3 ways businesses can streamline complex international logistics operations

Supply chain management is a logistics operations process involving many stakeholders along the way. It is a centralised network to move goods and services from the manufacturer to its final buyer. Today, this distribution journey has become a complex process marked by evolving factors such as mounting customer expectations, more routes to market and other logistics and supply chain management complexities.

With rapid global expansion and a growing appetite for value-added experiences, a lot of pressure is now placed on creating a robust supply chain. According to the DHL Engineering & Manufacturing Case Study, the costs of logistics operations have increasingly risen along with mounting performance issues. Therefore, a more comprehensive solution is required.

Designing a weatherproof system for international logistics operations can be beneficial for modern traders and businesses. Streamlining this complex process would also help to strengthen profit margins, deliver quality and customised solutions for customers and provide full visibility across the entire spectrum of supply chain and operations management. 

While planning an effective model can be challenging, here are a few ways to enhance this process.

1. Acquire real-time data

The Internet of Things – or IoT in short – has led to a massive transformation worldwide. Vast amounts of information can now be captured from various operations and logistics sources. This provides valuable analytics and insights for both businesses and their consumers. 

Real-time data makes it easier to identify and rectify issues before they have a chance to affect the entire distribution chain. They deliver operational efficiency by allowing real-time tracking, capacity planning and pre-emptive measures. Leveraging the IoT delivers comprehensive solutions such as offering 24/7 information on demand and machine learning, allowing supply chain leaders to make data-driven decisions. 

This appeal of leveraging big data through the IoT in supply chain management is also echoed in a 2020 Ernst & Young LLP survey of 200 senior-level supply chain management executives. In this survey, a majority of the respondents reported greater success in breaking down organisational and logistics silos across the entire product value pipeline, as well as seamless collaboration with manufacturing stakeholders. 

2. Develop a logistics hub

A logistics hub is an area which is allocated to supply chain management activities such as transportation, sorting, dispatch, and distribution of goods to the end buyer. It paves the way for a streamlined organisation of work and automates the workflow. Today, this has become an integral part of a modern logistics strategy. 

Such logistics destinations can be ideal for improving order fulfilment rates and helping organisations deliver dedicated services to their customers. However, note that building a logistics hub can be a lengthy and costly process. Apart from just sourcing a warehouse for inventory-keeping, businesses will need to incorporate a warehouse management system to sync operations with the distribution centres. 

3. Invest in human resources

In a study of why and how the fashion supply chain was evolving, it was revealed that a human-centric model is the way forward. The results pointed to a sequenced approach of silo operations to a dynamic web of human participants, all working together to create a versatile logistics operation. 

The full spectrum of supply chain management is not only about strategy development, data mining and hardware upgrades. It is also about the effective management of human performance. Unlike digital intelligence and machine learning, the influence of real workers along the supply chain has garnered little attention. Businesses need employees who are able to ensure the procured materials meet quality standards, evaluate delivery timings, maintain ideal relationships with suppliers, and more. 

Smart supply chain management

In recent years, the trading industry has undergone massive transformation with the evolution of the IoT and diversifying needs. With that, global supply chains have come under pressure to deliver greater efficiency and quality. To navigate this confusing landscape, businesses can choose to partner with a reputable global logistics provider like DHL Express to scale their businesses. 

More than just shipping goods, DHL Express melds technology and human expertise to offer a complete gamut of international express delivery services, including strategically located network control towers around the world to support your business in Australia. The combination of smart processes, unparalleled accuracy and human-centric services enables us to streamline and resolve all kinds of issues no matter their complexity. 

Create a customer account to streamline your business’ complex logistics operations today.