External, third-party consultants must bring expertise that enables the solving of a specific issue or series of issues within a set budgetary resource that cannot be addressed internally. Certainly, logistics consulting is one such skillset; it's a necessary function of most businesses, on which few companies maintain internal experts. The word “consult” has a Latin root meaning “to discuss,” and that’s all most consultants do - they chatter away until you’ve answered all your own questions, then formalize that input, take credit for it, and send out a bill. Logistics consulting most emphatically does not fall into this category. As noted, the only time an individual or company really benefits from expert third-party consultation is when highly specialized, technical expertise is a prerequisite and when no internal knowledge-base is available to resolve the problem. Because logistics concentrate on such specific areas, few companies have their own in-house authority. Getting it Wrong Making one small mistake with logistics can bring an entire business to a grinding halt. If materials can’t be shipped in, or product shipped out, nothing is made and nothing is sold. No revenue can very soon translate to no business. That’s why logistics consultation is such an important first step toward avoiding all those problems. Impeccable supply chain management, materials handling, warehousing and transportation are all integral to corporate success. Get them right and your product can thrive; get even one aspect wrong, and your entire business can sink. Great customer service is a prerequisite in the competitive marketplace, and when an order doesn’t turn up, on time and perfectly picked, that’s the worst kind of let-down. Getting it Right 3PL Links, Inc gets it right the first time - every time. Comprised of highly trained logistics professionals, the company manages global supply chain, order fulfillment and logistics systems for some of the world’s biggest players in industries as varied as construction, food production, hospitality, retail, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and more. By helping our clients to reduce costs, we enhance their bottom line. By improving supply chain systems, we reduce lead time on orders, thus increasing customer satisfaction. Because we deal with transportation management, distribution and warehousing all in-house, we bring dynamic purchasing power and up-to-the-minute technology to every client’s contract, regardless of size. Only by working with third party warehousing/transportation experts can most businesses hope to access such a suite of assets and services. That’s why logistics consulting is an important first step toward: An increased bottom line Happier repeat customers Stress-free supply chain function Instantaneous information available on the location of both raw materials and finished product For more information on our logistics consultation services, please call us on (905) 850-9002, send us an email at sales@3pllinks.com, or use our Contact Us form and one of our specialists will call you back at your convenience.

For people around the world, enjoying the outdoors is a critical component of happiness. 3PL Links has had the privilege to work with an entrepreneurial and innovative world leader in the design and manufacturing of ready to assemble outdoor living products for residential customers. This client delivers exceptional play and leisure structure options around the globe to children and adults alike. Operating under three distinctive branded product lines, this client creates products adhering to the highest standards in quality, safety, value, and fun. Much like many companies in the modern economy, they are eager to capitalize on emerging trends in today’s consumer marketplace. For this client, that means having the ability to mobilize resources and engage their supply chain to continually exceed their customers’ demands. This need drove an engagement with 3PL Links. Read the full retail apparel case study here

As the embodiment of modern American style, 3PL links’ largest women’s apparel customer offers impeccably designed clothing that meets and exceeded the needs of today’s women. Faced with explosive growth in Canada, the International Retailer turned to 3PL Links for help with their supply chain management. 3PL Links was faced with a number of warehousing, cross docking, outbound and inbound distribution requirements. Furthermore, 3PL Links introduced the Retailer to the power of 3PL Links’ Vendor Audit Program. The over-arching goal was to optimize processes to improve speed to market, improve outbound freight from Distribution Centre’s to retail outlets, increase visibility on both their shipments and vendors and continually seek innovative ways to reduce logistic-related expenses. Through the use of a Risk Free Assessment, proprietary auditing tools and ongoing freight management program, 3PL Links was able to and continues to meet and exceed the needs of the Retailer. Read the full retail apparel case study here

