What is Logistics Planning?
This is the process of planning out your supply chain operations. As a fulfilment company who have been operating for over 35 years, many of our logistics plans are already well-defined and can be applied to many clients as a starting point. We then build out these plans individually for each client depending on their requirements and needs. There are also extra plans that have to be put in place and refreshed annually for peak periods, as these are built from the clients’ order data and forecasting.
What is the process of logistics?
The logistics process begins with implementation. This is where your stock is moved from wherever it was previously housed, into one of our fulfilment centres. This takes some planning and organisation to determine the volume of stock we will receive, that it is on the correct pallets/storage methods, where it will be placed etc.
A part of the implementation process includes integrating your business’ systems with ours. This means integrating your products into our warehouse management systems and ensuring every SKU is on our system. This is also the time when we integrate with your systems such as your webshop e.g. Shopify.
Once your products are in one of our global fulfilment centres, and our systems are set up to receive your order data, we can begin sending out your orders. As an order comes through, we will pick from your stock, pack up the order and send it out to its destination – whether that be your chosen retailer, or your customers’ address.
This process can vary from client to client, as we are a very flexible fulfilment partner. Any added value services your business may require will have to be planned into the process too, as well as any custom services you my need.
What is Logistics Planning for eCommerce?
The main difference with eCommerce fulfilment is the integrations with your systems such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce etc. With B2B logistics, your orders have to be sent to the retailer usually in bulk, and packed in a specific way depending on the requirements that retailer sets for receipt of goods – which we know like the back of our hand thanks to Standard Operating Procedures with many high street, marketplace and niche retailers. With eCommerce, each order is packed individually, and is done so with expert precision to ensure there are no errors and the presentation is perfect, ready for your customers to receive directly.
Challenges of Logistics Planning
The main cause of issues during planning is communication. After 35 years, we know what questions we need to ask our clients in order to gather all the information we require to implement them smoothly. However, sometimes issues can arise when planning for peak periods if our clients’ forecasting isn’t accurate. Luckily, our teams are always on hand to assist you with forecasting, so you’ll have a helping hand to ensure we get the most realistic numbers. This allows us to plan our staffing numbers, extra transport needed, extra packaging units needed etc. perfectly.
Why is logistics planning important?
If we didn’t do any planning for our clients, we wouldn’t know if we have the capacity to house their stock, we wouldn’t know where it was going, we wouldn’t be able to receive their order data, therefore we would be unable to send out orders, so planning is essential to the process.
How to choose a logistics partner
Communication is a really important factor to look out for when choosing a logistics partner. This is essential to the planning process and ensures you’re kept in the loop. A partner who cares about your business and shows they are invested in your success will help you not only fulfil your orders, but grow your business as well. We’re not just a service provider, we’re a partner to your business and are committed to seeing you succeed. The location of your partner can play a part, if they’re placed somewhere that is ideal for your business, and have global locations allowing your expansion in the future, this could be a good match for you. Someone who has positive client testimonials, and awards and accreditations, can indicate their expertise and good service.
FAQs
When should you create a logistics plan? – If you’re doing your logistics in-house, you should already have a plan. If you’re thinking of outsourcing, coming up with a rough plan is a great idea, then you can discuss this with the providers you’re speaking with, which could help you make your decision as one provider may be more capable of honing and bringing your plan to life than another.
What are the benefits of a logistics plan? – A plan allows everything to be set up and run smoothly so that your orders can be sent out with precision and accuracy. It also means we can maximise on peak periods to help you sell as much of your products as possible.
Should you outsource logistics planning? – Having an expert handle your logistics planning will give you peace of mind that everything is planned meticulously and accurately. This minimises the chance of errors, and increases the chance of implementation and peak periods going to plan.
Need an expert to help plan your logistics?
Talk to Staci. Drop your details below and a member of our team will contact you to begin planning: