Keys to Successful Supply Chain Management
There are numerous routes that can be taken when trying to improve supply chain management, but they are all based on a single truth: your supply chain is a strategic asset and needs to be managed like one. Whether you are a small, nimble company looking to expand into niche markets or a larger, mid-market business trying to lower costs, there are very real benefits to be had in finding ways to improve how your supply chain is managed. Fortunately, there are a few universal keys to this process that all companies can take to heart.
Focus on Efficiency and Sustainability
This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to let the need for an efficient, sustainable supply chain get lost amid a crowd of other priorities. Such mistakes are what lead to companies over-extending themselves or falling for faddish practices without realizing such approaches hurt the bottom line and can’t be maintained long term. Finding efficiencies and ways to streamline processes by saving time, manpower, and money can be done with a mix of regular evaluation, paying attention to physical conditions on the ground, implementing automation of supply chain functions, and numerous other methods. Sustainability is a matter of prudence and carefully assessing the long-term implications of any plan. While some risks are inevitable, you should always have a plan in place for sustainable growth and maintaining the infrastructure you already have.
Match Supply Chain and Business Line
The perfect supply chain is one that is efficient, fast, agile, customizable, and responsive. In reality, however, these traits tend to be mutually exclusive. Maintaining high speed and efficiency is only possible when processes don’t get slowed down by changes, for instance. There are also various skills involved when trying to manage supply chains that prioritize different elements. This is why it is important to accurately identify the most important supply chain priorities and organize the chain accordingly. If necessary, you could also try developing separate supply chains, each dedicated to different requirements and demands, but this is not always needed or advisable depending on size.
Improve the Flow of Information
Knowledge is power—and for supply chains, savings. Maintaining a high-quality and speedy flow of information between suppliers and businesses lets all parties stay on top of inventory needs and helps prevent over- or under-stocking of products, even amidst fluctuating periods of consumer demand. Closely matching inventory to customer needs is a key way to cut down on extraneous costs, so maintaining a constant flow of information is extremely valuable. Should any delays in the info appear, they need to be addressed promptly.
Make Technology Work for You
There are a plethora of technological options that can assist in supply chain management for your business. Take the time to carefully assess and compare your choices based on how well they serve a business of your size, how flexible they are, how well they can be integrated into other systems, and how they can meet the overall automation and information needs of your operations.
Harness Successful Supply Chain Management in Toronto and Beyond
Lean Supply Solutions is a 3PL fulfillment company whose operations are based around the Lean Methodology, a proven philosophy focused on eliminating any operations, equipment, or resources that are not capable of adding value to our clients’ supply chain. By striving to ensure that the right products are provided to the right customers at the right time, Lean Supply Solutions is able to offer consistent, predictable, and quality results. To learn more about the Lean Methodology, to outsource your supply chain management in Toronto, or to ask any questions, give us a call at 416-748-8982.
- Published in Blog
Lean Supply Solutions Celebrates Anniversary of U.S. Flagship Shipping Site
Lean Supply Solutions (www.LeanSupplySolutions.com), a leading e-commerce logistics provider, is excited to be celebrating the one-year anniversary of its U.S. flagship shipping centre which is located in San Bernardino, California.
The centre opened in December of 2014 and has been Lean Supply’s primary point of support for distribution and fulfillment operations across the western coast of the U.S. The San Bernardino location added capabilities to Lean Supply Solutions’ regional reach, which now offers locations on east and west coast of Canada and United States.
“USA operations have grown quite a bit since the San Bernardino location opened,” reflects Tom Krzepkowski, chief operating officer of Lean Supply Solutions. “There are now eight shipping centres across North America thanks, in part, to the San Bernardino location, which was the initial starting point for USA expansion.”
The San Bernardino location provides ample space for a wide number of logistics operations, and the staff put every inch to good use. Incoming containers from Los Angeles area ports arrive and drop off goods, which are then stored, picked-and-packed, and shipped to satisfy both e-commerce fulfillment and retail distribution.
“It has only been a year, but Lean Supply Solutions has grown and expanded considerably in that short time,” Krzepkowski adds. “It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that we expect to continue aggressive growth in capabilities and size. We hope to meet the growing demand from our clients with not only accurate and efficient fulfillment, but also with our e-commerce and retail end-clients.”
Despite the vastness of its activities, the supply centre has managed to stay true to Lean Supply Solutions’ signature Lean Methodology. Efficiency and smooth workflow remain prized by both the management and the workers as a way to not only ensure ease of operations but customer satisfaction as well.
Lean Supply Solutions is a third-party logistics provider that uses its Lean Methodology to help clients by overseeing all elements of supply chain. They have a unique set of tools and processes to facilitate end-to-end return management processes for e-commerce orders, making it that much easier to get the right “fit.” More information can be found on its web site at www.LeanSupplySolutions.com.
- Published in News
Lean Supply Solutions Advises On Reducing $19.4 Billion in Holiday Returns
Lean Supply Solutions (www.LeanSupplySolutions.com), a leading e-commerce logistics provider, is weighing in on the amount of commercial returns expected for online retailers this holiday season.
