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Three Ways You Can Optimise Your Outbound Logistics

Written by WTA | 22 Jul 2021

Logistics is a significant expense for many businesses; depending on the size of your company and the products you sell, you could be spending 11% of your sales revenue or more on warehousing and transportation. 

Most companies treat this as simply being "the cost of doing business." But that's the wrong way to approach outbound logistics. 

At World Transport Agency (WTA), we've seen how vital Outbound Logistics is as part of a successful supply chain management strategy. This article will discuss Outbound Logistics and how you can improve your process to be more successful and cost-effective.

What is Outbound Logistics

While inbound logistics relates to the flow of goods and raw materials into a business, outbound logistics concerns the transport and delivery of finished products.

Both processes are essential to keeping your business running smoothly; however, it's vital to treat them as distinct entities. Individual attention is necessary for both areas of logistics, and both have bespoke solutions required to deliver maximum performance and savings.

Why is Outbound Logistics Important?

Outbound logistics is critical to meeting your customers demands, making sure your final products reach their destination on time and intact. Paying attention to the crucial details in outbound logistics and looking for continuous improvements will help keep your end customers delighted with your services.  

Delays are often inevitable especially currently with the constant fluctuating situation in the global markets. It’s how you manage those delays that play a vital part in providing visibility to your clients. Being proactive rather than reactive is essential when timelines are missed; it’s all about managing expectations.

Top Tips for Improving Your Outbound Logistics Process

Meeting growing demands and exceeding customer expectations is a complex process, so we've prepared a list of three ways you can improve your outbound logistics process.

1. Track And Trace Your Goods

Having visibility in your supply chain with a comprehensive tracking system enables you to keep where your product is at any given time, ensuring your goods are ready to be shipped quickly and allowing the customer to gain real-time updates on their order status.

Some logistics experts, like WTA, will not only back your supply chain with technology but will also have a designated supply-chain professional who can work with you every step of the way and ensure your goods are delivered on time.

With WTA, you can regain control of your supply chain with online tracking and real-time visibility of events and milestones, allowing for better planning. Not only will you be provided with enhanced technological expertise, business intelligence and digital solutions, but we also have an experienced hands-on team of logistic experts.

2. Improve Communication In Your Supply Chain

It's essential to ensure that those responsible for the transport and movement of your goods can communicate efficiently and effectively. Achieving this can lead to significant efficiency savings in outbound logistics.

If warehouse managers, delivery personnel, and other staff members can communicate quickly and easily, issues can be resolved before they become serious.

WTA can connect with enterprise research planning, warehouse management systems and transportation management systems, integrating with client, supplier and agent systems to create a seamless and dependable logistics experience.

3. Streamline Complexities In Your Shipping Process

Managing the complexities of your supply chain can take up a substantial portion of your or your team members time. Keeping documents and visibility across suppliers, transportation carriers, and third-party warehouse logistics can be difficult. 

WTA can streamline your complex logistic processes into one platform, granting you visibility, precision and transparency of costs. By offering you comprehensive digital solutions, you will find that we can transform your supply chain and deliver continuous improvement. 

Outbound logistics is essential to the success of many businesses. Learning to master the process can mean increased growth and reduced costs.

On-time delivery in perfect condition worldwide demands detailed planning, careful selection of transportation modes, and a total understanding of relevant customs regulations and statutory controls. WTA manages the export and import of a wide variety of goods, working with each client to design processes specific to their needs. Book a consultation to discuss your needs.