Fulfilment process
An efficient fulfilment process is the foundation for satisfied customers, fast deliveries and lean logistics. As a professional fulfilment service provider, GLS takes care of the entire order processing for you – in a structured, digital and scalable manner.
The fulfilment process – explained step by step
The fulfilment process encompasses all the logistical and administrative steps necessary to complete a customer order – from goods receipt, warehousing, picking, packing and shipping to returns processing.
What is fulfilment? – The definition
Fulfilment refers to the entire order processing process – i.e. all operational steps from receipt of the order to delivery and possible returns. Processing can be carried out internally, but is increasingly being outsourced to specialised fulfilment service providers – so-called fulfilment companies, such as GLS with its fulfilment service.
What is a fulfilment process – and how does fulfilment management work?
What exactly is a fulfilment process? The answer is simple – but crucial. A fulfilment process describes the entire order processing sequence, from goods receipt to warehousing, picking, packing, shipping and returns processing. This includes all the logistical and administrative steps necessary to execute an order efficiently and without errors.
What is the fulfilment management process? This involves not only operational execution, but also the strategic management, control and optimisation of all fulfilment activities. This includes, among other things, the selection of suitable warehouse locations, the integration of digital systems, the automation of workflows and the permanent monitoring of KPIs for quality assurance. The aim of fulfilment management is to make the entire process scalable, transparent and cost-optimised – a challenge that GLS, as a fulfilment service provider, faces every day.
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This is how the fulfilment process works at GLS
The fulfilment process at GLS is clearly structured, highly automated and flexibly scalable. Below, we guide you step by step through the individual phases.
1. Goods receipt – start of the supply chain
The fulfilment process at GLS is clearly structured, highly automated and flexibly scalable. Below, we guide you step by step through the individual phases
2. Warehousing – efficient & system-supported
After successful acceptance, the goods are stored. GLS uses modern storage solutions tailored to the requirements of your products – for example, temperature-controlled or bulky. Advantages: Real-time inventory tracking Scalable storage space
3. Picking – your order in motion
As soon as an order is received, picking begins. The items are assembled according to the order. Features: System-controlled picking, high speed even with high order volumes low error rate
4. Packaging – Secure, sustainable, customised on request
The picked items are packaged securely for transport – with your branding, marketing inserts or vouchers if required. Advantages: Environmentally friendly packaging materials Protection for sensitive products Optional: customised packaging solutions
5. Shipping processing – Fast delivery to the customer
The finished parcels are franked, provided with tracking information and handed over to the appropriate GLS shipping network – nationally and internationally. Highlights: High delivery speed Transparent track & trace information Europe-wide shipping solutions with GLS
6. Returns management – efficient processing of returns
Returns are part of the fulfilment process – especially in e-commerce. GLS takes care of the entire returns process: Services: Checking returns Restocking or disposal Transparent feedback to you and your customers
7. IT integration & digital services
The modern fulfilment process would be unthinkable without digital systems. GLS offers seamless interfaces to popular shop systems such as Shopify, WooCommerce and Shopware. Digital advantages: Automatic stock and status updates Real-time reporting Connection to ERP and CRM systems
Fulfillment process as a competitive advantage
In a dynamic market environment, fast, reliable and scalable logistics solutions are increasingly becoming a decisive factor for sustainable business success. A well-structured fulfillment process is much more than just operational processing – it becomes a real competitive advantage. With GLS as your experienced fulfilment service provider, you benefit from:
- End-to-end digital processes
- Fast and transparent order processing with minimal error rates
- Individually tailored logistics solutions
These advantages not only enable stable fulfilment processes, but also build trust among your customers, reduce internal costs and offer the flexibility you need to develop your business efficiently.