Reliable fulfillment in the DACH region

When is an international fulfiller worthwhile for Germany, Austria and Switzerland?

In a globalized business world, optimizing the supply chain is becoming increasingly crucial for the success of e-commerce companies. In the DACH region in particular, consisting of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, reliable fulfillment plays a key role in efficiently meeting customer requirements. The question of when it is worth working with an international fulfiller for this region requires careful consideration of various factors. A key aspect here is the order volume, as higher volumes often benefit the scalability and efficiency of international logistics solutions. The internationalization of products and the resulting increase in demand can also be a driving force. Cost aspects play an equally important role, as the calculation of the total costs for logistics services compared to domestic shipping costs has a significant impact on profitability. Delivery times and customer satisfaction are other key considerations, as optimization of these parameters by an international fulfiller can lead to competitive advantages. The complexity of the logistics and the specific requirements for storage and shipping must be taken into account, as must the company’s experience with international markets. In this context, a thorough analysis of the current business situation, combined with a forward-looking perspective on future growth, is crucial. Advice from logistics experts can help to make an informed decision that not only meets current requirements, but also ensures the company’s long-term competitiveness in the DACH region. In the following, we would like to go through all the important points and show you why RHIEM could be the right partner for you.

From 20 orders per day, an external fulfillment partner can be worthwhile

An external fulfillment partner such as RHIEM can be worthwhile for several reasons, starting at 20 orders per day:

• Economies of scale and cost savings:

  As the order volume increases, the relative costs per order generally decrease. RHIEM can achieve economies of scale by processing larger quantities of orders, thereby reducing the costs per order. This can lead to a more efficient use of resources and improved profitability.

• Increased efficiency and time savings:

  RHIEM has automated systems and processes that enable orders to be processed more quickly and accurately. This leads to shorter delivery times and an overall improved customer experience. By outsourcing the fulfillment process, you as a company can concentrate on your core business again and gain time for strategic activities.

• Expansion of the range of services:

  We can offer you additional services such as storage, packaging, returns management and international shipping options. This enables you to expand your range of services without considerable internal effort and to react flexibly to customer requirements.

• Better delivery performance:

  Our extensive network of warehouse locations offers you the opportunity to store products closer to the end customer. As a result, delivery times can be shortened and shipping costs optimized, which in turn increases customer satisfaction. In the EU, it is generally standard practice for order volumes <10,000 shipments per market to have a central location and not to divide them between different countries. The double stock management and the administrative effort are too high.

• Risk reduction:

  Outsourcing your fulfillment process can reduce business risk. Our experienced team at RHIEM specializes in overcoming logistics challenges and can help minimize potential risks associated with warehousing, shipping and inventory management.

Conclusion:

Overall, working with an external fulfillment partner like RHIEM for 20 or more orders per day can be a strategic decision to increase operational efficiency, control costs and improve your customer satisfaction. However, it is important to consider the specific needs of the company, the type of products and the long-term growth objectives to ensure that the partnership fits the business model perfectly. We will be happy to advise you individually.

Optimize shipping costs to neighboring countries

The optimization of shipping costs in neighboring countries through a fulfiller is of crucial importance for companies that sell their products internationally. By working with RHIEM, your company can benefit from efficient logistics solutions.

We can achieve advantages in shipping costs by bundling shipments and using shipping service providers with favorable conditions. This helps to minimize overall costs and make your company more competitive. We also offer you professional expertise in customs clearance, which is particularly advantageous in cross-border situations. Avoiding delays and problems in the customs process not only increases efficiency, but also customer satisfaction.

For example, there are solutions for transporting daily shipments directly to the destination country using a freight forwarder. The shipments are dispatched with the local shipping labels at RHIEM and fed into the local network on site. This means that only one truck needs to be shipped to the destination country compared to many individual packages. This saves shipping costs.

Our experience in optimizing shipping costs in neighboring countries allows you to focus on your core competencies while effectively overcoming logistical challenges. By integrating modern technologies and automated processes, we help to optimize the entire supply chain and thus make a valuable contribution to the successful internationalization of the company.

