Supply Chain Management: Optimising Logistics

The world of international trading has seen some major developments since the start of the century. For Australian freight forwarders, Sydney has been one of the places where this development has leapt forward. There has been a substantial increase in the amount of information that has been recorded electronically, which has provided a much greater range of data to be used for improving work activity. One of the advantages of having ready access to data is that it is possible to make properly informed decisions more quickly. It also means that it is less likely that there will be hidden problems and that it is then possible to recognise where problems are regularly occurring.

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Another advantage is that by being able to access the data and recognising how it is to be used to provide valuable details for enhancing business activity, it is possible to help move management functions forward. This requires undertaking the analysis of the data, assessing the results, identifying what can be done to improve activity, and then probably the most difficult of all of these steps, implementing changes to make improvements.

Electronic transaction processing increases efficiency

Many freight forwarders in Sydney have already made substantial investments in their technology leading to improvements in electronic transaction processing. This has to then be used as part of the process for optimising logistics. This has increased efficiency in a number of areas, reducing time wastage and ensuring that resources are able to be better used. By being able to electronically track activity, it has also meant that problems are able to be quickly identified and dealt with.

Undertaking effective supply chain management and focusing on logistics optimisation is an opportunity for organisations to make significant improvements in performance, which will increase efficiency and should reduce operational costs. However, it also requires an investment by the company and suitable commitment to the implementation of the technology and new processes to ensure that the benefits are realised. This is an investment of effort, time, resources, and capital. There needs to be a suitable return on the investment for it to be worthwhile. There also need to be clear objectives for achieving an improvement in supply chain management. To achieve logistics optimisation, it must be clear why one solution should be chosen ahead of another. It is important that the solution is practical and produces measurable improvements.

Creating models that are able to properly reflect the work that is being undertaken, and then being able to identify ways that changes can improve activity is necessary. Recognising that a solution cannot just be suitable for a computer, but must also be able to be applied in the real world environment is important. There are often elements that can vary as a result of various factors that occur with freight forwarding activity. It is important that system is flexible and able to adapt to these elements. At the same time, it is possible to identify where these variations regularly occur and assess if there is some way to manage them to reduce this.

Accuracy and reliability of the data

The most important aspect is going to be the accuracy and reliability of the data. There needs to be a clear understanding of all those who are involved with the work that accurate documentation is a requirement and will be part of their responsibility. It is an interesting challenge for people who are unfamiliar with more complex electronic systems, but there are potential benefits to the business and clients that must be understood.

Data will also provide confirmation to all those involved that processes have value. This could relate to simple things, such as improving the timeliness of deliveries. There must be processes that support logistics optimisation, and those involved in the processes must understand their purpose and relevance.

Ongoing supply chain and logistics optimisation

Supply chain and logistics optimisation is not a one-off activity. It requires ongoing effort to ensure that it is able to be maintained and the benefits will flow to the clients, the business, and the employees. It is important to create an environment where change is accepted, and staff are able to play a role in initiating improvements.

Part of the activity involves determining the value of the improvements and creating performance indicators for future comparisons. Many freight forwarders in Sydney are still coming to grips with this aspect of the process and do not understand how well their logistics optimisation initiatives have worked. This continues to be a challenge and opportunity for the freight forwarding industry.

At Stockwells, we have made substantial investments in technology to provide many improvements in the services that we offer to our clients. By optimising logistics, we improve the efficiency of our operations, but we also are able to improve the way that freight is being shipped across all of the regions where we are operating. Another aspect of our service is that we are able to work closely with our clients to assist them with inventory management. We have very effective systems that are able to function in a wide range of environments, reducing the need for cumbersome manual inventory management, and creating systems that provide simple and consistent management processes for business.

Part of this is having clear information to help make decisions about purchasing and shipping products from overseas. Through having extensive knowledge and suitable contacts, we are able to reduce the risk of delays and will be aware of a range of regional factors that may impact on the timing of delivery. This could mean substantial savings through reducing the likelihood of delays and preventing the need for using more expensive transportation options.

Keeping track of the movement of shipments

Another important development is that we have been able to identify ways to be able to more effectively track the movement of shipments. This has given us the chance to be able to resolve problems quickly and find ways to improve our services. Our clients are able to have access to information that will ensure they are able to stay up to date with how their shipment is progressing.

We have also provided the opportunity for our staff to be involved in this process. We have a committed team who have been able to make the adjustment to new technology and they also recognise the value that it brings to clients.

Stockwells is committed to providing quality assistance to our clients. Part of this is ensuring our processes are at a best practice level for freight forwarding in Sydney, across Australia and internationally, as well as providing a highly efficient and value for money service that will satisfy our clients.

Contact us today

Please contact our professional staff by calling 1800 786 468 if you would like any more information about the services we provide and how we can help to ensure that your freight transportation requirements are able to best managed.

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