Automating Order Fulfillment with Unleashed and Linnworks

Introduction: The Need for Speed in E-commerce Fulfillment

In the fast-paced world of online shopping, fulfilment speed can make or break your business. Shoppers want their orders dispatched yesterday, and delays can quickly turn into complaints or cancellations. Manual processes? They’re the dinosaurs of e-commerce. The short answer to better, faster order fulfilment: automate it with Linnworks and an Unleashed Software subscription. Together, they transform chaos into clockwork.

To take this even further, platforms like TIDE supercharge your integration. TIDE bridges systems like Unleashed and Linnworks, automating the data flow between them and other sales channels. Want seamless, hands-free fulfilment? Book a free demo with TIDE to see how it all works in action.

Manual Fulfillment: Slow, Error-Prone, and Costly

Think spreadsheets, sticky notes, and frantic warehouse hunts. Manual fulfilment slows everything down, invites costly errors, and drains staff time. Double-entries, out-of-sync stock, and mis-shipments become the norm—and that’s before we mention the mountain of returns.

Unleashed and Linnworks: The Power Duo for Automation

Pairing Unleashed’s powerful inventory management with Linnworks’ seamless multichannel order handling is like giving your fulfilment process a jetpack. Orders fly through automatically, stock updates in real time, and shipping labels print themselves (almost).

Add TIDE into the mix, and you gain a no-code solution that keeps all your systems in sync—without extra manual work or expensive custom APIs. It’s a win for speed, accuracy, and sanity.

The Automated Order Fulfillment Workflow

Step 1: Automated Order Import to Linnworks

Pulling Orders from All Integrated Sales Channels

Whether you sell on Amazon, eBay, Shopify, or all three, Linnworks pulls your orders into one dashboard—automatically. No more logging into separate accounts or copying and pasting details.

Reducing Manual Entry and Delays

By removing the need to enter orders manually, you eliminate typos, missed shipments, and backlogs. Automation means speed and accuracy—two things customers notice.

Step 2: Stock Allocation and Sync with Unleashed

Linnworks Requests Stock from Unleashed

Once orders land, Linnworks checks with Unleashed to allocate the necessary inventory. It’s a seamless conversation between systems.

Unleashed Decrements Inventory in Real-Time

As orders are picked and packed, Unleashed updates stock levels in real time—so what you see is what you actually have. No overselling, no surprises.

TIDE ensures this flow stays uninterrupted and consistent across all touchpoints, even as your system scales.

Step 3: Generating Pick Lists and Packing Slips

Optimized Picking Routes within Unleashed (or Linnworks for simpler setups)

Unleashed can create smart pick lists that guide staff through the warehouse in the most efficient route—fewer steps, faster picks.

Accurate Packing Documentation

Packing slips are auto-generated, ensuring every box contains exactly what’s ordered. No more “oops, wrong item” moments.

Step 4: Shipping Label Creation and Carrier Integration

Linnworks’ Integration with Multiple Shipping Carriers

From Royal Mail to DPD, Linnworks integrates with major shipping providers. No more juggling platforms—just print and go.

Automated Label Printing

Shipping labels can be printed automatically as soon as an order is packed. Say goodbye to manual data entry and hello to speedier dispatch.

Step 5: Updating Sales Channels and Customers

Linnworks Pushes Tracking Numbers and Status Updates to Sales Channels

The moment an order is dispatched, Linnworks updates your sales channels with tracking info. Customers stay informed without you lifting a finger.

Automated Shipping Notifications to Customers

Email and SMS updates go out automatically—keeping customers happy and reducing “Where’s my order?” queries.

Key Benefits of Automated Fulfillment

Accelerated Order-to-Ship Cycle

Faster Deliveries, Improved Customer Satisfaction

Orders get out the door faster, which means better reviews, repeat customers, and a reputation for reliability.

Significant Reduction in Manual Errors

Fewer Mis-ships, Returns, and Customer Complaints

Automation means fewer human slip-ups, which translates to fewer angry emails and costly returns.

Lower Operational Costs

Reduced Labour Hours, Minimized Rework

Your team can do more with less. When you automate fulfilment with Unleashed and Linnworks, you reduce labour demands and keep rework (and overtime pay) to a minimum.

Enhanced Scalability

Ability to Handle High Order Volumes Without Strain

Whether you’re shipping 10 orders or 10,000, the system flexes to handle demand without breaking a sweat.

Improved Inventory Accuracy

Real-Time Stock Updates Driven by Fulfillment

Stock counts stay accurate to the minute, even across multiple sales channels—so you can sell with confidence.

Implementing and Optimizing Automation

Configuring Linnworks Shipping Rules and Automation Scripts

Set up smart rules to determine the best shipping methods, trigger label printing, or split orders—all without manual input.

Defining Unleashed’s Fulfillment Workflows

Map out your stock locations, pick and pack stages, and stock control processes. Unleashed becomes the brain behind your warehouse.

Training Staff on Automated Processes

Automation only works if everyone’s on board. Train your team on the new workflows so they can trust—and fully use—the system.

Continuous Monitoring and Performance Review

Check in regularly. Track KPIs like order processing times, mis-ship rates, and fulfilment costs. Tweak settings to improve performance over time.

Conclusion

Automate Fulfilment with Unleashed and Linnworks: Transforming Your Fulfilment Operations

Unleashed and Linnworks turn the messiness of order fulfilment into a streamlined machine. Together, they take you from manual mayhem to automated efficiency.

Driving Efficiency and Customer Loyalty Through Automation

Faster, smarter fulfilment isn’t just about saving time – it’s about keeping customers happy, loyal, and coming back for more. With a solid Unleashed Software subscription, Linnworks automation, and TIDE powering your data sync, you’re not just fulfilling orders – you’re setting your business up for long-term success.

Automating Order Fulfillment with Unleashed, Linnworks, and TIDE