Best Practices for Warehousing and Distribution
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Disruption is everywhere, and according to DC Velocity, most companies (71%) are preparing for future disruptions in the supply chain by investing in new capabilities. This includes maximizing container use with street turns and strategic partnerships within warehousing and distribution logistics. Expertise in street turns is a unique solution for importers and exporters. A focus on warehousing and distribution delivers efficient and cost-effective results.

 Software development enables advanced systems and services to simplify logistics. Together this enhances supply chain management and improves client profitability. With disruptions becoming increasingly likely, importers and exporters must have a clear set of best practices for warehousing and distribution to ensure smooth operations. Let’s take a closer look at these practices and how to implement them. 

Keep Your Warehousing & Distribution Inventory Organized and Up-To-Date

Warehousing and distribution are two essential components of the supply chain process. Proper inventory management is vital in ensuring that storage facilities and warehouse processes run smoothly. Most companies leverage an existing warehouse management system atop existing systems to track stock. However, the real trick is ensuring the system functions in real time. Accurately tracking stock levels helps to ensure orders are fulfilled. Meanwhile, this keeps records up-to-date and prevents discrepancies. In turn, it reduces product availability issues, while regular updates allow businesses to forecast future demands better and save costs.

Investing in the right systems to organize your inventory can help optimize operations for successful warehousing and distribution. An Adobe survey found nearly 50%warehouses have implemented new technologies to improve operations. Additionally, a G2 report found that companies with automated inventory management systems experienced an average increase of 10% in sales growth. Investing in the right technology ensures efficient warehousing and distribution processes. Together, the blend of technology and services keep customers satisfied and drive sales growth.

Use Proper Packaging to Protect Your Products

Proper packaging and warehousing distribution logistics are integral to ensuring that products are delivered safely and securely. Providing high-quality packaging materials to protect goods from physical damage, moisture erosion, and other issues is paramount. Still, businesses must consider the influence of packaging differences. After all, the packaging is your first opportunity to impress a customer physically. 

It also helps convey the identity and professionalism of a business, forming a solid first impression for customers. Furthermore, outsourcing warehousing and distribution logistics will help get the goods out promptly without any costly delays. Hence, businesses should invest in quality packaging materials. Still, knowing what separates good from mediocre packaging can be tricky. 

Choose the Right Shipping, Warehousing and Distribution Method for Your Needs

Selecting the correct shipping option for your needs is essential for successful warehousing and distribution. You have multiple delivery options for your B2B and B2C brands:

  • Standard ground shipping.
  • Delivery to storefronts.
  • Delivery to third-party warehouses. 
  • Express overnight delivery. 
  • Transport to a rail or air ramp. 

Researching different logistics strategies will ensure that you select the reliable method of shipping most suited to your requirements. Further, higher customer satisfaction rates are associated with shipping at competitive prices and when using efficient tracking capabilities.

Track Warehouse Yard Departures and Arrivals Automatically.

A warehouse management system is a great start for operational excellence. But there’s another opportunity in the yard. Investing in a service provider that leverages a yard management system is essential for effective warehouse operations. 

A yard management system, such as NAVTRAC, helps automatically:

  • Track the arrivals and departures of warehouse yard vehicles.
  • Streamline processes.
  • Boost visibility.
  • Maximize utilization.
  • Minimize dwell time.
  • Reduce administrative costs. 
  • Lowers confusion. 
  • Streamlines billing. 
  • Reduces risk of accessorials.

How? It collects data with machine vision technology to verify vehicle identities using an image-based recognition platform. 

This allows you to pinpoint the exact location of any vehicle at any given time. NAVTRAC monitors fleets’ movements in real time without manual intervention. This contributes to increased staff productivity and improved safety. It is a secure, reliable solution that delivers practical benefits from day one. This level of detail is also crucial to leveraging cross-docking too. 

Stay Compliant With All Regulations and Laws With Integrated Systems.

Integrating systems is essential for meeting all regulatory and compliance requirements for e-commerce businesses and beyond. Regulations favor reporting and instant traceability in all activities. An integrated warehousing system can achieve this goal by: 

  • Generating reports quickly and accurately.
  • Sharing reports with relevant parties, including CBP. 
  • Transferring data to other systems for ESG reporting purposes too. 
  • Enabling the efficient use of resources to increase operational efficiency.

Leverage Facilities Located Within Free Trade Zones (FTZ).

Companies operating in California can use Free Trade Zones (FTZs) to leverage a range of beneficial resources, including ways to reduce costs, speed up deliveries, and boost warehousing processes. These include specialized labor, duty exemptions and delays, streamlined customs processes, and flexible warehousing solutions. Utilizing these resources has enabled organizations to increase their global competitiveness and expand their operations successfully. Such incentives support effective international trade. Ultimately, leveraging Free Trade Zones continues to be an instrumental component of an effective growth strategy.

Have a Contingency Plan for Warehousing Distribution

Every business should have a plan and be ready to go should an unforeseen event occur. Without such preparation, your organization could face a chaotic situation with no strategies or resources to help manage it. A well-thought-out contingency plan is crucial to success. It ensures that:

  • Everyone knows their role.
  • Accounts for all potential risks.
  • Identifies effective solutions for managing those risks.
  • Outlines the steps for recovery.

Of course, that contingency plan is only as useful as it is shareable. In other words, it’s imperative for organizations to keep run drills and work together to ensure the warehouse doesn’t fail if a problem arises. That’s especially true for areas of the country where environmental factors are extreme. 

Boost Your Warehousing and Distribution Strategy With Supra National Express

A well-run warehouse distribution center is critical to the success of any business that ships products and especially those involved in international trade. Following the tips in this blog post streamlines your warehousing and distribution operations. And remember that automation and applied technology are essential to your success.  It’s time to put the power warehousing, distribution, and holistic logistics tech for drayage and beyond to work. Connect with the experts at Distribution by Supra National Express. 

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