Challenge
A fast-growing pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturer aimed to provide fully outsourced e-commerce fulfillment across Europe. Key challenges included:
- Lack of experience in handling D2C orders and parcel courier shipments.
- Existing WMS limitations – not integrated and required significant adjustments for unit-level picking processes.
- Need for scalable operations to support multi-channel e-commerce growth.
Actions
To address these challenges, the company implemented a dedicated Warehouse Management System (WMS) with expert support:
- Vendor Selection – Conducted market research, created a shortlist of WMS vendors, and developed TO-BE documentation describing e-commerce processes.
- RFP and Evaluation – Prepared a Request for Proposal; evaluated vendors based on functional fit, scalability, security, timeline, and commercial terms, and calculated total cost of ownership.
- Implementation Support – Served as project manager, supporting Operations and IT teams, managing risks, timeline, and budget.
Results
- Successful Implementation – WMS selected within 2 months and implemented within 6 months.
- Multi-Channel Support – Enabled D2C and B2B order processing, integrating 12 sales channels and 8 courier services across Europe.
- Scalable Solution – Open configuration allows adding new warehouse locations without additional implementation.
- Business Expansion – Supported creation of the company’s own D2C cosmetics line, enabling independent warehouse operations in the future.
Summary
The project enabled the company to:
- Launch a 3PL subsidiary for e-commerce fulfillment.
- Implement a tailored WMS supporting multi-channel operations.
- Achieve scalable growth and operational independence.
- Lay the foundation for the company’s own D2C product line.
This solution empowered the operations team to manage future expansions efficiently, ensuring long-term operational and commercial success.