3PL Fulfillment in the border triangle

3PL Fulfillment in the border triangle, especially in the context of the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), offers a strategically advantageous solution for companies that engage in cross-border trade. The border triangle is characterized by geographical proximity and economic integration, which favours logistics optimization.

By working with a third-party logistics (3PL) fulfillment partner like RHIEM, your company can benefit from various advantages. Firstly, the central location in this geographical area enables efficient storage and distribution of goods to all three countries. This not only helps to shorten delivery times, but also enables shipping processes to be managed cost-effectively. RHIEM is conveniently located in NRW. In Germany, the majority of parcels are therefore delivered to customers the very next day – in Austria and Switzerland within a few days.

In summary, as a 3PL fulfillment partner, RHIEM offers you an ideal solution for your company to expand in the DACH region. By taking advantage of the geographical proximity and economic integration of these countries, you can optimize your logistics processes, minimize shipping costs and at the same time achieve improved customer satisfaction through faster deliveries and reliable services.

How fulfillment works in the DACH region: simple & cost-efficient with RHIEM

Storage of your articles

Professional storage in high-bay warehouses, on pallets and shelf spaces

Professional storage in high-bay warehouses, on pallets and shelf spaces at RHIEM, enables efficient use of the available storage space, whereby products can be optimally accommodated according to their specific requirements and sizes. This versatile warehouse structure helps to optimize warehouse logistics, improve accessibility and ensure systematic organization for smooth order picking and dispatch processing. The ERP system thus automatically optimizes storage space requirements: if an item is sold out to such an extent that it is no longer worth storing it in a pallet space, it is transferred to a smaller shelf space. This saves costs for the customer and makes the RHIEM warehouse more efficient.

Item-specific storage of foodstuffs such as wine bottles

The appropriate storage of foodstuffs such as bottled wine requires careful consideration of temperature and light conditions in order to maintain quality and flavor integrity. Special storage racks and storage techniques ensure that the wine bottles are placed gently, taking care to ensure that they are stored stably and protected from shocks to prevent possible damage.

Tracking of best-before dates, batches and sales for targeted warehouse optimization

The precise tracking of best-before dates, batches and sales enables RHIEM to optimize food storage in a targeted manner. By analyzing this data, we can efficiently manage inventory levels to ensure that products with closer expiration dates are prioritized and minimal stock is maintained for smooth product rotation. Our IFS certification ensures seamless batch traceability.

Access to all stock levels and movements in the RHIEM customer portal

The RHIEM customer portal provides comprehensive access to all stock levels and movements in real time, allowing customers to accurately monitor their inventory management. This transparent display gives customers an up-to-date insight into their stock levels, enabling efficient stock control and needs-based planning of warehouse activities.

Picking, packing & commissioning orders

Development of a route-optimized pick & pack strategy

RHIEM focuses on the continuous development and optimization of a route-efficient pick & pack strategy, which aims to make the picking and packing process efficient. By using modern technologies and analytical approaches, we can ensure that items are selected, packed and dispatched efficiently to minimize lead times and guarantee high precision in order processing.

Sustainable packaging materials, filling material and renewable energies

RHIEM is committed to sustainability by using environmentally friendly packaging materials and filling material to minimize ecological impact. In addition, the company relies on renewable energies to ensure sustainable operations and reduce its ecological footprint. We use a large solar system to generate our own energy requirements.

Transparent order statuses can be viewed in the customer portal

In the RHIEM customer portal, the order status of each order can be viewed in real time, giving you as a customer the opportunity to track the current progress of your orders in real time. This clear transparency facilitates communication and enables effective planning, while customers are always informed about the status of their orders.

Dispatch processing also for special solutions such as Dangerous goods

Simple & reliable worldwide shipping from central storage areas

By using central storage areas, RHIEM offers you simple and reliable worldwide shipping. This strategic placement optimizes logistics processes, shortens delivery times and ensures efficient handling of international shipments for a smooth supply chain.

Connection to various national & international carriers & shipping partners

RHIEM enables a seamless connection to various national and international carriers and shipping partners. These diverse partnerships offer customers the flexibility to select the optimal shipping service provider according to the requirements, costs and destination regions of their shipments.

