Whether you are a start-up or operate a multi-national
business, a bespoke logistics plan is vital in giving you the biggest
opportunities for success.
It is hugely important to create an efficient distribution
network, to ensure you consistently provide excellent customer service as well
as minimising your operational costs. You will need to look at a variety of
factors in order to do this, and it may need assessing on a regular basis.
Your
Distribution Centres
You will firstly need to assess your distribution
centres. Start with your base and assess whether the location is sustainable.
Can you navigate to and from your consumers easily and efficiently? Do you have
enough warehouse space for your goods?
If you are planning to grow the business, you may want
to invest in additional warehouses in other areas for quicker and easier distribution.
If so, are the locations of each facility efficient
for transportation flow? Are they easy to get in and out of? If your
distribution centres are difficult to navigate to, it will lead to longer
timescales for completing journeys, resulting in higher staff and fuel costs.
Your
Products and Services
Then, think about any products your company distributes.
Where do they come from? Where are they going to? Make sure you factor in any
rules on importing and exporting goods. If, for example, there are large costs
associated, or it will take longer for your goods to pass through
border controls, this will need addressing in your business plan.
Also, depending on your business, you may need to employ
a more specialist delivery company such as Tuffnells. They work with
businesses, offering bespoke delivery options across the globe. So, no matter
how big, small, heavy or light your load is, they can meet your requirements.
Your
Suppliers
You also need to thoroughly research any suppliers you
may rely on to carry out your business operations. The key things to look at
are:
- Price – compare the prices offered by
various suppliers to ensure you are using the most cost effective. Don’t always
be tempted to go for the cheapest option, as you want to ensure they also offer
quality and reliability.
- Location – where are they located? Bear in
mind that the further away they are, the more it will cost to transport to your
distribution centre(s).
- Range – does your business offer multiple
products? If so, can you source all of these from one supplier to save having
to deal with multiple parties?
- Size – will the supplier have the capacity
and resources to provide the amount of product you require on a regular basis?
Every business is different, so it’s important to consider
your individual needs and requirements. This will enable you to create a
logistics plan that is right for your business, avoiding any hiccups further
down the line.
