Logistics comprises of managing a set of compounded processes that are involved in the supply chain of a business. The process could include information flow, materials handling, production, packaging, inventory, transportation, warehousing and even safety. Every stage requires coordinated planning and execution. Due to these factors most businesses generally hire a 3rd party logistics company that can take care of these aspects.
The budget and effort required to set up an entire logistic division is a tremendous project to undertake. Conversely, businesses might find it hard to hand over the responsibility of one's commodities to a separate company. Therefore, it is advisable to do your homework on the 3rd party logistics company that you want to hire. The following points can help you in your search:
• Scalability:
Businesses are always growing, any new trend in the market is quickly adapted by companies and fresh methods will be implemented to get the best results from it. The logistics company you hire must also be adaptive. They should have expertise in a wide variety of programs and be able to incorporate new methods in a short and quick time span. Certain functions that a business might not have now, but would need in the future, must be handled effectively by the logistics company.
• Customer Service:
No matter how great Logistics Company is, if the customer's response towards the service is not satisfactory and the customer is not content, then it is like a stool with 3 legs. Customer service is a key factor when choosing a 3rd party logistics company. Understanding their model of customer service and getting feedback from past customers is important. A foundation in quality relationships with customers is a crucial step when trying to promote your company in the marketplace.
• Capacity:
Warehousing is a vital part of a supply chain model of a company. The number of goods that need storage depends on the needs and requirements of your company. The logistics company must be able to sustain the needs of your company and should be able to expand this service if the need arises. Not only the capacity, but also the technology used should be modern and versatile, as many storage requirements these days include customizable packing, temperature-regulated storage, bar coding, etc. Without some of these features, the chances of damage or misplacement of the goods increases.
• Experience:
A logistics company with many years of experience will have gained crucial information about the market which can greatly benefit you, the investing company. A company with only a few years of experience may not have a sufficient amount of knowledge for your company to benefit from. Even if the company is excellent at what they do, some unexpected hurdles or blocks can only be efficiently managed by an experienced competitor.
• Speed:
We live in a fast world and waiting is not something people are prepared to do and it all boils down to the busy schedule that an individual has to work with. A 3rd party logistics company must have timely delivery of its services. This includes technology-wise or actual physical deliveries. If the company has multiple connections throughout the country, it has a greater chance of completing deliveries promptly. But speed should not compromise the safety of the goods; both should go hand in hand.
Searching for a 3rd party Logistics Company can be a daunting task and a lot of research is required to select the right company. However, all this hard work and time spent will mean a successful partnership.
CDS Group (Author)
CDS Group of Companies are provide services like cold storage, transportation, transload, customs clearance and supply chain, warehousing services in Canada. For more visit here https://www.cdsltd.ca/