Thanks to e-commerce, small businesses can extend their personal service nationwide and even globally, all while maintaining their small business values. How is this achievable? Through the support of a 3PL for small businesses.

What Services Do 3PL Companies Provide?

A third-party logistics (3PL) provider is a company that offers outsourced logistics and supply chain management services to other businesses. These services can include a range of activities such as:

• Transportation
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Order fulfillment
• Inventory management
• Packaging
• Freight forwarding and more

By partnering with a 3PL, small businesses can streamline their logistics operations, reduce costs, and focus more on their core activities, such as product development and customer service. 3PL providers leverage their expertise, technology, and networks to deliver efficient and effective logistics solutions, making it easier for companies to scale and manage their supply chains.

Small businesses are known for their personalized and exceptional customer service. It’s why many consumers choose to shop at a small company over a big box store or large retail chain.Small businesses that have yet to tap into a public warehouse with logistics services are missing out on the many benefits a 3PL can provide to make it easier for them to provide their personalized customer service without location restrictions.

3PL Public Warehouses Help Small Businesses Fulfill Customers’ Needs

Besides personalized service, small businesses pride themselves on knowing their customers’ history, likes and dislikes, and needs so they can make the best recommendations when they come to shop.

Developing this one-on-one personal service is vital for small companies as they build ongoing relationships that keep customers coming back.

No matter whether the customer is in your local community or hundreds of miles away, a 3PL allows small businesses to build these trusting relationships with their customers by providing reliable order fulfillment and distribution services.

3PLs Match the Flexibility of Small Businesses

One of the many advantages small businesses have over large companies is flexibility. Because of their size, small companies are quick to change and try new things to appeal to their customer base. A 3PL is equally flexible and has the logistics services in place to help small businesses quickly bring a product to market.

Enhancing Your Customer Service with 3PL for Small Businesses

Customer service is the cornerstone of third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Just like small businesses, 3PLs offer attentive, accurate, and quick service to ensure customer satisfaction. They understand that exceptional service is crucial for building long-term relationships and maintaining trust. By providing personalized solutions and being responsive to clients’ needs, 3PLs enable seamless logistics operations. This commitment includes:

• Timely and transparent communication
• Proactive problem-solving
• Dedication to exceeding expectations

When customers shop at a small business, they have specific expectations, which can be integrated into an e-commerce website. However, small businesses often lack the resources for fulfilling and delivering orders compared to larger companies. This is where a 3PL can make a significant difference.

Brendamour Warehousing & Distribution Services is Your Small Business 3PL Solution

Brendamour Warehousing & Distribution Services with locations in Cincinnati, OH and Northern Kentucky can be your local 3pl company. Our sophisticated warehouse management system makes it possible for small businesses to get your goods to your customers quickly, accurately and efficiently.

We can be flexible and pivot with you, for example:

• Fulfill goods and shipments for an online flash sale
• Custom pack products
• Assemble similar goods together at a moment’s notice based on customer feedback without having to dedicate additional resources
• And more

Customer Service

Customer service is at the center of what we do. We have the systems, equipment, technology, and people in place to deliver red carpet service to you and your customers. We treat everyone like part of the family and deliver the customer service you expect and deserve.

Our 3PL For Small Business Process

Our process involves first evaluating your current supply chain and optimizing it for efficiency. Next we’ll confirm the necessary and essential services your small business needs. We can also help with negotiating carrier rates.

Learn more by contacting our Brendamour team, your Cincinnati 3PL partner, and see how a public warehouse with 3PL services can benefit your small business and provide your customers with a seamless shopping experience.

Our 3PL For Small Business Process

As you look for 3pl companies for small businesses, imagine what success looks like as you go beyond a brick-and-mortar store and personally interact with customers nationally and worldwide by partnering with our Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky based Brendamour Warehousing & Distribution Services.

Deciding whether to outsource logistics is a critical question for many companies, especially when dedicating precious resources to non-core processes may not make sense. Outsourcing logistics to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider requires trust, but the benefits—in terms of profitability and customer satisfaction—often make it worthwhile.

So, how do you determine if outsourcing logistics is the right move for your business? Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision.

