Supply Chain and Logistics Blog
Logistics Outsourcing is Like Dating
Did you know logistics outsourcing and dating share some key characteristics? Just like in a relationship, being too needy can make you less appealing. While some requirements, such as strict compliance with regulations, are essential, being overly demanding in other areas can create friction. If you’re constantly checking in for updates, requesting unnecessary reports, or micromanaging, it can strain the relationship…
Top 3 Logistics Outsourcing Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
Logistics outsourcing can significantly benefit companies, but it’s easy to make costly mistakes along the way. One of the mistake is approaching too many or the wrong providers. Casting a wide net with dozens of 3PLs can overwhelm the process and make it harder to identify the right fit. Instead, focus on four to six providers that are well-suited to your business’s needs.
Supplier Performance Management with Trent
Trent Morris and I delve into the idea that performance management goes beyond just KPIs. While KPIs are valuable tools for tracking performance, focusing solely on these metrics can limit your perspective on what true performance management is. A broader view, involving collaboration and continuous improvement, is essential to achieving long-term success…
The Power of Outsourcing for Supply Chain Improvement
If you’re a decision-maker with accountability for your organisation’s entire supply chain, and you’re just starting to think about outsourcing, perhaps to reduce costs or improve service…
Logistics Outsourcing Tender – How Many Suppliers to Invite?
How many suppliers should you invite to tender? It’s a critical decision that can affect the entire process. Start with the end goal in mind. Ideally, you want three strong contenders by the end of the process. To get there, I usually recommend inviting around five suppliers. Why? Because some will inevitably drop out along the way—particularly in today’s market, where warehousing space is tight, and 3PLs are stretched thin…
Supplier Relationship Management Tips
Supplier Relationship Management is essential for any organization’s success, but it’s surprising how many fail to execute it effectively. What are the common errors, and how can they be addressed? SRM is about more than just meeting contractual obligations. It’s about managing supplier partnerships in a way that creates value for both parties…
Logistics Outsourcing: Finding Suitable 3PLs
One of the biggest challenges businesses face when outsourcing logistics is knowing where to begin. Many companies still make the mistake of relying on outdated methods to find potential 3PL providers. In fact, I’ve seen businesses search through Yellow Pages, which is hardly an effective strategy in today’s market. To avoid these missteps, start by understanding who the key players are in your industry…
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) – The Greatest Success Factor
What’s the greatest success factor in S&OP? The number one success factor to ensure that S&OP delivers results and is sustainable is this: you need a converted or enthusiastic MD. You need the MD to champion the process—enthusiastically. And you might be wondering, “Why does the MD matter so much?” Let me explain. First, the MD is the only person in the business with authority across all executives and all functions…