This is a guest post from Callie Hinman, a Content Marketer and Writer at ShipStation, a leading provider of shipping software for ecommerce fulfillment.
How ShipStation and SkuVault Work Together
We know how frustrating it is when softwares don’t play nice with each other. That’s why a few years ago, SkuVault and ShipStation built an integration between the powerful warehouse management system and the leading eCommerce shipping software.
Both the SkuVault and ShipStation platforms were built with the needs of online retailers in mind. This means each was specifically designed to complement eCommerce workflows and processes. And because SkuVault and ShipStation are both cloud-based, merchants need only an internet connection to securely access the tools and data they need from anywhere at anytime.
The integration between SkuVault and ShipStation enables eCommerce companies to use a single interface to automate and streamline many of their shipping and fulfilment processes. Since we know you’re already pressed for time as it is, the SkuVault and ShipStation teams worked together to make integrating the platforms as simple and straightforward as possible.
Before we jump into discussing a few of the benefits online retailers can expect by taking advantage of the integration between SkuVault and ShipStation, here’s a rundown of both companies:
SkuVault is a warehouse management technology platform that empowers small and medium enterprises to optimize operations so they can scale and compete in the growing ecommerce market at a fraction of the cost. SkuVault provides a hands-on customer service experience, meaningful, actionable data, and automated processes that reduce complexity, waste, and supply chain inefficiencies. SkuVault makes it easy for retailers to connect their warehouses to the world while increasing fulfillment speed, accuracy, and profit.
ShipStation is the leading web-based shipping solution that helps e-commerce retailers import, organize, process, and ship their orders quickly and easily from any web browser. ShipStation features the most integrations of any ecommerce web-based solution with over 150 shopping carts, marketplaces, package carriers, and fulfillment services. ShipStation has sophisticated automation features such as automated order importing, custom best practice rules, product profiles, and fulfillment solutions that enable its users, wherever they sell and however they ship, to be exceptionally efficient at shipping orders.
More Efficient Picking
It doesn’t matter if your available products total 200 or 200,000, effective warehouse management comes down to one piece of data: item location.
And if that information isn’t automatically transferred from one software to another, it increases the likelihood of picking errors. Picking errors lead to delays in packing, delays in packing cause late shipments, and late shipments mean unhappy customers.
But the integration between SkuVault and ShipStation means the most up-to-date information about item locations is passed between the platforms, with no human involvement required.
As an added bonus, retailers can see the location for every product not only on the standard pick list but also the packing slip and order invoice.So in addition to saving time by being able to efficiently plan a pick route, you’ll save money by reducing how much you print.
Better Insight Into Inventory Levels
Unexpected stock outs are frustrating. But it’s also irritating when a marketplace or a shopping cart shows an item is out of stock when it isn’t. Both negatively impact the customer experience and can hurt your brand reputation.
The SkuVault/ShipStation integration makes sure retailers avoid these unpleasant situations. The order sync feature automatically downloads orders from ShipStation to SkuVault. Each time an order is completed, the relevant item quantities are immediately updated in each shopping cart and marketplace. As long as you have every selling channel connected to ShipStation, a sale on one channel will trigger an update to the item quantity on others.
The integration between SkuVault and ShipStation helps prevent overselling or underselling by maintaining accurate, real-time inventory levels.
SkuVault and ShipStation Integration Customer Success Story:Onnit is passionate about total human optimization. The seller of supplements, healthy foods, and fitness equipment uses ShipStation and SkuVault to quickly and efficiently ship their orders.
In late 2012, Onnit integrated their marketplaces and shopping cart with ShipStation. When Onnit started with ShipStation, they were shipping out about 250 orders daily. Today, they push 6,000 orders out the door each day. “With any growing company, the inventory process is crucial,” which is why COO Jason Havey says they use SkuVault for inventory management. “SkuVault has helped tremendously for inventory accuracy, time management, and, in the long run, saved money, cause the numbers will always be accurate.” Onnit is continuing to grow and optimize their operations. With ShipStation and SkuVault, Onnit can scale without limits. “[ShipStation and SkuVault] have been important brand partners to us and they’ve been very responsive to our growth. They have been a value to add to everything we’ve done. It would be pretty impossible if we didn’t have ShipStation and SkuVault.”
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Human Error Prevention
Not only does the integration inhibit inventory count discrepancies, but it also reduces the chance for human error. When an order is downloaded from ShipStation to SkuVault, the SkuVault software reviews the SKUs and adds product photo(s) as well as important product information to the pick list.
When a member of the warehouse team scans a product to add to the order, the software alerts them if the item and/or quantity is incorrect. SkuVault combines the information passed from ShipStation with its own quality assurance features to make sure customers receive the right products in the right condition. Short of actually going into the distribution center and picking the item(s) itself, the ShipStation/SkuVault integration really couldn’t make the lives of the warehouse employees easier.
To say growing a successful eCommerce business is tough is quite an understatement. And the teams at SkuVault and ShipStation understand just how much of an understatement it is. We’re both committed to supporting online retailers as they experience those growing pains. And we truly appreciate being able to provide the tools merchants need to overcome the challenges of scaling. We’re absolutely thrilled this integration has proven to be so valuable to companies across the ecommerce sphere.
Do you have any advice for getting the most out of the SkuVault/ShipStation integration? Let us know in the comments!
Check out SkuVault's post on 5 Ways Inventory Management Software Helps You Grow Globally on our blog.