Joining a supply chain role, whether at a new company or for the first time, comes with its share of excitement and challenges.
From learning the ropes to building confidence, the adjustment period can feel overwhelming.
Need guidance? Watch the video linked below to discover how to ‘get up to speed’ and make the most of your new opportunity.
This week, we’re focusing on the physical aspects of supply chains—how products move and how things work. This is particularly helpful if you’re new to a company or role, as it helps you get up to speed quickly. In the next session, we’ll talk about the information systems and key performance indicators (KPIs) that support the process.
In my consulting work at Logistics Bureau, I often work with new clients to quickly understand their operations. The first thing I do is look at how the physical parts of the supply chain are running. I usually start by visiting the warehouse, beginning at the receipt dock. I ask key questions: Where are the products coming from? Are they manufactured locally or imported? Are they delivered in containers or on pallets? I also check how products are unloaded—whether it’s done by third parties or by the company’s own staff. Identifying any issues or delays here helps pinpoint areas of improvement early on.
Checking the Put-Away Process
Next, I examine how products are stored once they’re received. Are they moved directly into the picking area, or do they go into bulk storage first? I watch for signs of unnecessary delays, such as double-handling or inefficient storage methods. Products that are difficult to access or stored in places that make them hard to pick can cause delays in later stages of the supply chain.
Looking at the Picking Process
The picking process is another important area I focus on. I look at how products are picked—whether they are taken in full pallets, cases, or individual items. I also assess if the picking method, such as batch or order picking, is the right fit for the operation. Are any technologies being used, like voice picking or automated systems, to make this process smoother? And how is the picking organized—by orders, or in waves? Ensuring the picking method is logical for the type of product and order size can help avoid inefficiencies.
Evaluating Packing and Dispatch
Once products are picked, I check the packing and dispatch process. How are the orders packed, and how quickly are they sent out for delivery? Any delays in this stage can signal issues like inventory inaccuracies or problems with dispatching orders on time. The goal is to get products out to customers as quickly as possible without sacrificing accuracy.
Observing Deliveries and Customer Service
I also make a point of going out with delivery drivers. Whether the company uses its own vehicles or third-party carriers, seeing how products are loaded and delivered helps uncover potential issues with delivery times or route planning. Talking to customer service is also crucial, as it helps me understand any recurring customer issues or challenges that might need attention.
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“.
