Logistics and Warehousing
Logistics and Warehousing - Top 10 Services Transforming 3PLs to Integral Component of Customer Supply Chain
Logistics and warehousing are integral components of warehouse distribution management. The decision to use public warehouses or to keep warehousing and logistics in-house is an issue worthy of careful consideration.
The addition of a third party logistics and warehousing provider brings important and vital services to the customer supply chain. The first and most significant service the ability to flex with the fluid needs of the customer. The customer must be able to respond quickly to changes in the marketplace, and by their very nature, an outsourced logistics and warehousing company is geared to do exactly that in real time. Secondly, the third party logistics and warehousing company brings specialized, quality warehouse distribution management to the equation. This cannot be understated as the pace and scope of daily changes and circumstance require that the warehouse logistics be handled flawlessly by the warehouse services.
Third, the outsourced warehousing logistics company provides a proven track record of strong, ethically produced successes. By keeping the distribution fulfillment services external, the customer has the ability to choose the warehousing company based on its proven integrity. Fourth and fifth in the top ten services provided by a third party logistics and warehousing company, are the addition of value-added services and the lower costs associated with using outsourced logistics and warehousing. Value-added services may include light assembly of goods supplied to the customer and kitting or bundling of products for the customer. The ability to have this done off site and have the market-ready product distributed is a major warehousing solution provided by the logistics and warehousing company. The lower cost of integrating a third party logistics and warehousing service can be substantial. The savings realized by not having to invest in capital building programs for warehousing solutions is reason enough alone for many companies deciding whether or not to utilize a logistics and warehousing provider.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth in the list of services provided by a third party logistics and warehousing provider are respectively, specific channel expertise, knowledge of the market, and the personal business relationships established through interaction with the warehousing distribution fulfillment management and key personnel of the customer. By design and plan the management of the logistics and warehousing provider are experts in the channels of distribution and the markets they are servicing. Even in a new market area they are advantaged by the broad scope of channel and market knowledge they already possess, and they are very adept at adding new skills as a result of their extensive training and working experience. This background coupled with the development of key relationships with the management of the customer company make the marriage between the warehousing company and the customer seamless.
The last two aspects of service provided by outsourced logistics and warehousing are the willingness of the logistics and warehousing company to assume some of the market risk and the expansive, cutting-edge technology they bring to the supply chain process. The value of having a business partner that is carrying some of the capital burden is significant. In today's competitive marketplace this makes the logistics and warehousing provider a valuable asset and team member. Lastly, the warehousing company invests in state-of-the-art technologies to speed and hone the accuracy of the distribution process.
Choosing the approach to use a third party logistics company is a major part of any successful business plan whose time has arrived in the current market. The personalized, low-cost warehousing services, along with the many warehousing solutions provided makes integrating a public warehouse logistics company a win-win arrangement for the customer.
About TeamDCA: TeamDCA members operate 27 million square feet of warehouse space, state-of-the-science systems and decades of experience achieving customer objectives in each regional market. The TeamDCA network of leading edge distribution centers provides a full menu of transportation services at negotiated rates with common carriers strategically located throughout the US. Whether managing inventory, filling orders, or processing returns, TeamDCA links your supply chain to, from and within the warehouse.
That is true. I strongly believe that when deciding to utilize public warehouses for warehouse distribution management, you should take careful consideration. Make sure you choose a dependable company.
You really have to make sure you choose the right public warehouse. Some people choose companies blindly because they’re cheap. Warehouse distribution management should never be taken lightly.
Pricing is a major deciding factor for me. I’m glad that your company is offering several warehouse services at affordable rates. I don’t know what our company would do without you.
If you’re a small business owner, I highly recommend outsourcing to a warehousing company. The cost of running a business is expensive as it is. When you outsource, you save a bundle.
It’s apparent that your company has a proven track record. Thank you for providing your expertise on warehouse services. I have learned a lot from reading this article.
I totally agree services that transform 3PLs to plays a major role in the customer supply chain. I also agree with everyone else, these articles are helpful.
I scanned through a few of your articles before and I’m surprised that I didn’t notice that you offer transportation services as well. That is good to know if I need this type of service in the future.
I like when you stated that integrating public warehouse logistics companies is a win-win arrangement. That is so true. I am a witness to that. Our company has benefited from warehousing services.
I can’t fathom that there are warehousing companies out there that don’t use state of the art technology. How do they expect to provide their customers with quality service? Anyway, thanks for posting this.
You are right your company has a full menu of warehousing services. In the past, I would have to hire out different people for filling orders and managing inventory. You’ve literally got everything under one roof .