Challenges of Multichannel Fulfillment

As is the case for many distribution operations, Highlights must deal with different product types and packing configurations, as well as widely differing order cycles. The b-to-b division ships primarily books, a straightforward product that can be packed and shipped using a standard set of carton sizes. Highlights Catalog, on the other hand, sells everything from books to games to pogo sticks. The company’s new WMS had to be able to integrate well with all three divisions, as well as its other in-house accounting and manifest systems. In all, the new system had to interface with five other existing systems.