Transportation logistics providers make life much easier for customers. Not only do they have expertise in logistics, they are also efficient, technically sound and highly scalable. If you are interested in using a third-party logistics company, you are on the right track! You will be amazed how easily goods reach from one point to the next without any problem, resulting in better customer service and increased profitability. Benefits of Using a Third-Party Transportation Logistics Benefits of Using a Third-Party Transportation Logistics There are various advantages of hiring a logistics service provider. They are dependable and definitely cost effective, leading to increased performance of any business. Here are a few benefits of hiring a third-party transportation logistics company: Efficiency: Logistics companies employ professionals who are well-versed in their work. They know the requirements of a business, as they spend time understanding their clients’ requirements. These companies also hire transportation managers who have the expertise to provide better solutions Well-organized: These logistics companies are efficient because of their expertise. They are organized in terms of handling technology and infrastructure and thus, are able to offer cost-effective solutions for their clients. Consequently, they can not only offer lower costs, but also higher quality State-of-the-art Technology: Most transportation logistics companies allow businesses to enjoy the benefits without actually making capital investments. Their freight technology is superior, thus offering greater value to businesses Business Growth : Since you know an expert is handling your logistics requirements, it leaves you free to focus on other important areas of your business, particularly those that require your undivided attention and time. This shift of focus on overall growth leads to better results and more profit Scalability: The overall result of having a dependable logistic company looking after your business requirement is infinite scalability of business. Now there is no need to secure new equipment, facilities or hire additional staff when your logistics need increases. All these issues unburden the business owner and save costs, as well. When working with a transportation logistics company, make sure the company offers reliable global logistics at cost-effective rates. The company should be able to offer customized logistics solutions and offer end-to-end solutions. This way, your goods will be transported from point A to point B without any hassle and you can be stress-free and focus on other aspects of your business. A logistics company should be your partner and help you grow your business with seamless logistics service.

As a staple in the home renovation industry in Canada, 3PL Links’ customer has been the go to store for do-it-yourselfers and contractors alike for more than 15 years. This big block retailer operates over 75 stores in convenient locations across Canada and is headquartered in Ontario, Canada. At any given time the customer can stock as many as 40,000 home improvement products; tailored to the communities they serve. 3PL Links’ customer caters to do-it-yourselfers, as well as home improvement, construction and building maintenance professionals. Under its roof, the retailer provides various value-add features such as installation services, where the homeowner can choose to have qualified professionals complete home renovation projects for them. In addition to the installation services they provide, a tool rental service is available at selected stores throughout the nation. Read the full retail home improvement case study here

Outsourcing warehousing and distribution to a 3PL (Third-party logistics provider) carries with it numerous benefits for the enterprising business owner or manager. It’s a long held rule of savvy business: If someone else can do it more efficiently, it’s probably worth letting them do it. By leveraging the strengths of a 3PL in optimizing your warehousing and distribution, you can refine your business to new heights—and new profits. Here are just a few reasons to consider third-party warehousing and distribution: Shared Costs Shared Costs Sharing a resource means sharing the expenses—without losing anything in the exchange. With third-party logistics, the equipment, resources, and man-hours that would go wasted if you handled the matter in-house end up tasked to others; that increased efficiency would put money in your pocket even if a 3PL had nothing else to offer over in-house warehousing and distribution. Specialists Specialists The people working at a 3PL firm are specialists, from top to bottom. Specialists in warehousing and distribution, and the administration thereof, with the latest tools, techniques, and industry news at their fingertips. Who do you expect to be better at maintaining a top-notch logistics solution: someone who handles logistics as part of a broader set of duties, or a specialist who wakes up to logistics, eats logistics for breakfast, works logistics all day, has logistics for dinner, and dreams of logistics overnight—because that’s what it takes to keep their clients happy? When you put specialists to work on a task, instead of leaving it as a mere part of the responsibilities of a general worker, you get better results: faster, more efficient logistics. Faster, more efficient warehousing and distribution makes companies money. Reduced Investment Reduced Investment If you don’t already have your own logistics worked out, or they’re in dire need of an update, then you’re facing a far smaller investment working with third party logistics. There’s no land or equipment to buy, no licenses to pay for, no staff to train, no wasted hours anywhere at all. For some companies, having a fully equipped and trained in-house logistics division might make sense, but does the investment required to reach that point make as much sense? Less Administration Less Administration Any time you outsource to a reputable firm, you find yourself with less paperwork, less overhead, fewer legal considerations and fewer time wasters period. By outsourcing your warehousing and distribution, you offload one of the most paperwork-intensive segments of any company. You’ll still have the records and data you require whenever you require it—but managing it, maintaining it, filing it, those won’t be your concern. Improved Focus Improved Focus A company that spreads itself too thin loses something in the process; we talked about the benefits of setting specialists to a task such as logistics, but it’s worth considering the fact that generalization cuts both ways: If your employees, top to bottom, can focus entirely on their products, marketing, the business of THEIR industry, without putting themselves to the problem of logistics, then they in turn become more specialized, more focused, on the tasks that are most important to the company’s success. Final Thoughts Final Thoughts In the end, outsourcing your warehousing and distribution comes to one word: Efficiency. You improve the efficiency of your logistics, you improve the efficiency of your non-logistics workers, you seize on the improvements of efficiency possible when you share a resource you quite simply don’t need 24/7. When you don’t have to buy equipment, don’t have to train logistics personnel, don’t have to distract your workers with those issues, then your bottom line benefits. It’s just common sense.

