If you haven’t yet gotten strategic about the way you handle your logistics, chances are good that you’re running into some avoidable stumbling blocks over and over again.
The distribution and logistics management process is part art and part science, and you need to build a solid foundation that helps you execute. Getting these variables under control will keep your company profitable, while also lowering costs.
You’re just a few steps from achieving peak results that will take your company to new heights.
Below are some distribution and logistics management tips that you’ll be glad to put to use.
Put Consistent and Masterful Standard Operation Procedures Into Place
Your logistics management process is only as sound as the policies and practices you have in place.
When you ratify your company’s operational procedures into formal policy, there’s never a question about the steps you should take and how to react to various circumstances.
Learning to handle everyday disruptions to your standard procedures will help your company more than you may realize. Include information in your policy about how to handle delays, injuries, customer returns, equipment malfunctions, and a host of other issues.
This sets a strong foundation that eliminates logistics blind spots that bleed money and create customer dissatisfaction.
Invest in Quality Fleet Management Software
Fleet management software is a difference-maker for your business. Operating a fleet of vehicles, equipment, or any other assets provides so many moving parts that you have to be aware of, and quality fleet management software can help out.
Software as a Service (SaaS) providers in fleet management offer solutions that focus on the nuts and bolts of your fleet will simplify these details while providing thoughtful, actionable solutions.
These platforms help you handle tasks like the repair and maintenance of your vehicles, driver scheduling, tracking fuel consumption, and so many other variables.
Implementing this type of software will improve your distribution and logistics so that you can fine-tune the details at every leg of the supply chain.
These platforms can help you lower operating costs, keep drivers safe, consume less fuel, organize your moving parts, and help you get the most out of your fleet.
Hire and Train the Best Logistics Manager Possible
Having a quality logistics manager or fleet dispatcher will improve your company’s culture and effectiveness. Your decision on who helms this position directs the course for how your company addresses all of its logistics and distribution needs.
These professionals will outline and oversee your distribution and logistics management strategy.
If you’re making a new hire, make certain that a prospective logistics manager has years and extensive experience, a vision for the future, communication skills and strategies, and an understanding of today’s technological landscape.
You’ll be relying on your logistics manager to safeguard your company to thrive in the face of rapid change, choose the best available transportation management system (TMS), and put automation into use.
A logistics manager’s work is never done, so give them the continuing education (CE) opportunities necessary to remain effective. This manager may help train your workforce, so keep them on the cutting edge of the industry when at all possible.
Adapt to the Changes Brought About By COVID-19
It’s important to recognize how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed and affected logistics.
This is the elephant in the room for all industries right now, but logistics and supply chains are particularly affected.
Some changes you should be mindful of include managing and limiting the spread of the virus in your workplace, arming drivers with products and protective equipment, switching to remote work in certain areas, and taking reasonable precautions to balance health and safety while getting the job done.
Keep up to date on the state of the virus in your region so that you can implement changes on an as-needed basis, adjusting to the continuously changing environment.
Managing the virus is not just an imperative for your company’s health and safety; the companies that master this new landscape will retain a competitive edge over those that don’t.
Continuously Optimize Your Routes
Using a routing package and taking the time to optimize your routes allows you to improve how your entire company operates.
When your routes are fast, safe, and well-planned, it keeps your drivers safe, your customers happy, and your costs down.
Track data on your routes so that you can make improvements on the fly that will optimize your company. High-level managers will also track load information data over the long term, gaining insights on long-term changes they can make, such as re-sizing their vehicles or fleets, to adapt most efficiently to their business needs.
Improve the Way Safety is Handled in Your Building
Managing your company’s safety will also improve your logistics. Workplace injuries are a huge liability issue that depletes your workforce and hampers your ability to operate.
Always stay in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and have your logistics manager instill safety policies that work.
Upgrade your fulfillment center and warehouse to make sure you have the best lighting, proper flooring and traction, and equipment that is fine-tuned and maintained.
Address Your Distribution and Logistics Management Needs
Handling your distribution and logistics process using the tips above will improve your company and help to keep you operating at the highest possible level. A company that handles these details will reap the rewards every single day.
Investing in logistics and distribution services through the help of a professional will help you out more than anything else. At Headlight Solutions, we’ve helped companies like yours for years.
Headlight Solutions has everything that you need to optimize your distribution and logistics management needs. Use our web form to send us a message, or give us a call at (855) 596-1975.
