Boosting Brand Value With Improved Logistics

Logistics and brand value are strongly inter-linked. Small changes in the former have a massive impact on the latter. In a world, where every minor mistake has a domino effect on the brand’s reputation through easily accessible Internet reviews, it is imperative for companies to make sure that their logistics do not leave any scope for any minor error. This is be possible if only the company’s logistics are customer-oriented, ensuring that customer friendly policies are not just laid in place, but also efficiently executed. 

Strong logistics strategies mean having the right items at the right time, and delivering them to the right customer. As easy as this might sound, the process that goes into flawlessly executing one is a highly intricate one, owing to the long chain of process involved. Since this is the face of the company that the customers directly get to see, it has an undeniable impact on the brand value. When customers know that the company they are dealing with has a strong customer support system and easy return or refund policies in place, there is a much higher chance of them remaining loyal to that particular brand. 

The following tips show how brand value can be boosted through logistics- 

• Increase the flexibility and speed of the transportation management system- This tackles the prime concern of customers of correct and timely deliveries. It is also instrumental in streamlining the return and exchange processes, which are a key factor in establishing brand image. 
• Maximizing logistical resources- When it comes to online shopping, it is a major challenge for a brand to stand out among thousands of its competitors. Especially in times when high-end brands are introducing attractive features such as same-day deliveries, free shipping, etc., which have proved to increase sales. 
• Effective handling of recalls- With the manifold increase in customer awareness, recalls are an inevitable challenge that companies have to face. Increasing supply chain visibility and implementing robust testing and monitoring procedures are a few ways in which companies can tackle this challenge. 
• Integrated data analysis technology- Many companies are turning to advanced logistics software for better maintenance of databases, which can be accessed at all levels of the supply chain. This helps to improve logistics management by streamlining the supply chain processes, increasing productivity and minimizing delays. 

By adopting these simple logistics principles, companies can significantly boost their brand value and increase customer satisfaction. 

Microsoft Dynamics AX For Warehouse Management

Microsoft Dynamics AX provides a readymade solution for the warehouse management needs of a company, adhering to the simplicity and excellent standards that Microsoft is popular for. This coming-of-age interface has been designed with an aim of streamlining the functions of any warehouse, without running the risk of getting too complicated that most ERP solutions end up being. By employing this software, employees at each echelon of the supply chain, right from the manufacturers and distributors to the retailers, and finally the customers, can benefit from extensive planning and execution of their roles in the chain.

Any business that involves the use of an inventory can benefit from this software, as it helps making the movement as well as management of products in the inventory speedier, more accurate, and more efficient. The end result of employing Microsoft Dynamics AX for warehouse management is the positive impact on the bottom line. This results from the elimination of loopholes in the existing WMS, which helps by saving both time and resources. By automating the materials handling processes at each stage of the supply chain, the company benefits by saving on time and manpower involved, thereby leading to increased overall productivity.

Microsoft Dynamics AX relies upon a robust interface, making it more durable and easy to maintain as compared to conventional warehouse management solutions. The first and most basic function of this software is that it efficiently manages records of all the warehouse processes in real time, eliminating the need for elaborate paperwork. This simple database can be readily accessed by all the involved parties, leading to increased transparency and coordination, which lacks in a traditionally-run warehouse. This leads to a significant decrease in errors, making it easy to surpass the chance or incorrect deliveries.

In case of any confusion during the warehouse management process, Microsoft Dynamics AX improves the traceability at each step, making it possible to identify any missing links and rectifying them immediately. It becomes much easier to trace information on orders using features like ASN and EDI, in which this information can be updated in real time, eliminating the chance of wrong delivery. The major benefit of this software is to the warehouse workers, who can make use of a variety of tools to make the process more efficient. With Microsoft Dynamics AX as your solution for warehouse management, you can achieve better customer satisfaction, precise deliveries, shorter turnaround times, and boosted productivity.

To know more about the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, visit McLane Logistics Technology at 4001, Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504. You can also call them at 1-800-989-7568.

