Order fulfillment can be defined as the process of receiving an order and shipping it to buyer to complete the transaction. Generally, order fulfillment companies provide services which range from shipping of product to consumers to specialized movements of product via supply chain. The rising trend towards outsourcing order fulfillment is resulting into companies offering integrated solutions to the customer.

Order fulfillment process is important part for any business as it is the last link in the supply chain. Also, as order fulfillment process is the only direct contact with the end customers, it can make or break customer relationship and long term business potential of the business.

Some of key services offered by Order Fulfillment Process companies are:

Storage or Warehousing: It includes services such as receiving the product, inbound quality check, storage for the product, inventory control management (on-line real-time access to inventory), monitoring and process inventory replenishment.

Order Processing:  Oder processing services includes receiving orders directly customers either through phone, fax or Internet, pick and pack services for fulfilling orders, full case distribution and full pallet distribution services, adding insertions to the order, kitting and assembly services, contract packaging and specialty labeling.

Returns and Exchanges: These types of services are examination and processing of returned items, restocking of item into inventor and reshipping of replacement items as needed.

Administration:  Order fulfillment companies provide administrative services such as call center services, handling of invoice and billing and act as a extension of customer service department for the client.

Through efficient and effective management of order fulfillment process by full-service fulfillment companies, businesses can improve overall customer service standard, achieve considerable cost savings and most importantly focus on core competencies through better utilization by freeing up time and resources which were initially allocated to these tasks.