When running a business, ensuring customers’ orders reach the intended location in a timely manner is a massive part of the equation. Failure at this stage practically guarantees an angry customer and a loss of future orders.
Many businesses are turning to professional third-party logistics (3PL) firms to assist with fast and accurate service to their customers companies. Warehousing and distribution services are a vital component offered by 3PL warehouse services that help maintain on-time deliveries.
What is Warehousing?
The process known as warehousing involves the temporary storing of products until they are sent to another destination. Aside from physically holding goods, warehousing services often involve pick and packing, as well as distribution. Relying on professionals for this service has many benefits, including,
- Improved Inventory Management
- Increased Storage Capacity
- Improved Workflow Efficiency
- Fast Distribution
- Loss Prevention and Risk Reduction
- Lower Shipping Costs
- Improved Customer Service
1. Improved Inventory Management
A professional warehousing operation will have the personnel, advanced technology, and system efficiency necessary to give you a clear view of your product stock. Tracking the shipping process helps ensure your customers receive what they want when they want it. You will also get insights based on data analysis to help you decide on the next steps in the process. For example, you can use the data to help tweak production based on how often a product is shipped or sold out. The result will be an optimised inventory you can leverage when making future decisions.
2. Increased Storage Capacity
Numerous businesses struggle with storage. Often, they begin with adequate facilities but cannot keep up once the company starts to grow. Occasionally, the opposite is true. Ample storage facilities sit partially empty because an owner over-anticipated growth. Using a warehousing service solves both problems. Products or raw materials stay safe and readily available because of the 3PL warehousing service. This service is also an effective solution to problems with long-term storage. Clean and climate-controlled warehousing facilities ensure your goods and materials are properly stored and ready when you need them.
3. Improved Workflow Efficiency
Comprehensive warehouse logistics ensure that,
- Inventory levels are tracked in real-time. This eliminates overstocking, waste of perishables, and running out of goods.
- Faster order processing times are possible because of excellent organisation and products that are easily accessible.
- Eliminate lag time between receiving orders and fulfilling them.
- Warehouse employees function as a finely tuned unit without the confusion or chaos that plagues some businesses.
- Efficient management of the warehouse because a smooth structure is in place.
4. Fast Distribution
A fleet of vehicles ready to get orders on the road is another benefit of a warehousing service. Rather than hoping your orders are correctly delivered when you use a freight service, warehousing keeps your stock in the capable hands of team members who are familiar with your ways. Often, deliveries are made easier because the warehouse is situated nearby.
5. Loss Prevention and Risk Reduction
When your task is to oversee a small number of products or raw materials, preventing loss and maintaining the quality of the objects is manageable. However, the task becomes quite challenging as inventory grows exponentially. The advanced systems that are put in place become vital links to the tracking data. This allows a proactive stance to stop loss and waste.
6. Lower Shipping Costs
A 3PL has significantly greater options to reduce the cost of shipping. In some cases, combining several small loads from a few companies will give a price break to all companies involved. At other times, access to warehouses in numerous locations can lower freight costs. For example, if your company in Perth regularly ships products to Melbourne, the price could be excessively high. If your 3PL has access to warehousing services in or near Melbourne, shipping and storing products directly there can lower your freight charges.
7. Improved Customer Service
Keeping your customers satisfied is paramount, especially in today’s fast-paced marketplace. You can have the best products, an incredible sales force, and quality team members, but you risk losing everything if you have poor customer service. With warehousing services, you can count on expert fulfilment of orders because an organised system is in place. You know products are housed in optimal conditions to ensure quality. You can rest assured that orders will arrive to your customers when promised. All the traditional weak links in business can be corrected, and customers will be delighted.
Managing supply chain issues is critical to ensure inventory organisation, prompt delivery and excellent customer experience. Companies are turning to third-party warehousing as a way to meet these challenges in a global marketplace.
For years, the necessity of top-flight warehousing services and the impact they provide have been undervalued. If these services sound like they could be an innovative option for your company, then you owe it to yourself to learn more about how 3PL Perth services could make your business run as smoothly as possible. Please reach out to us at Bossna Logistics. Our knowledgeable staff will explain the various options and help you make your decision about 3PLs.
