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Fulfillment

Concept: Intelligent multi-warehouse inventory allocation and delivery optimization.

The Challenge​

B2B fulfillment is complex:

  • Multiple warehouses across different regions
  • Delivery zones with different capabilities
  • Split shipments from multiple locations
  • Customer delivery preferences
  • Cost vs speed optimization
  • Real-time inventory visibility

The Solution: Zone-Based Allocation​

Instead of simple "is it in stock?" checks, the system performs intelligent allocation:

  1. Identify delivery zone — Where is the customer?
  2. Find serving warehouses — Which warehouses can deliver there?
  3. Check inventory — What's available at each warehouse?
  4. Optimize allocation — Minimize shipments, cost, or delivery time
  5. Create fulfillment plan — Multi-warehouse splits if needed

Key Concepts​

Delivery Zones​

Geographic areas that define:

  • Which warehouses can deliver there
  • Delivery capabilities (same-day, next-day, standard)
  • Shipping costs and restrictions
  • Service level agreements

Warehouse Networks​

Multiple warehouses work together:

  • Each has its own inventory
  • Each serves specific zones
  • Allocation optimizes across the network
  • Split shipments when necessary

How It Works in Practice​

Example Scenario: Customer in Chicago orders 100 units of Product X.

System evaluates:

  • Chicago is in "Midwest" delivery zone
  • Midwest zone is served by 3 warehouses: Milwaukee (60 units), Indianapolis (50 units), Detroit (40 units)
  • Milwaukee can fulfill 60 units
  • Indianapolis can fulfill remaining 40 units
  • Result: Split shipment from 2 warehouses

Alternative strategy: If customer prefers single shipment, system could allocate from Indianapolis (50 units) and backorder the rest, or route to a different warehouse network.

Integration with Other Systems​

With Engagements​

Fulfillment allocation is stored in the engagement. As allocation happens, the engagement updates with warehouse assignments, tracking info, and delivery estimates.

With Pricing​

Delivery zone affects pricing (shipping costs, zone surcharges). Pricing and fulfillment work together to give customers accurate total costs.

With Inventory​

Real-time inventory checks ensure allocations are valid. Inventory reservations are created during allocation and released if the engagement is cancelled.

Learn More​

For detailed implementation, see:

Fulfillment: Smart allocation across warehouse networks.