Working with world-renowned multinational companies is always a privilege. Since 2010, 3PL Links has been working with a prominent dairy company with operations in Europe, Latin America, North America, Australia, China and South Africa. With over 100 years of brand heritage in the Canadian dairy industry, our customer is committed to the health and wellness of Canadians and markets a variety of high-quality food products under multiple brands. Read the full Food & Dairy Case Study Here

Many businesses rely on transportation companies to move their product across the country or borders because they know that lowering transport costs is critical to maintaining their business’s healthy bottom line. If your business is examining the costs versus benefits of outsourcing its freight requirements, here are five important factors to consider. Experience Experience Since on time delivery is so critical to your company, do your homework to ensure that the transportation companies that you are considering have the experience in the specific areas that you need. Not only should the transportation company have experience in transportation in your area, but a transportation company in business and with a track record matters, too. A transportation company that can demonstrate excellent customer service over the years is more likely to deliver those same results to your business Industry Expertise Industry Expertise Look for a company that is an expert in the kind of transportation you want, and have answers to questions that you might not have thought about yet. If you require domestic freight services at a truckload or less, find a company that specializes in that area. Or, seek out a transportation company that has acquired expertise in all types of transportation, local and international. Your transportation company should also demonstrate knowledge of the industry's state of the art practices, technology and freight services. Your choice to outsource your freight requirements is a decision that should free up time for your management team to spend time on revenue-generating activities, not cause worry that your supply chain is falling behind. Customization Customization Your transportation company should be able to use their experience and expertise to customize your needs. Every business is different, and your particular freight requirements should be their top priority, not trying to convince you of a once-size-fits-all approach. Technology Technology In the competitive and global marketplace, you need access to information about your products on your schedule. An experienced transportation company will be working with the latest technology including satellite tracking. Your shipment information should be no further than a computer click away so that you will know what your transportation company knows in real time. Growth Potential Growth Potential Your transportation company, with its experience, expertise and technology, should save you money in transportation costs in addition to freeing up your employees to concentrate on what they do best. These savings should also cause your company to grow. Can your transportation company grow with you? Growth potential is a crucial factor since your business’s growth will rely on uninterrupted product deliveries, or expansion to new markets. The transportation companies that you are considering must be able to penetrate new markets with your business. Your business can expect to lower its freight and shipping when you find an experienced transportation company with industry expertise, customization, technology and growth potential.

Logistics management is the part of the supply chain management that plans, controls and implements the storage and movement of goods and services (and all their related information) from a point of origin to the final destination or point of consumption.  If done correctly your company will benefit from efficiency, cost saving and will be known for great customer service. As the demands of your market change and grow, your company needs to be able to change with it and still maintain your high standards of quality, price and on time delivery.  Making the decision to work with a logistics management company is a great first step to ensuring you are set up for future success. A logistics company such as 3PL Links is an excellent example of a logistics management company that will put your needs first.  It is not a transportation company that is simply trying to sell you their shipping services.  It is a company that understands the need to learn the specifics of your situation and to come up with the best solution possible that is customized for your company. The first step when you work with a logistics management consultancy is to meet with them to identify all your logistical roadblocks.  The consultancy will know how to drive the knowledge gathering with you to a point where it becomes clear where the weakest links in your supply chain management system are.  Then the solutions can be found, whether it is in the methodology of pricing, dispatching, operations, auditing or customer service. For very large organizations that have global delivery needs, a pilot project is commonly set up to test out the proposed solutions.  Depending on your industry, you will inevitably have some very specific needs around volume, handling, and timing - and these are all best figured out in a small scale implementation of a system before rolling it out to the entire operation. By its nature, 3PL Links has an organic approach to its solution creation - always staying on top of the fine tuning needed as the system is implemented. Logistics management companies focus on the following: Logistics management companies focus on the following: Sourcing appropriate vendors who can provide appropriate transportation facilities Selecting the most efficient routes for transportation Determining the best deliver method for your goods Creation of an Enterprise Resource Planning, or ERP software system tailored to your company requirements Once the solution is working on a small scale, it can then be rolled out to the full spectrum of the company.  The consultancy would work with you to set your key performance indicators and then you can consistently measure how well the solution is working. The best part about working with a logistics management company like 3PL Links is that your account is treated with the same care and diligence that you would have if they were on your internal payroll.  They are integrated with you and your team for long term growth together.  As new technologies come on the market - the logistics management team will upgrade your system to keep on the cutting edge.  You will never have to worry about paying for a single one time consultancy solution that is outdated in a few years, the relationship will be beneficial on a continual basis with no knowledge loss over time. A logistics management company is integral to any business since it will free up internal staff to continue to do what made the company successful in the first place - focus on the creation of great products.  Why learn a whole new business around logistics when you can simply hire a team of experts who specialize in it exclusively?

