Behind the Warehouse: What Your Current 3PL Isn’t Telling You About Data

Katherine Wroth • September 18, 2025

This week, I was on a call with a brand desperate to leave their 3PL.


When asked if they could share data from their current provider, they responded, “I think we have an Excel sheet somewhere, but our 3PL has never really explained what any of it means.”


I went straight to , the Director of Data & Analytics at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, to break down the data questions that matter most  for brands.


From cost control to forecasting, here is what every brand should be asking about data before choosing a 3PL partner.


Why is data so important in supply chain operations?

Two reasons: cost and service. Costs are climbing across the board, so it is critical to have accurate data to manage and optimize spend. At the same time, visibility is now a baseline expectation. Knowing where products are and when they will reach customers is fundamental, and the right 3PL partner uses data to keep both cost and service in balance.



Where is data analytics headed in the 3PL industry?

Automation is expanding rapidly. Robotics, computer vision, and similar tools are becoming more affordable and less capital intensive. On the technology side, the next evolution is agentic AI. These tools do not just report on what already happened, they proactively identify anomalies and anticipate issues before they escalate.



What makes a data analytics team stand out in 3PL?

An exceptional team delivers both internal decision-making power and external insights for clients. At ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, that means:


  • Dashboards and portals clients can access directly
  • Monthly and quarterly reviews that surface actionable insights
  • In-house ownership of analytics for agility and speed
  • Context-driven reporting that translates numbers into strategy


This dual focus ensures that brands see their data and understand how to act on it.



How do analytics prevent costly inventory mistakes?


Frequent review is key. Dashboards highlight both fast movers at risk of stockouts and inventory that has been sitting for extended periods, such as 90 days. Context matters, which is why seasonality and product type are built into the analysis. This ensures brands receive meaningful recommendations that lead to better planning, fewer surprises, and lower carrying costs.



Can a 3PL support forecasting and budgeting?


Yes! It is often a deciding factor for clients choosing ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. We work in two ways:


  1. Converting client sales forecasts into volume and cost projections
  2. Using machine learning models for brands without in-house forecasting capabilities


Both approaches help brands set realistic budgets and align resources for growth.



Can analytics catch issues before they become major problems?


Absolutely. Making performance data visible across the organization helps catch issues quickly. On top of that, anomaly detection flags deviations from historical patterns. Together, these practices give clients peace of mind that problems are identified early rather than after the fact.



How can analytics directly save money?


Two proven examples:


  • Transportation spend: analyzing service levels to ensure brands are not overpaying for speed they may not need
  • Ordering patterns: adjusting how products are ordered, such as shifting from partial cases to full cases, which reduces handling costs



What role does Paccurate play in cost savings?


ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ partners with Paccurate for cartonization, determining the best box for every shipment. This reduces waste, errors, and shipping costs. Paccurate also evaluates packaging history to confirm whether the box mix itself should be adjusted, uncovering additional savings opportunities.



How do clients access their analytics?


There are two main touchpoints:


  • A web portal with embedded dashboards where clients can pull their own reports and track trends
  • Business reviews, monthly or quarterly, where insights are presented with recommendations for improving cost and service



How do you balance fulfillment speed with accuracy?


Quality checks are built into the process. Variable audits, error-based sampling, and ship accuracy metrics ensure products reach customers quickly without sacrificing accuracy.



What metrics matter most for scaling brands?


Two categories: cost and performance. Key metrics include:


  • Average cost per package
  • SLA speed targets, such as 24-hour fulfillment
  • Inbound velocity, which measures how quickly received inventory is available to sell


Tracking these ensures that growth does not come at the expense of profitability or customer experience.



What technology powers the analytics?


ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ uses a modern cloud-based stack:


  • Snowflake as the data warehouse
  • dbt for transformations and applied business logic
  • Tableau for visualization, embedded directly in client portals


This combination provides both flexibility and scalability as brands grow.



How do you track productivity without micromanaging?


