35 Miller Ave, Ste 275, Mill Valley, California, United States of America, 94941
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Fort Systems Intro video
Empowering Efficient Shipping for Wineries and Beyond
Please stop by our booth for a chat and a brief demo should you wish to see FORT in more detail. We’re in Ballroom A in a corner booth, #A2410.
Taking too long to pack and ship your daily orders? Getting too many returned packages with no clear way to improve successful delivery percentages?
We’d love to learn more about your business, and discuss with you how more efficient shipping management and data analytics tools might help improve your bottom line.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Fort Systems
Unified Symposium Booth: A2410
FORT is a software platform focused on shipping and fulfillment for the wine industry, and offers solutions for the various accessibility and logistical problems that can come between suppliers and buyers. While we first encountered many of these issues in the wine industry, the solutions we’ve developed are not limited to alcoholic beverages, and can help make shipping easier to manage for any company.
Within the world of alcoholic beverages, the platform touches all key segments of the industry, including warehouses, carriers, wineries, wholesalers, retailers, marketers, and consumers. The FORT platform also helps streamline shipping and order management functions for manufacturers, loyalty companies, and other retailers and dropshippers. FORT System clients include small start-ups and family-owned businesses, mid-size companies as well as major corporations.
FORT’s powerful platform makes fulfillment a snap, and provides a comprehensive system for fulfillment companies. The system allows management of multiple warehouse locations, zone skipping, carrier label generation, real-time package life cycle management, seamless order uploading and filtering, customer-based preferences, access to 3-tier supply chain channels, client invoicing, robust reporting and analysis tools, and a fully integrated state reporting system. No need to use separate systems for these applications.
In addition to our comprehensive 3PL platform (WMS), we now offer FORT Ship, a “wine smart” shipping app designed for self-shippers. It is a streamlined, lighter weight application, but still relies on the same powerful FORT engine. FORT Ship avoids the heavier functionality like inventory management, and focuses on the critical features needed to get packages labeled and out the door. It is integrated with the same key industry platforms as our WMS platform, and users can often be up and running in a single day.
We have also recently added a data analytics module (beta), FORT Metrix. FORT Metrix aims to provide intelligence and insights into your business that will help deliver immediate, measurable results, and help automate much of the work associated with your direct ship reporting.
Wine Service Cooperative Accelerates Growth and Strengthens Services with the FORT Platform
WSC, the premier wine industry fulfillment and logistics company, has selected the FORT technology platform to help ensure continued growth and leadership.
ST. HELENA, CA, UNITED STATES, November 25, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Wine Service Cooperative (WSC), the wine industry’s long-established, premier provider of specialized wine storage and shipping solutions, today announced a multi-year partnership with FORT Systems, a leader in logistics software solutions for the wine industry. As WSC continues to expand its operational footprint in the US, this best-in-class partnership is designed to further improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of wine fulfillment operations, setting a new industry standard for professionalism and customer satisfaction.
By leveraging FORT’s state-of-the-art software platform, WSC will optimize its supply chain operations with advanced features such as real-time inventory tracking, predictive analytics, and seamless integrations and order management. Together, the companies aim to deliver unparalleled service to wineries, distributors, and end customers across the country.
Steve Tamburelli, WSC’s President, said, “Wine Service Cooperative is excited to partner with FORT Systems to provide our clientele with a seamless experience from the bottling line to the distributor or consumer. The team at FORT embraced our unique requirements and developed a solution that will serve our members well for years to come."
Commitment to Long-Term Innovation
This partnership represents more than a business agreement; it signifies a shared vision for the future. Over the next several years, FORT and WSC will work closely to implement continual improvements and introduce innovative features that address the evolving needs of the wine industry. Some of the fundamental objectives include:
• Enhanced Order Accuracy: Utilizing FORT’s reporting, tracking, and process flow capabilities, reduce errors and improve delivery times.
• Sustainable Fulfillment Practices: Minimize the carbon footprint of wine storage and transportation.
• Customer-Centric Solutions: Expanding software features to meet unique customer demands, including third party integrations and enhanced analytics and business intelligence.
"We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with WSC, a company that shares our commitment to excellence and innovation," said Scott Liebman, CEO of FORT Systems. "As they continue to experience unprecedented growth, WSC’s faith in FORT is particularly meaningful. After an extensive review of world-class logistics platforms, WSC’s decision to rely on FORT confirms that our long-held policy of continual reinvestment in the platform is indeed the correct one. We’re dedicated to building the best logistics platform in the industry, and we’re grateful to see that focus rewarded with the recognition that FORT is the platform best suited to the complex needs of an industry leader like WSC."
Liebman added that many of the functional enhancements required by WSC will help strengthen FORT’s platform not only for WSC, but for other FORT-powered fulfillers as well.
