Rise of online fulfillment.

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Online volumes from a supply chain perspective are now reaching critical tipping points for Australian retailers – where key investment decisions are required – in order to support sustainable and efficient competition into the future.

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Australia Post -eCommerce Industry eCommerce Industry Report 2023

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Some example questions emerging for Australian retailers include: 

Centralised or Decentralised?

To what degree should we centralise our online fulfilment physical network?

Together or Dedicated?

To what degree should we bring together our store and online fulfilment operations?

Manual or Automated?

To what degree should we automated our online fulfilment – given volumes, product profile, etc.?

Push or Pull?

What is the optimal inventory operating model for online fulfilment?

Technology Options?

It is only once an organisation has a relative feel for the above that specific technology options should be considered.

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What are the strategic online fulfilment options?

A key strategic decision for retailers is choosing the right online fulfilment channel, be it traditional stores, dark stores, dedicated online centres, or shared distribution centres.

How can online fulfilment channel achieve faster and cheaper online fulfilment whilst avoiding the “white elephant” when making strategic investment decisions ?

Finding the optimal channel will come from balancing factors such as range, responsiveness, product complexity, market maturity, set-up costs, and operating costs. By carefully assessing these elements, retailers can establish an efficient fulfilment system tailored to their needs, boosting customer satisfaction and driving long-term success.

It is never one consideration in isolation – the challenge is to overlay the considerations and identify the optimal point when balancing trade-offs.

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Fulfilment Options

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Store Fulfilment

Manual

Semi-automated

Automated

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Dedicated Online HUBs

Dark Stores

Semi-automated

Automated

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Co-located

Manual

Semi-automated

Automated

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The visual below highlights the fulfilment options across two dimensions. On the Y-axis, level of centralisation and on the X-axis, level of automation.

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What are the key supply chain considerations?

How can retailers shortlist online fulfilment options for consideration?

It can be daunting knowing where to start. At trace. we recognise it can be difficult to understand the strengths and respective trade-offs of common approaches to online fulfilment. This is why we offer a simple questionnaire to support our clients translate what they know of their existing business strategy, and targeted customer offer, into a shortlist of potential Online Fulfilment Models.

This hypothesis driven analysis simplifies the path forward by ruling out options that are not complementary to your strategic considerations.

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Deeper analysis is often required, however this table can highlight the relative trade-offs to help shortlist scenarios for modelling.

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Is your business transitioning from store fulfilment to dedicated or co-located fulfilment?

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How to find the right online fulfilment option.

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Below is an example 3 phase approach for this type of project.

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1. Analyse & Design 2. Scenario Modelling   3. Business Case & Implementation

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Our approach to helping our clients identify, select, design and implement the optimal online fulfilment option is hypothesis driven, structured and fact-based. We utilise a range of in-house developed tools for this analysis.

The objective is to design a network and online fulfilment capability that is able to deliver on the target customer promise at the optimal operating costs – whilst also providing a level of resilience to changing operating conditions – for example, as customer demands, product profiles, volumes, etc. continue to change and evolve.

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Selecting Online Fulfilment Technology

Highly interrelated to the strategic direction is the selection of the technology to support the fulfilment solution. Below are some example options to consider – each with varying trade-offs that require balanced assessment.

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Core Picking Technology

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Traditional

Person to Goods (PTG)

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Popular & Emerging

Goods to Person (GTP)

Goods to Robot (GTR)

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“…GTP and GTR can be 6 to 16 times more productive than traditional PTG…”

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Picking Support Technology

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Traditional

RF

Voice-Picking

Light Directed

Display

Augmented Reality

Picking Methods: Cluster Picking, Batch Picking, Zone Picking

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Popular & Emerging

Autostore

Mobile Autonomous Robots

Multi-shuttle ASRS

Perfect Pick

Carousels (legacy)

Vertical Lift Modules (legacy)

Mini Load ASRS (legacy)

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Order Consolidation and Unit Sortation

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Traditional

Put Walls (Batch to Order)

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Popular & Emerging

Sure Sorter (Automated Put Walls)

Unit Sorters (Tilt Trays, Cross Belt, Bombay)

Pocket Sorter (Overhead Sorter)

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Don’t let inventory be an after-thought.

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Inventory management can be complex…

Extensive SKU Ranges

Multitude of Stocking Locations

Multiple Channels

Service Level Targets

Working Capital Targets

Customer Expectations

Large Vendor Lists

Varying Product Profiles

Demand Patterns & Variability

Product Lifecycles

Promotional Activity

Lead Time Variability

Storage Capacity Constraints

Returns & Excess Stock Mgt

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Below we have listed a few drivers for the ‘big’ inventory questions – this assumes a co-located facility with a level of automation

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Contact us today, trace. your supply chain consulting partner.

Measures to Reduce Transport Costs for Retailers and Manufacturers

In the competitive landscape of retail and manufacturing, transport costs significantly impact overall business efficiency and profitability. Organisations constantly strive to optimise these costs while maintaining service quality and responsiveness. This article explores a range of strategies that retailers and manufacturers can employ to reduce transport costs, including benchmarking analysis, network reviews, route consolidation, service assessments, and market re-tendering.

