Strategies for Reducing Supply Chain and Logistics Costs

When logistics and supply chain decisions and planning are executed unprofessionally it can incur unnecessary spending. Not only it damages products but also causes failures in meeting delivery deadlines. To reduce the costs of logistics and supply chain it is vital to optimize efficiency in operations. One of the primary policy for the logistics provider to consider is the safety standard. It must be made certain that operations involving logistics are performed with safety. A company could lessen their expenses by avoiding mechanical damages and human injuries. Another important solution is, partnering with a 3PL provider. Most Third-Party Logistics providers are adept in distributing consumer goods in a more well-organized approach. A 3PL provider, if effectively carries out cross docking in supply chain can also deliver some profits.

The Necessity to Cut Costs

The need to carry out a successful business always requires minimizing expenses involving supply chain and logistics. While minimizing the expenses it is equally important to bear in mind that the quality of service doesn’t shrinks below. These requirements can only be met with up to date planning, proper decision-making and a well to do logistics provider for decent support. All the companies that are engaged in global or nationwide trade must give preference to manage supply chain and logistics costs. Nearly 5% to 50% of the total cost of products comprises of acquisition value, warehousing, shipment, customs duties plus additional expenses.

Cost Reduction Strategies

A supply chain and logistics cost usually constitutes storage, shipment, labor, inventory and organizational costs. Balancing of cost and performance is very essential to help the business grow. Few ways to drop supply chain and logistics costs are –

1) Consolidate Shipping – Many businesses prefer ‘full container loads’ i.e., FCL way of shipping. But sometimes ‘less than a container load’ i.e., LCL is preferred as a reasonable choice. Occasionally, when some freight of less quantity is to be transported consolidate shipping seems like a better option. By consolidating shipments the expenses can be lessened significantly. Consolidate shipping engages merging together quite a few smaller freights from several suppliers. All these freights are to be delivered at the same destination.

2) Utilizing Resources Adequately – To improve the effectiveness of business, the assets of a company like inventory, facilities or vehicles must be used in the best possible manner. There are some companies which does hit the highest point of its business during a particular time. Such company need not maintain a vast facility or warehouse as it wouldn’t be used for most of the time. Even if they require space, they will be able to procure it by renting. Similarly, delivery schedules can be rearranged to keep the vehicles active all through the day.

3) Insurance of Shipments – Every other strategy would be rendered meaningless if the freight, cargo or shipment is not put under the insurance cover. The freight on the move or when stored in the warehouse might meet with an unexpected incident. To make sure that such incidents doesn’t takes the company by surprise, the shipments or cargos must be properly covered by insurance.

4) Use of Distinct Platform – To evade replication of actions in supply chain operations there should be use of a single and integrated platform. This platform is to be made easily accessible to all the partners involved in the supply chain. If such steps are not initiated it would create scope for mistake, bring harm to efficiency and consume time.

5) Perceptions of Supply Chain – The supply chain needs to have suitable visibility. Doing so can enhance planning and manage expenditure. It can also help in proper supervision of surplus stocks. The professionals of supply chain retain additional stock to a particular level to diminish the threat of product shortage. This helps in maintaining appropriate levels of services and work against doubts in the process of demand and supply. Supply Chain visibility gives concerned professionals an insight to all logistics issues and accordingly they can find the answers.

6) Hiring or Outsourcing – Nowadays, most companies prefer to hire or outsource such service providers who can skillfully oversee supply chain and logistics operations. The outsourced service providers are entrusted with some main aspects of business. They will be the one responsible for the range and regularity of shipments, handling of products, packaging details, and the necessity for controlling temperatures in certain products. Outsourcing such services mostly curbs the expenses and adds competence.

To Conclude

There are many proven strategies that can bring down the expenditures involving supply chain and logistics. But, having a proficient logistics service provider can support a company in many positive ways. DLX makes shipping and delivery of products timely and in faultless condition. We also provide customized warehousing strategies so that it suits a certain company in lessening their expenditures. Investments in business must be done prudently, whereas expenditures need to be decreased strategically.