Supply chain management (SCM) is crucial for a company's success in today’s world. Integrated logistics is a key aspect which focuses on optimizing the movement of goods and the corresponding information across the supply chain. Orchestration of transportation, inventory management, warehousing, packaging, and information systems, is enabled to ensure a seamless flow of products from suppliers to customers.
In this blog, we will explore the significance of integrated logistics in SCM and its role in improving key performance indicators (KPIs).
Improved Customer Service
Customer service can be augmented by optimizing logistics activities, fulfilling orders faster and reliably, On-time delivery and intact products contribute to higher customer retention rates and a positive brand reputation . All of this ensures that products reach customers promptly and in the desired condition, which plays a key role in meeting customer expectations.
Reduced Costs
By integrating logistics activities, companies can identify and eliminate redundancies, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs. Optimization enables better planning and coordination, resulting in improved resource utilization, reduced transportation costs, optimized inventories, and minimized warehousing expenses. By reducing costs, companies can achieve higher profitability while maintaining service levels.
Inventory Optimization
Through real-time visibility and information sharing, companies can improve demand forecasting and inventory control. Efficient demand forecasts and maintaining optimal inventory levels help minimize stockouts, reduce excess inventory, and improve overall inventory turnover. These factors directly impact SCM KPIs such as inventory accuracy, stockout rates, and carrying costs. With integrated logistics, a company can effectively manage their inventory and respond to fluctuations in demand.
Streamlined Operations
By orchestrating effective coordination between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, integrated logistics improves production planning, reduces lead times, and enhances operational efficiency. Streamlined operations contribute to improved SCM KPIs such as order cycle time, on-time delivery, and order fulfillment rate. With reduced delays and bottlenecks, a company meets customer demands and maintains a competitive edge.
Flexibility and Responsiveness
By leveraging better visibility and communication across the supply chain, companies can quickly adapt to unforeseen events such as supply disruptions or changes in customer requirements. This agility allows companies to maintain high service levels, minimize disruptions, and effectively manage their operations. SCM KPIs such as order fill rate and lead time variability can significantly improve with an integrated logistics approach.
Continuous Improvement
By collecting and analyzing data, companies can zero-in on areas for optimization and enhancement across the supply chain. Monitoring KPIs and performance metrics provides insights into bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas of underperformance. This data-driven approach enables informed decision-making, process improvements, and achieving higher levels of operational excellence.
Implementing Integrated Logistics for Improving Performance
Integrated logistics plays a key role in optimizing SCM. By synergizing logistics activities, companies can improve customer service, reduce costs, optimize inventory, streamline operations, improve flexibility, and drive continuous improvement. Improved performance in SCM KPIs allows companies to stay competitive, meet customer expectations, and achieve long-term success. Integrated logistics is a key enabler of efficient and effective SCM which helps improve overall performance.
About the Author
Vishwas Bunyan,
Group Manager, Digital Transformation Office (DTO), Tech Mahindra
VISHWAS BUNYAN is an SCM expert at the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) at Tech Mahindra. Vishwas has 22 years of Professional experience in the IT Industry. He has done MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Trichy, and holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree.