Analyze Key Performance Indicators

Before deciding whether outsourcing logistics to a 3PL provider is the best route, conduct a thorough analysis of key performance indicators. Consider the cost of your current supply chain operations, compare in-house logistics versus outsourcing, and evaluate the financial impact on your company and its stakeholders.

Additionally, analyze the performance of your existing supply chain to identify any gaps or challenges that may be costing your company money. This analysis should also consider the suitability of outsourcing in alignment with your overall supply chain strategy.

Involve key personnel from operations, sales, and accounting in this analysis to gather a comprehensive perspective on the potential benefits of outsourcing third-party logistics.

Outline Your 3PL Expectations

After analyzing your key performance indicators, outline your specific goals for using a public warehouse with 3PL services. Most businesses seek to achieve one or more of the following objectives:

• Reduce costs
• Increase revenue
• Enhance capabilities

However, within these broad goals, different companies may have varying priorities. For instance, one business may aim to reduce operating costs, while another might focus on lowering capital investment or meeting downsizing objectives.

Similarly, a company may want to increase revenue by gaining supply chain flexibility and responsiveness, while another might be looking to speed up time-to-market or reduce customer response time.

Outsourcing logistics can also enhance capabilities, such as gaining access to advanced technology more affordably or creating additional or backup capacity.

Clearly identifying your goals will help guide your conversations with potential 3PL providers and assist in selecting the best fit for your needs.

Decide How Much of the Supply Chain to Outsource

A 3PL contract can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Most public warehouses offer a range of logistics services and can design a supply chain process that complements your existing structure.

You might choose to outsource specific aspects of your supply chain, such as warehousing, order fulfillment, distribution, or reverse logistics. Alternatively, you could outsource the entire supply chain operation.

Address Concerns About Outsourcing

It’s natural for companies to have concerns about outsourcing logistics. Common worries include the potential for higher costs, a drop in customer service levels, or a perceived loss of control over business operations.

It’s essential to address these concerns before making the transition to outsourcing. When interviewing potential public warehouses, be sure to discuss your expectations and any apprehensions so they can be addressed in the contract agreement.

Choose a 3PL Public Warehouse

An evaluation criteria checklist is a useful tool when selecting a public warehouse. The checklist should include functions such as procurement, warehousing, order fulfillment, customized packaging, and transportation management that you expect the 3PL provider to handle.

For each function, identify specific processes like inbound inspection, picking, tracking, and reporting. Then, develop evaluation protocols covering aspects such as product knowledge, customer interaction, service levels, and distribution response times.

Match this list against the capabilities of each public warehouse you’re considering. Pay close attention to the logistics provider’s facility infrastructure, technology, equipment, and personnel to determine if they can handle the scope and scale of your supply chain needs.

The goal is to ensure that the 3PL provider can execute your supply chain processes seamlessly, effectively, and efficiently.

Outsource to Brendamour Warehousing

We understand that setting up your supply chain operations with a 3PL can be challenging initially, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With 4 locations between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky we can meet your Ohio 3PL and Kentucky 3PL needs.

At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we have the expertise and asset-based 3PL resources to make your transition smooth and stress-free. We are committed to ensuring the success of your business by becoming a vital partner in your operations. Contact us to learn more about our warehousing, distribution, and logistics services and how we can customize them to meet your specific supply chain objectives.

By outsourcing your logistics processes to Brendamour Warehousing, your company can focus on its core business, knowing that your goods are being delivered to your customers efficiently, accurately, and on time. The result? Cost savings, high customer satisfaction, and a healthier bottom line.

Contact us by phone at (513) 247-0077 or fill out our inquiry form here.

When it comes to third-party logistics (3PL) providers, there are many similarities. We all conduct supply chain functions in various forms, focusing on increasing overall efficiency for clients while reducing costs. However, a key distinction exists: the type of assets involved. Understanding the difference between asset-based and non-asset-based 3PLs is crucial for making the right choice for your business.

