What’s in Store for Supply Chain Management in 2015?

With every new year comes new developments in warehousing, distribution, and logistics. Because of advances in technology and new methods of moving goods, supply chain management has always been an active field when it comes to innovative ways to procure, warehouse, distribute, and transport goods faster and cheaper.

With that said, here’s what leading supply chain analysts expect in 2015 with regards to supply chain trends and key logistics happenings.

Warehouse Operations Technology Remains a Key Focus

To run an efficient warehouse, it takes continuous improvement of functional operations, especially those that impact the entire supply chain and other key aspects of a business.

In 2015, public warehouses will more closely link operations strategy with warehouse operations technology to meet the strategies and objectives of the customers they serve.

In doing so, outsourced warehousing and distribution will have the capabilities to directly connect their operations strategy with the mission and objectives of their clients. This will give businesses a competitive edge and enable them to meet their customer satisfaction and bottom line goals.

At Brendamour, we are actively involved in the warehousing, distribution and third party logistics (3PL) industries. This keeps us current with the latest advances in technology and 2015 will be no different. We believe in adding value to your business and working as a partner with you in controlling costs and promoting profitable growth.

Not only do we regularly update our warehouse operations technology, we also train and provide continuing education opportunities to our employees so they can enhance their knowledge of new equipment, methods, and processes.

Technology Goes Cloud-Based

Many logistics providers are already tapping into the wealth of opportunities afforded by cloud computing. For example, 3PLs, including Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution and Other Services, utilize cloud-based applications that allow us to execute warehousing and distribution tasks faster, deliver higher service levels, and reduce costs.

Cloud-based applications complement both warehouse management systems and a company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, allowing for better decision-making, enhanced support, allocation of resources, and even better coordinated supply chain processes.

Enhancements to the Customer Experience Lifecycle

While 2014 was the year of the customer, the focus on enhancing the customer experience lifecycle will continue in 2015. As businesses develop new B2B or B2C initiatives, the customer experience will be at the forefront.

Efforts will be aimed at all supply chain management areas that touch the customer experience lifecycle, including which products to offer, choosing suppliers, ordering, warehousing, pricing, payments, distribution, customer service, and returns. The emphasis throughout the entire supply chain will be on ease of doing business and customer conveniences.

Also expected in 2015 is customer segmentation to meet the growing demands from customers for increased services. Businesses will look closer at geography when choosing a public warehouse to serve customers’ differing and individual requirements. The goal is to match distribution with product demand patterns. Likewise, public warehouses will enhance automated options to ensure increased quality and control.

Customized order fulfillment also will get more attention as companies address the growth of B2B, B2C, and e-commerce. To achieve customer personalization, the supply chain focus will likely be on cross-channel order fulfillment. From a warehousing and distribution perspective, Brendamour is always proactive when it comes to enhancing product flow through new customer strategies and the formation of new distribution networks.

Look for Multi-Tier Collaborations

Collaborating is the term for 2015, as businesses work with their 3PLs to make their supply chain more strategic and competitive in the global marketplace. Multi-tier collaborations with key vendors in the supply chain will provide businesses with a supply chain that is more competitive and less volatile.

In particular, companies will be forming extensive collaborations and negotiations with their supplier’s and drill deeper down the chain to their suppliers’ vendors. Likewise, warehousing and distribution providers will be collaborating with businesses to better serve their customers through direct distribution, contract truckers and shippers, and other logistics services that deliver more effectiveness and efficiency to the end customer.

Being Profitable in 2015

As your business reviews its business plan and strategies for a profitable 2015, get in touch with Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution and Other Services for your supply chain management needs.

After all, it is the supply chain that is the driving factor for building your brand, acquiring and retaining customers, and managing costs to turn a profit.