Fulfillment Best Practices - The Foundation of Your Supply Chain

Technology is changing the world by the day, if not by the hour.  It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, and focus on automation, or the latest, greatest software.  But all of these are only as good as the underlying basics – best practices aren’t called that by chance.  Fulfillment best practices form the underlying foundation that allow you to take advantage of that latest technology, or utilize that cool new software package.  “A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means, and that is used as a benchmark.”¹ Or in other words, get the basics right, and you have a strong foundation to grow on.

What, you may ask yourself, are the basics for supply chain that you should be focused on?  As Bob Trebilcock, Editor at Large for Logistics Management, discussed on 19 May 2015, inventory management rests on three main points: warehousing, transportation, and labor – Trebilcock’s “three-point stance”.² But what are the best practices for these areas?  And how do you implement them?  This is where a 3PL partner can lead the way.  A great 3PL will be operating on best practices – they improve their efficiency and profitability, and that translates to better operations for their clients.  Talk to Vision today, to learn how you can leverage our best practices and fulfillment excellence.

Vision Consumer Products Fulfillment has decades of experience and industry expertise in consumer products fulfillment services.  No matter who your customer is, we treat your customer as our own.  We know what makes a raving fan out of an individual customer, as well as what makes a business partner trust you with their business.  Call or email us to learn how.  We’re certain we’ll be the best fulfillment warehouse partner you have ever had!

http://visioncpf.com

CPFSales@VisionMediamgmt.com

¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_practice

²http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/supply_chain_management_remember_the_three_point_stance/blogs

Why Use a 3PL Provider?

A common question for businesses who handle their own warehouse and shipping is, “why should I use a 3PL provider?”  One very strong reason is the advancements in technology.  “…many respected 3PLs use software developed by other firms to help run their businesses, and run them well. But some 3PLs have brought the technology expertise in-house, creating their own systems for transportation management, business analytics, and other key functions.”¹  For shippers large and small, utilizing the logistics technology of a 3PL partner can deliver value. For smaller companies, this means being able to access cutting-edge tech they might not be able to afford otherwise. For larger companies, this allows you to focus your resources on your core mission. 

So what logistics technology can you leverage through your 3PL partner?  Start with electronic data interchange (EDI) and data dashboards tracking product quantity, shipping cost, and scheduling. Systems that optimize every aspect of a shipment can directly contribute to your bottom line.  Varying degrees of control are available, allowing complete outsourcing, direct management of transactions or a blend that focuses on your key concerns.  A great 3PL partner can combine that cutting-edge logistics technology with the expertise to maximize the return on its use.  Talk to Vision, and let us help you leverage our logistics technologies and expertise.

Vision Consumer Products Fulfillment has decades of experience and industry expertise in consumer products fulfillment services.  No matter who your customer is, we treat your customer as our own.  We know what makes a raving fan out of an individual customer, as well as what makes a business partner trust you with their business.  Call or email us to learn how.  We’re certain we’ll be the best fulfillment warehouse partner you have ever had!

http://visioncpf.com

CPFSales@VisionMediamgmt.com

¹ http://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/3pls-put-technology-front-and-center/