To succeed in today's fast-paced business environment, it's essential to streamline your international logistics operations. With diversifying needs and technological advancements transforming industries, it is important for businesses to be efficient yet deliver quality.
Supply chain management is the nerve centre for shipping goods and services overseas, but it can be complex due to various factors like evolving customer needs and multiple shipment routes. As businesses face increasing pressure to provide value-added services, global logistical costs will rise, making it necessary to streamline operations. A robust international supply chain management network can improve profit margins, deliver quality, and provide customised solutions while displaying transparency.
Read on to discover five tips for businesses to improve their supply chain management and operational efficiency. From implementing the use of autonomous robots to investing in human capital, DHL Express is here to provide strategies about how to streamline your logistics operations and connect your business globally.
1. Utilise real-time data
The Internet of Things (IoT) has resulted in a massive technological paradigm shift. Vast amounts of information from various operations and logistics sources can now be extracted and extrapolated. Leveraging IoT delivers comprehensive solutions such as providing information on demand and machine learning, which helps global supply chain leaders make data-driven decisions.
Real-time data makes it easier to identify issues and rectify them before they affect the entire distribution chain. It allows for real-time tracking, capacity planning, and pre-emptive measures, leading to operational efficiency. Utilising real-time data is an effective way to streamline your international logistics operations.
2. Implementing the use of autonomous robots
Opportunities for integrating autonomous machines exist at every segment of the global supply chain. Companies that have already embarked on this journey are seeing their return on investment through lower costs, safer work environments, and higher productivity levels. Businesses can boost operational efficiency, safety, and employee satisfaction by integrating autonomous machines into their global supply chain.
3. Develop your human capital
While digital intelligence and machine learning are important in global supply chain management, businesses must also prioritise effective man management. It is key to the full spectrum of global supply chain management. Unlike digital intelligence and machine learning, the influence of real workers along the global supply chain has gathered little attention. Procurement, quality standards, delivery timings, and supplier relationships are all critical aspects of the supply chain, requiring skilled and experienced workers.
Adopting a human-centric approach is key to resilience. As an organisation that invests heavily in human capital, DHL Express has developed an agile workforce that is quick to tackle challenges that come our way. By cultivating our employees' skills, we have managed to grow a unit of network planners, air operations teams, fleet managers, and more to service the evolving needs and wants of our customers.
4. Build a logistics hub
Logistics hubs are a crucial part of modern logistics operations, providing an area for transportation, sorting, dispatch, and distribution of goods to end-users. Today, this has become an integral part of what is known as an international logistics operations strategy.
These destinations can improve order fulfilment rates and help businesses deliver dedicated services to their customers by streamlining and automating workflow. While logistics hubs offer many benefits, it's important to note that building one can be costly and time-consuming. Apart from just sourcing a warehouse for inventory-keeping, businesses will need to incorporate a warehouse management system to synchronise their logistics operations with the distribution centres. Consider optimising your logistics operations with a logistics hub to take your business to the next level.
5. Incorporate blockchain technology into your supply chain
Blockchain is a peer-to-peer network that provides absolute transparency and accountability for everyone in the global supply chain. Every process and agreement is identifiable, storable, and digitally shared, making it a valuable IoT strategy for logistics businesses. With blockchain, audits become more manageable, allowing businesses to track deliveries, receipt of goods, contracts, accounts payable, and more. It also offers digital ledgers that certify product backstories with ease, providing useful information for all parties involved. Leverage the potential of blockchain technology to increase transparency and improve audits in your global supply chain operations.
