What are the most effective ways to ensure logistics operations run smoothly?

Deixar claro e objetivo as responsabilidades atribuídas é de grande valia, pois, quando se há clareza nas funções a “engrenagem” da logística tende a fluir melhor. A Logística mapeada e bem entendida fica algo riquíssimo.

In my experience defining metrics and objectives not only makes our team have a clear vision on our current and future situation, but it helps us save costs in our daily operations to have better results by the end of the year. The most important thing is to understand that your team feels valued while they help you perfect and maintain high the kpi. There’s always room to be better, even when you are meeting your goals and standards.

Setting clear objectives and metrics is crucial for effective logistics management Eg, reducing shipping errors by 20% within six months Aligning logistics goals with broader business objectives contribute to overall success Eg, linking logistics strategy with the goal of expanding market reach Regularly monitoring KPIs for proactive management and adjustment Eg, using real-time data to identify bottlenecks and streamline warehouse processes Analyzing metrics helps identify areas needing improvement Eg, discovering correlation between delayed deliveries and lower customer satisfaction Utilizing data for agile decision-making enables adaptive responses to changing conditions, Eg, rerouting shipments during unexpected weather disruptions.

Clear Communication (SMART) and Commitment (KPI) I have learned and observed that the Supply Chain never gets any easier, but most definitely it is an interesting complex journey. Your SMART Objectives need to be communicated with constant reminders to your team and also motivating employees through reward programs Remember the supply chain is an ever-evolving profession Your KPI needs commitment shown, this should be shared with your team, through weekly meetings or monthly meetings clarifying the team's strengths and weaknesses and how to meet the target by giving direction. Objectives and metrics are further clearly defined and achieved if the above are actioned, broken down as per above

Robust Planning: Develop a detailed logistics plan that encompasses procurement, transportation, warehousing, and distribution, aligning with your business objectives. Clear Communication: Maintain open communication channels among all stakeholders, including suppliers, carriers, and internal teams, to ensure everyone is informed and aligned. Technology Integration: Implement advanced logistics technologies like GPS tracking, warehouse management systems (WMS), and real-time analytics to enhance visibility and efficiency. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to address disruptions, such as delays, shortages, or unforeseen challenges in the supply chain. Inventory management implement effective control

Choosing your partner for a logistics operation is a fundamental step. You may need different suppliers during your operation, so what you can do is have a pre-written shipping/price quote text that you can send them to investigate the best offer. If you have experience with different logistics providers, choose the one you have had the least problems with and which gives you the best offer, then send the offer to your customer for approval.

And always have a backup plan. Is it possible to ship by plane to ensure a timely deliver? Is there a local supplier? Don't go all out in the first operation, just do a small one to try it out.

O uso de parceiros é inevitável quando trata-se se portos/aeroportos com procedimentos mais específicos. No entanto, precisamos deixar muito alinhado a função de cada um na operação, de modo que não impacte do andamento e liberação.

The best way to learn about and implement technology and automation is to learn about them through your business network, ask colleagues, and also go to a business meeting where you can meet several technical representatives and ask for information and ask about their experience. After choosing a few companies, research them on the web to find out their feedback and the one that best meets your needs.

Implementation and technology improved the customer service your company will provide. Many times ours colleagues spend a lot of their time doing tasks that can be automated and this prevents them or many times overwhelms them with activities that can diminish the quality of customer service care they can provide. This is why using, implementing, developing and applying technology and automation of processes is key for better performance and satisfaction of internal and external customers.

It is always important to have the Incoterms anual book avaibale and also, be sure to be up to date with all the rules in your country and also, with the other country you are dealing with. Always ask Always ask questions to the customs broker, who will be able to give you more information.

Logistics is a field where if a person doesn’t follow the rules it can imply in very huge costs for an organization. This is why it’s very important to always follow the law, commercial agreements, rules imposed by diverse countries and institutions, follow schedules. Always be as clear as possible to ensure a successful and efficient operation.

In view of follow best practices and standards it is important to train the staff. Without train you will have a outdated information what can bring fines, unnecessary delays and loss of customers. Train is the best option.

Training & empowering your team is key to success. I’ve seen a lot of well-prepared, capable & skilled teams not achieving its objectives. The lack of motivation & the lack in providing useful trainings can make an important negative impact on any team. If you work on having a well-motivated & empowered team more than on having a skilled team, I can assure you that results will surprise you. Constant & specific trainings will motivate people to see that they are capable in ways that they didn’t know they can be. Take care of your team and they will take care of your business.