Simply put, a supply chain is a network between a business and its suppliers to produce, process, store and distribute goods. A supply chain involves people, technology, information, activities, resources and organizations. It incorporates every step necessary to get that product to its final destination. To meet consumer expectations, your supply chain needs to be efficient and error-free. Currently, one of the biggest challenges is the increasing complexity of supply chains. Working with a 3PL (third-party logistics provider) like On Time Delivery & Warehouse can help you overcome supply chain complexities to ensure your items are moved quickly, safely and seamlessly.

Complexities in modern supply chains are largely attributed to a continually growing number of products, customers, channels and geographies. Research by Gartner found that supply chain complexity is a top concern of CEOs, with more than 60 percent of supply chain leaders reporting it poses one of the highest risks to business continuity.

Analysis by researchers at Michigan State University and APICS Supply Chain Council identified the four main sources of supply chain complexity as:

• Customer expectations. Not only are consumers expecting more variety and customization of products, but they want them delivered faster – and the whole process needs to be more transparent.
• Globalization. Supply chains are expanding into increasingly more global markets.
• Supplier complexity. This goes along with globalization. The farther your reach for raw materials, parts, labor and sales, the greater certainty you’ll need reliable local suppliers.
• General supply chain trends. The ongoing march toward digitization of supply chains may ultimately resolve some supply chain complexities by increasing efficiency and transparency. However, onboarding these systems and continually updating them creates its own challenges. Teaming up with a 3PL that has already upgraded its systems and is up-to-speed on the latest trends gives you an edge on the competition.

Our Cleveland logistics company can help transform your supply chain efficiency, improve delivery times, ensure accuracy and help keep your customers satisfied.

On Time Delivery & Warehouse: We See it Big, Keep it Simple

At On Time Delivery & Warehouse, we see the big picture – which is why constant supply chain evaluation and simplification is at the top of our priority list. Our services include:

• Import/Export Freight Handling
• Warehousing & Distribution
• Labeling and Kitting/Assembly
• Transportation
• Information Management

Some of the ways we can help your firm tackle supply chain complexity are:

1. Resource planning. As a longtime logistics company, we have extensive experience with resource planning to help you coordinate your inventory, labor, service providers and assets to make certain your products get to their destination in a timely fashion. This is essential because inadequate resource planning will adversely impact your ability to fulfill orders in a timely manner. Inevitably, that’s going to lead to reduced profits and unhappy customers. We help you utilize your resources more wisely to ensure a smooth flow of your supply chain.
2. Single-point accountability. Many supply chains involve global and domestic freight forwarding, warehousing, customs bonding, tech support services, track and trace and other functions. Trying to manage all these processes is hugely time-consuming and expensive – especially if you don’t have the systems, networks, labor and technology already in place. On Time Delivery & Warehouse helps customers align all these functions of the supply chain to avoid bottlenecks and errors. We also provide a single point of contact for your entire supply chain operation, designating an account manager responsible to ensure your goals are met.
3. Streamlining technology. Consumers are demanding faster turnaround time, you have distribution systems that are multi-channel and you may be working with global suppliers and customers. If you’re doing all that on old tech, you’re going to pay a price for it one way or another. When you have the right technology to help facilitate faster, more visible movement of your goods, you save time and money and ultimately improve productivity and customer satisfaction. Existing 3PL companies stay on track with the latest in modern technology give you the immediate advantage of these systems, without the hassle of having to onboard, train staff, work out the kinks, etc.

When you work with On Time Delivery & Warehouse, you have the added bonus of focusing on your core competencies. You have your areas of expertise, and we have ours. For most companies, transportation and warehousing aren’t in their wheelhouse; they’re simply a means to an end. For us, it’s what we do. A dependable 3PL working to simplify your supply chain gives you the assurance of knowing your goods will be delivered to your customers intact, on time, every time.

If you have questions about our Cleveland warehousing and 3PL services, contact On Time Delivery & Warehouse by calling (440) 826-4630 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

Supply Chain Management: Beyond the Horizon: MANAGING THE COMPLEXITY PARADIGM, 2017 White Paper, Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business and APICS Supply Chain Council

More Blog Entries:

Can Flexible Cleveland Warehousing Improve Supply Chain Resilience? May 15, 2020, Cleveland Warehousing and 3PL Blog