Managing Your Logistics As You Grow Your Business

Logistics management is central to the efficient and smooth functioning of any business. With every progress that you make in your organization, you must also ensure that you upgrade your logistics management simultaneously. Logistics starts from the very first stage of product flow, extending till the final delivery, spanning every step and process in this supply chain. The key to successful logistics lies in ensuring smooth progress at every step, by minimizing any sort of interruptions, while still being ready for unanticipated problems. The following tips guide you on how to manage the growing logistics needs of your business-

• Lay down a fool-proof plan- The biggest challenge of a logistics manager lies in ensuring that a sturdy plan is laid down well in time, to ensure that the entire process is streamlined beforehand. With an efficient plan in place, the risk of errors and delays is reduced significantly. 
• Have contingency plans- A common mistake made by logistics managers of expanding businesses is that of believing that they have mastered the skills of logistics management, and nothing can go wrong. As your business grows, so do its risks, and this is something that logistics managers must never overlook. It is important to have a clear perspective on the possible problems that might arise, and have a backup plan on how to tackle them. 
• Efficient communication- At the center of any logistics management strategy is the supply chain, and it is called a “chain” for a reason. All that it takes to jeopardize the entire process is one weak link in the supply chain. It is the role of the logistics manager to ensure that every person involved in the supply chain, right from the manufacturer to the customer, is a part of the communication loop.
• Proactive attitude- As you take on the role of managing the logistics requirements of a growing company, it becomes more important than ever to hone your managerial skills to the level where you are able to devise instant solutions in case of unforeseen circumstances. Keeping a cool head under all circumstances and remaining unflustered are benchmarks of an efficient logistics manager. 
• Make use of logistics management software- This helps you to maintain real-time records in a transparent interface, and also to involve top-level management in the basic proceedings of logistics management.

For customized logistics management software for your business, visit McLane Logistics Technology at 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504. You can also call them at 1-800-989-7568.

How Microsoft Dynamics Can Ease The Supply Chain Process

Understanding the supply chain is becoming critical to business owners, owing to it being an integral part of any organization’s functioning. As simple as it might seem on the surface, the supply chain is indeed a highly intricate system that needs an efficient management system in place for its smooth functioning. Microsoft Dynamics, which is software catering to this very purpose, and is being used by entrepreneurs across the globe to make each stage of the supply chain process more organized.

The basic emphasis of this software lies on the four critical stages involved in any supply chain, which are production, purchase, distribution, and shipping. When Microsoft Dynamics is incorporated into a preexisting supply chain, it gives that much-needed boost to the process, by making the job of every employee involved, much easier. Not only does this enhance the productivity of the organization in terms of decreased workforce, time efficiency, cost-cutting, and customer satisfaction, but it also makes other functions like planning and coordination more systematic.

The major benefits of Microsoft Dynamics for the supply chain process are-

• User-friendly interface- You do not need to be techno-savvy to operate the software, since its easy-to-use and intuitive interface guides you through each stage. Much like other Microsoft products, it has highly applicable features like a business-role specific design, which makes it simple for employees to access the tools that are most relevant to their jobs in the supply chain process. 
• Flexibility- One of the most attractive features of Microsoft Dynamics from a business owner’s point of view is that its functionality is easily customizable, making it possible to tweak its usage as per the requirements of your company. If you plan for expansion of your supply chain in the future, Microsoft Dynamics will still be as relevant as a supply chain management software for you then, as it is now. 
• Better visibility- Effective communication and transparency at each stage is imperative for the efficiency of a supply chain. Microsoft Dynamics makes both these factors possible, with its insightful interface which makes it possible to view everything, right from changes in customer orders to shipping addresses in a single glance. This aids in making the right decisions at every stage, and taking instant action when required. In addition to this, features like automatic notifications help in inventory control, by alerting when reorder levels are reached. 

For more information on Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and how it can be beneficial to your business, visit McLane Logistics Technology at 4001, Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call them at 1-800-989-7568.

