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3PL Technology Assessment: 4 Key Areas of Evaluation
Scott Hothem • April 30, 2014
In an effort to keep up with industry and consumer demand, 67% of logistics executives intend to increase their IT investment in 2014, according to a joint survey conducted by EFT and HP. The number one reason for the investment in technology is to make operations quicker and more efficient. In the Eyefortransport North American 3PL Market Report, they found that 92% of US third party logistics providers saw better IT solutions as a key to new growth opportunities. There is no denying the role that technology is playing as a catalyst for industries and markets across the board. This is why it is critical that companies find a 3PL partner that embraces the opportunity to drive profits through technology, competency, and initiatives. When considering a 3PL company, make sure they are in the aforementioned 67% of companies that will be investing in IT for 2014. Additionally, we have listed four key areas to consider when evaluating a 3PL’s technological performance:
- Efficiently on-board new customers: When you make the decision to partner with a 3PL, the ability to get on-line and begin operations quickly will be an important factor. A key element in a 3PL warehouse management system is having the technology to rapidly on-board clients, so it is easy to configure the required data elements. Investing in a 3PL who has the technology to rapidly and efficiently on-board your business is crucial.
- Process Change & Improvements: As your business changes and the capabilities of technology evolve, so should your 3PL. If there is a better and faster way of doing things, you should have that option when it comes to your supply chain. In your 3PL search, it is crucial to find a company that is investing in technology solutions equipped with an adaptable architecture. When things change (and they will), the technology of your 3PL partner will have the flexibility to modify, adapt, and execute quickly.
- Visibility: As you surrender a critical aspect of your business operations to a third party entity, visibility can be a priceless element. With remote access and dashboards that provide timely, relevant, and accurate information, decisions and evaluations can be made as needed. The result of this increased collaboration and visibility is improved efficiencies, enhanced customer service, and accelerated revenue flow.
- Merged Information: Having customer ERP applications work directly with a 3PL’s WMS offers significant benefits in terms of on-boarding time, IT investments, and higher accuracy. Without any extensive IT work required, users see information from both systems on a single screen. With access to both systems on a single screen, this technological element can pay dividends for your 3PL relationship, as well as your bottom line.
When evaluating a 3PL as a potential partner, you should perform a rigorous technology assessment. If the 3PL is interested in your business, it will be more than willing to provide you with any information necessary regarding its investment in technology. Barrett Distribution designs, builds and implements 3PL supply chain solutions that align to customer goals and requirements. Our approach leverages people, process and technology to optimize flexibility, scalability, control, and customer satisfaction.
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Over the years, we’ve had conversations with countless companies and specific themes come up repeatedly when discussing why they’re ready to make a switch. Here are three common challenges businesses face when looking for a new 3PL partner and how Barrett can help solve them: 1. Missed SLAs (Service Level Agreements) Missed SLAs can disrupt your entire supply chain, leading to dissatisfied customers and lost revenue. Consistency in meeting deadlines and delivery standards is crucial for your reputation. At Barrett, we prioritize transparency and operational excellence to ensure your SLAs are not just met but exceeded. 2. Complex Transaction Rates Hidden fees and overly complicated pricing structures can make it difficult to forecast costs and maintain your bottom line. We believe in clear and straightforward pricing models that align with your business goals, providing the predictability you need to focus on growth. 3. Difficulty Scaling with Demand Your business needs a 3PL partner that can grow WITH you, whether it’s seasonal demand, expanding into new markets, or handling rapid e-commerce growth. Barrett offers scalable and personalized solutions designed to flex with your needs, ensuring you have the resources and infrastructure to thrive in any market condition. A Partner Invested in Your Success We go beyond traditional 3PL services by becoming a strategic partner invested in your success. Our team takes the time to understand your unique challenges and craft tailored solutions that drive efficiency and customer long-term satisfaction. Complimentary Supply Chain Consultation with Barrett Is your supply chain facing these challenges? We’re here to help. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation and discover how Barrett can provide the solutions you need to scale your business with confidence.
