Key Features Every 3PL Management System Needs

Third party logistics providers need more than just a basic warehouse management platform – they need a 3PL management system that can adapt to the diverse needs of multiple clients, warehouses, and workflows. 

While similar in core functionality to standard warehouse or transport systems, a 3PL solution must go further to offer client specific flexibility, real time data access, automation, advanced billing capabilities and client portals to help you reduce your customer service queries.

At Infocomm, we specialise in 3PL warehouse management software designed for exactly that. With extensive experience in the warehousing and transport space, we’ve built a feature rich system that helps 3PL operators:

• Streamline operations;
• Increase their profit margins;
• Deliver better service, and;
• Scale their fleets or locations more confidently. 

Here are the must have features of a 3PL management system that businesses should look for.

Feature #1: Multi Client Management and Customisation

A key distinction between regular WMS platforms and 3PL software is the need to manage multiple clients, each with their own service level agreements, reporting requirements, and workflows. Unlike a warehouse management system where you’re just managing your own stock, a 3PL system must be able to compartmentalise and tailor operations on a per client basis.

Infocomm’s platform allows you to apply client specific rules, from labelling and storage to billing and order processing. This allows you to safely and effectively manage incompatible goods across clients and ensure each client is invoiced accordingly as your rates to manage dangerous goods for a large client, will likely be different to your rates for managing homewares for a smaller client.

As an example, we can help you configure your system to ensure dangerous goods from one client aren’t being stored around perishables or pharmaceuticals from another client. So, whether you store and transport your clients’ cleaning products, food, medication, or anything in between – our software ensures it’s all managed safely without any manual checks or workarounds and each client is invoiced based on your own commercial agreements with them.

Feature #2: Real Time Client Stock Management

In a 3PL environment, visibility is everything. Your clients expect to know what stock they have, where it’s located, and what’s being picked, packed, or delivered at any given time.

A modern 3PL management system provides real time inventory visibility across multiple warehouses, updated the moment anything changes. Our platform also enables automated alerts for low stock, completed orders, or pending shipments – ensuring your clients are always informed and reducing the need for constant phone calls and manual updates. 

For your team, that means fewer customer service enquiries and more time to focus on growing your business.

Feature #3: Order Fulfilment and Automation

Manually processing orders slows down operations and increases the risk of errors. With Infocomm’s warehouse automation software, every stage of the order lifecycle is streamlined- from client order to picking, packing, and shipping. Our integrated logistics tracking software ensures orders are dispatched accurately and on time, with real time updates flowing back into client dashboards. 

For 3PL providers, this means faster turnaround times and higher profit margins.

Feature #4: Advanced Billing and Accounting Features

3PL billing is rarely straightforward, as there are so many different services that each client requires. As well as this, there’s a huge variety of pricing rules related to the type of commodity or product, meaning there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ pricing model for clients.

For this reason, our finance modules allow you to get extremely granular for each client, so you can take into account the exact services requested and the type of commodity or product that they want you to manage. Our software also integrates directly with accounting platforms, meaning we can configure our system to trigger an invoice to your clients as soon as you’ve received, moved or transported their items. 

No more spreadsheets, manual calculations, missed invoices or double handling.

Feature #5: Client Portal for Placing Orders, Real Time Tracking and Visibility

Perhaps the most valuable feature for 3PL businesses is giving clients access to their data through a secure online portal. 

When clients can log in and see live inventory, place orders, track order status, and shipment updates. This means they no longer need to call or email your customer service team for updates, which can drastically reduce your customer service queries.

It improves trust and transparency for your clients, enhancing the customer experience, whilst saving your team time and streamlines communication. 

The Right 3PL Management System Powers Growth

Whether you’re a growing 3PL business or an established provider looking to upgrade, choosing the right platform can unlock huge efficiency gains. 

With features enabling multi client management, real time client inventory visibility, automated fulfilment, flexible billing, and live dashboards, Infocomm’s 3PL management system gives you the tools to run a more agile and profitable operation. Contact the team at Infocomm to see how a 3PL management system can help your business.