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Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software
What Is Third Party Logistics Software?
Third party logistics (3PL) software helps 3PL companies manage the ordering, warehousing, and transportation of supplies for another business. This software category includes warehouse management tools, freight broker software, and procurement systems to track inventory, sales, purchase orders, shipping, and more.
3PL Features & Functionality
Because 3PL providers oversee so many steps of the supply chain process for so many different businesses, 3PL software must be equally vast in scope. Specific features include:
| Warehouse management | With supplies from so many different customers moving through a 3PL warehouse, customer profiling and lot number recording is absolutely critical. 3PL software helps managers monitor picking and put away through radio-frequency identification (RFID) capabilities. |
| Shipping & receiving | 3PL software has transportation management capabilities that automate the printing of shipping and receiving labels. Bills of lading inform the supplier that supplies have been loaded onto the 3PL provider’s carrier and are ready for delivery, and inbound receipts help 3PL warehouse managers monitor the arrival of new supplies. |
| Order fulfillment | One of the primary functions of a 3PL company is to fulfill orders that have been sold by someone else’s business. This means being able to handle all of the MTS, BTO, and ATO capabilities typical of order fulfillment software. |
| 3PL billing | 3PLs typically bill on two schedules: a monthly service/storage fee, with some kind of variable fulfillment cost. The billing needs to match these services, so the 3PL can bill easily based on orders and storage use. |
Evaluating Third Party Logistics Software
3PL software basically needs to handle all of the logistics of supply chain management software, but without as much of a focus on the business intelligence often seen with other SCM programs. The critical evaluating criteria for a 3PL system then is whether it meets the warehousing, shipping, and order fulfillment needs that match your customers.
Ask the following questions when selecting your 3PL software vendor:
- Can the system be implemented through web based portals or is it strictly an in-house program?
- If your fulfillment house is looking for assistance with order management, does the system include advanced billing and tracking tools?
- Does the system have a number of possible options for pallet tracking and stock rotation, such as first in, first out (FIFO ) and last in, first out (LIFO )?
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Ten Steps Guide to Selecting the Right WMS Software
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Small and Mid-Size Warehouse Management Comparison
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How to Assess Warehouse Management Vendors' Viability
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3PL Warehouse Manager by 3PL Central
3PL Warehouse Manager by 3PL Central is a warehouse management system designed specifically for 3PLs. Offers EDI, AIDC and multi-carrier integration. The solution is web-based and accessible via any browser.
3PLink
Camelot Software's 3PLink is ideal for buyers looking for an integrated software application to help manage their warehouse, transportation or freight broker operations. Offered as either an on-premise or web-based solution.
Premier Warehouse Inventory Control
Premier Warehouse Inventory Control is a Windows-based solution for 3rd-party logistics providers. This system is ideal for small to mid-sized providers that are looking to better manage warehouse, billing and inventory processes.
Logimax
A great solution for 3PL companies of any size, Logimax is an industry leading Warehouse Management solution that combines industry expertise, flexibility and affordability in a system that supports single and multiple warehouses.
RedPrairie On-Demand WMS
RedPrairie On-Demand WMS is warehouse and inventory management system run through users' web browser. The flexibility to fit both small and multi-client users, along with .NET XML and API configuration, make it a great 3PL system.
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SphereWMS
Because SphereWMS is web-based and runs on any operating system, it’s an ideal solution for 3PLs that manage any number of warehouses. In addition, the system is built on MySQL and can be integrated into any ERP system.
CartonLogic
CartonLogic from Wolin Design Group is ideal for third party logistics operations. Includes warehouse management, transportation management, supplier management, purchasing, fulfillment and forecasting functionality.
Geneva Business Management Systems (GBMS)
Geneva Systems - a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner - offers GBMS for third-party logistics operations that are already managing inventory and accounting with software such as Microsoft Dynamics GP or QuickBooks.
RedPrairie
RedPrairie is a premier provider of warehouse, transportation and inventory solutions ideal for third-party logistics. An integrated set of applications that include route optimization, fleet management and yard management.
Epicor Supply Chain Management
Because the Epicor supply chain management system is an ERP solution, it’s a powerful system for users that need a multi-client, multi-site system. In addition, Epicor is built on a strong SOA that is designed for integration.
Free Download:
Enterprise Warehouse Management Comparison Guide
Free Download:
Ten Steps Guide to Selecting the Right WMS Software
Free Download:
Small and Mid-Size Warehouse Management Comparison
Call us for a free
FastStart Consultation
(888) 918-2748
Save weeks of up-front research and avoid costly mistakes with our free FastStart Consultation.