Black Friday puts logistics to the test: Are you ready for the year’s biggest challenge?
30/10/2025
Author
Christian Mikkelsen, CCO
When the calendar hits November, the rush begins. Black Friday is no longer just a single day – it’s a full week of massive demand. For many companies, it’s the most important time of the year – and at the same time, the toughest test of their logistics setup.
Black Friday and Black Week have become a global phenomenon. For customers, it’s a celebration of good deals. For warehouse and logistics managers, it’s a stress test of epic proportions. Within a few days, the number of orders multiplies, and the pace pushes systems, processes, and people to their limits.
It’s during this period that the difference between a well-functioning logistics setup and a fragile one becomes clear. Some warehouses handle the pressure effortlessly, while others struggle with errors, delays, and bottlenecks.
In short, Black Friday acts as a test that reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of your warehouse system – and points to where improvements are needed.
Three common causes of chaos
Although every company is different, three challenges tend to reappear as Black Friday approaches:
1. Lack of real-time data
When decisions are based on yesterday’s reports, problems are discovered too late. The warehouse loses overview of stock, picking, and capacity just when it matters most. The result? Errors and delays.
2. Poor integration
If ERP, WMS, and the warehouse’s scanners, conveyors, or picking stations don’t communicate, bottlenecks appear quickly. Orders pile up, employees waste time double-checking, and deliveries get delayed. Integration isn’t just a technical detail – it’s the foundation for delivering on time.
3. Too much manual work
Every scan, registration, and pick performed manually increases the risk of mistakes. On a normal day, that may be manageable – but during Black Friday, the consequences are clear: High error rates, stressed employees, and unhappy customers.
Chaos can be avoided
The good news? Chaos can be avoided. But it requires technology, processes, and people to work together. A modern warehouse management system is a key part of the solution. Still, it’s only when the system truly supports employees and processes that the results become visible.
That’s why we’ve gathered seven strategic steps that make a difference when Black Friday puts logistics under pressure.
1. Set clear goals
Chaos often arises because no one knows exactly what the warehouse should handle. If you expect 30.000 extra order lines in a week, both systems, staffing, and processes must be prepared. With a clear goal, you can scale correctly and plan realistically.
2. Fine-tune your warehouse
When orders are pouring in, there’s no time to fix routines. Processes must be optimized in advance. A fine-tuned warehouse means goods are received on time, placed efficiently, and picking routes are well thought out. Small daily improvements can turn into big advantages during Black Friday.
3. Strengthen cross-department collaboration
Black Friday isn’t just a logistics issue – it’s a cross-organizational challenge. Marketing campaigns, IT systems, and warehouse operations must align. If a product is heavily promoted but stored in the farthest hall, valuable time is lost. Prioritize open communication across departments so everyone can make timely decisions.
4. Place goods strategically
It may sound simple, but during Black Friday, a poorly placed bestseller can be costly. Strategic product placement makes picking more efficient, reduces bottlenecks, and ensures employees don’t “run themselves into the ground.”
5. Secure sufficient staffing - and take care of your people
Extra hands are often necessary during Black Friday. But staffing isn’t just about numbers – it’s about well-being. Small initiatives like providing meals, clear schedules, and visible leadership help maintain energy and motivation in a stressful period.
6. Think across the entire supply chain
Even the most efficient warehouse can’t succeed if the transporter can’t keep up. Coordination with partners and carriers is crucial. Black Friday shows that logistics is a chain – and it’s only as strong as its weakest link.
7. Prepare your return process
Big sales mean many returns. If your return process isn’t planned, the warehouse can drown in extra handling. That’s why return management should be part of your Black Friday preparation.
From chaos to control
For some, Black Friday ends in bottlenecks and delays. For others, it’s a smooth flow. The difference lies in how well warehouse management is anchored in the business. When technology, processes, and people work in sync, operations can deliver – both during peak times and on normal days.
At Apport Systems, we’ve seen how strong alignment between systems and people can move logistics from chaos to control. The lesson is clear: when the foundation is solid, Black Friday isn’t chaos – it’s an opportunity to strengthen your logistics and make it more resilient for the future.
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Christian Mikkelsen
CCO, Apport Systems
E: [email protected]
T: +45 4177 6304
Christian Mikkelsen
CCO, Apport Systems
E: [email protected]
T: +45 4177 6304