Although projections estimate that the 2015 holiday period will be worth a combined $64.7 billion to e-commerce operations, customer returns are expected to take away $19.4 billion—over 30% of this amount. (Source: Dua, T., “How retailers are combating e-commerce returns this holiday season,” Digiday, November 20, 2015; http://digiday.com/brands/retailers-combatting-ecommerce-returns-holiday-season/.)
“Returns are not always avoidable,” admits Tom Krzepkowski, chief operating officer of Lean Supply Solutions. “Much of what is purchased tends to be for someone else, which is why gift receipts exist. But there are still steps retailers can take to reduce the number of holiday product returns.”
One of the advantages brick-and-mortar stores have over online vendors is that customers are able to physically inspect and interact with items before purchasing. When buying online, customers only have pictures to go off. This makes it easier for them to be dissatisfied or disappointed with the received product.
“It could be bulkier, heavier, not the right size, harder to hold, or any other discrepancy that’s hard to tell from just an image,” Krzepkowski explains. “Presentation is very important for online stores. Allowing customers to view photos of the product from all angles and see it in use through pictures or videos can help provide a better sense of the item in question.”
Fit- or size-related concerns for clothing are responsible for roughly 17% of e-commerce returns overall. Without the ability to try on clothes, it can be harder for customers to adequately gauge how something might fit a particular person or body size.
“Some companies offer online models that can show how a piece of clothing might fit a certain body type or height,” Krzepkowski offers as an example. “But companies do not need to use something that sophisticated. Steps as simple as offering a comparison image can help give customers a better sense of how something might fit their intended recipient.”
Somewhat paradoxically, improving the return process can also help companies during this holiday period. Customers are more inclined to do their holiday shopping with e-commerce retailers who offer lenient return policies, allowing satisfied purchasers to more easily outweigh unsatisfied returns.
“It’s also useful to understand that it only counts as a loss if a customer makes a flat return and not an exchange. Businesses can work to devise methods that encourage this latter action instead,” Krzepkowski concludes.
Lean Supply Solutions is a third-party logistics provider that uses its Lean Methodology to help clients by overseeing all elements of the supply chain. They have unique set of tools and processes to facilitate end-to-end return management processes for e-commerce orders, making it that much easier to get the right “fit.” More information can be found on its web site at www.LeanSupplySolutions.com.
- Published in News
Merger Announcement
Lean Supply Solutions Inc. is announcing the merger of Justa Kitting Inc. and Lean Supply Solutions Inc. Merged company will continue to operate under the brand name of Lean Supply Solutions Inc, with Head Offices located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. All management teams from both companies will continue to work at the merged company holding various key positions.
The merged company will continue to provide superior supply chain solutions to clients in retail, automotive, high tech, pharma and e-commerce industries in Canada, US and Mexico with now enhanced capabilities in fulfillment and direct mail services. These additional capabilities will allow Lean Supply Solutions Inc to enhance service offerings to existing and new clients within the fulfillment and direct mail service offerings.
Lean Supply Solutions is a provider of integrated customized logistics solutions for most complex supply chains around the world. Using unique blend of lean processes, leading edge IT systems and world class quality systems, we provide quantifiable value for our clients.
Lean Supply Solutions, is a privately owned corporation, and is focused on providing innovative solutions for a large and diverse base of multinational, regional, and local companies, including clients operating in industries with unique supply chain requirements. Using unique blend of lean processes, leading edge IT systems and application of world class quality systems, we provide quantifiable value for our clients. Our mission is to quantifiably enhance our clients’ competitiveness by providing innovative, leading edge solutions in a lean supply chain management. We strive to provide world class service and establish our client relationships on trust, professionalism, accessibility, and leading edge technology and processes. We provide forward-looking end-to-end contract logistics capabilities, customized technical services, IT solutions, 4PL and consulting services by supporting major OEM assembly operations and tier-one facilities.
LSS’ advanced technology and services within your supply chain allows our client’s team to focus on their core competencies and position for growth. Our supply chain expertise, based on proven industry best practices, provides fully integrated solutions to remove waste and increase productivity in your supply chain.
Justa Kitting Inc. is a leader in the marketplace as a full service Fulfillment and Direct Marketing provider.
We offer clients multiple solutions for Fulfillment Services, Distribution and Direct mail. We have assembled a unique blend of talent and equipment to offer our customers an invaluable fully integrated solution.
Let Justa Kitting Inc. manage the details of implementation so that you can focus on strategy. We offer experience and expertise, an enthusiastic team and services enabled by the latest technology. Whether your campaign is large or small, or whether you need one fulfillment service or end-to-end fulfillment support, Justa Kitting Inc. provides complete solutions that serve your end goal. For further information please contact Tom Krzepkowski, via e-mail tk@leansupplysolutions.com or via phone at 416 748 8982 Ext 112.
- Published in News