Understanding Transport Costs in Supply Chains

Before diving into cost reduction strategies, it's important to understand the various components that contribute to transport costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, driver wages, insurance, and regulatory compliance. These costs are influenced by factors such as route length, cargo volume and weight, transportation mode, and service requirements.

Benchmarking Analysis with Current Providers

Assessing Performance and Costs

Conducting a benchmarking analysis involves comparing your current transport costs and service levels with industry standards or best practices. This helps identify areas where you may be overspending or underperforming.

Engaging with Current Providers

Work closely with your existing transport and 3PL providers to understand their cost structures and service capabilities. This collaboration can reveal opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.

Reviewing Networks and Distribution Channels

Optimising Distribution Networks

A thorough review of your distribution network can uncover inefficiencies and opportunities for cost savings. Consider factors like warehouse locations, customer distribution, and product flow.

Leveraging Centralised Distribution

Centralising distribution or employing cross-docking strategies can reduce transport distances and costs while improving delivery times.

Assessing Consolidation and Utilisation of Transport Routes

Route Consolidation

Combining shipments to maximise vehicle capacity utilisation is a straightforward way to reduce per-unit transport costs. Effective consolidation requires careful planning and coordination but can lead to significant savings.

Optimising Load and Route Planning

Advanced route planning software can optimise delivery routes for fuel efficiency and time savings. Similarly, maximising load utilisation ensures that each trip delivers the most value.

Reviewing Service and Responsiveness Requirements

Aligning with Customer Needs

Understanding your customers' service requirements can identify areas where you may be over-delivering and incurring unnecessary costs. Engage with customers to align service levels with their actual needs.

Flexible Delivery Options

Offering flexible delivery options can reduce costs by allowing for more efficient route planning and consolidation opportunities.

Going to Market and Re-tendering Transport Services

Market Analysis

Regularly analysing the transport market for new providers, technologies, or strategies can uncover opportunities for improved efficiency and cost savings.

Re-tendering Process

Periodically re-tendering your transport services encourages competition and can lead to better pricing and service offerings. Ensure the re-tendering process is transparent and considers both cost and service quality.

Leveraging Technology for Efficient Transport Management

Implementing Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

A TMS can provide valuable insights into your transport operations, helping to identify inefficiencies and optimise routes, loads, and schedules.

Investing in Automation and IoT

Investing in automation and IoT devices for vehicle tracking, fuel management, and maintenance can lead to long-term cost savings by improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

Fostering Collaboration and Partnerships

Building Strategic Relationships

Developing strong relationships with transport providers, customers, and other stakeholders can lead to collaborative cost-saving initiatives and more favourable terms.

Engaging in Co-Loading Agreements

Co-loading with other businesses, even competitors, can maximise vehicle utilisation and reduce transport costs for all parties involved.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

Regular Monitoring and Reporting

Implementing a robust monitoring and reporting system allows for continuous tracking of transport costs and service levels, helping to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Committing to Continuous Improvement

Adopting a mindset of continuous improvement ensures that transport cost reduction remains a priority and that new opportunities for savings are regularly explored and implemented.

Reducing transport costs is a multifaceted challenge that requires a strategic approach, careful planning, and ongoing management. By conducting benchmarking analyses, optimising distribution networks, consolidating routes, aligning service levels with customer needs, re-tendering services, leveraging technology, fostering collaborations, and committing to continuous improvement, retailers and manufacturers can significantly reduce their transport expenses. In doing so, they not only improve their bottom line but also enhance their service quality, responsiveness, and competitive edge in the market.

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Partnering with Trace Supply Chain Consultants for Transport Cost Optimisation

Expertise in Transport Benchmarking and Optimisation

Trace Supply Chain Consultants offer specialised services to help businesses reduce transport costs and enhance efficiency. Their expertise in benchmarking transport rates, optimising routes, and supporting businesses in going to market to tender transport services makes them an invaluable partner in your cost reduction journey.

Benchmarking Transport Rates

Trace consultants assist in benchmarking your current transport rates against industry standards and best practices. They provide an in-depth analysis of where you stand in the market and identify opportunities where you can negotiate better terms or switch to more cost-effective options. This service is crucial for businesses looking to understand their competitive position and seeking leverage in negotiations with providers.

Optimising Transport Routes

With a deep understanding of logistics and route planning, Trace consultants can significantly optimise your transport routes. They utilise advanced tools and their extensive industry knowledge to propose more efficient routes and strategies, leading to reduced fuel consumption, quicker delivery times, and lower overall transport costs. They consider all critical factors, including cargo specifications, delivery timeframes, and vehicle capacities, to ensure that the proposed solutions are practical and impactful.

Support in Tendering Transport Services

When it's time to go to market to re-tender transport services, Trace Supply Chain Consultants can guide you through the entire process. They help prepare tender documents, identify potential service providers, evaluate proposals, and support negotiation processes. Their experience ensures that you not only get competitive rates but also partner with reliable providers who can meet your service and quality requirements.

