NHBC Standards – Efficient Storage, Pick, and Pack Services

One of their key offerings is the NHBC Standards book, a 500+ page manual that is essential for builders and developers. To meet the needs of customers and internal staff, NHBC sells the book through their online shop and requires daily order fulfilment.

In 2024, NHBC turned to us for comprehensive third-party logistics (3PL) services to manage the storage, picking, packing, and shipping of these books. The key challenge was ensuring the safe transport of each copy, considering their high value and the need for protection during shipping.

With over 500 pages per book and a weight of 3kg per unit, NHBC’s standards book is both valuable and vulnerable to damage during transit. NHBC needed a partner that could handle the complexity of picking and packing orders efficiently, while also ensuring that each book reached its destination in pristine condition.

• Storage: Over 500 copies of the NHBC Standards book are stored in our warehouse for the entire year, available for immediate fulfilment as orders come in.
• Fulfilment: Orders are automatically triggered by NHBC’s online store, with daily instructions for pick, pack, and dispatch.

Did you know that employing the services of a 3PL partner can reduce logistics costs by up to 10-15%, allowing businesses like NHBC to focus on core activities like product development and customer service. (Ref: CSCMP)

We developed a customised solution to ensure the safe and efficient movement of NHBC’s books, with a focus on protecting the valuable items during shipment and delivering them on time.

• Automated Fulfilment: We integrated with NHBC’s e-commerce platform to receive daily order instructions, ensuring a streamlined order fulfilment process.
• Custom Packaging: To safeguard each book, we designed protective packaging for single and double copies. Books are packed in a specifically designed sleeve to prevent damage in transit, and multiple copies are shipped in double-walled cartons.
• Efficient Shipping: Given the weight of each book, we use reliable and secure shipping methods, protecting the books while ensuring fast, cost-effective delivery across the UK.
• Internal Distribution: In addition to fulfilling customer orders, we also manage internal orders, sending multiple copies of the book to NHBC staff at their home addresses.

• Improved Operational Efficiency: Automated order instructions from the NHBC shop and seamless integration with their system have reduced order processing time and errors.
• Enhanced Protection: Custom packaging solutions ensure that the valuable books are well-protected during transit, maintaining product integrity.
• Timely Fulfilment: With daily pick and pack operations, NHBC can rely on quick, efficient fulfilment, even for internal orders to staff members.
• Scalability for Growth: The flexibility of our 3PL services means NHBC can scale their fulfilment operations quickly and efficiently, without worrying about warehousing or inventory management.

Our partnership with NHBC has delivered impressive results, with substantial benefits for their logistics operation. Here’s why outsourcing to a 3PL provider makes business sense:

• Time Savings: On average, businesses save 15 hours per week on logistics management when outsourcing to a 3PL. This allows teams to redirect their time towards growth and strategy. (Ref: Supply Chain Digital)
• Scalability: With 3PL, NHBC has been able to scale their fulfilment process seamlessly without the need for additional investment in warehouse space or technology, especially during peak order times.
• Customer Satisfaction: Businesses using 3PL services report a 10-20% improvement in customer satisfaction due to faster shipping and better order accuracy. (Ref: Supply Chain Digital)