Are Your Logistics Synchronous or Asynchronous? It may not be an easy question to answer on the fly, so let’s look at exactly what we mean when we’re talking about synchronization as it relates to logistics.

Synchronized Logistics – What it Means

Have you ever watched synchronized swimming during the Olympics? Or seen a ballet, marching band, or music video with dancers moving in perfect step and sequence to a choreographed routine? If so, you’ve witnessed firsthand the beauty and harmony of synchronization.

While it’s not as outwardly visible, synchronization in logistics, when properly choreographed and executed, is an equally beautiful spectacle as the zombies dancing in step to Michael Jackson’s, Thriller.

When viewed as part the overall supply chain, the synchronization of warehousing and transportation must work in harmony in order to realize maximum efficiency and cost. When out of alignment, costs can rise due to any one of the following:

• Ineffective shipping and receiving of physical inventory.
• Ineffective inventory management – knowing where products are located within the warehouse.
• Ineffective safety policies.
• Outdated/broken machinery or understaffed facilities.
  

Small Issues –  Big Impact

On the surface, a return may seem insignificant, but when spread out over a term, can illustrate a bigger issue. If returns are happening because the wrong products are being sent from the warehouse, the time expended on procuring the initial order is now tripled.

• Time it took to pick and ship the initial order
• Time it takes to restock the return and re-inventory it.
• Time it take to find the correct item and re-ship to the end user.

Without proper inventory management and controls, little issues like returns can add up quickly. Same goes for aligning staff with shipping and receiving times.

Synchronize Your Logistics With The Right Partner

When properly architected, a logistics partner can save clients time and money by ensuring the smooth flow of incoming and outgoing shipments to and from the warehouse. They’ll utilize a warehouse management system (WMS) which will help to accurately mange inventory. They’ll be using up to date and well maintained equipment. They’ll have the right people working at the right times to better maximize incoming and outgoing shipments.

Amware is a 3PL who knows what it takes to keep logistics services synchronized and working at maximum efficiency. This approach directly benefits clients by making logistics a cost-effective part of the overall supply chain by reducing waste and unnecessary overhead.

Well synchronized logistics services can not only add value to the supply chain, it can also directly impact the bottom profitability of the products being warehoused and delivered.

Contact Amware today and see how a well synchronized 3PL can add value to your supply chain today. Additionally, download our FREE “5 Money Saving Tips You Need to Know About Public Warehousing” white paper below.