What to Know About Asset Based 3PLs

Asset-based 3PL providers own some or all of the physical assets necessary for supply chain management. At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we are an asset-based logistics provider because we own our:

• Warehouses
• Racking Systems
• Lift Trucks
• Warehouse Equipment
• Computerized Warehouse Management Systems & other warehousing and distribution equipment

We also have contract trucking partnerships with interstate and intrastate trucking companies, allowing us to obtain the lowest possible prices for distributing your goods.

Owning assets enables asset-based logistics companies to offer complete supply chain solutions, from storing to moving goods, at a low cost. They can manage every step of the supply chain process in-house, ensuring greater control and efficiency.

Asset-based 3PLs also offer stability due to their long-term investment in operations. They are more likely to expand rather than close or relocate, providing consistent and reliable services without the worry of lease terminations.

Understanding Non-Asset Based 3PLs

Non-asset-based 3PL providers do not own their assets. Instead, they contract with various warehouses, distribution centers, and trucking companies to manage and execute their clients’ supply chain needs. This model allows for greater flexibility in handling diverse client needs and providing logistics solutions.

However, because non-asset-based logistics providers outsource responsibilities to other companies, there are more parties involved in storing and moving goods, increasing the risk of errors. With no assets at stake, non-asset-based 3PLs lack a long-term commitment to any location or business operation.

Choosing Between Asset and Non-Asset 3PLs

Selecting a third-party logistics provider involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of asset-based and non-asset-based 3PLs. Here’s a comparison to help with your decision:

Asset-Based 3PL	Non-Asset Based 3PL
Easy access and instant availability to trucks, warehouses and other logistics.	Greater flexibility in meeting diverse supply chain needs on a case-by-case basis.
High efficiency in managing all or part of your supply chain functions.	Costs depend on effective negotiations, but market changes may cause higher costs.
The lowest cost possible through the use of sophisticated warehouse management systems.	Relies on the personnel and work standards of numerous outsourced vendors, increasing the risk of error.
Dealing with one company with very few go-betweens reduces the risk of error.	Acts more as transportation consultants, determining the best method and price to move your product.
Expertise in managing their assets benefits their clients.	Larger database of logistics contacts.

Brendamour is Your Local Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Asset-Based Logistics Partner

At Brendamour Warehousing and Distribution, we offer the best of both worlds. We own the assets involved in warehousing, ensuring stability and efficiency, while leveraging our database of trusted carriers to move your goods effectively and efficiently.

Our goal is to serve your midwest 3PL needs, whether it’s warehousing, inventory control, order fulfillment, processing, packing, distribution, or office rentals. We also handle import and export needs and are a designated foreign trade zone. Think of us as an extension of your company, providing any service you need. Whenever you need extra support, think of us at Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services.

Ready to streamline your logistics with a reliable and efficient partner? Contact Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services today! Call us at one of our 4 Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky 3PL locations, email us at Info@Brendamour.com or fill out our inquiry form to discuss how we can meet your specific logistics needs. Experience the stability and efficiency of an asset-based logistics partner with the flexibility and reach of a non-asset-based provider. Let us help you achieve your supply chain goals!

Expect the unexpected.

It’s a scenario all companies need to prepare for to ensure business operations continue as usual if systems crash, software applications get buggy, weather events cause outages, or some other disruption occurs.

Those preparations need to cover both internal and external business activities. In particular, companies that use a third party logistics (3PL) provider for warehousing, distribution, or any other part of their supply chain logistics need to ensure comprehensive procedures are in place to guarantee business continuity when any unexpected circumstance arises.

The first place to start is with this basic question to your 3PL: What is your business continuity plan?

Business Continuity Factors

A business continuity plan is a strategy that describes how business operations will continue if a company is impacted by any type of unplanned situation or disaster. It typically includes how a company will recover its operations or, if necessary, move operations if its current location is damaged.

For a 3PL, a business continuity plan addresses how its core functions and services will continue during an unexpected interruption. A 3PL communicates this plan with all businesses that use its services, as well as the suppliers those businesses employ.

