It doesn’t matter how you voted in the 2016 referendum; no-one could imagine the current situation. We could be days away from a no-deal Brexit and that could hurt everyone, businesses especially. There has been a lot of chatter amongst the business community about how to ramp up supply chain procedures. The aim is to keep customers happy, ensure continuity and protect a business in the light of the new movement of goods rules and tariffs.
Running a business has become more expensive for some, especially when it comes to items such as packing and shipping which is why custom kitting and assembly services, for example, can be advantageous. This is one of the many changes that business leaders are making in order to beat the price hikes and reduce the impact of all aspects of exporting and more.
The Importance of Excellent Supply Chain Procedures
Ensuring prompt transportation of goods and the correct packaging is highly important on all levels of supply. If your goods were to arrive to with the customer in question late, then they would not be very happy. Moreover, if they were to arrive in the incorrect packaging or without any quality control, then again the customer would not be very impressed. While the majority of businesses have this built into their procedures as standard, everyone is going to have to really step it up as far as supply chain procedures are concerned to try and overcome difficulties caused by new legislation. Not doing so could lead to a negative impact on a business’s reputation.
Practical Changes to Supply Chain Procedures
What level of purchase and product packaging options do you need to consider in order to provide a high level of service? Ensuring that the inventory is sorted effectively and that no mistakes are made is essential. You need a high software solution which locates every good and every procedure. This is true whether you are selling thousands of products or have a much smaller range. You can also increase packing efficiency with order picking trolleys and the right equipment. There are obviously different procedures of sorting out goods – from small parts assembly to kitting services. You need to ensure the right method is utilised. Doing so will save you time, something that will likely be needed more in the export portion of your business.
When there are several products which are identically assembled together, kitting is the most efficient solution. All of the products will be transported to the warehouse. Here they can be sorted and the packaging procedure can begin. This includes the cutting of the packaging material, the bagging of the products, the tagging of the goods. Everything will be completed so that the goods are ready for the transportation process. This is highly efficient because kitted products can be shipped as soon as the order comes in. All that is left is the labelling of the destination address.
These supply chain procedures will depend on what your business supplies! You might offer gift wrapping. Some products, such as pens, which may come in blister packs. Alternatively, there are those which need to be tightly packed, such as modular displays, and so require shrink film wrapping. It is important for all to be aware of the packing procedure involved for each good to ensure efficiency and accuracy in dispatch.
Supply Chain Procedures Post-Brexit
These are just a few of the points that you need to consider in order to maximise the efficiency of your supply chain procedures and look to overcome any challenges to your business, now or in the future. What changes have you already put in place to ensure your customers can still receive your products in good time? Are you having to wait until you can see what happens with Brexit? For businesses, all of this “not knowing” can be costly and frustrating which is why so many of us are having to think and plan for worst-case scenario. What a world!
