[ES] [Logistics Checklist] 5 questions to optimise the supply chain

When a consumer makes a purchase, the supply chain is set in motion. Customers are becoming increasingly demanding in terms of quality of service, so this series of questions will serve as a checklist of actions to consider from the preparation of a shipment through to its final delivery.

1. Does the order preparation process allow for fast delivery?

Respecting and meeting the delivery deadlines agreed with the customer is paramount, which is why orders should be prepared as quickly as possible. The picking and packing phases must run smoothly to ensure that shipment preparation is quick and, in order to optimise both stages, knowing the warehouse performance indicators or KPIs is essential. Good order will simplify the process and you can organise the warehouse according to the ABC method, which categorises products according to their economic contribution, or the LIFO method, in which the last items to enter are the first to leave.

The transport trolleys make it easy for you to pick the products to be shipped from the warehouse, while the packing tables and packing stations provide you with a convenient space to have everything you need when preparing your orders.

RAJA® constant level trolley

2. Does your transport provider care about your customers’ experience?

For the user experience to be satisfactory, in addition to being agile in the preparation of the package, you must also ensure that it arrives at its destination in optimal conditions. Therefore, verify that the transport agency in charge of the transfer provides a quality service. This includes the possibility for customers to track the package and know the status of the order at any time, or that there is flexibility in the delivery method if the recipient is not at home.

Urban Micro-Hubs can be an alternative in this situation, but it may be sufficient to choose packaging tailored to the contents, such as envelopes and cardboard boxes or plastic bags, which are small enough to fit through the letterbox.

ALT: RAJA® hook and loop fastener book case

3. Does your packaging create a surprise effect when the customer receives the package?

The moment the order arrives in the hands of the consumer should be an unforgettable experience. The packaging plays a very important role in achieving this wow effect in the process of opening the package or unboxing. Don’t overlook details such as easy opening, a visible and handy invoice or elegant padding. For the latter, the Geami WrapPak system, whether manual or electric, will surprise the recipient by presenting the products protected by an original honeycomb paper structure.

Geami ® WrapPak RAJA® system

In addition, opting for personalisation with logos or corporate colours will give your deliveries a powerful brand image and a strong visual identity.

4. Is your courier provider EcoResponsible?

More and more customers appreciate companies that are committed to the environment: an EcoResponsible attitude demonstrates an interest in caring for the environment. Measures such as using recycled packaging, avoiding empty spaces inside packages or choosing mono-material products, such as choosing a kraft paper filler, will help to transmit these values.

RAJA® 100% recycled packaging paper on a roll

But your commitment is useless if your transport provider does not have the same philosophy. Make sure that the last mile delivery is carried out in an environmentally friendly way, as it can be one of the most polluting moments in the process.

5. Are your shipping costs optimal?

Last but not least: you should not lose sight of the budget invested along this chain. Are the rates in line with the services offered by the transport company? First of all, take into account the type of shipment, as the costs of a national shipment are not the same as those of an international shipment, or those of an ordinary shipment versus an express shipment.

Another aspect to consider is the volumetric weight. This is a key measure and you must take it into account because the prices of the shipments depend on it. It is essential to adapt the container to the content you are going to send and variable height boxes are perfect for adjusting these sizes and thus reduce costs.