The main 3PL business continuity factors that matter to your business are:

• Its infrastructure backup. If a 3PL’s warehouse management system crashes or cannot operate for whatever reason, it impacts your company’s order fulfillment and processing. It’s important to make sure the 3PL has a backup for its entire system, including inventory files, orders, and distribution records, as well as the proper backup servers and IT support. This ensures no key information is lost that would impact service to your customers.
• Its inventory management backup. If there is a system failure, the 3PL should have some backup plan to manage your inventory in its warehouse. This might entail actual paper copies of inventory sheets or a backup cloud server. An inventory management backup plan is essential for maintaining operations during any type of interruption.
• Its distribution backup to keep picking, sorting, shipping, and other distribution processes moving. Such a business continuity plan needs to be in place in the event an unplanned event causes the warehouse management system or inventory management system to go down or a power outage renders the use of scanners inoperable. Such contingencies ensure your customers receive their orders correctly and on time.

Is Your 3PL Prepared?

While most 3PLs are prepared to move your goods more effectively and efficiently than what you could do in-house, not all have the capabilities of keeping goods moving when a disruption occurs.

For instance, ask your 3PL how it would handle:

• Staying on schedule if its systems crash or its equipment breaks down;
• Distribution during a labor strike or slowdown;
• Order processing and fulfillment if there is a power outage;
• Weather-related events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, wildfires, etc.
• Massive congestion, accidents, or interruptions on distribution routes, such as ports, rail lines, or highways;
• Terrorist attacks;
• The loss of a major facility or vendor in the supply chain.

If your 3PL is not able to demonstrate business continuity in these situations, your business could suffer both in profits and customer service.

Comprehensive Business Continuity

No company should miss orders or have goods delivered late or incorrectly because a 3PL does not have a business continuity plan in place. That’s why it’s so essential to partner with a 3PL that can conduct warehousing and distribution functions in any unforeseen situation.

At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we consistently review and update our business continuity plans. Not only do we have solid plans in place for all the possible disruptions that can occur to our 3PL facilities and functions, we also implement business continuity planning for any unexpected actions that your company may encounter.

At Brendamour, our warehousing, distribution and logistics business continuity plan encompasses:

• A thorough analysis of all types of interruptions that can occur and educating all those involved in your company’s supply chain about how they will be addressed to ensure a continuous improvement process.
• Strategies to minimize risks to critical business functions caused by a disruption.
• Remediation steps that include alternatives for maintaining warehousing, distribution and logistics processes when a disruption occurs or getting them back on track quickly in the event of a disaster.

With our comprehensive business continuity plan, Brendamour Warehousing has backup processes ready to go immediately when the unexpected happens.

To learn more about our approach to business continuity planning, contact Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services. At Brendamour, we look at business continuity planning as another tool to enhance our partnership with your business.

 

All companies strive for excellent customer satisfaction to ensure repeat business, referrals, and brand loyalty. But often times, businesses overlook one key avenue for enhancing customer satisfaction – their supply chain.

A supply chain consists of the different companies involved in getting your goods to market. Basically, it’s every company that has some form of contact with your product. Some typical networks of providers within a supply chain are a procurer of raw materials, a manufacturer, an assembler, a warehouse and distribution center, and a sales network.

A supply chain optimized to its fullest delivers lowers costs and higher customer satisfaction. But how can you determine if your company’s supply chain is optimized to realize these benefits? Here are some things to consider to help you answer that question.

A Supply Chain Helps Increase Customer Satisfaction If It:

• Is optimized from start to finish, thus reducing your time to market;
• Invests in new technologies to improve operations;
• Has a warehouse management system that can be integrated with your company’s systems so your organization can easily share logistics information;
• Can lower your costs so you beat the retail prices of your competition;
• Has high performing distribution operations that allow you to achieve fast delivery times;
• Is streamlined to deliver excellent customer service;
• Provides transparency so if a problem arises with a customer, you’re able to determine why it occurred and how you’re going to fix it;
• Is prepared for the unexpected.

A Supply Chain Hinders Customer Satisfaction If It:

• Falls short in its networks, processes, channels, or services due to outdated technologies;
• Does not consistently produce quality work;
• Causes the most customer complaints;
• Is slow in distributing your goods;
• Results in a high number of damaged packages;
• Does not give you a competitive advantage;
• Does not have actionable plans in place to handle the unexpected;
• Impacts your profitability in a negative way.

