Being in the food industry, companies need to build and maintain a supply chain process that delivers goods on time via trucks. For that matter, they lean on a fleet tracking system and ERP software to ensure efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
In addition to using the right tools, companies will also need to take their time in selecting supply chain partners that align with overall business goals. This is also true when picking a trucking operator amid global supply chain disruptions that have been going on over the past two years.
Ensuring supply chain efficiency is an investment for future growth in such a highly competitive sector as the food industry, so companies must pick the best possible partner for their needs. Here are a few things to consider when picking a logistics partner that’s worth their time and money:
Credibility and Background
Opt for a supply chain partner with a proven track record consisting of satisfied clients. For this reason, thorough research is needed to uncover any issues or pending lawsuits. Lacking due diligence procedures can increase the risk of onboarding a logistics partner that may fail to meet expectations and, instead, bring legal problems. For that matter, companies will have to check whether potential partners are ISO 9001 certified. Knowing this can help narrow their options to providers that can deliver quality service and address supply chain management risks.
Agile Solutions
The food sector is a broad field and companies require solutions that are tailored to their niche or market. With this in mind, a supply chain partner must be flexible in dealing with a wide range of logistics requirements. They should also go so far as to offer custom equipment based on the goods they are handling. When picking a third-party logistics provider for dried foods, companies should look towards partners that can offer freight forwarding solutions that cater to such goods. It also matters to know if the provider is capable of handling required logistics volumes. Food manufacturers that need to move massive quantities of goods will need logistics providers that have experience at that level.
Accurate and Transparent Reporting
When it comes to improving supply chain efficiency, companies need to know what’s happening on the ground. You will know a supply chain service provider is worth having when it provides seamless and real-time reporting across all areas of the logistics process, from inventory management down to transportation tracking. With such information, companies can make better decisions that can help reduce supply chain costs, prevent delays, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Up-to-Date With the Latest Tech
The supply chain industry is constantly evolving as new tools emerge. The rise of big data and AI-driven logistics software has improved supply chains, so it’s crucial to check whether a potential partner is already equipped with the right tools. Amid worker shortages and surging fuel prices, supply chain service providers are more likely to meet the needs of their markets.
Supply chain management is as complex as it is costly, so companies must rely on logistics partners that are more than capable of delivering goods safely and without delay.
