Blog
10 Freight Management Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Is your company one of the many that take a minimalist approach to freight management? Yes… I did say minimalist, not lean.
When I say minimalist, I’m talking about the many companies which, while reliant on freight to keep supplies coming in and products going out, don’t see freight management as a core competency. In many cases, quite rightly so…
Logistics Outsourcing is Like Dating
What do logistics outsourcing and dating have in common? More than you might expect! Just as in any relationship, being too demanding can create tension. While there are essential logistics requirements—like strict handling for dangerous goods or perishable products—being overly controlling in other areas can lead to frustration. The easier you are to work with, the better the partnership will be…
Top 3 Logistics Outsourcing Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
If you are relatively new to Logistics Outsourcing or maybe you don’t have a lot of experience in going through the Logistics Outsourcing process, there are some common mistakes to avoid…
Supplier Performance Management with Trent
Performance management is about more than just KPIs. In fact, most people misunderstand KPIs. When I develop a supplier relationship management framework, which sits above performance management, I’m focused on the bigger picture. We’re paying for 100%, not just 98% or 99%. Think about the perfect order. Do we want that to happen 100% of the time? Of course! We want our customers to be happy every time they place an order…
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?
How many suppliers should be part of your logistics outsourcing tender? The key to a successful tender process is being an informed buyer. Think of it like hiring a contractor to renovate your bathroom. Would you throw an open call for bids to anyone who renovates bathrooms? No—because you’d get all sorts of irrelevant responses, and it would be difficult to find the right fit…
Supplier Relationship Management Tips
Supplier relationship management, or SRM, is incredibly important because it’s about managing your supplier relationships in a way that creates value for both parties. Think of it like account management—just as important as customer relationships. A lot of businesses make the mistake of not paying enough attention to suppliers after they’re brought on board. You get into a kind of “honeymoon phase” at first, but if the relationship isn’t actively managed, it can fizzle out quickly…
Logistics Outsourcing: Finding Suitable 3PLs
Selecting the right third-party logistics (3PL) provider can be a game-changer for your business. Cost is always a consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only factor when selecting a 3PL. A 3PL’s operational capability is just as important, if not more so. Think about the day-to-day service you expect. Operational excellence includes the ability to manage fluctuations in demand, seasonal pressures, and any other unique challenges your business faces…
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) – The Greatest Success Factor
If you’re involved in S&OP, you might be wondering what truly makes it work. After years of experience implementing and renovating S&OP processes, the answer is clear: you need a converted or enthusiastic MD (Managing Director). It’s not enough to have passive support; the MD needs to champion the process to ensure it delivers results and remains sustainable…
S&OP: Why It Fails
S&OP processes are meant for senior leaders—MDs, CEOs, and other executives who make strategic decisions. To make this work, the information provided to them must be clear, straightforward, and actionable. Executives shouldn’t be buried in details; they need to see the bigger picture and understand the reasoning behind the recommendations. A well-structured S&OP process provides executives with enough clarity to make decisions quickly…