Advantages of the 3PL System

Outsourcing logistics with a 3PL system has very concrete advantages for a company that wants to grow without investing in its own warehouse, staff and warehouse technology. At Disnet we've been running on this model for more than 35 years (since 1991), so we know the requirements and quirks of every business, whether small shops or large companies.

We go through the six main advantages, when outsourcing does not pay off, and the most common questions. If you prefer to go straight to the service, see 3PL logistics operator in Barcelona.

Fixed costs turned into variable costs

By outsourcing, you stop paying for warehouse rent, machinery and warehouse staff as a fixed cost, and pay only for the space and services you actually use each month. This lets you absorb demand peaks (Black Friday, campaigns, high season) without the investment that expanding your own facilities would require. In addition, the cost follows your activity and you do not carry idle space or staff when volume drops.

Infrastructure ready to grow

We have a 11,000 m² warehouse in Sabadell (Vallès Occidental), on the doorstep of Barcelona, with more than 12,000 rack locations and more than 15,000 picking locations. That capacity means space is not a limit when your business grows: you do not have to look for a bigger warehouse or reorganize your own every time references or orders increase.

Technology and traceability

Our Warehouse Management System (WMS) maintains a permanent inventory and traceability at every stage: receiving, storage, picking, packing and dispatch. This gives you real-time visibility of your stock and shipments, instead of relying on manual checks. You can check the information on your operations online in the Client area.

Logistics quality control

We apply quality controls when goods are received and before every dispatch, which reduces errors, incidents and avoidable returns. A 3PL system with defined processes offers more consistency than managing logistics ad hoc according to the volume of the moment, and it records every step so the origin of any incident can be traced and corrected.

Integration with your e-commerce

Our 3PL system connects with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop and Opencart, so orders reach our warehouse from your online store without manual handling, with the capacity to handle more than 1,000,000 shipments a year. If you sell online, our guide to e-commerce fulfillment explains how the whole process is organized, from order to return.

A single point of contact for the whole chain

Bringing receiving, storage, picking, packing, transport and reverse logistics together in a single operator reduces coordination between suppliers and prevents responsibility from getting diluted when something goes wrong. With a 3PL system you have a single point of contact for the entire operation, instead of managing the warehouse, transport and returns separately.

3PL logistics operator in Barcelona with more than 35 years of experience

Logistics is constantly changing and demands fast, reliable responses. That is why, since 1991, we have kept adapting our 3PL system: we add technology and improve processes to serve both small clients and large accounts. We work hand in hand with each client so that logistics is a reliable part of their business and not one more worry.

When outsourcing does not pay off

Outsourcing is not the best option in every case. It may not pay off if:

• Your order volume is very low and stable, and you already have space and someone who manages it without problems.
• Your product needs very special conditions (for example, cold storage or dangerous goods) and the operator cannot meet them: check this before signing.
• You cannot share sales data and forecasts with the operator, which are needed to plan the warehouse and staffing properly.

In any case, the most sensible approach is to compare the total cost of your current logistics (warehouse, staff, systems and errors) with that of a 3PL service before deciding.

Frequently asked questions about the 3PL system

What is the difference between a 3PL system and having your own warehouse?

With your own warehouse you take on the facility, staff, machinery and software, and you are the one who handles peaks and incidents. With a 3PL system, the operator provides the infrastructure, the team and the management system, and you keep control of your business: what you sell, at what price and to whom. You can extend the comparison in our guide to what a 3PL logistics operator is.

How long does it take to get a 3PL outsourcing up and running?

It depends on the number of references, the volume and the integration with your store or ERP. The usual process involves analyzing your operations, registering the references in the WMS, connecting the e-commerce platform, receiving the initial stock and running tests before serving real orders.

Will I be able to see my stock and orders at all times?

Yes. The WMS maintains a permanent inventory and the traceability of every movement, and from the Client area you can check the information on your operations online in real time, without depending on someone sending you a report.

Is a 3PL suitable for a small e-commerce business?

Yes, especially if your orders are growing or seasonal, because you pay for what you use and do not invest in your own facilities. It is worth checking that the operator integrates with your platform and that its terms fit your volume. In the guide to e-commerce fulfillment you will find a complete overview of the process.

What is the difference between a 3PL and a 4PL operator?

A 3PL operator carries out the physical operations: receiving, storage, order preparation and transport. A 4PL goes one step further and designs, coordinates and supervises the whole supply chain, including other logistics providers. At Disnet we work with both approaches, depending on what each client needs.