Transparency and fairness are key. Metrics are measured equitably and tied back to cost savings. Through ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½’s profit-sharing programs, employees see a direct link between hitting productivity targets and shared rewards. This drives performance while maintaining high employee satisfaction.



Can analytics improve pricing for clients?


Yes. The more complete the data, the tighter and more competitive the pricing solution. New clients often see broader estimates, but after a year of working with ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, historical data allows for far more precise pricing models.



What is “click to porch” and why does it matter?


Click to porch measures the time between when a customer places an order and when it arrives at their door. Brands should aim to minimize this window while managing costs, because it directly impacts customer satisfaction and repeat purchases.



How granular can demand forecasting get?


With strong data, forecasts can reach the product category or even item level. Apparel, footwear sizes, and seasonal items often have unique demand curves. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½’s analytics help clients plan with this level of detail.



How does data strengthen client relationships?


By creating a level playing field. When both sides work from the same data set, assumptions disappear. Conversations are based on facts, transparency builds trust, and partnerships grow stronger.



Can clients request custom reports?


Yes. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ collects extensive data and can provide custom reporting. More importantly, reports are aligned with client goals so they inform decisions rather than simply share numbers.



How do analytics improve efficiency inside the warehouse?


Two main levers:

  • Accurate forecasts that inform labor planning
  • Equitable productivity tracking that keeps operations efficient while respecting employees


The result is faster and more reliable fulfillment for clients.


Don't settle for spreadsheets without explanations if you've read this far!

Behind every successful brand is a supply chain partner who knows how to use data. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ has been doing that for more than 80+ years.

Contact us now for a free consultation with a 3PL expert.