When your business is transporting goods from one place to another, it is crucial you have a secure warehouse to place these goods. The warehouse should be guarded around the clock to ensure your goods are not vandalized, damaged or stolen; and if you have special storage needs, such as climate control, the warehouse should be equipped to offer the service. If goods get damaged or a theft occurs, it is not just a monetary loss to your company, it is also is loss of credibility in front of your customers due to delayed deliveries. These are issues that can cost your company dearly, both in terms of money and reputation. You should choose your warehousing partner with care. Without the right warehouse services, your business can suffer in many different ways. Below are 5 reasons why you should choose professional warehouse services offered by 3PL Links. Expertise and Experience 3PL Links employs highly trained professionals who ensure all your logistics supply chain requirements are handled seamlessly. The company brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise and hence, is equipped to provide warehousing solutions to suit your needs and budget. This storage method minimizes risks and also ensures expedient and fast service. You never have to contend with inexperienced and untrained employees which increases the risk of loss and damage. Climate Controlled Storage Facilities If you require climate controlled storage for your goods, 3PL Links is the ideal choice. The company has multiple facilities to store your goods, be it during transit or until they are delivered to the end destination. With climate controlled warehouse services, 3PL Links ensures your goods are protected from any damage while they are warehoused and stored. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art climate control technology used by 3PL Links the storage temperature can be customized to suit the needs of a customer. Superior Security One of the biggest fears in a warehouse is theft. 3PL Links offers world-class security measures to ensure your goods are kept safe and secure during the time they are warehoused. Hence, you never have to worry about theft. The security measures in place also do away with lost, misplaced, damaged and vandalized goods. Flexibility and Scalability The warehouse services offered by 3PL Links are flexible as well as scalable. If you require more storage space, you can opt for it easily without driving costs through the roof. On the other hand, if your inventory goes down due to seasonal variation, you can reduce your storage space, thereby cutting your warehousing costs. 3PL Links offers several warehousing options to suit the needs of different customers. This eases your stress and allows you to focus on other important business decisions. Container Stuffing and De-Stuffing A part of warehouse services is container loading and unloading. Usually, a business has to hire employees to load (stuff) and unload (de-stuff). 3PL Links has highly trained professionals to carry out container stuffing and de-stuffing at your premises as well as the warehouses. This minimizes the risk of damage and theft and you can breathe easy knowing professionals are in-charge of loading and unloading your goods. Overall, 3PL Links offers customized warehouse services to ensure you enjoy smooth and cost-effective logistics. Once your distribution process is in place and all hurdles are removed, you can offer timely deliveries to your customers. For more information on how 3PL Links can provide your business with comprehensive, secure warehousing services, feel free to fill out our online form , or call us today at 1-877-660-3362

