Supply Chain Management in E-Commerce
E-Commerce SCM coordinates product flow from manufacturers to customers through digital channels.
Logistics
Order processing, warehousing, picking/packing, shipping, returns. Fulfilment centres optimised for individual orders.
Inventory Management
Dropshipping (no inventory), just-in-time (minimal), safety stock (buffer). Demand forecasting with ML.
Order Fulfilment
Self-fulfilment, 3PL (outsourced), FBA (Amazon), dropshipping. Automation speeds warehouse operations.
Last-Mile Delivery
Most expensive leg. Courier services, same-day, locker pickup, drone delivery (emerging), crowd-sourced.
Reverse Logistics
Returns handling (30% for apparel). Return authorisation, inspection, refund/exchange, restocking.
Technology
WMS, TMS, RFID/barcode, IoT sensors, AI/ML (forecasting, routing), blockchain (transparency).
Summary
E-Commerce SCM requires efficient logistics, inventory, fulfilment, and technology for fast reliable delivery.