Industry 4.0, the so-called fourth industrial revolution, has already begun and is being rapidly adopted by leading companies. The reasons are simple – greater revenues and reduced costs through digital interconnectivity between machines, systems, processes and suppliers. The technologies involved can be daunting when viewed as a whole but, in any case, technology is only part of the story. Adapting appropriate mind-sets and processes must be progressed first before technology can be overlaid successfully.

As experts who have been assisting companies for over 30 years with their Transport Solutions, Warehouse Design & Operations, Supply Chain Strategy and Management and more, we have a good understanding of why clients hire us and the value we add to their operation.

The warehouse is a big ticket asset with expensive running costs. Logistics managers typically strive to improve efficiencies while also reducing costs. That can seem impossible at times but it’s just like the old adage about the best way to eat an elephant – one bite at a time. Small increments do add up to worthwhile improvements over time and one initiative can often lead to an unexpected positive spinoff that was not foreseen. Here is a simple four step plan to get you started:

Automating your warehouse can deliver very significant improvements in productivity and efficiency. It is possible to reduce costs while improving safety and improving productivity.

One would think that the more data we have available, the better would be our decision making capability. However, we are at risk of being swamped with data because of the immense capability of disparate devices now capable of being linked through the Internet Of Things (IOT). All manner of security, location, sensor and tracking devices feed a constant stream of real time data to be stored, categorised, assessed and eventually analysed – possibly. Identifying the wheat from the chaff is a vital first step to optimal utilisation of this Big Data.

There are two reasons why you should consider a Logistics Professional. The first is experience, even though your in-house logistics managers may be best of breed and perform to your highest expectations, they can rarely enjoy the breadth of exposure to numerous learning situations from other industries and operations across the globe that a logistics consultant will have.

Transport and logistics is a large cost for any business that relies on distribution to fulfil orders. That cost is factored into overall marketplace pricing for products and services – more cost means higher prices and vice versa. Tie that in with the modern demand for speed and instant fulfilment and it almost amounts to a formula for a business strategy: cheaper and faster.

Logistics consultancies do not generally post a rate card for a very good reason. Every assignment is different, requires different expertise and experience, and often varying levels of seniority amongst the consultancy staff. In other words, there is no “one size fits all”. On the other hand, a client does need to know what the probable cost is going to be and is quite likely going to shop around for what seems to be the best deal.

Every business at some point will consider designing or redesigning a warehouse facility to fix some bugbears and inefficiencies, to cater for expansion or simply as a result of relocation. This can be seen as a godsend by warehouse managers and an opportunity to start from scratch with the benefit of experience and hindsight.

The value of logistics consultants is in the knowledge and breadth of experience they bring to your operation. Typically, in-house logistics managers know their own industry, supply chain and logistics operation down to the finest level of detail, which is a vital necessity.