Thomas, Large & Singer (TLS) transformed their operations for Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada by integrating their Shopify eCommerce sites with their Warehouse Management System (WMS) through eHouse’s platform. This key integration allowed TLS to streamline order processing, generate replenishment tasks, and manage outbound logistics efficiently, all under one roof. The solution not only reduced logistical costs but also achieved a 100% return on investment within 30 months, highlighting the effectiveness of eHouse’s real-time integration in enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Services & Tech
Integrations used:
WMS Integration
B2B Integration
B2C Integration
Connectors used:
Shopify
WMS
For over 100 years, Thomas, Large & Singer has been a preferred Value Chain Solutions Provider in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry for many Canadian and international clients including international brands Tetley and Teapigs. With a century of experience working with distributors, food processors, national account operators and more, they have shaped CPG supply chains and are applying their expertise to e-commerce fulfillment.
TLS was already providing order-to-cash solutions for clients, distributing their products under their vendor of record to all retailers nationally. Much of the business is full truckload or full pallet orders, but with little each picking or shipments direct to consumers. TLS handles everything from production forecasting, to freight and warehousing, invoicing, collections, trade promotion, and deduction management. Their business model ships multiple clients together under a consolidated model of orders under the TLS name.
TLS began investigations in the D2C space as the opportunity for its client base grew. An existing client, Tata Consumer Products for their Tetley and Teapigs brands, wanted to sell their products on their own eCommerce site, and leverage the efficiencies of being able to fulfill from the TLS facility where we were already storing their inventory. Tata was previously shipping cases from their facility to a third-party specialty provider of D2C fulfilment services. They wanted a system that allowed servicing of their entire business under one roof, eliminating the need to carry eCommerce inventory in a separate site.
In addition to simplifying the business, by saving the additional transport and warehousing steps of replenishing the external D2C provider with stock, the approach would also offer substantial logistical cost savings.
They were looking for a way to seamlessly receive orders from an eCommerce site to be controlled independently by Tata’s marketing and sales team, while having them flow into TLS’s WMS. From there, TLS needed the system to generate replenishment tasks of consumer units into a pick-and-pack area from bulk inventory in the rest of the facility and manage the outbound order process.
The WMS system then needed to seamlessly confirm back to the client eCommerce site that the order had been shipped, and provide the relevant packaging tracking details.
eHouse’s platform was able to be that link between the client’s Shopify site and the WMS, with integration, along with guidance on how to design the process.
The larger plan, after providing a working solution for the client, was for TLS to be able to extend this service to other clients, both existing and prospective. Even for a client for which eCommerce is a small or even non-existent piece of their business, TLS is now able to offer the service at a low cost, shipping the products already managed for the client in the wholesale B2B space, to consumers in a B2C model, providing them an easy and lower cost entrance to the eCommerce space.
TLS was looking for a way to seamlessly receive orders from a Shopify site to be controlled by Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada and have those orders then flow into their WMS. From there, they needed the system to generate replenishment tasks of consumer units to manage the inbound orders and route those orders into a pick-and-pack area from their bulk inventory in the rest of the facility. The WMS system then needed to seamlessly confirm back to the Shopify site that the order had been shipped, and provide the relevant carrier and packaging tracking details.
eHouse’s platform was able to be the link between the Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada Shopify sites and TLS’s WMS with real-time integration, along with guidance on how to strategically design and implement the processes.
eHouse receives order webhooks from Shopify. Webhooks are processed by constructing the necessary payload and sending the orders to the WMS system in an XML format. Once the orders are fulfilled on the WMS platform, eHouse receives a fulfilment payload, which is then parsed and used to fulfil the corresponding orders on Shopify. The process involves a Json to XML conversion in both directions.
The larger plan, after providing a working solution for Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada, was for TLS to be able to extend this service in partnership with eHouse to their other clients, both existing and prospective. Even for a client for which eCommerce is a small or even non-existent piece of their business, TLS is now able to offer the service at a low cost, shipping the products they already manage for them in their wholesale B2B channels, to consumers in a D2C model.
When it comes to achieving seamless multichannel integration between your Shopify store and WMS fulfilment services, eHouse’s managed service is the key to unlocking numerous benefits for your business.
Here are some of the advantages offered by our agile application integrations:
eHouse’s managed service for Shopify to WMS fulfilment integration offers a range of benefits for your business. From agile integrations to accurate product availability and real-time visibility, our solution empowers you to optimize your multichannel operations and enhance overall business performance.
Integration is frequently undervalued, as it tends to be overshadowed by front-end development and logistics Nevertheless, it plays a critically vital role in seamlessly connecting systems, ensuring they align with merchants’ business rules and processes.
Through close collaboration with Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada, the team at eHouse conducted thorough consultations to gain a deep understanding of their distinct data flow and implemented necessary business rules for each connector. This strategic approach guaranteed seamless and efficient integration between applications, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
Over a span of 30 months in 2022, two TLS eCommerce Shopify sites, TLS-Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada, were able to achieve a remarkable 100% return on investment (ROI) on their integration with eHouse. This achievement was accomplished in just over one day for both sites, and just over two days for a single site.
When calculated on a monthly basis, each eCommerce site experienced an impressive ROI of 1,382%. This calculation was derived by dividing the gross merchandise value (GMV) by the monthly iPaaS costs associated with VL OMNI.
The integration with eHouse proved to be highly beneficial for both TLS-Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada, enabling them to achieve substantial returns in a relatively short period. The efficient integration of the platforms allowed for seamless data exchange and synchronization, resulting in improved operational efficiency and increased sales for the eCommerce sites.
These results highlight the significance of integrating with reliable and effective integration platforms like eHouse, as they can significantly contribute to the success and profitability of eCommerce businesses. By streamlining processes and enhancing data management, businesses can maximize their ROI and gain a competitive edge in the online marketplace.
By adopting eHouse's connectors, TLS, Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada experienced noteworthy time and effort savings, allowing them to reclaim valuable business hours. Streamlined operations now enable them to redirect their focus towards their core competencies, such as creating exceptional products and delivering unparalleled customer experiences. Tetley Canada and Teapigs Canada have full confidence in eHouse’s connectors, empowering them to embrace their growth journey with the assurance that the connectors can effortlessly scale during peak periods.
Through the utilization of eHouse’s dynamic connectors, TLS has experienced significant advancement in their business. With the inclusion of comprehensive managed services, TLS gains the advantage of continuous support and proactive maintenance, allowing them to stay ahead of market trends and uphold their competitive edge.
Having eHouse as their reliable integration partner, TLS seamlessly navigates the intricacies of multichannel operations. This enables them to concentrate on their core business strategies, knowing with confidence that VL OMNI’s expertise will proficiently handle any integration complexities and propel their growth trajectory forward.
Don’t let your business be limited by disconnected systems and fragmented data.
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