Need For Distribution Management In Business

Distribution management is a wide-reaching term that encompasses the management of the events from the starting point of the distribution process, right up to their final delivery to the required destination. It can also be defined as the management of events from the point of production to the point of sale. Every person involved in the supply chain has an obligation to complete the process assigned to him, and since each process is interconnected to the other, one step going wrong could affect the entire chain of distribution.

By investing in a reliable distribution management system, a business owner can benefit with a higher ROI stemming from greater customer satisfaction, and hence increased customer loyalty. You might have the best products and a high demand for them, but if you do not have the resources to deliver them at the right destination, within the stipulated time, and in excellent condition, they are of no use to boost your revenues. A distribution management system ensures that all these aspects of distribution are taken care of, hence streamlining your business processes. This has a direct impact on your brand, giving it a stamp of reliability and integrity, hence making repeat orders flood in.

The role of distribution management does not simply end at delivering products to customers in time and in perfect condition. It also plays an important role in determining how far you can expand your business. For instance, say you own a cake shop in Birmingham, Alabama, and you sell the best cakes in town. With a reliable distribution management service in place, you can build an online presence for your business, and provide shipping for customized cakes across Memphis and Boston as well. Before you know it, you will be a household name miles away from where your brick-and-mortar business is sold.

With the special packaging and premium shipping required for most businesses, distribution management is the key to ensuring that your strategies to improve the visibility of your brand actually work. Depending on the industry that you are dealing in, distribution management can have a different definition for your business. For instance, while selling cupcakes, taking customized orders and streamlining deliveries is what you need to focus on; but in a business of HVAC installation and maintenance, the meaning of distribution can extend to selling your instruction, or maybe licenses for your franchise. It’s all about being exploratory and innovative!

McLane Logistics Technology provides a very reliable Distribution Management Software at a very affordable price. For more details contact them at 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call at 1-800-989-7568.

Boost Service And Reduce Costs With Inventory Management

With an effectively managed inventory in place, business owners can experience a significant boost in their enterprise, both in the terms of efficiency as well as productivity. Efficient management and control of inventory practices results in a two-thronged benefit, with there being clearer visibility as well as better cost-efficiency and customer fulfillment. As far as cost-efficiency is concerned, inventory management works in two ways- firstly, it helps in reducing operating costs, and secondly, it increases repeat orders due to there being more satisfied customers.

With a well-managed inventory, business owners can steer away from both extremes of an inventory- under-stocking and over-stocking. Inventory managers are increasingly becoming aware of the need to increase inventory turnover ratio, and to clear old inventory periodically. These simple strategies are an efficient way of keeping the working capital flowing, and determining which items are worth investing in, when replenishing the inventory. On the other hand, having what your customers are looking for most of the times, is a sure-shot way to increase customer loyalty and satisfaction.

While it was previously sufficient to monitor the physical movement of materials in the inventory and maintain inventory balances, the definition of inventory management has changed for modern businesses. It now includes additional tasks like devising replenishment techniques, analyzing the projected inventory in relation to the current one, setting targets over specified term periods, and making necessary changes in the execution framework. These efforts help in creating a competitive edge in the market for the products being sold, hence contributing to enhanced productivity of the business.

Most businesses are now adopting computer-based inventory management systems, which can be integrated into the pre-existing system being used by the business. Such a system makes inventory data easily accessible, enabling employees to look into details of the inventory like reorder statuses, and the movement of various products, in just a single click. In order to make the most of inventory management, business owners should bear the following tips in mind-

• An accurate entry must be made for each stock receipt.
• The business should devise a replenishment strategy for each item in the inventory.
• Excess inventory and on-going dead stock should be efficiently handled with pre-decided strategies.
• Businesses should invest in a stock-analysis tool for instantly available information regarding the inventory.

A strong inventory management system is definitely crucial to the success of a business, and is critical to saving cost as well as boosting service.

McLane Logistics Technology provides reliable and customized inventory management software to give your business a competitive edge. For more details visit them at 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call them at 1-800-989-7568.