In this article we look at 5 Microsoft Excel functions that every logistics manager should know how to use. If your anything like me then you are probably using excel on most days either reading reports or creating them to monitor or measure the key performance indicators of your logistics operations. Over the years I […]
3PL Management
Supplier Relationships – How to manage them with Outlook and OneNote
These days there are very few interactions with suppliers that do not occur via some electronic means. Emails are sent and received , meetings are scheduled , contact details are stored, tasks and actions items are assigned and monitored and even phone calls can be made using Skype and other applications from your desktop or mobile device. […]
Establishing 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) Service Provider Relationships – Common Pitfall # 3 – Structure of the Agreement
Far too often the structure of the agreement between the parties is developed in a manner that will not necessarily support the dynamic business requirements of the relationship. The traditional method of embedding the business requirements within the contract tends to restrict the amount of operational flexibility of the relationship. An alternative to this is […]
Establishing 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) Service Provider Relationships – Common Pitfall # 2 – Inadequate Training
The value of ensuring that adequate training has been undertaken prior to the transition is frequently underestimated. This applies equally when moving from an own managed to an outsourced operation for the first time or when moving from one supplier to another. Far too often we take for granted the amount of operational knowledge that is […]
Establishing 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) Service Provider Relationships – Common Pitfall # 1 – Insufficient Planning
Not enough time and effort that is invested in planning for the transition. A project manager should be assigned and detailed project plan prepared in order to facilitate the transition. The plan should not only include the physical aspects of the move but also include such items as communication and training tasks.