By partnering with Trace Supply Chain Consultants, businesses can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help them navigate the complexities of transport cost optimisation. From initial benchmarking to route optimisation and tendering support, Trace provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to deliver tangible improvements and significant cost savings. With their support, businesses can confidently address their transport challenges, ensuring they achieve sustained efficiency and a competitive edge in their operations.

When to Outsource Warehouse and Transport Operations in Australia

In the complex and fast-paced world of Australian business, managing warehouse and transport operations efficiently is a pivotal factor in maintaining a competitive edge. For many businesses, particularly in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce, outsourcing these functions can be a game-changer. However, the decision to outsource is multifaceted and should be approached with a detailed understanding of its implications. Let's dive deeper into the nuances of this strategic move.

Deciding When to Outsource

The decision to outsource warehouse and transport operations hinges on several critical factors:

1. Business Growth and Scalability

If your business is rapidly expanding or experiencing fluctuations in demand (like seasonal surges), you may find your current warehousing and transport capacity stretched. Outsourcing offers a scalable solution without the need for substantial capital investments in additional space or fleet. For instance, if your e-commerce business experiences a 50% surge in orders during the holiday season, an outsourced partner can quickly adjust to handle this increase, whereas scaling in-house might be slower and more costly.

2. Cost Considerations

Analyzing the cost implications is vital. Outsourcing can convert fixed costs (like salaries and warehouse leases) into variable costs that align with your business's ebbs and flows. For example, if your product demand is unpredictable, outsourcing can provide a more cost-effective solution than maintaining a half-empty warehouse or an underutilized transport fleet.

3. Core Business Focus

Outsourcing can free up your resources to focus on core business activities like product development, marketing, and customer service. This is especially relevant for businesses where logistics is not a core competency. For example, a boutique wine producer might find more value in focusing on wine quality and branding rather than managing warehouse operations.

4. Access to Advanced Technology

Outsourcing firms often invest in the latest logistics technology, offering sophisticated inventory management, tracking systems, and data analytics, which might be prohibitively expensive for a single company to procure and maintain.

Advantages of Outsourcing

Outsourcing offers several compelling advantages:

1. Expertise and Experience

Logistics providers specialize in efficient warehousing and transportation, bringing in-depth knowledge that can enhance operational efficiency. They understand the nuances of handling different products and navigating complex supply chains.

2. Flexibility and Adaptability

Outsourcing partners can swiftly adapt to changing business needs, offering the ability to scale operations up or down without the constraints and delays of in-house adjustments.

3. Reduced Overhead

By outsourcing, you can avoid the capital expenditure associated with warehousing and transportation, such as purchasing and maintaining a fleet of vehicles or the long-term lease commitments of warehouse space.

4. Enhanced Service Levels

Professional logistics providers often have extensive networks and capabilities that can lead to faster delivery times, improved customer satisfaction, and access to wider markets.

Disadvantages to Consider

However, outsourcing is not without its challenges:

1. Reduced Control

Handing over operations to a third party means less direct control over those aspects of your business, which can be a significant concern for some companies.

2. Reliability and Dependence

Your business becomes reliant on the efficiency and reliability of the outsourcing provider. Any disruptions in their service can directly impact your business operations and reputation.

3. Hidden Costs

There may be unexpected costs, such as penalties for not meeting minimum volume requirements or additional fees for special handling.

4. Integration and Communication Issues

Ensuring seamless integration of outsourced operations with your in-house systems and maintaining clear, effective communication can be challenging.

Building a Strong Business Case

To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to construct a comprehensive business case:

1. Detailed Cost-Benefit Analysis

This should include a comparison of all associated costs (direct and indirect) with both in-house and outsourced operations. For example, calculate the total cost of maintaining your fleet, including depreciation, maintenance, and staffing, and compare it with quotes from outsourcing providers.

2. Thorough Risk Assessment

Identify and evaluate risks such as potential service interruptions, loss of control over certain processes, and the impact on customer satisfaction.

3. Strategic Alignment

Assess how outsourcing fits with your long-term business strategy. Does it allow you to concentrate more on areas that will drive growth and profitability?

4. Selecting the Right Partner

It's crucial to choose a partner that aligns with your business values, has a robust track record, and can meet your specific needs. Look for providers with experience in your industry and the capability to scale with your business.

5. Negotiating Favorable Terms

A well-negotiated contract should cover service level agreements (SLAs), costs, and exit clauses. It's also important to have clear terms around handling peak periods and any unforeseen circumstances.

6. Effective Transition Plan

Develop a plan for smoothly transitioning operations, ensuring minimal disruption to your business. This should include staff training, system integration, and a clear timeline.

7. Ongoing Management and Review

Set up processes for regular performance reviews and open communication channels to ensure that the outsourcing arrangement continues to meet your business needs.

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For Australian businesses, outsourcing warehouse and transport operations can be a strategic move to enhance efficiency, scalability, and focus on core competencies. However, it requires careful consideration of when to outsource, a thorough understanding of the advantages and challenges, and a well-constructed business case. By weighing these factors and choosing the right logistics partner, businesses can leverage outsourcing to achieve their operational and strategic goals.

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