How to Boost Your Supply Chain

A supply chain that helps you meet and even exceed customer satisfaction starts with the companies you partner with to provide the services you need within your supply chain.

When it comes to warehousing, distribution, and other logistics, such as order fulfillment and processing, you need to partner with a third party logistics (3PL) provider that has the right systems, sophisticated technology, and streamlined approaches in place to ensure a profitable supply chain.

As a 3PL, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services has everything in place to help your company succeed in delivering the best in customer satisfaction. Just take a look at our track record:

• Recipient of numerous warehousing, distribution, and logistics rewards;
• Recognized as a leader in warehousing, distribution, 3PL, and logistics operations;
• Demonstrated innovative thinking, flexibility, and proactive measures that translate into total customer satisfaction;
• Efficient and accurate handling of products that saves your business time and money.

What’s more, Brendamour has the systems in place to increase inventory efficiency, reduce errors and handling damages, and lessen delivery times.

If your company is looking to enhance its supply chain to boost customer satisfaction, let Brendamour Warehousing show you how we can reduce your costs while increasing your company’s profitability and customer satisfaction rates.

Contact us today to learn more. When it comes to your supply chain, your business deserves the highest level of service, and so do your customers. And that’s exactly what you’ll receive from Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services.

 

Lift trucks are critical pieces of equipment in a public warehouse. They are essential for moving your goods throughout the warehouse in a safe manner.

In order to minimize damage to your goods, checking the type of hydraulic lift equipment in use before selecting a public warehouse should be an important part of your decision-making.

Why should a public warehouse’s lift trucks matter to your business? Take a look.

Damage Control

If a public warehouse does not use the proper type of forklift to handle your goods, damage to the containers or pallet rack collapse can result.

Damaged goods can cause a significant loss to your business and impact your customers’ businesses as well.

Lift Capacity

All lift truck models have a lift capacity, but not all storage facilities are equipped with vehicles that can handle all dimensions and weights.

A public warehouse with a fleet of forklifts capable of handling large loads, both in height and weight, as well as nonstandard dimensions, can better serve your needs and prevent damage to your goods.

Better Space Utilization

With public warehousing, you pay for the amount of space you use. The type of lift trucks used in the facility can help optimize the utilization of space for your goods, thus saving you money.

Forklifts come in all sorts of configurations and options, so look for public warehouses that are equipped with lift vehicles that optimize space and use of labor.

Performance Versatility

You’re probably familiar with the standard forklift, but there are other lift trucks that modern public warehouses utilize to provide more versatility in moving goods.

For example, reach trucks are best for safely storing your goods on racked pallets, while an order selector vehicle is best for manually loading and unloading less than pallet loads on racking systems.

In addition, lift truck operators can add different attachments to standard forklifts to accommodate goods requiring special handling.

For instance, Brendamour Warehousing uses a sideshift attachment that slides left and right for more accuracy and flexibility in placing your goods on our racking system. There’s also a fork positioner attachment for ease of placement of different crate and pallet sizes.

There are also attachments to handle slip sheets when pallets are not used, paper roll clamps, prongs, large and small size drums, carton clamps, and fork extensions for handling longer loads.

Some public warehouses are also equipped with other types of pallet handling vehicles, such as turret trucks, to give them more versatility in stocking pallets on either side of an aisle or to accommodate different aisle widths or space sizes.

Ease of Trailer Loading

Loading trailer trucks to get your goods on their way to their final destination is another key usage of lift trucks. You want to be sure when selecting a public warehouse that it can handle loading of truck carriers, parcel carriers, and local delivery trucks.

At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we have the equipment and automated conveyor systems to handle a diverse range of goods, no matter their size or shape, and whether they are in crates, pallets, bundles, totes, reusable containers, drums, non-pallet unit loads, parcels, carts, rolls, loose and oversized, or bulk materials.

Brendamour Warehousing Offers Top-Notch Materials Handling

Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services is equipped with a wide array of lift trucks and modern hydraulic lift equipment to accommodate the types of goods we store and the manner in which they come into our warehouse.

