Making the Most of Logistics Consultants

Begin making the most of logistics consultants to increase efficiency in your supply chain
By Linda C. Ray Logistics consulting firms can manage your warehouse and transportation crews, bring in new marketing strategies and introduce you to emerging IT upgrades. A logistics consultancy can help you to bring in business from sources they have cultivated, review your company programs and create training seminars to introduce new software and business practices to your employees.
 

Logistics management consultants can make sure your operations are compliant with government regulations and show you where you should invest in equipment upgrades. They can recommend mobile applications to improve your communication systems. There are a variety of ways you can begin making the most of logistics consultants.

1. Use logistics specialists to assess your staff training needs.

2. Look for transportation consultants to improve profits by finding new sources of business.

3. Bring in a logistics consulting firm to manage your operations.

Let a distribution consultant design training seminars

Request a review of your current employees' abilities and assess their ability to deal with new software upgrades after the consultants have installed it. Consultants can assess the level of global market understanding your team has as they guide you into new markets. Ask for a report from the logistics consulting company for how they plan to bring your sales, warehouse and transportation teams to the next level through training and coaching.
Try: After they have instituted technical and warehouse changes to increase efficiency, Logistics Consultants can train your staff on how to use the new equipment. CEI Logistics includes training as an integral part of their entire consulting package. Make the most of their services by looking at their entire proposal before signing to make sure the training is sufficient.

Grow your market share using consulting services for transportation logistics

Ask for introductions to new vendors and potential clients. Use the expertise of the consultant to set up trade routes. A logistics consultancy can bring expertise and contacts to the table to introduce you to developing markets and new lines of supply chain vendors and routes. Make sure they are installing the latest software applications and technical programs to keep up with the upgrades they institute.
Try: Request a review of your distribution network from a global consultancy such as CTSI. Following the review, you can take time to look over their recommendations for new programs. Find a transportation consultant group to help your company identify the tools you need to streamline your business. A firm such as TCI can help design new shipping warehouses and depot services.

Contract ongoing logistics consultancy services

You may reduce some of your costs by outsourcing some or all of your operations to a management consultancy. They can set up your new systems and manage the delivery and day-to-day business of your warehouse, transportation tracking and HR programs. Consultants can negotiate new contracts and follow through with the deliveries.
Try: Utilize the services of a consultancy such as Tompkins Associates on a continuing basis to keep your transportation department running smoothly by providing on-site communications and drivers. Hire an outside company like TALTOA to serve as your permanent freight brokers. They work with start-ups, small businesses and growing companies.

• Consider hiring a different distribution consultant for each kind of project, looking for specialists in transportation, technology and staffing to operate different projects.