Services

I help companies with an analysis of the strategies, processes, technologies and locations that link them with their customers, suppliers and business partners.

Then, in consultation with the stakeholders, I help with the design and management of sourcing, planning, and delivery of goods and services across their network.

My aim is to help them turn their Supply Chain from a constraint or barrier  to an Advantage. 

As a private contractor without outside affiliation to any particular product, software or company, the focus of work is for the benefit of my clients

Specific areas serviced:

  • Freight (Transport Logistics)
  • 3PL selection and management
  • Warehouse Management/Structure/location
  • Inventory Control
  • Process Mapping and Documentation

1.       Freight (Transport Logistics)
Freight is a huge component of the cost of business,  not only is it time consuming, it is often confusing trying to adequately compare rates between freight service providers.

I can compare proposed rates directly, on an apples-to-apples basis.  This means  each provider can be identified and sorted by the savings they can return.  A report is also made available that shows the savings at national, state, customer or consignment level.

2.       Third Party Logistics Providers – Selection and Management
3PL providers are a great option if you need to process more stock/orders than you can physically hold within your own premises.

Even with all the best intentions, discrepancies between stock records arise and supply performance wanes.  Without the appropriate intervention these issues can lead to  a failure of the relationship.

Working with both your staff and 3PL staff, I can ascertain not only where the problems are originating but why.  I can then propose recommendations that will correct the issues and ensure both your company, and the 3PL, obtain mutual benefit from the relationship.

3.       Warehouse Function/Structure
After reviewing your warehouse processes, layout and equipment, staffing and location I can provide recommendations to improve:

  • Warehouse efficiency – layout, equipment and documentation
  • S&OP meetings – team construction and management of meetings
  • Flowcharting all processes and systems – allowing for training, audits and controlled processes changes
  • Returns process (Reverse Logistics) – recommend actions to ensure timely and cost effective returns process
  • Review for warehouse set-up / relocation – ensuring most appropriate location for your warehouse considering: inbound and outbound freight, staffing, real estate, etc.

 4.       Inventory Control
Inventory is a necessary cost, the issues are often about having enough and enough of the right stock, while ensuring there is no dead or slow moving stock.  Total inventory always appears to be increasing, while stock available for customers is decreasing (increasing Backorders).  This is the same problem small companies have right through to internationals. The first step is to ensure the forecasting and supply is comparable to demand.

By here are a multitude of costs incurred by not having the “right” stock on hand and keeping the total inventory in check. The cost of incorrect or not enough inventory includes: the value of the stock as well as the storage of this stock, the subsequent write-offs for slow movers/redundant stock, as well as the cost of lost sales by not having enough of the saleable stock on hand.

By working with your staff, I provide reports and recommendations to encourage better forecasting and methods to control each stage of the product’s life cycle.

5.       Process Mapping and Documentation
It is inevitable, things do and must change. But within your supply chain this can cause major issue if not  anticipated and controlled. By mapping your processes and documenting how they work along with authorisation levels and actions to take when there is a non-compliance, you are in a better position to identify potential weaknesses and simulate different options before or during the change.  These need not be complex or complicated, but  by having the processes and systems mapped and documented it is easier for staff to gain an understanding the issues, then make informed decisions  to correct the situation, whether it be a critical issue or a planed improvement. An example of the areas I cover (but not limited to):

  • Warehouse processes and policies
  • Transportation
  • Customer Service
  • Inventory control
  • Order processing
  • Returns/Warranty