Tracking of orders

RHIEM tracks orders transparently and in real time. This enables customers to track the status of their orders precisely, from order processing through to delivery. This comprehensive tracking functionality provides clear visibility and enables proactive monitoring to ensure a smooth and efficient supply chain.

Central warehouse for shipments to Germany, Austria & Switzerland

Logistically valuable location on the Lower Rhine

The logistically valuable location of the RHIEM Campus on the Lower Rhine is characterized by its ideal location in Europe, which enables optimal accessibility and distribution of goods. The excellent connection to highways, railroads and inland waterways creates an efficient logistics infrastructure for the transportation of goods.

Special shipping partners & carriers for shipments to Austria & Switzerland

RHIEM maintains special partnerships with selected shipping partners and carriers to offer customized solutions for shipments to Austria, Switzerland and worldwide. These specialized partnerships not only ensure efficient delivery, but also careful handling of customs formalities and smooth transport to the destination regions. The close cooperation with these shipping partners enables RHIEM to specifically meet the requirements and needs of its customers with regard to shipping to Austria and Switzerland.

Cross-border e-commerce: direct and uncomplicated entry into the Austrian and Swiss markets

Direct interfaces and connections to eCommerce marketplaces in Switzerland and Austria

RHIEM offers interfaces and connections to eCommerce marketplaces in Switzerland and Austria to ensure seamless integration into the sales channels. These direct connections enable companies to place their products efficiently on the relevant marketplaces, process orders automatically and manage stock levels in real time. These strategic interfaces not only facilitate market entry, but also optimize the entire process chain from sales to logistics for smooth processing in the eCommerce sector.

Reliable shipping & returns handling for shipments

In cross-border e-commerce, RHIEM attaches particular importance to reliable shipping and efficient returns handling. An optimized international logistics infrastructure ensures that cross-border shipments reach their destinations punctually and reliably. At the same time, returns management is precisely coordinated across national borders to ensure the smooth processing of returns and thus promote customer satisfaction in global markets. This holistic approach helps companies in cross-border e-commerce to ensure effective logistics and meet the expectations of international customers.

Customs formalities and shipping requirements are reliably handled by RHIEM

RHIEM reliably handles customs formalities and shipping requirements to ensure smooth international shipping. Thanks to professional customs management, the necessary documents are processed accurately to ensure problem-free clearance at the borders. This careful handling of customs formalities helps to minimize delays and support an efficient supply chain in global trade.

Reliable returns management for returns with intelligent refund management

Quality control, restocking & processing of returns

RHIEM attaches great importance to comprehensive quality control and restocking of your products. Thorough checks on incoming goods ensure that quality standards are met and, in the event of returns, restocking is carried out systematically and precisely. An individual returns process can be defined. This means that returns are processed exactly according to customer requirements.

Customer portal with access to all important KPIs

RHIEM offers a comprehensive customer portal in which all important key performance indicators (KPIs) are easily accessible:

• Incoming goods inspection:

  Precise monitoring of product quality through transparent incoming goods inspection in the customer portal.

• MHD & Batch Tracking:

  Reliable tracking of best-before date (BBD) and batches for accurate inventory management and traceability.

• Simply create virtual bundles:

  Flexible product management through effortless creation of virtual bundles. This increases the value of your shopping cart.

• Returns management without stress and worry:

  Efficient and uncomplicated returns management for smooth processing of returns.

• Attractive dashboard:

  Clear and appealing dashboard for a quick and comprehensive insight into relevant KPIs.

• Intuitive order overviews:

  User-friendly and intuitive order overviews facilitate navigation and provide clear insights into the ordering process.

RHIEM offers a comprehensive customer portal in which all important key performance indicators (KPIs) are easily accessible. The transparent incoming goods inspection enables precise monitoring of product quality. The tracking of best-before dates (BBD) and batches ensures precise inventory management. The simple creation of virtual bundles offers flexibility in product management, while returns management is stress-free. An appealing dashboard and intuitive order overviews complete the customer experience by providing comprehensive insights and user-friendly navigation.