Tuesday 27 December 2011

Transportation: Trailer Loading Techniques

The loading process is probably the most underestimated while also being the most vital process while transporting goods. There are all kinds of trailer loading techniques that have gained followers in the business industry with different companies opting for different methods as per their convenience. The kind of trailer loading technique that you go in for primarily depends on the kind of parcels that you wish to load and deliver to your customers. It also depends on the method of shipping being followed. Some of the popular ways of arranging box shaped parcels include straight loading, loading pallets turned and pin-wheeling. All three methods come with their own unique advantages and companies use either one of these depending on the kind of safety that they wish to achieve for their parcels.

The loading process is the most crucial one in the supply chain process because of the possibility of damage that may be caused to the parcels being delivered while in transit. Irrespective of the shipping method used including road transport, ships or air freight, the risk regarding the parcels remains the same in each case. Although it is not possible for companies to keep a track of each stage in the delivery process or oversee this operation, it is possible to take certain steps to mitigate the possibilities of damage and destruction by following appropriate packaging and loading processes.

The loading process should be chosen keeping in mind the amount of time that you wish to devote to this process. If you want this process to be quickly completed, you can opt for the use of wheeled containers that are easy to roll onto any vehicle that has a ramp attached to it. There is no need of additional manpower to help pick up or haul the items to be transported onto the vehicle that is going to take them to their intended destination. This can be highly useful in cases where the parcels involved are quite large and heavy and can take a considerable amount of strength as well as time for being loaded.

For effective and user-friendly transportation solutions, contact McLane Logistics Technology, 4001 Central Ponte, Parkway, Temple, TX 76504. You can also call us at 1-800-989-7568.

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Same Day Shipping

The shipping process forms an important part of the supply chain for companies that deal in delivering products to their customers’ doorsteps. The way that this activity is organized can have great impact on whether you are able to retain customers and generate new buyers for your products. While formulating a plan for shipping and delivery systems, one of the areas where you will need to take a decision is that of deciding the number of days within which you will deliver the products ordered. Most companies follow a flexible policy of shipping within which there is a minimum as well as a maximum time frame mentioned regarding the shipping process. Stating the number of days within which customers can expect delivery is vital for the success of your business as it helps customers keep track of their orders while also reassuring them of a delivery.

Same day shipping is a newly emerging concept within which companies dispatch the products ordered on the day that an order is placed. This is a fast and efficient way to make deliveries and can lead to increased sales especially for orders that require quick deliveries, for example perishable items. This kind of a delivery system not only helps build a great rapport with customers but also ensures that customers purchasing from a competitor shift their loyalties to your business due to the faster access to products. Same day shipping does not signify that a product will be delivered to customers on the day on which an order is placed by them. It simply means that an order will be sent and will leave the company premises on the same day. The delivery process may depend on the geographical distance and the method of shipping followed. If the delivery is intended for a local address, the customers may also be able to receive their orders on the same day.

For companies too, same day shipping can prove to be quite advantageous as it helps bring in a sense of urgency in operations that in turn increases efficiency as well as effectiveness. This translates into increased productivity.

For more details about Shipping Management Software Systems visit McLane Logistics Technology, Central Pointe, Parkway, Temple, TX 76504. You can also call at 1-800-989-7568.

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Bar Coding And RFID For Effective Inventory Management.

Bar Coding and RFID both are processes that help keep track of each item that enters into the supply chain. This technique is increasingly being used by businesses worldwide because of the convenience with which products can be tracked no matter what stage of production they are at. Although both bar coding and RFID technologies serve similar purposes, their technique differs from each other. Bar coding involves the reading of printed bar codes using laser imaging while in the case of RFID, the codes are read using radio frequency signals. Both these processes significantly help in reducing the costs once they are installed because of the reduced manpower needs that were earlier required to keep track of all items manually.

In the case of these technologies, each item is fitted with a tag on which a unique identification code is entered using a computer system. Each item has a bar code that is different from the rest. This helps identify every item that is in stock so that missing items can be pointed out instantaneously. This not only helps keep track of any discrepancies on the part of employees but also helps increase overall accountability. As the exact stage when products go missing can be determined, the factors responsible for their loss can be properly recorded. This information can be effectively used to eliminate such problems from recurring.

Bar coding forms an essential part of an effective inventory management system as without the maintenance of complete and comprehensive records of the stock, a firm cannot hope to maximize its sales or profits. There are a host of advantages that have been known to accrue to businesses that incorporate bar coding into their inventory management systems. There is a certain amount of training that needs to be imparted to employees on the use of bar coding technologies initially for the seamless transition to this method of maintaining inventory related records. This can be provided by holding workshops for the same and educating the employees regarding the benefits and correct usage of bar coding and RFID.

McLane Logistics Technology provides Inventory Management Software system for effective Inventory Management in your business firm. For more details visit them at 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call at 1-800-989-7568.

Monday 5 December 2011

Inventory Management - Optimizing Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)

Inventory Management is an integral part of effective management and is a concept that cannot be ignored. All successful organizations dealing in the supply of goods need to incorporate effective inventory management in their functions so that they are able to make cost savings and reap benefits in the form of increased profits. Economic Order Quantity is a great tool for managing inventory as it helps determine the exact quantity of stock that should be transported together so as to ensure minimum cost of transportation. EOQ is calculated by making use of relevant data that can be gathered from the supply chain process. Some important inputs need to be considered in order to effectively calculate this amount. The results derived from here can be used to come up with an inventory management process that is economically viable and results in minimum expenditure.

The concept of EOQ can be traced back to the 1930s and is still used today because of the huge benefits that it provides to organizations that practice. Many organizations are still unable to make use of Economic Order Quantity as a part of their inventory management process because of the difficulty in calculation and the lack of knowledge regarding its correct measurement. The formula is timeless and the results received from it can be used effectively for increasing profits in the long run. One major problem that may hamper the effective usage of EOQ is the use of inaccurate or incorrect data. For EOQ to be used advantageously, it is essential that the inputs used are accurate and properly verified.

The concept of Economic Order quantity was developed after it was observed that a certain quantity when transported helps an organization transport its goods at the cheapest cost. This quantity can vary depending on the goods to be transported and various other factors. The Economic Order Quantity for each scenario and each product turns out to be different. Several parameters have to be considered before arriving at the Economic Order Quantity. Companies can then use the results received to transport their products to customers at minimum cost to themselves.

McLane Logistics Technology provides customized Inventory Management Software system for businesses. For more details visit them at 4002 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504. You can also call at 1-800-989-7568.