Most people are familiar with the term search engine optimization (SEO). It helps drive traffic to websites and is great for businesses of all sorts, especially those that specialize in providing goods to consumers.
Did you know that to drive business growth, you also need to focus on supply chain optimization? Effectively managing inventory, storage solutions, transportation, and the import/export process, as well as the timing and costs associated can greatly impact the profitability of a business. Set yours up for success with seamless logistics solutions.
Understanding Supply Chain Complexity
Supply chain entities are all dependent on one another. This means that different elements – raw materials provider, manufacturer, systems and processes, transportation team, and consumers – are all intricately connected and that any event or change in one aspect can impact all the others. Some of the most common sources of supply chain complexity are:
- Networks – how many levels are in a supply chain? The more levels there are, the more difficult achieving supply chain efficiency can become.
- Processes – multiple steps being performed but often not strategically. Without seamless logistics solutions, process complexity can lead to costly disruptions in the supply chain.
- Products – it takes more resources to produce goods than it used to, expanding networks and processes.
- Systems and technology – the exchange of accurate data leads to complexity in keeping track of inventory and ensuring one system can integrate with another. Advanced logistics technology is one potential solution to minimize this challenge.
- Consumers – people’s habits and wants are consistently changing making it challenging to anticipate marketplace demands.
- Organizational – businesses often have teams that handle various pieces of the supply chain and structures in place that prevent collaboration and supply chain optimization from an internal perspective.
Safety, social, and ethical issues also create complexities that add supply chain risks to businesses, including:
- Country and/or region of supply
- Type of product, especially safety-critical and high-value goods
- Reputation and quality
- Concerns of corruption, child labor, etc.
The Role of Technology in Supply Chain Optimization
Technology is a key component of managing supply chain efficiency in the 21st century. Everything from forecasting to inventory management to transportation tracking can be handled with appropriate technology systems. Keeping the various levels in the supply chain well connected prevents delays that cost you money.
For transportation fleets, it is important to utilize advanced logistics technology that promotes safety and transparency. A few tools to be sure your provider has, include:
- In-cab camera
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
- GPS tracking in the trucks
- Driver behavior analytics
Additional technologies can give you peace of mind, knowing where your products are in the supply chain process, such as transportation management systems that allow you to track shipments in progress and inventory management to understand what is being stored and handled by NEMA Inc logistics services.
Automation is another important area of advanced logistics technology that helps reduce errors and save money. When a warehouse facility is properly organized, items can be selected and moved by robot pickers via AI technology. Other benefits of automation for supply chain optimization are:
- Boosting scalability
- Improving safety
- Enhancing data collection and analytics
Strategic Warehousing Solutions
Having plenty of products on hand creates supply chain efficiency. This is especially relevant after the extreme delays experienced during the pandemic. Understandably, not all companies can keep the volume of goods they may need for the marketplace on hand at their own offices. In these cases, partnering with a logistics provider that also offers warehousing is a logical consideration.
When exploring warehousing options, it is important to keep in mind any special needs your company may have, including the environment and security of the facility, as well as any added-value services that will lead to supply chain optimization. Other elements to keep in mind when it comes to warehousing are:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Freight consolidation capabilities
- FTZ designation
Enhancing Transportation and Distribution
Trucking logistics is the backbone of a thriving economy, connecting producers and consumers through supply chain optimization and efficient management of goods transport. Seamless logistics solutions are possible thanks to advanced logistics technology related to tracking shipments, requesting pick-ups, releasing inventory, and more.
Logistics providers you can trust leverage these cutting-edge technology tools to ensure timely delivery and cost-effectiveness for your shipments. NEMA Inc’s logistics services include trucking transportation across 48 states, parts of Canada, and even trailers for forwarding into Mexico. Extensive networks like this provide seamless logistics solutions for you and your business.
Customized Logistics Planning
Every company’s logistics needs are specific to its business model, product, budget, transportation and storage considerations, and long-term goals. That’s why a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t work when it comes to supply chain efficiency. And, getting it right is critical to the success of your business.
Logistics planning also takes maintenance. Like SEO, it is not a “set it and forget it” strategy. A few steps will set you on the right path:
- Analyze your business needs.
- Choose the right seamless logistics solutions provider that understands your company and will partner with you every step of the way.
- Regularly monitor inventory and your logistics plan to ensure they are aligned.
With the right specialized logistics plan, you can drive growth and increase profitability.
Achieving Supply Chain Sustainability
Based on your customized logistics plan and use of advanced logistics technology, you will better understand how to standardize your processes and minimize your company’s footprint on the environment. Proper planning reduces the impact of factors like pollutants, deforestation, ozone depletion, and global warming.
As noted by the Harvard Business Review, responsibility must be thought of across three primary areas:
- Environmental – including production, storage, packaging, transportation, and other minute operations.
- Financial – including transparent communication and actions with shareholders, employers/employees, customers, business partners, and financial institutions.
- Social – including values, ethics, morals, and fair treatment of all involved in the supply chain.
While sustainability primarily focuses on the environment, it also connects providers across the supply chain to work together on ways to continue to improve and make things more efficient. And, ultimately, supply chain efficiency saves money.
The Importance of Partnership in Logistics
The supply chain is always changing. Technology is constantly advancing. Customer habits are continuously evolving. Costs are steadily increasing. So, how can your company confidently achieve supply chain optimization and drive growth? Find a seamless logistics services provider you can trust!
NEMA Inc logistics is committed to being a partner clients can count on to embrace innovation and provide top-notch customer service. We guide you through the process, assisting you every step of the way. When you work with our dedicated team, you have an expert on your side throughout the journey. We help our clients with:
- Consultation and planning
- Setup and activation
- On-going management of your product in our FTZ warehousing facility
- Transporting your product with our dependable route services
- Understanding customs compliance and cost-saving measures
We really care about your company’s success and people. We want to help you with supply chain efficiency so that you can focus on serving your customers and growing your business.
If you are ready to maximize your company’s potential with proper supply chain planning and maintenance, contact NEMA Inc logistics today. Our experienced team is standing by to answer your questions and help you get started on the path to growth. Contact us today.
