As you take more steps in your logistics plan, the need for an efficient process rises. If several different materials need to be supplied to a certain location at different times, your back office outsourcing solutions partner not only needs to be efficient, but also able to quickly respond to shipping concerns as they arise. The larger the operation, the more difficult it becomes, and the more prepared your business needs to be.
To help your supply chain run as smooth as possible, here are some of my recommendations to help you in effectively managing your logistics:
Spend Some Time in Making a Solid Plan
Efficient logistics is all about making good plans. The less decisions that need to be made hastily during the transportation process, the better. However, while a solid plan can never cover every extenuating circumstance, it will keep sudden choices to a minimum. A good logistics manager who has gone through Cargowise One Training will therefore make sure to plan well ahead in order to eliminate any delays in the supply chain as best they can.
Always Have a Backup Plan
No matter how efficient you think your logistics plan is, it’s impossible to prepare for every possible concern that may rise along the way. Therefore, an ideal logistics manager knows their job is far from done after their plan has been made, as they need to follow the supply chain at every point and troubleshoot when the need comes. To do this effectively, you should have a “Plan B” for every element of your logistics plan. You should also know when to stick it out with your original plan and when to switch to your backup – something that can only come through time and experience.
Get a Logistics Manager with Strong Interpersonal Skills
When your logistics plans go the wrong way, it’s crucial that the person tasked with sorting out the mess has great interpersonal skills. This is because not only will they have to re-arrange things with the employees within your business – potentially making life more awkward for them – but also occasionally have to find a last-minute logistics supplier to fill in.
If your logistics manager is good with people and has a solid network of industry contacts, he will be well equipped to get your business out of any logistics hassles. Whether someone within your business fits this profile, or you need to outsource, finding the right person for this position is a part of effective logistics management.
Make Sure that Your System Is Automated
In this fast paced digital age, there are a number of ways you can automate the logistics process, including tracking and monitoring each delivery. These systems take the guesswork out of planning your supply chain by reporting the raw data without bias. Ensuring your business is better informed by using fleet and inventory management software will allow you to refine your processes around the factors that impact your bottom line the most.
Turn Mistakes Into Opportunities to Learn From
Depending how big your company is, poor logistics management can cost your company up to hundreds of thousands of pounds each year. Perhaps the most important thing you can do when optimizing your supply chain is to learn from past errors. Sit down regularly as a team and openly discuss the mistakes you’ve made in the past, Talk about what systems you’re going to put in place to ensure they don’t happen again.
