order fullfillment

[Former Member]

Hi sapents

can any one share the knowledge of, what does it mean by order fullfillment ? answers would be rewarded.

[Lakshmipathi · Accepted solution]

Dear Srikanth

Order fulfillment in the most general sense the complete process from point of sales inquiry to delivery of a product to the customer. Sometimes Order fulfillment is used to describe the more narrow act of distribution or the logistics function, however, in the broader sense however it refers to the way how firms respond to customer orders.

In its broadest definition the possible steps in the process are

• Product Inquiry* - Initial inquiry about offerings, visit to the web-site, catalog request

• Sales Quote* - Budgetary or availability quote

• Order Configuration* - Where ordered items need selection of options or order lines need to be compatible with each other

• Order Booking* - The formal order placement or closing of the deal (issuing by the customer of a Purchase Order)

• Order Acknowledgment / Confirmation* - Confirmation that the order is booked and/or received

• Order Sourcing / Planning* - Determining the source / location of item(s) to be shipped

• Order Changes -* Changes to orders, if needed

• Shipment Release* - Process step where the warehouse / inventory stocking point starts the shipping process. May comprise of picking, packing and staging for shipment.

• Shipment* - The shipment and transportation of the goods

• Delivery* - The delivery of the goods to the consignee / customer

• Invoicing / Billing* - The presentment of the commercial invoice / bill to the customer

• Settlement* - The payment of the charges for goods / services / delivery

• Returns* - In case the goods are unacceptable / not required

thanks

G. Lakshmipathi

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

thankx, G.Laxmipathi, my doubt is cleared, very helpfull answer.