Companies are wasting money hand-over-fist on outdated supply chain methods that suffer from inefficiency and poor tracking. When moving freight, you need to be sure that the capital you are investing in isn’t being spent needlessly and that you get exactly what you pay for. Breakthrough fractured supply chains and supply chains that run in silos by taking initiatives that bring benefits to your logistics process.

1. Integrate. Integrate. Integrate.

This can hardly be emphasized enough. Complex processes (and supply chains) cause departments to naturally focus inward and become increasingly segregated over time. Leadership must proactively work against this to prevent information silos and loss of collaboration.

This is especially important when it comes to supply chain efficiency. Most companies these days utilize multiple supply chain methods at once, moving inventory with LTL providers, truckload shipments, and a couple of dedicated milkrun routes. This practice creates unnecessary work for supply chain coordinators and often means missed opportunities to consolidate routes. Working with a Third Party Logistics (3PL) Provider or Supply Chain Management company can help ensure that different aspects of your supply chain are integrated with each other. This integration can simplify the workload and allow your logistics process to function smoother than before.

2. Expand Your Supply Chain Network

You don't have to be a huge company to tap into an extensive network. These partnerships benefit many companies big and small due to the money that can be saved in the long run. In fact, even the most extensive manufacturing operations benefit from sharing routes with other companies regardless of size. Through route sharing, each participant can experience lower shipping costs, more frequent deliveries, and a more versatile and flexible supply chain. The Carter Split-Bill Shared Milkrun is a unique method of route sharing that allows businesses to pay only based on the percentage of space they use.

3. Never Stop Analyzing Your Logistics Data

In the world today, data is king, and you can bet that your competitors are trying to use it to their fullest advantage. When freight is tracked in real time, businesses can take control of inventory and the inflow and outflow of manufacturing resources. De-cluttering your workplace and creating more fluid lines of communication and product movement are benefits that you will see when this continuous stream of information is implemented through analysis. Once you have the data, your Supply Chain Logistics provider should always be searching for new opportunities for cost-savings.

Outdated methods for transporting your products can be a hassle that wastes time and money. By integrating supply chain methods, network expansion, route consolidation, and the constant flow of information through real-time analytics, you are effectively able to simplify and optimize your company’s logistics. Why continue following a transportation model that isn’t working when there are alternatives that could benefit your supply chain and your company’s bottom line? Start implementing new methods and get your logistics working for you.