Starting a new job in supply chain can be exciting but also overwhelming. Whether you’re stepping into your first role or joining a new company in a supply chain position, understanding how to hit the ground running is crucial.
For practical advice to ‘get up to speed’ quickly, check out the video below for some useful tips.
Understanding the Physical Aspects of Supply Chain
This session focuses on understanding the physical elements of supply chains, particularly useful for those new to a company or role. Observing operations firsthand offers insight into how a supply chain functions, paving the way for identifying potential improvements. While this overview emphasizes logistics, a broader discussion on KPIs and systems will follow next week.
Examining Physical Processes
When evaluating a supply chain, start by observing the warehouse, beginning at the receipt dock. Key questions include: Where do products originate? Are they domestic or imported? How are they delivered—containerized or palletized? It’s important to identify unloading methods, such as manual labor or machinery, and assess scheduling and receipting processes. Avoid offering immediate solutions; understanding why existing practices are in place is critical. Look for inefficiencies like double handling or delays in stock placement. Examine the put-away process to determine whether goods go directly to picking locations or bulk storage and assess storage methods for suitability and efficiency.
Delving into the Picking Process
Next, analyze how products are picked. Are full pallets, cases, or individual items being selected? Does the picking method—batch, wave, or discrete order picking—align with the business’s needs? Investigate the use of technologies like voice picking or carton live storage. Consider the customer profile, service expectations, and how order fulfillment timelines affect operations. Packing and dispatching processes should also be reviewed, focusing on potential bottlenecks or inventory inaccuracies.
Exploring Delivery and Customer Service
A hands-on approach, such as accompanying delivery drivers, reveals insights into how deliveries are planned, loaded, and executed. Observing customer interactions may highlight scheduling issues or other inefficiencies. Closing the loop by consulting customer service teams provides additional context on customer satisfaction and service challenges.
This methodical walkthrough offers a structured way to grasp the physical supply chain’s nuances, equipping professionals to identify improvement opportunities and refine operations effectively.
Related articles on this topic have appeared throughout our website, check them out:
- You and Your Supply Chain Career
- Supply Chain Q&A Sessions
- The Most Important Thing in Supply Chain Management
Editor’s Note: The content of this post was originally published on Logistics Bureau’s website dated January 04, 2023, under the title “Understanding Supply Chains Part 1- Physical Processes“.
