When you first started your business, I’m sure your logistics process was easy enough to pin down. You probably didn’t have that many orders to process, and your shipping process probably didn’t involve much more than packing the item, printing off a label and sending it off. Once your operation has grown enough though, things get more difficult. To make sure your supply chain is running as smoothly as possible, here are some valuable logistics management tips.
Have a Contingency Plan
You probably took your time designing your current logistics system. However, no matter how fool-proof you think it is, there’s no realistic way to prepare for every possible problem or eventuality. A good logistics manager, therefore, must be aware that their job is far from over once a plan is in place. Your management has to be following the processes of the supply chain at every little phase, and be prepared to stamp out any problems if and when they come up. To make sure issues can be tackled effectively, you need to have contingencies for every little part of your logistics plan. As you take care of more and more orders through a larger supply chain, you’ll start to learn when you should stick it out with the original plan, and when to switch over to plan B.
Automate, Automate, Automate
It’s nearly 2017 now, and there are countless ways that businesses can automate their logistical processes. Those firms that are stubbornly sticking with what they know are doomed to feel the sting of it, so make sure you’re keeping with the times! Everything from unloading to roller conveyor systems to packing can benefit from automation these days. Tracking and monitoring each of your deliveries through a modern fleet management system is one great way to start with logistics automation. This kind of system will eliminate any hazy guesswork from your current logistics process, and report the raw data with no room for human error. The more automation you can integrate at your business, the more informed you and your higher-ups will be, and the easier it will be to smooth out all your operations.
Have a Logistics Manager with Strong Interpersonal Skills
No matter how organised everything is, there are going to be times where things go awry, and throw your usual logistics process into the air. When this happens, it’s very important to have a logistics manager with fantastic interpersonal skills. If they have to find another logistics supplier to fill in the blanks at short notice, or re-arrange things in a way that makes life awkward for your employees, interpersonal skills are going to be truly invaluable. When you’re looking to hire in a new logistics manager, or promote someone into this position from within the organisation, make sure that they have a solid network of contacts in your industry, and some kind of provable people-skills. It may be hard at first to pin down the perfect candidate, but when things go wrong you’ll be glad to have them in your camp.
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