

Starting a business can be an overwhelming process, but add the stress of importing, storing, shipping, and managing those orders and you may be tempted to throw in the towel the first day. The process is not only complicated but can be time-consuming. SBC Fulfillment recognized this and built their services to meet the challenges of today ’ s businesses. When Atlanta-based company Info Retail Inc. needed a storage and order management solution, they turned to SBC to meet the demand for their business.

The challenge

Info Retail Inc. specializes in providing marketing solutions to the retail industry. One component to this solution is the ability to build and deliver creative displays for their retail customers. The inventory can vary dramatically literally in shape and size so finding a secure facility where these products could be stored was key. In addition to a limitless amount of storage available, Info Retail needed to be able to order, manage, and ship these displays to their clients throughout the United States without the investment of leasing additional space or purchasing and maintaining costly software to accomplish this.

The solution-

SBC Fulfillment was able to provide the ample amount of secure storage in their more than 60,000 square feet of warehouse space located in Atlanta. Each display was assembled and drop-shipped directly to SBC ’ s warehouse, where it was immediately inventoried and readied for shipment. SBC ’ s web-based Warehouse Management System was an integral piece to managing and tracking Info Retail’ s orders. This online product seamlessly ties into Info Retail’ s internal processes allowing them easy and secure access to enter, ship, and track their orders all in real time. SBC refers to this process as their “ glass warehouse ” technology wherein the order is processed and shipped within a 24-hour window.

One-Stop Shopping-

SBC ’ s A ’ La carte services offer one-stop-shopping for all your fulfillment needs. Services include:

* Warehouse/Fulfillment/Packing- SBC can store, package, and ship your inventory anywhere.

* Information Technology- SBC can help build your e-commerce site allowing your customers to order through YOUR website.

* Customer Service- SBC is able to provide the best customer service support for your business AND support for your customers as well.

* Web-Based Order Management System- SBC offers the simplest tool to order, ship, manage and track your products.

To learn more about SBC Fulfillment and these business solutions visit http://www.sbcfulfillment.com

Tags: operations | fulfillment | outsourcing | ecommerce | georgia | warehousing

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Many small business owners are met with the challenge of picking, packing and shipping their product. The costs can be overwhelming when companies have to consider employees, warehouse and forklifts. Especially in these harder economic times, the time and impact can be quite costly. Companies cannot just control and manage their costs, they must reduce their costs so they can pass on the savings to their customers. Here are the top 10 reasons why outsourcing your fulfillment and shipping services just makes cents:

1 . Storage and overhead costs :  One top expense for business owners is the cost of storing their products. Items such as bar code scanners, forklifts, and warehouse space can eat into your budget AND profits. SBC Fulfillment offers all of these services without the upfront expense of purchasing software, warehouse space, or hiring employees.

2 . Streamlined process :  SBC Fulfillment specializes in providing a trained staff, efficient process, and the customer service that businesses need. Solid customer service is essential for repeat business and referrals. SBC uses Lean methodologies in their quest for perfection.

3 . Growing pains : Whether your business is downsizing or going through a period of growth, SBC allows you to avoid the non-value added time spent looking for warehouse space and employees.  SBC Fulfillment can leverage their capacity across multiple clients as your business cycle ebbs and flows.

4. Time to focus : Managing your back office operations takes time and time is money. SBC allows you to focus your time and energy on marketing, promotion, developing your client relationships.  Do not spend another second jumping through hoops to expedite a last minute order.  Let SBC worry about it for you!

5. Cost variables :  By outsourcing your inventory and order fulfillment needs to SBC you can avoid the liability of a business lease, full-time employees, or the security systems that will need to be in place BEFORE you can see a return on investment (ROI).

6 .  Competitive edge :  Consumers today are accustomed to paying shipping and handling charges when purchasing online. Often, they will make a buying decision based on those costs alone.  SBC Fulfillment fees are cost-effective allowing you to pass the savings on to your customers.  Additionally, our high quality customer service can be a competitive advantage for repeat business from loyal customers.

7. Labor liability : The cost of employing a staff is often the highest expense for companies. Salaries, benefits, worker’s compensation, and general liability are just a few of the expenditures associated with hiring a staff.

8 .  Buying Power :  Most business owners underestimate the amount of money spent on shipping and packaging alone. But with SBC Fulfillment you get a bulk discount on these supplies as your needs increase or decrease.

9 .  Cost reduction: SBC can help shrink your current operating costs in numerous areas, allowing your profit margin to increase.

10. Freedom from physical inventory: Why add the responsibility of managing inventory when you can outsource those needs to shipping and inventory experts?

Give yourself the time and freedom to focus on what matters most to you and your business.

In an economy that is putting the squeeze on your bottom line, there is no better time than to look to ways to maximize your business’s profits. To learn more about how you can shrink your warehousing, inventory, and shipping costs visit www.sbcfulfillment.com .

Tags: outsourcing | fulfillment | operations | packaging | ecommerce

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