Blogs
Logistics Outsourcing is Like Dating
Outsourcing logistics can feel a lot like dating—you’re looking for a partner that’s not just compatible but also reliable for the long term. After helping businesses navigate logistics outsourcing for 25 years, I’ve seen where companies succeed and where they stumble.
Top 3 Logistics Outsourcing Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
If you’re new to logistics outsourcing or don’t have much experience navigating the process, it’s easy to make mistakes. Many companies think logistics outsourcing can be wrapped up in two to three months. In reality, even a simple process can take six months or more. You’ll need time to gather data…
Supplier Performance Management with Trent
Is supplier performance management all about KPI…
The Power of Outsourcing for Supply Chain Improvement
If you’re a decision-maker with accountability for your organisation’s entire supply chain, and you’re just starting to think about outsourcing, perhaps to reduce costs or improve service…
Logistics Outsourcing Tender – How Many Suppliers to Invite?
When approaching logistics outsourcing, whether it’s warehousing or distribution, a solid process is crucial for achieving the right outcome. One key question that often arises is: How many potential suppliers should you invite to participate in the tender process? Let’s break it down…
Supplier Relationship Management Tips
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the supply chain. Many organizations focus heavily on customer relationships but fail to give the same attention to the supplier side, which is just as important. Without strong supplier partnerships, businesses risk missing opportunities to unlock added value and build a more resilient supply chain…
Logistics Outsourcing: Finding Suitable 3PLs
Finding the right third-party logistics provider (3PL) is a challenge for many businesses. Whether you’re outsourcing warehousing, transport, or both, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many companies make mistakes during this process, leading to poor service, high costs, and a lot of frustration…
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) – The Greatest Success Factor
S&OP, like anything, requires effort to stay effective. Without consistent input from the MD, it’s easy for the process to lose focus and energy. This is where the second law of thermodynamics comes into play: without energy, things naturally degrade. The MD’s job isn’t to spend hours every week in S&OP meetings, but they need to ensure the process stays a priority. Their leadership helps keep S&OP fresh and relevant, ensuring that it remains a key tool for strategic decision-making…
S&OP: Why It Fails
One of the most common reasons S&OP processes fail is because there are too many meetings—but not the right kind. S&OP meetings should be decision-making forums, not long-winded discussions. The key is preparation. When participants arrive well-prepared with data, analysis, and clear recommendations, decisions can be made confidently and efficiently…
The Big List of Supply Chain KPI Mistakes to Avoid
Who would have thought that measuring the performance of supply chain processes like warehousing, procurement, or logistics could be so troublesome…
