Five tips for better logistics in 2020

Well-functioning logistics is the backbone of every manufacturing company. However, anyone who works in logistics knows that things can quickly go haywire. Often, the problem lies in the existing processes. Your logistics manager may have a solid contingency plan, but that doesn’t make it any less stressful. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five tips that could help your company improve logistics processes. Our top tips for improving logistics processes

1. Avoid paper chaos

Process documentation is a necessary evil, but it also wastes a lot of time that could be invested more efficiently. It becomes even more difficult when documents are misplaced or lost. So what is the safest way to manage your most important documents? Go paperless and find digital alternatives. Imagine how easy it would be to hand over daily administrative tasks to your personal digital logistics assistant.

2 “We’ve always done it this way.”

This sentence should make you sit up and take notice. The logistics and transport industry is considered to be one of the oldest industries of all and accordingly brings with it many traditional ways of working. However, with the rapid development of business and technology today, you should regularly question outdated processes. This is the only way to ensure that you keep up with the times and that your service levels meet the ever-increasing expectations of your customers.

3. Give yourself more time

Time is probably the most valuable resource we have. Poor time management can lead to delays in transport or unexpected storage costs. A warehouse logistics employee uses new digital technologies for better logistics processes. Especially in the administrative area of logistics, ways can often be found to optimise time-consuming activities. This gives you and your employees more time to focus on your core tasks. Define key performance indicators and use them to track productivity. Predictive planning ensures better warehouse and distribution efficiency.

4. Automate manual processes

Multitasking plays a crucial role, especially in logistics. Use real-time technology and take the guesswork out of their planning. Digitalisation is no longer a trend, but a real solution that will simplify your daily workflow. Many tasks that are still handled manually today can now be automated and thus significantly accelerated. This includes a wide range of responsibilities such as negotiating tariffs, comparing prices, processing documents or making phone calls to customers. A digital logistics solution can automate many of these processes.

5. Listen to your employees

Making important decisions is sometimes not very easy. You wish you had someone who could help you. Who better to do this than the employees who run your logistics day in and day out? Whether it’s a forklift driver, warehouse logistician or truck driver, gather information from employees and learn from their experiences. This will give you a holistic view of what needs to be improved. In the long run, feedback is the best tool for continuous learning. Use it!

Where do you start? Logistics giants like DHL or Emmons work with the digital freight platform Saloodo! Here, shippers and freight forwarders are brought together in an online marketplace. Shippers can post transport requests and receive offers from freight forwarders within minutes. Shipment status and transport documents can be viewed online by both sides at any time.

Author:

Daniel Mahnken
Daniel Mahnken is a Senior Corporate Communications Manager at Saloodo!. As a qualified journalist, writing is practically in his blood. After studying sports journalism, he wanted to become Germany’s Next Sports Commentator, but then he discovered logistics and has been stuck with it ever since.

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