Recent Blog Posts

By Faith Artieda June 4, 2026
Behind the Scenes of Ecommerce Fulfillment: From Warehouse Shelf to Doorstep When a customer clicks "Buy Now," they expect a simple outcome: the right product arrives on time and in perfect condition. What they don't see is the complex fulfillment operation working behind the scenes to make that experience possible. For ecommerce brands, every shipment represents more than an order. It's a promise to a customer. Whether it's a rug, a beauty product, a piece of apparel, or a food item, fulfillment has a direct impact on customer satisfaction, reviews, repeat purchases, and brand reputation. At ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Centers, we help brands deliver on that promise every day. Recently, our team captured the journey of a Tumble rug moving through one of our fulfillment operations. While the process may appear seamless from the outside, each order is supported by a combination of technology, inventory management, quality controls, and experienced warehouse professionals working together to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Great Fulfillment Starts Long Before an Order Is Placed The customer experience doesn't begin when someone clicks "Buy." It begins with how inventory is received, organized, tracked, and managed inside the warehouse. Accurate inventory is the foundation of successful fulfillment. If inventory data is unreliable, every downstream process becomes more difficult. That's why ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ invests heavily in inventory control processes, warehouse management technology, and operational discipline. From receiving and putaway to cycle counting and inventory audits, every step is designed to maintain visibility and accuracy across our customers' inventory. When an order enters the system, our teams know exactly where inventory is located and how to process it efficiently. Technology Creates Visibility—People Create Results Modern fulfillment requires sophisticated technology, but technology alone doesn't create a great customer experience. Warehouse management systems, automation tools, and integrated data platforms help drive efficiency and visibility. They provide real-time information, streamline workflows, and help teams prioritize work throughout the day. However, successful fulfillment still depends on people. The warehouse associates, supervisors, quality teams, customer experience professionals, and operations leaders behind every shipment are what transform data into execution. At ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, our focus has always been on combining technology with operational expertise. The result is a fulfillment process designed to scale while maintaining high service levels and accuracy. Quality Control Is Built Into Every Order Customers rarely think about quality control when they receive a package. That's because the best quality processes are often invisible. Before an order leaves the warehouse, multiple checkpoints help ensure products are picked correctly, packaged appropriately, and prepared for shipment according to customer requirements. These controls are especially important for brands that have worked hard to create a premium customer experience. The condition of a product upon arrival can significantly impact how customers perceive a brand. A damaged shipment or incorrect order doesn't just create operational costs—it can erode customer trust. That's why quality isn't treated as a final inspection. It's embedded throughout the fulfillment process. Every Package Represents a Brand Third-party logistics providers don't own the brands they serve, but they play a critical role in protecting those brands. For many consumers, the delivery experience is one of the few physical interactions they have with an ecommerce company. Packaging quality, order accuracy, delivery speed, and shipment visibility all contribute to the overall brand experience. When a Tumble rug arrives at a customer's doorstep, the customer isn't thinking about warehouse operations. They're thinking about the brand they purchased from. Our responsibility is to help ensure that experience reflects positively on the brand every single time. The Goal Isn't Shipping Boxes. It's Creating Confidence. Fulfillment is often viewed as an operational function. In reality, it's a customer experience function. The best fulfillment operations create confidence—for customers waiting for their orders, for brands managing growth, and for teams responsible for delivering consistent results. Every order that moves through a ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ facility represents a commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction. The journey from warehouse shelf to doorstep may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is felt with every successful delivery.
By Faith Artieda May 28, 2026
This year marks an important milestone for ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½— 20 years of participating in The Great Game of Business® (GGOB) , a program that has helped shape our culture, strengthen employee engagement, and create a stronger sense of teamwork and shared success across the organization. Over the past two decades, GGOB has become much more than a business program at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. It has become part of the way we communicate, collaborate, and grow together as a company. Through open-book management principles, weekly huddles, forecasting, scoreboards, and Mini Games, employees across ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ locations have had the opportunity to better understand the business and actively contribute to its success. One of the most meaningful impacts of GGOB has been the way it brings people together. In an industry built on precision, service, and operational excellence, collaboration is essential. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½’s success depends on teams working together across departments, facilities, and regions — and GGOB has helped strengthen those connections by creating a culture centered around communication, accountability, and involvement. GGOB encourages employees to think beyond their individual roles and understand how their work impacts customers, coworkers, and overall company performance. Whether it’s improving warehouse efficiency, supporting transportation operations, enhancing customer service, or identifying process improvements, employees are empowered to contribute ideas and solutions that help move ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ forward.  As Tim Barret, Founder of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, states, "...we share all of the financial results with all of the employees, and they have a vested interest since they will receive a payout result." That sense of involvement creates stronger engagement across the organization. Employees are not simply completing daily tasks — they are participating in the success of the business. By understanding company goals and key performance drivers, teams are able to work together with a shared purpose and celebrate accomplishments collectively. Community and collaboration have always been important values at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, and GGOB has helped reinforce those values over the last 20 years. The program creates opportunities for employees to learn from one another, support one another, and recognize the impact each person has on the organization. It encourages transparency and open communication, helping employees feel more connected to leadership, their teams, and the company’s long-term vision. As ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ has continued to grow nationwide, maintaining a strong culture has remained a priority. GGOB has played an important role in helping preserve the family-oriented environment that ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is known for, even as the company has expanded operations and welcomed new employees across the country. The program helps create consistency in communication and engagement while keeping employees connected to the bigger picture. To help celebrate this 20-year anniversary, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ owner Tim ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ recently participated in a video discussion reflecting on the company’s GGOB journey and the impact it has had on ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ over the years. The conversation highlighted how collaboration, employee involvement, and shared accountability continue to contribute to the company’s success today. This milestone is ultimately a celebration of the people who make ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ successful every day. The dedication, teamwork, creativity, and commitment shown by employees across the organization are what continue to drive ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ forward. Twenty years later, The Great Game of Business continues to strengthen the culture of collaboration and engagement that makes ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ special — and the future of the game is stronger than ever.
By Faith Artieda May 26, 2026
How ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Is Improving Inventory Accuracy with AI-Powered Warehouse Visibility
More Posts