When Every Second Counts: A Medical Fulfillment Success Story "Yesterday, around noon, we began receiving urgent emails from our Medical Centers in Texas. They needed recalled products returned immediately after four burn patients were admitted to the ICU. Their current inventory wasn’t sufficient to continue treatment, making the situation incredibly dire for the sickest of the sick. The Barrett Logistics team jumped into action immediately, working tirelessly to secure a carrier to deliver as early as possible. Their swift response and clear communication brought immediate calm to a chaotic situation. A carrier was loaded early this morning, and the critical product was delivered by 3:30 PM. This is just one of many instances where Barrett and their FSL partners have gone above and beyond to ensure that the hospitals we serve can provide life-saving treatment." - Medical Center in TX and Barrett Partner Medical device fulfillment isn’t just about logistics – it’s about lives. The stakes are high and every step in the supply chain must be executed with precision, compliance and attention to detail. Whether delivering life-saving equipment to hospitals or ensuring patients receive critical at-home medical devices on time, a robust fulfillment strategy is essential to meet the demands of this specialized industry. Why Medical Device Fulfillment Requires a Unique Approach Medical device fulfillment isn’t like other industries. It comes with its own set of challenges, including strict regulatory compliance, temperature-sensitive storage requirements and the need for real-time tracking. Any misstep could have significant consequences, making it critical to partner with a 3PL provider that understands the complexities of this field. Here’s why fulfillment for medical devices demands a specialized approach: Regulatory Compliance : Fulfillment centers handling medical devices must adhere to FDA guidelines, ISO standards, and other stringent requirements. Every step, from storage to transportation, must be documented to ensure full traceability. Temperature Control : Many medical devices and supplies require temperature-controlled environments. Fulfillment providers must have advanced cold-chain storage and monitoring systems to maintain the integrity of these products. Accurate Order Fulfillment : The margin for error is nonexistent. A misplaced or delayed shipment can disrupt patient care or cause compliance issues. How a Strong Fulfillment Partner Adds Value Partnering with an experienced 3PL provider can streamline medical device fulfillment while reducing risks. Here’s how: 1. Scalability for Growth The medical device market is growing, and demand can spike unexpectedly. A 3PL partner with scalable solutions ensures your business can respond quickly to market demands without compromising accuracy or compliance. 2. End-to-End Visibility Real-time tracking and reporting are non-negotiables. A strong 3PL provider invests in technology that offers complete visibility into your supply chain, from inventory levels to delivery statuses. 3.Focus on Compliance Managing regulatory requirements in-house can be overwhelming. A fulfillment partner with experience in medical devices will handle these complexities, from maintaining sterile storage to ensuring proper audit documentation. 4.Enhancing Patient Trust Timely, accurate deliveries build trust with patients and healthcare providers alike. Fulfillment isn’t just a logistical operation – it’s an extension of your brand’s promise to deliver care and reliability. Barrett Distribution: Your Trusted Partner in Medical Device Fulfillment At Barrett , we understand that precision, care and compliance are at the heart of medical device fulfillment. With decades of experience in 3PL logistics and a focus on meeting the highest industry standards, we help medical device companies streamline their operations while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy. Our fulfillment solutions are designed with the medical industry’s unique challenges in mind: Specialized Storage 91国产 : From climate-controlled environments to secure facilities, we ensure your products are stored safely and compliant with regulatory standards. Technology-Driven Visibility : Our advanced warehouse management systems provide real-time insights into your inventory and orders, ensuring transparency at every step. Scalable 91国产 : Whether you’re a start-up or an established company, our flexible fulfillment services are built to grow with you. The Bottom Line When lives depend on your products, you need a trustworthy fulfillment partner. At Barrett, we’re proud to support medical device companies in delivering their mission-critical products with precision and care. Ready to elevate your fulfillment strategy? Schedule a call now and let’s talk about how we can help you focus on what matters most – improving patient outcomes.
The health and beauty e-commerce sector is booming, with sales projected to grow 77% by 2026, reaching $358.4 billion. But with rapid growth comes challenges, especially in logistics and fulfillment. Products in this sector often require careful handling, specialized packaging and fast delivery to meet customer expectations. This is where a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) provider becomes an essential partner. In this blog, we'll explore key insights into the beauty industry, 3PL fulfillment for health and beauty and the benefits of teaming up with a specialized logistics partner. Top Beauty Industry Statistics Provided by Statista Overall, the future looks bright for the beauty industry. Here are a few eye-opening statistics to get on beauty and health: The beauty industry generates over $100 billion in revenue worldwide. The men's personal care market is projected to hit $276.9 billion by 2030. Skincare is projected to create up to $177 billion by 2025. Beauty companies spent an estimated $7.7 billion on advertising in 2022. Cosmetic retailers report $17.09 billion in online sales. Health and Beauty Fulfillment: Tackling the Toughest 3PL Challenges 1.Fragile and Perishable Products Many health and beauty products, such as cosmetics and skincare, are delicate or have expiration dates, requiring careful storage and transportation. 2. Diverse SKU Management With hundreds of product variations, from different shades to formulations, managing SKUs efficiently is crucial for smooth operations. 3. Temperature-Sensitive Storage Certain items, like serums and natural products, demand temperature-controlled environments to maintain their efficacy and quality. 4. Regulatory Compliance Health and beauty products must often adhere to strict industry and government regulations, especially for labeling and shipping. 5. High Customer Expectations In the age of next-day delivery, customers expect fast, accurate and beautifully packaged orders. How 3PLs Address Health and Beauty Fulfillment Needs 1.Specialized Warehousing and Handling 3PL providers offer facilities with climate control and advanced inventory management systems to ensure products are stored and handled with care. 2. Custom Packaging and Branding Many 3PLs offer customizable packaging options to align with brand aesthetics, creating a memorable unboxing experience for customers. 3. Efficient Order Management With advanced technology, 3PLs streamline order processing, reducing errors and ensuring timely delivery. 4. Returns and Reverse Logistics Managing returns is a critical component of customer satisfaction. 3PLs provide seamless reverse logistics solutions, ensuring easy returns for customers and efficient restocking for brands. 5. Scalability As your health and beauty brand grows, a 3PL partner can scale operations to meet increased demand, helping you expand without operational bottlenecks. Why Barrett Distribution Is the Right Partner for Health and Beauty Brands Are you looking for a 3PL with experience managing personal care and health and beauty fulfillment? You've come to the right place! We offer scalable e-commerce solutions, retail consolidation services and vendor compliance processes for mass retailers. At Barrett, we understand the complexities of health and beauty fulfillment. With over 80 years of experience, we offer tailored logistics solutions to meet your brand's unique needs. Our services include: Climate-controlled warehousing Custom packaging and labeling options Advanced inventory management systems Expertise in compliance and regulatory requirements Efficient shipping and reverse logistics solutions Whether you're a high-growth beauty startup or an established health brand, Barrett is committed to ensuring your supply chain operates seamlessly. This lets you focus on what you do best—delivering exceptional products to your customers. Let Barrett Distribution help you focus on creating exceptional products while we handle the complexities of fulfillment. 锘� Contact us now to schedule your complimentary supply chain consultation today!
