Last-Mile Delivery Really Does Begin with the First Pick from Your Warehouse/Distribution Center
Supply chain leaders that wish to excel in last-mile delivery need to understand why the real value begins with this very first touch-point and how effective first-mile management enhances the entire delivery process.
Last-Mile/Final-Mile Delivery
The last mile is a well-known and integral step in supply chain operations.
Failures within the last mile often usurp all previous steps in the supply chain.
That said, the same value placed on the last mile should equal the first mile, and as a result, the first touchpoint.
Today's supply chain leaders that wish to excel in last-mile need to understand why the real value begins with this very first point and how effective first-mile management enhances the entire process.
Why Supply Chain Leaders Overlook the Value of the First Foot of the Last Mile
As explained by Supply Chain 24/7 (From First Mile to Last Mile: Global Industrial & Logistics Trends), digitalization of the logistics industry, including warehousing, continues to drive the market.
Faster processing amounts to speedier delivery and happier customers. With so much emphasis on getting orders delivered on time, it’s easy for supply chain leaders to focus on the last mile, and rightfully so.
The last mile involves direct customer interactions - a facet missing in earlier stages for e-commerce consumers.
Although most orders come to fruition in the last mile, it does little good if the previous steps fell short.
This is where supply chain leaders misconstrue the nature and value of the last mile. It’s valuable, but it’s only as useful as the weakest link in the supply chain.
The Importance of the First Touch Point Should Equal That of the Last Mile
The first touchpoint of a product is typically associated with picking processes. When an order is placed, the order details are sent to pickers. Pickers choose from bins and add the product to a tote. Totes are organized and picked items are packaged. The process continues until the order ships. Even with the aid of robotics, the risk remains. Any problem in the supply chain could lead to delays.
So, warehouse leaders must consider two sides of the first touchpoint - the stage of picking the item and the actual inbound logistics of how it arrived in the warehouse or distribution center.
How Procurement Contributes to Improved, End-to-End Supply Chain Efficiency
Enhancing logistics begins with better management of inbound logistics. According to Supply Chain Digital, the first mile contains the highest level of risk. Short orders and a movement to just-in-time fulfillment increase the risk of an item going out-of-stock. More importantly, failure to account for changes in demand will amount to both overordering and underordering.
In a sense, it’s all linked to effective inventory management. While advanced supply chain management platforms, including a warehouse management system (WMS), optimize inventory and warehouse operations, supply chain leaders must also focus on the actual inbound logistics processes.
Warehouse managers need to approach replenishment and inbound logistics from the standpoint of control. Suppliers and vendors routinely enjoy reduced accountability and low visibility. How can a warehouse know what a supplier/vendor does and does not do?
Download the White Paper: How to Realize the Substantial Benefits of Final Mile Logistics
That’s where a WMS can make all the difference. Advanced WMS functions integrate with supplier and vendor systems. Even those with limited technologies and resources can take advantage of APIs and back-office supportive services, accessible via the internet, to increase visibility within their operations.
Download the White Paper: The State & Driving Forces of the WMS Market
As a result, warehouses gain visibility into inbound logistics, including the full scope of metrics and KPIs to track and manage supplier performance.
Gain Full Transparency and Control with an Effective, Integrated WMS
More touchpoints amount to higher risk, but even the best-laid plans for fewer touches will fail if the first pick does not go as planned.
Problems and errors happen, but by building a better warehouse management strategy, including the use of an integrated WMS and full transparency, supply chains can achieve end-to-end success in fulfillment and delivery. Kickstart efficiency in your supply chain by focusing on better picking through first-mile processing.
About the Author
Jason Rosing is the founding partner of Veridian; a valued Manhattan Associates, HighJump, & JDA partner and technology leader specializing in user-friendly, robust and flexible automated testing and configuration management solutions designed to meet the ever-changing challenges of the omnichannel landscape.
Related Article Final Mile Delivery Drivers: Why Are Logistics Shippers Looking to Adopt More Final Mile?
Related White Paper Series
How to Realize the Substantial Benefits of Final Mile Logistics
This white paper, How to Realize the Substantial Benefits of Final Mile Logistics, is a must-read for shippers looking to maximize the logistics of the final mile. Download Now!
Using a Transportation Management System to Execute a Final Mile Strategy
This white paper takes a closer look at the advanced capabilities, benefits, and effects offered and made possible through transportation management systems (TMS). Download Now!
Final Mile Considerations Shippers Must Make to Develop a Sound Strategy
This white paper explores the final mile considerations shippers need to take in developing or rebuilding their final mile strategies. Download Now!
Final Mile Considerations Shippers Must Make to Develop a Sound Strategy
This white paper explores the final mile considerations shippers need to take in developing or rebuilding their final mile strategies. Download Now!
Final Mile Management: A Shipper’s 30,000 Foot View
This is a must-read white paper for those shippers who are looking at incorporating Final Mile Logistics Management into their transportation options. Download Now!
The Ultimate Guide to Last Mile & White Glove Logistics
Shippers must adapt to the changing consumer demands and tailor last mile strategies to mesh well with such demands. In this e-book, “The Ultimate Guide To Last Mile & White Glove Logistics”, details these top lessons that shippers need to know about last-mile logistics in the modern era. Download Now!
More Resources from Cerasis
Article Topics
Cerasis News & Resources
GlobalTranz Appoints Executive Chairman Bob Farrell as Chief Executive Officer Amazon’s Drone Delivery Hits Milestone with Federal Aviation Administration Clearance Digital Supply Chain: The Landscape, Trends, Types, and the Application in Supply Chain Management Walmart’s Bid for TikTok Could Benefit the Retail Giant’s Ecommerce and Advertising Businesses The State of Ecommerce Logistics Heading into 2020 Peak Delivery Season Bringing Omnichannel to the Forefront of Ecommerce FedEx’s Fred Smith Optimistic About Economic Recovery as Ecommerce Business Booms More CerasisLatest in Transportation
Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Impact on Freight Navigating Amazon Logistics’ Growth Shakes Up Shipping Industry in 2023 Nissan Channels Tesla With Its Latest Manufacturing Process Why are Diesel Prices Climbing Back Over $4 a Gallon? Luxury Car Brands in Limbo After Chinese Company Violates Labor Laws The Three Biggest Challenges Facing Shippers and Carriers in 2024 Supply Chain Stability Index: “Tremendous Improvement” in 2023 More Transportation
