If you’re interested in planning your business supply chain operations or are already invested in freight and logistics, it’s always beneficial to be aware of all of your options. Good supply chain management means that you can increase your value chains and reduce your bottom line. These five tips can help you improve your logistics and maximise the supply chain management of your business
Keep Routes Up To Date
Interstate transport often involves optimising longer routes in order to minimise delivery time and reduce emissions. Relying on older maps or outdated GPS and route software can lead to inefficiencies, thereby increasing the risks of delays, higher costs, and overall frustration.
Australia’s road network is well-developed but always evolving. Whether it’s seasonal construction or new nodes in the transport network, you can’t afford to be using GPS systems that are unreliable. Keep your software and GPS updated to avoid headaches and to avoid problems. This small investment can reap long-term rewards.
Pack Cargo Efficiently
Ensure that you’re using good quality packing materials and techniques in your logistics operation. Improper packing can lead to damaged goods, safety hazards for employees loading and unloading, and consequently, this leads to higher labour and overhead costs for your logistics operation.
High-tech packing tools are now available that can help you get the job done quickly, safely, and efficiently. Spending a little more for the latest in packing technology can go a long way towards preserving the quality of your product and making the loading and unloading process safer and faster.
Strategically Position Inventory
Not just within your warehouse, but also the location of the warehouses themselves. Good access to nearby ports, airports, and major road junctions will inevitably reduce overall transport costs and delivery times to and from major hubs.
Similarly, warehouses located near your operations facilities results in easier access to raw materials or other inventory used in your business. Whenever possible, be sure to strategise the location of your warehouses for these reasons.
Retain Qualified Labour
Your employees along the value chain should be kept up to date with the latest trends and important training modules regarding their daily tasks. The world of logistics is constantly evolving in our increasingly globalised world, and therefore the tools and practices available are constantly being revised and updated.
Lack of training and lagging behind can result in unhappy labourers, and even worse, inefficient deployment of any new tools or techniques that you plan to implement can all be for nought if your staff isn’t using them properly. Scrum meetings or weekly catch-ups can be a great way to keep employees in the loop.
Software and Technical Solutions
Modern technology enables logistics to operate smoothly and efficiently. Investing into the latest cloud-based software solutions or other just-in-time delivery tracking can help keep entire departments and companies operating around the clock.
Not only is investing in good quality technology essential in this day and age, but having adequate IT resources at your company’s disposal can ensure that all the key stakeholders along the supply chain have real-time analytics and information relevant to maintain operations smoothly.
When it comes to making the biggest, positive difference to your business’ logistics operations, the best thing you can do is use freight management services that are up to date when it comes to industry practice and technical solutions. Having your logistics operation handled by a trusted and reliable company like Freight People will ensure that all of the above tips are implemented and help you maintain smooth operations across the supply chain, all year round.