When supply chain disruption occurs more often than not, it pays to have a good storage and distribution partner on side …
Disruptions to supply chains are a major source of concern for companies working within the furniture and homeware sector – and particularly those operating online, states AP+.
Post-Brexit trade barriers, rising costs and shortages in both labour and materials have made it increasingly challenging for retailers and manufacturers to fulfil orders within a reasonable timescale. This is a particular issue for online retailers and companies which do not have their own storage and distribution facilities within the UK.
AP+ offers an innovative solution to manufacturers and retailers in the furniture and homewares sector, and to worldwide importers that wish to protect themselves from potential issues in the global supply chain and ensure they can fulfil orders quickly.
The company specialises in offering end-to-end third-party logistics (3PL), storage and fulfilment solutions using the latest technology to ensure an efficient, high-quality service.
AP+ has a purpose-built 300,000 sqft warehouse in a central UK location, strategically located near key transport links. It can provide storage for furniture and homeware stock of all shapes and sizes, including bulky items like sofas, mattresses and carpets, and fragile products which require more care and attention.
When items enter the warehouse, they are quality checked by staff to ensure they have not been damaged in transit and are in suitable packaging to be stored safely until they need to be sent out to customers. If stock is not adequately packaged, AP+ will unpack and repack it in appropriate protective materials so it can be stored safely and maintained in saleable condition.
AP+ has made a significant investment in infrastructure, software and staff so it can act as an extension of its clients’ businesses. This includes the ability to integrate its order management system with more than 60 shopping carts and ecommerce marketplaces.
This, combined with a state-of-the-art warehouse management system, means AP+ can offer complete inventory management, live stock updates and full traceability, ensuring orders are fulfilled as soon as they are placed.
Intelligent carrier comparison software then automatically compares quotes from more than 80 carriers, reducing expense and minimising the risk of any delays, so customers can be sure their orders are distributed in the most cost-effective way possible.
