GOODQUESTION
ESTABLISH A PROPER FULFILLMENT PROCESS. Some questions to ask: Is your pick area set up to handle each pick vs. case pick? Is there a pack area for single unit orders vs. multi-unit orders? Ensure you have the right cycle counting cadence, so your pick slots meet your inventory accuracy levels, and your SKU availability is consistently available for your end users. –Harold Baro SVP and General Manager Simos Solutions EMPOWER YOUR COMPANY WITH DATA FROM SUPPLIERS —and have an automated system and the processes in place to act on it. This gives retailers real-time visibility into their supply chain so they can make informed decisions, reduce unnecessary costs, and streamline inventory management.
Make It Personal Moving to a DTC business model is a great opportunity to experiment and provide a personalized customer experience to boost
customer loyalty. Make sure to have the right logistics and technology in place when implementing this model to distribute to many individual customers and to constantly ensure customer expectations are being met. –Francisco Topp Product Manager, Cin7 Make a customer feel a connection to your brand even without a salesperson creating that experience. Consider personal notes, customized discounts, simple return policies, etc. Competitive advantage will go to the organizations that prioritize human connection in DTC. –Whit Smith Director of Brokerage Operations-Indianapolis, TA Services Consumers expect personalized shipping experiences —like same-day delivery and having a sustainable option. Retailers must have a flexible supply chain involving multiple transit modes, inventory locations, and a technology solution to orchestrate in order to deliver on customers’ expectations. –Steve Denton CEO, Ware2Go, a UPS Company
–Archie Black CEO, SPS Commerce
ENHANCE SYNCHRONIZATION AND COORDINATION with logistics providers, especially third-party logistics providers. Understand each and every custody exchange as products travel to consumers, as well as ensure all parties involved are aware of the environmental conditions surrounding them during the delivery and exchange process.
should implement a returns process that incorporates automation to prioritize efficiency and cost savings. –Thys Visser VP of Market Line Operations, GEODIS in Americas GET A SOLID GRASP of your supply chain network design and how you can leverage existing components of your fulfillment network. Do not operate your direct-to-consumer business in a silo. –Bryan Palma Industry & Solutions Marketing Director, Kinaxis
Have a great answer to a good question? Be sure to participate next month. We want to know: What phrase or buzzword (think shrink ation ) would you create to describe a supply chain trend or development? How would you define it? We’ll publish some answers. Tell us at editorial@inboundlogistics.com or tweet us @ILMAGAZINE #ILGOODQUESTION
–Jim Yarbrough Global Director of Supply Chain Solutions, BSI
ADOPT AND OPTIMIZE THE RIGHT SOFTWARE to help automate DTC warehouse processes along with connected hardware such as barcode label printers. These solutions help direct-to-consumer fleets gain competitive differentiation, speed, and superior customer service. –Brian Beans Senior Manager, Route & Transportation Brother Mobile Solutions SPEED TO CUSTOMER IS CRITICAL for DTC fulfillment to help differentiate the product. Forming strategic partnerships for fulfillment (often placing inventory closer to the end consumer) is key for customer satisfaction. Additionally, brands
PARTNER WITH 3PL S that have strong middle- and last-mile
capabilities. They have the technology to allow retailers to manage inbound and existing inventory placement, as well as forecast inventory needs. Technology to manage the last mile helps extend the retailer’s brand to the consumer’s front door. –Matt Huckeba SVP, Corporate Strategy & Consulting Transportation Insight
August 2022 • Inbound Logistics 9
Powered by FlippingBook