Our fleet of forklift trucks with box clamp, roll clamp and slipsheet attachments gives us the push/pull system we need to handle your load with the best of care and in the most cost-efficient manner.

In addition to our state-of-the-art equipment, the warehouse staff at Brendamour is highly skilled and certified in the maintenance and operation of all the types of forklifts and hydraulic lift equipment we utilize.

We also give our drivers the opportunity to refresh their driving skills with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved safety courses, as well as training in racking systems, rack load tolerances and rack inspections. Our drivers are also well trained in stacking loads to ensure the weight is balanced.

Trust your goods to the experts in warehousing, distribution and logistics. We have the expertise in materials handling to ensure your goods are well taken care of when in our care. Contact Brendamour and start realizing the many benefits of using our public warehouse with third party logistics (3PL) services.

Most third party logistics (3PL) providers offer general logistics services which, for the most part, serve businesses that need just basic warehousing and distribution services. But what about those businesses that need specialized logistics services?

That’s where a niche 3PL comes in, providing specific processes to handle specialized logistics. While not as abundant as traditional logistics providers, specialized logistics services providers (SLSPs) are increasing throughout the U.S. as more and more businesses require customization and greater logistics resources to remain competitive in a cost-effective manner in today’s marketplace.

Determine If Your Business Requires Specialized 3PL Services

If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, your business most likely would benefit from a niche 3PL instead of a general logistics provider.

1. Do you need special warehousing of your goods? This would include things like raw ingredients warehousing, refrigerated or frozen foods warehousing, and first in, first out warehousing and distribution.
2. Do you require specialized processes for your orders? Some examples might be light assembly or cleanup of products, bundling of products, and customized packing, labeling, or inspection of goods before being distributed.
3. Do you have a specific logistics situation that your business is unable to effectively handle in-house with existing resources? This could include freight management, pallet management, down stacking, cross docking, recycling, and return processing.
4. Do you need labor specifically trained to handle your niche logistics concerns? This ranges from knowledge in warehouse sanitation and product staging to freight receiving and food freight integrity.
5. Does your business need the services of a foreign trade zone?

What to Expect From a Specialized 3PL

Niche 3PLs have processes and procedures in place to ensure your company’s specialized needs are properly met. This is carried out through a strategic partnership agreement with your business that ensures open communications, increased efficiency of the warehousing and distribution of your goods, decreased dock time, and established business protocols, such as invoicing, order management, and customer communications.

With a specialized 3PL, your business realizes:

• Customized picking and packing;
• Specialized order processing and order fulfillment;
• Proper handling of your goods by highly trained 3PL employees to meet applicable federal and state mandates;
• Implementation of high quality control standards to ensure only products in good condition get distributed;
• Regular reviews of operations to ensure they are meeting your company’s goals.

Brendamour Is Your Specialized 3PL

With four locations strategically located to serve the entire U.S., and a designated foreign trade zone provider, Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services has been meeting the specialized needs of businesses since 1983.

Brendamour’s comprehensive logistics services are designed to precisely provide the warehousing, distribution and other logistic services your business needs. Among our specialties are warehousing and distribution of bulk storage, raw materials, food grade goods, finished goods, machinery storage, special needs packing services, and import and export.

Contact us and tell us about your company’s needs. There are no customized logistics too big or too small for us to handle, plus you don’t need to be a big business to utilize the services of a specialized 3PL provider. Brendamour Warehousing accommodates all business types and sizes.

Our highly trained team looks forward to serving your specialized warehousing, distribution and other logistics needs to help your business remain competitive and successful.

 

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about the Cloud. After all, it’s responsible for a growing number of tasks you perform daily. In fact, you probably access apps, movies, music, photos, documents, and services from the Cloud, and even use the Cloud for data storage and backup.

Warehousing and distribution also uses the Cloud to provide a web-based warehouse management system (WMS). However, despite its benefits, studies show very few businesses are taking advantage of the technology. Perhaps it’s because their questions are not being answered.

If you have questions about web-based WMS, Brendamour Warehousing is a great source for getting answers. To get started, here are answers to some basic questions you may have when deciding whether a cloud based WMS is right for your business.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing means using the Internet instead of your computer’s hard drive to store and access data and programs.