About Wine Service Cooperative
Wine Service Cooperative specializes in providing tailored storage and shipping solutions for wineries and wine distributors. Wine Service Cooperative has implemented best-in-class technology to deliver a seamless member experience managing inventory, storage, and fulfillment processes.
email: info@wineservicecoop.com
About FORT Systems
FORT is a leader in shipping and logistics technology, offering comprehensive solutions for supply chain, warehouse and inventory management, fulfillment and package life cycle management, and beverage alcohol reporting. FORT’s innovative platform empowers businesses of all sizes to streamline operations and achieve greater efficiencies.
Jim McClellan
FORT Systems
info@fortsystems.com
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Adapt or Die: Meeting Changing Customer Needs Can Lead to Greater Opportunities in a Wine Market That’s Declining
By Nick Thomas October 3, 2024 9:54 pm (Washington Examiner)
Wine consumption globally is continuing its downward trend, and some winemakers and other industry players are failing to see what could be an existential crisis for the nectar of the gods.
Wine has been facing a long-term structural decline for some time. Major wine markets such as France and Italy have indeed been in such decline for decades while the United States, the world’s most valuable market for wine, appears to be in a downward cycle, according to industry body IWSR.
The reasons for such decline are multiple, including a trend toward drinking moderation. But one key area is the apparent di culty of attracting younger generations to wine.
“The wine category is becoming increasingly reliant on older drinkers, thanks to a number of factors, including aging populations in regions such as Europe, and a challenge recruiting younger LDA (legal drinking age) consumers in certain markets,” according to an IWSR review of 2023 data. “LDA Gen Z consumers are not being recruited into wine at anything like the rate that they were ten to fifteen years ago.”
That may partly be the fault of many wineries not making su cient effort to reinvigorate the attraction of wine.
“Not enough wineries put an emphasis on trying to reach the next generation of wine drinkers,” said Ian Bearup, head winemaker at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery in upstate New York. “Oftentimes, younger wine drinkers are not taken seriously. I don’t see enough smaller wineries making the effort to reach a younger audience.”
A Comprehensive Guide to 3PL
A 3PL service provider can help you manage individual modules like warehousing, transportation or shipping. Some providers also offer a comprehensive suite of services to manage the entire supply chain.
In an interview with SelectHub, Jim McClellan, Co-founder of Fort Systems, explained:
"3PL services are basically a solution for companies looking to outsource elements of their logistics and supply chain management functions to specialized firms. It’s an option that can make sense for small to medium-sized companies that lack the infrastructure for efficient fulfillment and WMS operations, but also for large companies looking to gain efficiencies and focus on core competencies.”
FORT Systems Integrates InsureShield® Shipping Protection, Maximizing Peace of Mind for Wine Shippers
Wineries Can Automatically Safeguard Shipments and Deliver with Confidence
FORT Systems, the leading fulfillment and shipping software platform for the wine industry, today announced a new partnership with UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc. (UPSCIA) for shippers to access InsureShield® Shipping Protection on the FORT Systems platform. The partnership will make it easier than ever for wineries to protect high-value wine shipments. Many wine shippers currently protect wine shipments through standard carrier liability, but the InsureShield solution provides far more comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
“We are very excited to be able to include an integrated InsureShield Protection option to companies shipping with FORT,” said co-founder Jim McClellan. “We’ve heard dozens of stories from wineries that failed to receive sufficient compensation for packages that were damaged, lost, or stolen. By integrating InsureShield into the platform, we can help ensure that any winery shipping with FORT is able to select premium coverage for their shipments.
“When retail value can be in the thousands of dollars for a single package, InsureShield will help ensure peace of mind for wineries shipping high-value wines, and underscores FORT’s commitment to serving the needs of every shipper,” McClellan said.
The InsureShield program adds an important piece to the range of options in the FORT platform, which helps manage packages from order creation all the way through to final delivery. With this fully-integrated option, for any given shipment, wineries can opt for InsureShield coverage in seconds.
Ecommerce orders that need to be shipped will continue to grow for the foreseeable future, and that growth underscores the need for a robust insured shipping option, especially for extremely high-value packages. In a recent State of Shipping study, 92% of surveyed merchants reported costly impacts to their business as a result of lost, stolen or damaged shipments, with over half of merchants losing more than $50,000 as a result in one year.
When wineries use carrier liability and loss occurs, the shipper has to prove that the loss or damage happened while the goods were in the carrier's physical control. InsureShield offers far greater flexibility and coverage, and it will provide maximum protection for wineries in the event of loss, damage, and porch piracy, according to the provider UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc.
The table below from the insurance broker highlights the difference between what carrier liability offers versus InsureShield protection.
For more information on enabling InsureShield for wine shipments, wineries can reach out to their FORT-powered warehouse partners, or contact FORT directly.
1 2022 State of Shipping Report, UPS Capital.
