How to Get the Most Out of Your Book Distribution

With the Frankfurt Book Fair nearly upon us, the excitement amongst those in the publishing industry is growing.

A fantastic opportunity for networking, the Frankfurt Book Fair allows like-minded businesses to mingle, to explore new opportunities, and discover new potential customers.

However, this illustrious event is also a prime time for those shipping books to refine their logistics.

Distributing books around the globe is a complex and costly endeavour. And, if you have a lengthy supply chain, it can be even more so. How can you ensure that all of your containers arrive at their destination on time?

More so, by leaving your current supply chain untouched, you may be missing out on potentially thousands of pounds in savings.

As global logistics specialists, we are well aware of the incredible benefits streamlining your supply chain can bring. But are you?

To help you transform your logistics into a beacon of cost-effective efficiency, here are some expert tips that will assist you in optimising your book distribution.

Commit and Focus on Planning

The planning of your distribution processes is an essential component to ensuring a rapid and reliable delivery. However, for many in the publishing industry, this simply doesn’t occur. Instead, you’re left wading through a pool of paperwork, muddling through confusion which all too often leads to late delivery dates.

Though planning can be viewed as an unnecessary task, it will help you to get your products delivered on time and on budget.

This is especially the case when it comes to the fractious link between production and order fulfilment. Shipping books from your printer to the distribution centre is often left to the last minute. But, by tackling this vital component head on, you can make a significant improvement to the productivity of your supply chain.

Analyse Your Processes

While swapping over to a new system can be time-consuming, ridding yourself of outdated, slow systems is an important step to optimising your logistics.

The internal systems you use on a day-to-day basis have a substantial impact on your communication. They keep everyone on the same page. And, the more complicated your supply chain becomes, the more important this is to maintain.

If confusion surrounds the key players in your logistics, it makes it that much harder to ensure all deliveries arrive on time and on budget.

By reassessing your current processes, you are able to discover that aspects of your systems are letting you down. Once you know what needs to be fixed, you can begin the process of changing it for the better.

Analysing your processes is also a great way to discover any areas in your supply chain that are no longer effective. They might be slow, or even unnecessary due to a change in circumstance or technology. Removing these areas of disruption is the key to a swift, reliable supply chain.

Utilise a Tracking System

Innovative, online tracking systems are a considerable attribute in the optimisation of your publishing logistics.

By utilising a 24/7 online tracking system, you can build improved management and execution of your publishing orders. Once more, this all comes down to clear, concise communication. A tracking system gives you and your stakeholders the ability to keep on top of the current status of your shipment, so you can amend your plans and actions as you go.

Discuss with your logistics provider if a tracking system can be put in place for your goods. At WTA, we offer a free online Track and Trace system, purely so you and your team can remain up to date on your shipment status.

In the publishing industry, markets and demands are constantly changing. Globalisation has opened the door to endless overseas opportunities - but also competition. To stay ahead of the pack, having a cost-effective and reliable supply chain is paramount.

At WTA, we understand that transforming your logistics can be easier said than done. Get in touch about a free supply chain audit.

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