What is the process of accepting a delivery from a customer at e-Packman?
In a previous article about integrating with our system, we explained what it looks like to start working with any new client. However, this is only the first step. Once the integration is complete, the regular point of cooperation is to accept deliveries of goods from our customers. What does this procedure look like? And what can be done to make it as smooth as possible? We will talk about this in today’s entry.
While the integration process within onboarding is basically standardized at , it is a bit more complex with deliveries. First of all, there is no such thing as one standard delivery. Each customer approaches this issue a little differently, and often even deliveries from the same company can differ significantly.
The reason is simple – goods sell at different rates. Some products “go off” very quickly and require regular replenishment, while others (e.g. seasonal products) can wait several weeks or even months in the warehouse before they sell out. In order to facilitate the process of accepting deliveries, both for the customer and for us, we use the so called notification files.
What is the role of advisory files?
Advice files are relatively simple forms that accompany every delivery. The more accurately they are filled out, the more efficiently the delivery is received. An advice file consists of the following columns to be filled in by the customer:
- product name,
- EAN code,
- SKU code,
- number of pieces,
- The purchase value of the goods (this information is necessary for insurance purposes).
A template of such a form is sent to our customers at the beginning of our cooperation. Advising files allow us to plan our work well and to find the necessary workforce for efficient service of a given delivery. However, due to the fact that we are not able to determine in advance the amount of work necessary to accept a delivery and, as already mentioned, each delivery is different (even at the same client), we settle the work according to a fixed hourly rate (this rate is included in the price list, which each client receives together with the contract).
Problems encountered when accepting deliveries
There are times when the deliveries that come to us require more work than what the advisement file would indicate. Why? Firstly, sometimes the delivery files do not contain all the data about the products that are actually in the delivery. Second, sometimes all the bar codes are missing. And thirdly, sometimes the way the goods are packed leaves a lot to be desired and additional work is required to organize the products.
These are the factors that contribute to the fact that it is not always possible to accurately estimate how much time a given delivery will take. If you work with our company and you want your deliveries to be as fast as possible, take care of it:
- Accurate and complete data in the advisement file,
- Communicate planned deliveries as soon as possible,
- Proper ordering of products in the delivery.
Most often, the last two points are simply a matter of additional arrangements with the wholesaler or supplier. If you would like to know more, or if there are any questions in relation to this post – feel free to contact your account manager. Our entire customer service department is also at your disposal at all times.
