Outlets who are looking at the use of 3PL warehouse professionals often reach a point where their commercial input is not reflected in their output.
There will be financial waste, accounting discrepancies, human error and a general lack of vision and oversight across a range of departments within the supply chain.
From inventory management and storage provisions to working with the right couriers, shipping partners, software packages, customer relations and communication channels, there is a lot of territory to cover when managers sit down and reflect on their requirements.
If the decision has been made to proceed with outsourcing on this front, it is worthwhile examining the criteria that informs the choice.
Once participants are delighted with their selection, then they can get the hard work underway.
Speak to Industry Peers
One of the most effective strategies that participants can use to assess 3PL warehouse professionals before signing up to their service is to talk with others who have already been through the process. Especially if they are situated in a similarly-sized industry and work under similar conditions, it is always nice to have a comparative case study to look at in more detail. They might offer a glowing recommendation or a condemnation of their expertise, but either will be helpful in the decision-making process.
Assess Their Online Performance
Talks with peers about 3PL warehouse professionals always offer support and context for the sake of the search. Online research however takes this exercise to another level. This is a chance for men and women to look at the brand overall and how other constituents have been happy with the level of service or dissatisfied with their involvement with supply chain procedures. Users can track their progress via search engines, apps and even social media channels where clients will publish their feedback in an open forum.
Examine 3PL Resources
Introducing warehouse professionals will be a sensitive decision for outlets. They have to cover a number of department areas from overseas compliance measures to real time tracking analytics and ensuring customer satisfaction with order fulfillment. By assessing the resources of the brand, participants will know what kind of tools and labour power they have at their disposal and if their actions can meet their rhetoric.
Approach Providers For Availability
Interested parties who have done all of their research with 3PL warehouse professionals might be ready to proceed, but they could come across a scheduling conflict. If they are stretched for time and placements, then the project will have to go in another direction. Approach representatives early in the piece and see whether or not they are ready to look at an agreement.
Discuss Agreement Terms & Package Options
The benefit of working with 3PL warehouse professionals is that they can cater to any type of warehouse agreement that is required for the business. Picking and packing programs, data analytics, customer relations, inventory management, courier networking, billing and more are all scalable departments. The key is to find an agreement that works for the client.
Talk About Brand Objectives
The advantage of using 3PL warehouse professionals is that participants will get on the same page as their providers and work towards the same objectives. Once a relationship has been formed, clients will be able to judge what will work and what the provider might fall short of. From workplace efficiencies, reduced cost, improved commercial IP and superior sales, outlining commercial targets is a critical component.
There is no precise science or formula involved when picking out 3PL warehouse professionals. Some will be happy to work with their gut instinct or rely on one referral from a trusted party. However, the best approach is always to undertake due diligence and open a conversation about what the business wants to achieve and how it wants to get there.