For businesses, cloud computing does away with having to build and maintain an in-house computing infrastructure, such as servers.

How does a cloud based warehouse management system work?

Businesses have several options for implementing a Cloud WMS:

• Software-as-a-service (SaaS) – Your company would subscribe to an application accessible over the Web.
• Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) – Your company would customize its own applications for use by everyone in the company.
• Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) – Your company rents out an infrastructure from giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
• Third party logistics provider (3PL) – Your company uses a 3PL, like Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, to handle its warehousing, distribution, and other logistical needs you may have.

Advanced 3PLs use a web-based WMS to provide their customers with real-time, secure access to their inventory, order tracking, and shipping status. For example, at Brendamour Warehousing, you can check your inventory, submit orders and receipts, and track shipments 24/7 from wherever you have Internet access. That includes a smartphone, laptop, workstation, home or business computer, tablet, or any other type of mobile device.

Will a Cloud WMS work with my existing infrastructure?

One of the many features of a cloud based warehouse management system is its compatibility. Companies that made the switch have experienced:

• Easy integration with their other systems;
• Flexibility that allows customization to their operations;
• Scalability to grow with their business;

How will my company benefit from a cloud based WMS?

Studies show that businesses currently using a WMS in the Cloud realize numerous benefits, including:

• Access to information in real time;
• Reduced labor costs by 25 percent;
• Reduced overall costs by 21 percent;
• Savings from eliminated IT costs for hardware, software, upgrades, maintenance, data storage, and security.

With these benefits, the return on investment (ROI) in switching to a cloud based warehouse management system is realized at a faster rate.

How does my business get started with a cloud based WMS?

For most companies, using a public warehouse 3PL is the most efficient and cost-effective way to go to realize the benefits of a web-based warehouse management system. That’s because the WMS is already in place and your business is only charged for the warehousing, distribution, and logistics services it uses.

At Brendamour Warehousing, we’re always available to answer your questions and help you decide the best WMS approach for your business. When you’re ready to explore cloud based WMS and the benefits your company can realize, simply contact Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services. We’re in the business of helping you reach your warehousing, distribution, and logistics goals.

When it comes to opportunities, CEOs look at the big picture and weigh all options based on the company’s vision, mission, and objectives. Few CEOs have a perfect success record; some opportunities can turn to failures if not executed properly.

But when it comes to outsourcing a company’s warehousing, distribution, and logistics to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, rarely is it a failure. In fact, businesses who take non-core activities out of the mix of their in-house functions can focus more resources on core activities and realize improved results to their bottom line.

As with all company decisions, though, CEOs should fully investigate the business opportunities a 3PL provider can bring to the table, especially these three key benefits.

1. Better Management of Resources

Successful businesses know what their core functions are and allocate their resources to them. Trying to do both core and non-core functions to their fullest will drain your resources faster, lead to ineffectiveness in one or more areas, and negatively impact your profit margins.

Doesn’t it make more business sense to outsource non-core functions to a company that specializes in that area? Take warehousing and distribution as an example. Why stretch your in-house resources on these non-core functions when there are companies that are equipped to do it much better than your business ever can because it’s their core competency.

According to the 2014 Third-Party Logistics Study conducted by Penn State University, companies that switch to a 3PL provider realized an average inventory cost reduction of six percent, an average distribution cost reduction of 11 percent, and an average fixed logistics cost reduction of 23 percent.

As a CEO, it’s important to look at non-core functions and analyze how much of the company’s resources are going towards them, thus taking away from the main reason of being in business.

With warehousing and distribution alone, think about the money your company would save by shedding their related assets, such as the costs of the warehouse facility, equipment, software, utilities, insurance, taxes, security, maintenance, labor, etc.

2. More Extensive and Current Technology

In the world of logistics, technology is key in accurately tracking the movement of goods. Having the right computer systems, software, and equipment to properly do the job isn’t enough. They also have to be updated regularly with the latest technological advances to meet the competitive demands of the marketplace.

CEOs should consider how their logistics compare to their competitors. If your competition is doing a better job, it’s going to hurt your business.

