A warehouse will only be efficient if its operations function seamlessly, so it's crucial to attempt to minimise the chances of anything going wrong. There are a number of steps you can take in order to increase efficiency, so that your business continues to develop in a positive manner.

Call it what you will; after sales service, customer relations, or post-purchase marketing. Research shows that using automated post-purchase platforms (PPP), you have a 60/70% chance of converting a satisfied existing customer, and just a 5/20% chance of converting a new customer. Although all research points to large gains for retailers and brands, what are the benefits for a 3PL carrier who embraces post-purchase platforms in partnership with the suppliers?

Increasing efficiency within the supply chain has many benefits. It reduces wastage, improves productivity, and enables a faster and leaner system. Controlling a supply chain involves controlling visibility, and software is increasingly the best way forwards. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology takes over primary administrative roles, meaning fewer errors and greater speed. Here are some of the ways that the latest supply chain efficiency techniques can help.

Warehousing and logistics businesses are increasingly under pressure to reduce overheads and streamline operations to remain profitable. If you’re fighting this uphill battle, consider the use of mobile printers. They may be just what you need to improve margins, by streamlining labelling and distribution operations in your organisation.

As e-commerce continues to expand, so will the use of third party logistics (3PL). To make sure your freight business is the one chosen by suppliers, what are the expected market trends to watch for in 2019?

You could insert Brexit, but that would be a bit narrow minded. There is a wide choice to choose from including Trump, Iran, Boris, Italy, China, EU, tariffs, border delays, as well as Brexit. What they all have in common is an impact or potential impact on trading and your business if you use something that originates over the water. No one knows how Brexit will work out is practice - the only guarantee is there will be a lot of hot air generated about it. But with plenty of potential for disruption from elsewhere you should look at strengthening you supply chain anyway, if you have not already done it.

When it comes to warehouses, ‘design’ can be a misleading term. You’ll find plenty of articles telling you to make more use of the vertical space, or to invest in better shelving – and these basic points can help. However, great warehouse design is about improving efficiency, such as shortening pick routes and positioning your fast-moving units where you most need them. Here are some no-nonsense tips.

An efficient transport, warehousing and distribution network delivers a competitive edge and crucial customer satisfaction. It’s the part of the operation that fulfils the sales contract and the needs of customers. Therefore it must be constantly monitored to keep it lean and streamlined.

An inefficient warehouse damages your hard-won customer satisfaction, erodes profits, and risks losing your business market share to competitors who do it better. Streamlining the processes involves taking action to shorten cycles, speed up throughput and make your people more efficient and productive.

Successfully growing your business sometimes means you outstrip your warehouse capacity. Optimising storage and rationalising stockholding is the first step to freeing up space. A new warehouse is the only option once all avenues have been exhausted. Ensure you choose wisely.