Insurance Disclaimer
Insurance coverage is underwritten by an authorized insurance company and issued through licensed insurance producers, including UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc. (“UPSCIA”), a subsidiary of UPS Capital Corporation. The insurance company, UPSCIA and its licensed affiliates reserve the right to change or cancel the program at any time. This information does not in any way alter or amend the terms, limitations or exclusions of the applicable insurance policy or program. Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions.
Leading Wine Industry Fulfillment Platform Introduces Warehouse Location Management
With these new features, FORT continues to help optimize storage, replenishment, put-away and picking, and now adds management of nested locations.
MILL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, August 30, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- FORT Systems, the leading provider of fulfillment software solutions for the beverage alcohol industry, today announced a new suite of advanced Warehouse Location Management features. This innovative addition to FORT’s WMS platform empowers businesses in the alcohol industry with enhanced control over warehouse operations, optimizing storage, and streamlining the flow of product movement.
By leveraging our advanced tools, businesses can achieve optimal warehouse management and deliver exceptional service to their customers.”
— Scott Liebman
These features will enable multiple benefits for users, including:
- Creation and modification of location properties for batches
- Location Type: Flow Rack, Case, Pallet, Mobile or Totes that can be stored inside of other locations
- Inventory location nesting: Store totes inside of other locations
- Generate special location reports with a quick scan
- Capacity Setting: Maximum weight, allowable formats, available space
- Multiples: Specify quantity multiple type by location (multiple of cases, pallets, etc...)
For 3PLs and other clients managing multiple brands, these features can be shareable by company or even by products or items.
Effective warehouse management plays a vital role in any industry, and is especially critical for beverage alcohol, given its highly-regulated nature, and constant demands for accurate and robust zone-specific reporting. With these new location management features, FORT will continue to enable businesses to achieve optimal storage, replenishment, put-away and picking, along with managing nested locations within other locations.
Scott Liebman, FORT's CEO, noted that "FORT Systems is committed to providing innovative software solutions that empower businesses in the alcohol industry to optimize their warehouse operations. Our Warehouse Location Management features are designed to streamline product movement, improve storage efficiency, and enhance overall productivity. By leveraging our advanced tools, businesses can achieve optimal warehouse management and deliver exceptional service to their customers."
To learn more about FORT Systems' Warehouse Location Management functionality or other aspects of its fulfillment and shipping platform, please visit www.fortsystems.com or contact our sales team.
Wave Picking: Maximizing Efficiency
While the benefits of wave picking are well known, it may not come as a big surprise that it is still not as widely used as it could be. In some industries, such as wine and beverage alcohol, fulfillment requirements are complex and costly, and ad hoc orders are the norm. For fulfillers in such industries, using waving effectively can make fulfillment more efficient. Waving factors may include not only order type (continuity/club vs. ad hoc/daily vs. trade orders), but other key factors such as carrier service level, shipment type (zone skip, temp. controlled, drop ship), container type, and package contents and quantity.
FORT Offers Integrated, Wine-Smart Shipping Solutions
You print, pack and ship a lot of packages, and a simple label generating app just doesn't give you all the functionality and power you need to manage complex wine shipping requirements. In addition to its comprehensive WMS platform, FORT Systems now offers FORT Ship. FORT Ship is wine smart, and functions like a streamlined warehouse platform without the burden of inventory, invoicing, and other time-consuming tasks. With its WMS and FORT Ship options, FORT has a wine shipping solution that will work for you.
We will be exhibiting at the WIN Expo on December 1 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
See us at booth 444 and use FOR444 for a free trade show pass. Register here: https://wineindustryexpo.com/
Outsourcing Fulfillment for Wineries: Making an Informed Decision
Faced with rising material costs and downward price pressure in the market, businesses naturally look to streamline operations to the greatest extent possible, and to extract every last bit of value from their existing resources. For wineries, one manifestation of this effort is the tendency to keep as many aspects of the business in-house as they can, avoiding fees to third-party providers. This is a laudable and occasionally successful strategy, but does it work for fulfillment? There are many complexities and hidden costs in fulfillment, some of which may be unknown to wineries at the time they consider whether to outsource their fulfillment operation. Cost burdens such as direct labor, packing materials, inventory management, and various operating expenses are all associated with keeping work in house. Time-consuming administrative, scheduling, logistics, and other support activities can drain precious resources as well, though may add little or no value. This short white paper considers some of these costs, and aims to help provide wineries with the critical information they need to make this important decision.
About
FORT Systems provides "wine smart" shipping solutions to the wine industry, ranging from a comprehensive 3pl platform designed for multi-tenant warehouse operations to FORT Ship, a streamlined application designed for wineries and other self-shippers. FORT is integrated with all major carriers as well as key order management companies and other service providers.
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| FORT Systems | 35 Miller Ave, Ste 275, Mill Valley | California | United States of America | 94941 |
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