Take this scenario: Your inventory is managed in-house with a warehouse management system that has not been updated in many years. Your competitor uses a 3PL company with the latest technology. Your company is more at risk of having a stock-out, forcing your customers to buy from the competition.

The question to consider is: Will you ever win that customer back?

3. Improved Customer Satisfaction

When it comes to fulfillment, companies are coming up with all sorts of solutions to get goods to customers faster than ever before. It quickly is becoming a defining factor for consumers in choosing one company over another.

A 3PL provider is already established and equipped with the necessary tools, technology, equipment, and personnel to enhance fulfillment and ensure accuracy at the same time.

By partnering with a 3PL, your company not only builds a more positive customer satisfaction culture, it builds more rewarding customer relationships and higher service levels.

Are You Hurting the Company?

That’s the question CEOs need to ask themselves by not outsourcing non-core competencies. Technology is quickly changing the warehousing, distribution and logistics industry, making the decision to switch to a 3PL company all the more urgent.

Is your company losing money or straining its resources by doing non-core logistics functions in-house? Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services can assist you with your analysis.

Contact Brendamour today to discuss a business strategy that is best for your company.

So, you’ve determined it’s best for your company to outsource its warehousing, distribution, and other logistics so company resources can be totally focused on core activities. Okay, now what?

You need a way to compare third-party logistics (3PL) providers that is comprehensive, yet doesn’t take up a lot of your time.

Here is an easy process that gets you the information you need to make your decision in a fast and easy manner.

How to Select a 3PL Company

To make the selection process as effective and efficient as possible for your business, here is a streamlined process consisting of five steps.

Step 1: Create a request for quotation (RFQ)

This document should include all the logistics services you are seeking to outsource. Be sure to give complete and detailed requirements, specifications, scope of work, etc.

Step 2: Identify 3PLs to Receive Your RFQ

Companies that provide warehousing, distribution, and other services differ in the extent of their offerings, the manner in which they operate, their use of the latest technology, their prices, and the number of warehouse facilities.

In addition to including 3PL providers that are located in the same area as your business, also consider those that may be in the same region, or closest to your company’s target market areas. Think to the future as well and look at things like scalability, flexibility, and global capabilities.

Step 3: Review Proposals from 3PL Companies

As proposals come in, it’s helpful to create a spreadsheet to enter key information for comparison purposes.

The spreadsheet should include columns listing your requirements, criteria and prices, along with the responses from each third-party logistics providers.

This document serves as a decision-making tool and is also beneficial to share with other departments or management.

Step 4: Narrowing Down the 3PL Contenders

It’s not uncommon to receive proposals from warehousing and distribution companies that are similar in services and comparatively priced. Depending on how many 3PLs were on your RFQ list, the goal is to narrow down the choices to the top five, three, or two companies.

Some ways to differentiate between your top choices are:

• Soliciting feedback from other departments involved in some way in your company’s supply chain process.
• Asking each of your top 3PL vendor choices to make a presentation to the management team.
• Scheduling site visits to your top 3PL choices. These will allow you to view their operations, the technology they have in place and how well it will integrate into your company’s, the processes they use, their capacity, and the competencies of their staff.

With all these actions, keep in mind that you’re trying to determine which logistics provider is the right organizational fit for your company.

Step 5: Make the Final Decision

Conduct follow-up phone discussions with each 3PL provider to further evaluate how they would handle situations that may develop with your business, or outside influencers, for instance, rising gas prices, carrier work stoppage, etc.

Ask each logistics company in the final running for references and be sure to contact each reference on the list. Also consider gathering independent references, such as market standing and reputation, accomplishments, industry involvement, online reviews, etc.

Evaluate the information, do a final comparison, and choose the 3PL vendor that best meets your company’s needs.

We Welcome Your Business

Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services welcomes the opportunity to respond to your RFQ and to answer any further inquiries you may have.

We’re always pleased to host on-site visits so you can see our warehouse facilities in action and discuss how our logistics solutions and services can address your company’s needs and bring added value.

Feel free to contact us at any time to discuss your requirements. We look forward to serving your warehousing, distribution and other logistics needs.