3 Logistics Management Tips to Avoid Delays and Save Time

Have your goods ever arrived damaged or a few days later that it didn’t matter if they were here at all? Most customer complaints to delivery companies are associated with the late delivery and damaged goods. According to statistics, a customer is 78% likely to receive their products late, and 62% of customers are less likely to shop with a retailer because of late delivery.

If you are having a logistics nightmare and losing customers because of it, these management tips will help you avoid delays and save time.

1. Understand how the supply chain process works

In simple terms, the supply chain process involves moving goods from the manufacturer to the retailer or from suppliers to the customer. Logistics is how the products move between intermediary points in the supply chain. Logistics involves transportation, labor, storage, and administrative costs. These costs take up 5 to 50 percent of the landed cost, which makes management extremely vital. The main culprit in hiking costs is delays at the port, government regulations, and subsequent delivery delays and fuel costs.

Consolidate your shipment, have cargo insurance, and use a single integrated platform to check on all involved parties. Also, outsource some supply chain operations such as storage and transportation. Be careful when outsourcing transportation because an unreliable company will cause more delays. Check the company’s nitty-gritty, including where they source their fuel. Working with reliable companies like Beesley Fuels ensure they always have fuel, which will reduce delays in transportation, and, in turn, have your goods delivered on time to the right retailer.

2. Have a contingency plan

You may think that your logistics plan is foolproof, but the devil is always in the details. Since it’s impossible to prepare for every possible outcome, have an idea of how to put out ever fire when they crop up. Having a contingency plan for every element in your strategy will help you know when to stick to your original plan and when to switch to plan B. When things go south, it’s crucial to use your interpersonal skills to sort out the mess. You must learn how to deal with the employees and clients without losing your mind. You must also have reliable contacts to be well equipped to call on other people to help you out when you need it the most.

3. Use automation

Technology makes it easy to automate your processes and increase efficiency. Use software that gives timely updates on the movement of goods. This way, both you and the client know when the goods are dispatched, procured, and when they are delivered. Automation will save you time lost when working manually, and give you accurate data and tracking improving the overall process.

Management boils down to how effectively and efficiently you manage and interact with your team. Everyone needs to be perfect at their jobs and work in harmony so your company can maintain high standards and grow.