One thing that most businesses, large and small, have in common is that they all rely on logistics and supply chains to function.
After all, how else would goods get from point A to point B?
Pre-pandemic, we may have taken these systems for granted. While much focus is now being put on building more safeguards, the system could be more efficient and less costly.
Ingredient brothers was started in 2021, so we had to deal with supply chain disruptions from day one. While incredibly challenging, it allowed us to rethink antiquated processes and build a new approach.
Here are a few things we did to ensure we maintained high customer service levels.
Turning the daily hustle into a controlled process
It is essential first to outline the flow of goods and spend time documenting your processes in each step. In logistics, you can sometimes feel that all you do is firefight problems all day long. It can be a controlled process with the right mindset.
By understanding each part of the process, you can start identifying room for improvement.
Many different approaches can be taken to improve efficiency in logistics. Some common methods include:
- Automation
Automating repetitive tasks can free up time for other activities.
- Outsourcing
When specific tasks or processes are not your company’s core competencies, it may make sense to outsource them. This can improve efficiency by allowing your team to focus on what they do best.
- Technology
Using technology can help connect different parts of the supply chain and allow for real-time tracking of inventory levels.
- Lean principles
Applying lean principles can help identify waste in the system and find ways to eliminate it.
All of these methods can be effective in improving efficiency in logistics and supply chains. The key is to find the right solution for your business.
Real-time communication with key stakeholders
In today’s business world, it’s essential for companies to keep all stakeholders informed about the state of their supply chain. The easiest way to do this is through automated reporting. Automated reporting can provide real-time updates on the status of orders, inventory levels, shipments, and more. This information is critical for decision-makers to decide where to allocate resources. Not only does this save time, but it also helps businesses avoid potential disruptions down the road.
There are a number of software programs that can help with automating reports. Some programs are designed specifically for logistics and supply chain management, while others are more general-purpose business intelligence tools. No matter which route you choose, be sure to select a program that will meet the specific needs of your business.
Cost and time measurement to prioritize
In understanding your process, you will identify more areas of improvement than the resources available. Measuring both time and costs associated with each step is crucial in helping you determine which areas should be prioritized.
At ingredient brothers, we use Agile methodology to evaluate and prioritize different areas of logistics continuously. This has helped us scale incredibly fast while keeping focused on the most important areas for improvement.
Summary
It goes without saying that all of this does not matter without achieving high customer satisfaction levels.
In this shared journey explore our catalog here. If you’re still on the hunt for something specific, remember we excel at sourcing any ingredient you require. It’s all about measuring customer satisfaction and making decisions that consider their potential impact – a path we’re treading together. Get in touch and let us handle the rest!
