Cross-Docking and e-Commerce Returns Processing | FORTNA

How We Work
FORTNA Distribution Optimization Framework™
The FORTNA Distribution Optimization Framework™ leverages proprietary processes, tools and algorithms to design and deliver solutions using best-fit automation technologies and intelligent software.
Learn More
Solutions
Solutions
FORTNA develops the optimal solution with a unique approach to identify and select best-fit technologies to meet your business requirements.
Software
Software
Intelligent software is essential to optimizing operations for maximum efficiency, reliability, and flexibility. FORTNA WES™ provides dynamic data and the intelligence required for real-time decision making.
Services
Services & Support
FORTNA Services & Support work together to keep your operations running at peak performance throughout the lifecycle of your solution. FORTNA Services optimize your operations and extend the life of your facility with modernizations, retrofits, parts and service and/or a comprehensive maintenance program.
- Lifecycle Services
Industries
Industries
FORTNA understands that every industry has unique challenges. Our robust experience enables us to develop solutions for those unique challenges and cross-pollinate best-in-class strategies and solutions for diversified vertical markets.
About
About
FORTNA designs, develops and delivers powerful automated and intelligent software solutions that optimize performance, address disruption and increase profitability.
Insights and Resources

Solutions: Cross-Docking and Returns

Optimize cross-docking and returns processing

Fast-track fulfillment and minimize the cost of warehousing and returns.

FORTNA understands that cross-docking and returns processing add a level of complexity to your operations. We partner with companies to design and implement automation and intelligent software solutions to optimize transport routes, boost route efficiency, reduce freight costs and offer faster and more efficient last-mile delivery.

How cross-docking helps enable a smarter, more efficient returns process

Cross-docking is when products or pallets arrive at a warehouse and are immediately shipped to the customer or vendor. This allows for shorter delivery times and quicker turnaround during the distribution process.

The promise of a simple, fast and efficient returns process is now critical to the happiness of the e-Commerce customer, especially when purchasing goods online without the opportunity to see, touch, try on and experience products in a physical storefront. But for distribution centers and warehouses focused on optimizing every square foot of available space, the prospect of organizing this wave of returns can significantly impact productivity and overall efficiency.

A cross-docking solution with built-in quality assurance checks aids in overall customer satisfaction by allowing warehouse staff to sort and distribute items as ordered, rather than having to dedicate large amounts of space in the warehouse to storing products in bulk to be placed in storage.

Cross-docking provides greater flexibility and efficiency in managing the flow of returns and provides warehouses with a better system for balancing both incoming goods for distribution and products being returned by customers.

Contain costs, leverage labor and increase efficiencies with cross-docking solutions

FORTNA applies a lean supply chain model to cross-docking to simplify the extremely complex operation of working with inventory that is coming in, being sorted and simultaneously directed to various destinations to minimize costs, leverage labor and increase efficiencies.

Faster shipping and receiving times
Leverage labor
Efficient inventory management
Leverage distribution center as a sorting facility
Enable high inventory turnover

woman-on-phone-with-customer-service-ecommerce-returns

Shift to e-Commerce requires returns processing solutions

Companies have an increasingly large returns problem. Since e-Commerce purchases are returned at a much higher rate than in-store purchases, as e-Commerce grows, so will the average rate of returns. How you address this challenge impacts profitability. It’s time to think about handling returns with the same level of efficiency as your fulfillment operation.

Rapid deployment of returned merchandise to saleable inventory is essential. Returns can be a strategic differentiator and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Process returns with speed, accuracy and efficiency

Rapidly redeploy returned merchandise to saleable inventory

Returns represent a significant opportunity to increase sales and reduce inventory and working capital. Reclaim space in the DC currently occupied by the growing number of returns.

Increase customer satisfaction and loyalty

Today’s consumers consider return policies before making a purchase. Your return policy can be a differentiator. Respond to customers’ expectations for fast and easy returns.

Free up labor for revenue-generating activity

Optimize returns processing for profitability with automation and intelligent software. New solutions are available to simplify the returns process and minimize reverse logistics cycle time.

73% of returns occur due to a retailer controllable action.

2021 State of the Industry Report

incisiv-logo

Case Study

Case study: returns place constant pressure on auto parts aftermarket

The auto parts aftermarket has one of the highest rates of product returns of any industry. One automotive aftermarket distributor handles returns more efficiently in the following ways:

Systems enable visibility into what is coming into the DC for disposition, enabling the returns team to plan for and manage returns better.
Rules for disposition of product are clearly defined and metrics are put in place to support return-to-stock goals.
Returns team is trained and staffed as part of operation, including a management team dedicated to carefully managing this critical area of the business.

Learn more

Can goods-to-person solve your labor challenges?

Improve e-Commerce picking productivity with goods-to-person technologies. Use our assessment tool to calculate potential savings with automation.

Access Your Potential Savings

In FORTNA, we found a partner that took accountability for the successful implementation of the entire project.

Senior Vice President

Canadian Tire 

canadian-tire-logo

The FORTNA difference drives profitable cross-docking and returns processing

It all starts with strategy

We take a holistic approach to distribution strategy, considering upstream/downstream impacts on an entire network of operations.

Design rooted in data science

Scientifically proven proprietary modeling tools and algorithms allow us to design for maximum efficiency and outcomes.

autonomous-mobile-robots-microfulfillment

Best-fit solutions with unique technology selection

Our deep bench of experts selects appropriate and best-fit technologies that optimize your solution. The result is a comprehensive, flexible solution that delivers exemplary business results.