Any company that sells products must have a reliable delivery system in place to ensure that all items are delivered to customers on time and in perfect condition. For this to be possible, the delivery system must include warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping operations, which are gathered under the generic name of logistics. Unfortunately, managing logistics is a major challenge for many businesses. Without streamlining logistics operations, a company can easily run into cost overruns, which will negatively impact its overall activity. How can you reduce the risk of cost overruns and outright failure? By simply consulting with a third party logistics provider, or 3PL. When Should You Approach a Third Party Logistics Provider?         When Should You Approach a Third Party Logistics Provider?         Most businesspeople who need help to coordinate their supply chain activities find third party logistics providers very useful. For instance, if you do not know how to manage picking, packing, and shipping operations, how to process returns and inventory adjustments, and how to find the most profitable trade routes, it is time to look for a reputable and experienced 3PL. Another situation in which you may consider approaching a third party logistics provider is when you have no time to handle logistics. However, an increasing number of organizations are turning to 3PLs especially when they want to improve their competitive position. Over the years, 3PLs have gradually extended their activities, offering a wide variety of services at low cost and ensuring superior outcomes compared to the companies performing logistics activities in-house. By turning logistics operations to a third party, you can benefit from sure-fire methodologies and techniques, which will save your organization a lot of time and money, while increasing customer satisfaction. How is this possible? Most 3PLs have the advantage of using well-established strategies along with dedicated distribution centers and storage facilities. Additionally, they collaborate with numerous trucking and shipping companies, which means that they are able to ship products more efficiently than the organizations operating within other industry sectors. Frequent deliveries reduce inventory levels, enabling superior warehouse management and control. Also, freight and shipping costs are almost always better than what a company can secure on its own for the simple fact that a third party logistics provider moves a lot more merchandise. Another great thing about outsourcing logistics to an external party is that it will manage different operations so that you can focus on other business aspects. When you do not have to deal with things you know nothing about, you can spend more time and energy trying to find new customers and make them happy, which will eventually translate into more business. Even more important is that a third party logistics provider offers incredible convenience and flexibility, being able to scale space, labour, and transportation according to your company’s needs. If you are running a seasonal business, for example, a 3PL can help you manage industry ups and downs efficiently, while allowing you to only pay for what you use. With a reliable third party logistics partner on your side, you will enjoy stress-free transitions even when expanding into new markets. Opting for a reputable and experienced third party logistics provider is one of the best things you can do to streamline logistics operations, regardless of how complex they are. Even if you are an expert in logistics, it does not hurt to consult with another expert, who may suggest additional logistics alternatives you might not have considered. Now, if you intend to explore the best logistics options for your company, we invite you to contact our friendly advisors at 3PL Links.

Supply chain management metrics are designed to give your company the analytical tools to assess the performance of each piece of the supply chain. The matrices should be straightforward to use, but aligned to specific business requirements. Three important matrices critical to effective supply chain management and bottom lines are: carrying cost of inventory, inventory to sales ratio, and inventory turnover. Carrying Cost of Inventory Carrying Cost of Inventory The carrying cost of inventory is one of the supply chain management metrics that measures the costs of keeping inventory, whether over the short- or long-term. Carrying cost of inventory can help you to determine expected profits on current inventory, and if more product, or less, is required to ensure income levels or to cover expenses. It can also impact more strategic decision-making like sourcing. Each individual piece of inventory has an associated cost. The cost includes the total cost from actual storage and freight charges, to costs related to storage if applicable, for example labour and insurance costs, or perishability or obsolescence, to name a few. These costs add up to the cost of inventory per year, which is the total cost of inventory capital, service, storage and risk costs. To compute the carrying cost of inventory metric, you plug numbers into the ratio for the inventory carrying rate (the cost of owning inventory per year) divided by the average inventory value. Inventory to Sales Ratio Inventory to Sales Ratio A crucial aspect of your supply chain management metrics is linking supply chain to current economic conditions and predicting how well a company will withstand an unexpected change in the economic forecast. The inventory to sales ratio -- the dollar amount of inventory value divided by the dollar amount of the sales value -- can do just that because inventories rise in good economic times, and fall in times of economic decline. The ratio is calculated as the cost of goods sold divided by the average inventory (or sales divided by inventory), so the lower the ratio the more efficiently the inventory is being managed. When the ratio starts to rise, it can be indicative of declining sales, or the need to reduce the inventory. This metric is linked to inventory turnover, discussed below, and when analyzed together, the two supply management matrices can provide you with a window into the company's financial health. Inventory Turnover Inventory Turnover In general terms, inventory turnover is one of the supply chain management metrics that determines the efficiency of the supply chain since it measures how quickly inventory is sold, and how many times over it is sold annually. The importance of the inventory turnover ratio calculation is that it shows efficiency in two key areas of supply chain management: buying and sales. When inventory grows because of purchases, and cannot be moved quickly, it increases inventory carrying costs so efficient and accurate purchasing is key. And, inventory turnover reflects sales abilities. The goal is to provide a higher inventory turnover rate to give an accurate useable number of inventory turnover days. You compute the ratio as cost of goods sold divided by the average inventory. The average number of days that it takes for inventory turnover can also be calculated by dividing the time it takes by dividing 365 by the number of days it took to sell the inventory. Understanding the relationship between inventory and bottom line is crucial to your supply chain management. With these three metrics, your company can easily and effectively measure profits on current inventory, gain a window into economic conditions, and assess your supply chain efficiency.