Logistics Management
Logistics is a very important aspect of the supply chain system, in any business or industry. It contains the workings involved between the production of goods, and the delivery to consumers. Generally, it is all about planning, organization, and implementation, for a successful supply chain. The logistical modus operandi, differs from industry to industry and business to business, but at the core of it all, is the bid to enhance excellent customer service.
Logistics management in the refrigeration industry takes the following into cognizance:
- The type of vehicles that are fit for conversion
- Refrigeration systems, that work best for specific goods
- How long it would take to convert a van
- The type of insulation to use, and how thick it should be; just to mention a few.
In logistics management, plans are spelt out in clear terms and are usually based on research and experience. For instance, if you run a new refrigerated van delivery service, over time, you should have picked up on the best routes to ply, for timely deliveries, leading to more satisfied customers. When you consistently fail to deliver on time, customers will grow impatient, and opt out of your service.
This is just one of the pitfalls of poor logistics management. It can in fact, cripple an entire business, over time. This is why every business must implement the best logistic management practices, and review them from time to time, to ensure everything is still functioning as it should.
Now the question is, what goes into preparing a system that works? Here’s our two cents on the matter:
Proper planning
For effective logistics management, there is a need for serious and proper planning. This bit covers all angles, from procurement to production, storage, security, delivery, and so on. Each of these components should be explored, to determine the best possible ways to get them done.
The refrigerated van delivery service, in terms of procurement, concerns itself with the best vehicle vendors and vans that respond well to conversions, where to get top-notch refrigeration units that can provide the temperature requirements of customers, and so on.
In terms of delivery, planning shouldn’t just be about making a delivery, but getting the products to the customer in perfect condition, and before deadlines. Offering a free delivery service like Glacier, makes the experience even better.
Proper planning involves planning for the expected and the unexpected. So, while it is brilliant to plan adequately for the aforementioned factors, one should consider the happenstances. Including this in the planning process is a realistic thing to do. Questions like these should suffice:
- What if the delivery van is faulty?
- What if there is power failure and it stalls production?
For these and more, there should be contingency/emergency plans in place.
Technology
The 21st century breathes and reeks of technology, and it is at the core of the corporate world. Forward-thinking and successful companies embrace the use of technology, to ease the logistics of their business. So many things are automated today, and the benefits are rife.
Since we adopted the use of monitoring systems in our vans that keep customers in the loop, regarding how their goods fared during delivery, there’s been a boost in how our customers rate our services. In a nutshell, using technology to boost logistics management is ideal for excellent customer services.
Other related software can be deployed to provide real-time information on a client’s order, covering some of the following:
- The time products were shipped from the warehouse or shop
- The goods that were loaded into the delivery van
- An estimated timeframe for delivery
Current temperature conditions (in the case of a refrigerated delivery vehicle)
Whether it is in the delivery of goods or the storage methods, technology plays an important role in great logistics management.
A qualified and informed team
For logistics to work the way it should, every company needs a team that can perform tasks, the way they should. While the logistics manager does all the planning, those who would do the implementation must also be in sync with it. One way to make this work, is to invest in regular training of employees, from the highly-placed staff, to the delivery van driver.
The more updated everyone is on the trends and best practices in the logistics industry, the easier it is to become more efficient, and satisfy customers.
Transportation
Logistics management in terms of transportation should be analyzed and reformed based on:
- The type of vehicle to be used for delivery of different types of goods
- Delivery route: Shorter or traffic-free routes help save fuel and time
- Product packaging: This should be done in such a way that does not increase package weight, and occupy more space in the vehicle.
Metrics
There is the aspect of reviews, to determine if the logistics is actually working well, or if it should be revamped. These come in form of feedbacks from clients, and internal audits or measurement by the logistics manager.
On the whole, logistics management can make or break any company. This is why companies need to make sure that this aspect of their supply chain, doesn’t falter. This would involve getting a logistics manager, who understands the business, has the requisite skills and experience, and is able to keep up with trends and changes in logistics, as it applies to that industry.
If you want to buy a used refrigerated van, a used freezer van, a new refrigerated van or a new freezer van call, Glacier Vehicles on 0208 668 7579.