The Importance of Efficient Logistics
Efficient logistics is imperative for keeping the UK supply chain running smoothly. With Brexit pending and other factors affecting trading in Britain – efficiency in our logistics industry has never been more important.
There are various elements that create successful efficient logistics management, including warehouse management, sustainability and the importance of automation.
Efficient logistics is only successful with thorough, detail-oriented warehouse management – maximising storage capacity and using software to sequence products is vital to avoid delays when locating a product when an order has been placed. All staff involved in the running of the warehouse need to be well-versed in warehouse operations to help support efficient logistics. We pride ourselves in selecting employees that keep our warehouses running smoothly and ensure we’re running in line with our own efficient logistics targets. Our own Transport Manager for our Midlands sites anticipates potential issues and creates solutions, which is vital for efficient logistics. You can find out all about his day-to-day in our Behind Barnes blog.
In previous years, sustainability has been seen as an extra cost to businesses, but society is becoming increasingly more environmentally-conscious. Being sustainable as a business is more important than ever, offering an opportunity to develop your business to the constantly-evolving demands of the market. Sustainability and efficiency go hand-in-hand, a step in the right direction ensure a wealth of resources are available for the future. To achieve efficient logistics, sustainability may require a considerable investment but it’s safe to say that your business will reap the benefits of an eco-conscious strategy. It’s also important to keep in mind that customers will be looking to partner with a logistics company that is aware of their energy consumption and reduces emissions, so this investment could lead to increased sales. Every movement costs money and each mile driven equates to additional emissions into the atmosphere – further highlighting the need to streamline logistics strategy, for example opting for the safest and shortest route to save money. Optimising packaging so it takes up less volume and doesn’t increase the weight of the item is also a step closer to efficient transportation. An eco-friendly strategy could also benefit a company by avoiding excess fines or penalties from environmental regulations.
Opting for a Just In Time logistics strategy plays a significant part in achieving efficient logistics, we pride ourselves with extensive forward planning, with new stock replenished when levels are low. In a previous blog, we discussed whether this would be affected by Brexit – however, due to the nature of the process, customer spending habits are analysed allowing for strategic stockpiling – resulting in effectively managing key goods.
As a logistics company, it’s important for us to stay up-to-date with the latest logistics software and we’re always thinking about the different ways we can effectively reduce our environmental footprint. If you’re interested in partnering with us and discussing bespoke logistics strategies for your business, get in touch today!
