by logisticsplus | Jan 4, 2021 | News
Logistics Plus is being featured with a cover story in the January 2021 edition of Business Magazine, a monthly publication of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA). Business Magazine covers the most compelling human resource, legal and legislative issues facing employers today. As the only monthly business-to-business publication in the tri-state region, the Business Magazine serves as a critical information tool for employers located throughout northwest Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.
This month MBA is featuring Logistics Plus in an updated follow-up to its past cover stories from September 2018, January 2015, and August 2006. In the article Logistics Plus founder and CEO Jim Berlin discusses 2020 challenges, new successes, and the company’s upcoming 25th anniversary. The article also features interview comments from Logistics Plus COO Yuriy Ostapyak and SVP Gretchen Seth.
You can read the entire magazine online at https://issuu.com/mbabusinessmagazine/docs/businessmagazinejanuary2021/2 as well as a brief introduction online at http://www.mbabizmag.com/2021/01/04/logistics-plus-2/. You can also download or read the Logistics Plus cover story by clicking the image below.
by logisticsplus | Dec 29, 2020 | News
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that the future is always uncertain. The global pandemic that shook the world has altered and disrupted the logistics and supply chain industry for years to come. Companies have an increased urgency to fill the gaps in their supply chain that the pandemic exposed. To prepare for 2021, we dive into some of the top supply chain and logistics trends to look for this coming year.
Sustainability
One notable trend in the supply chain and logistics industry is the advancement of environmentally-friendly logistics practices. Besides benefitting us and our planet, it’s cost-effective, promotes a good brand, and increases customer loyalty. Most logistics companies are joining sustainability partnerships and organizations that promote cleaner fuel, more efficient equipment, and lower emissions. As we shift to 2021, look for even more businesses to lower their carbon footprint to align with this sustainability trend.
Supplier Diversification
As 2021 begins, logistics companies continue to find ways to incorporate diverse suppliers in their daily operations. Ideally, supplier diversity programs combine social responsibility with the desire for a better and more inclusive world. Not only does supplier diversity benefit under-represented businesses, but it also increases the economic impact of our nation by creating more jobs and higher wages for all. Small and minority-owned businesses will play a major part in supply chains moving forward.
Supply Chain Visibility
15 years ago, supply chain visibility was virtually an unknown term. Today, visibility has become a must-have for supply chain managers around the globe. Increased communication is a major factor for improving supply chain visibility because it allows companies to identify the gaps in their current processes. Visibility also ensures that you are knowledgeable about every aspect of your product’s life cycle and inventory levels, which can help you improve performance and reduce errors.
The Growth of Omnichannel
This past year has taught us that in order to succeed from a sales standpoint, companies need to maximize every available sales channel. These channels include e-commerce, direct-to-consumer, retail, and distributors. Whether a customer is shopping online or in-person, your business should be able to offer convenient omnichannel services. By consolidating demand and optimizing your supply chain strategy across every channel, companies can maximize service, minimize costs, and grow revenues.
Flexibility
In 2020, companies quickly learned that they must be flexible and agile to overcome supply chain disruptions. To ensure stability, companies must ensure that their supply chains are agile enough to cope with unknown events such as pandemics, natural disasters, and the changing costs and availability of raw materials. In 2021, companies must have contingency plans in place so that they can respond quickly to disruptions in production, supply, and delivery.
Staying ahead of these supply chain and logistics trends can ensure that supply chain disruptions have a minimal effect on your business. By embracing new trends and technologies, the industry is set to face new challenges and achieve greater efficiency.
by logisticsplus | Jun 3, 2020 | News
“I wanted to create a company where people have a passion for excellence. Any logistics company can coordinate deliveries from point A to point B, but I wanted a company where people GAS (give a sh–) by going above and beyond what is expected. That’s how I arrived at the company name Logistics Plus – because we’re the company that puts the ‘plus‘ in ‘logistics‘ by doing the big things properly, and the countless little things, that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success. When the other guys say ‘no’ we say ‘yes‘ and then figure out how to get it done.”
– Jim Berlin, founder & CEO of Logistics Plus Inc.
LOGISTICS
The process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient, cost-effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements.
PLUS
The “+” in Logistics Plus is doing big things properly, and the countless little things, that together ensure complete customer satisfaction and success, including handling supply chain challenges from start-to-finish, and by doing what “the other guys” can’t or won’t do.
by logisticsplus | Feb 3, 2020 | News
The average Super Bowl halftime show only lasts around 13 minutes, but the multi-million dollar production takes months of extreme planning and coordination with thousands of people working behind the scenes. As one of the world’s most viewed performances, the show can’t afford a single mistake or disruption. What’s the main challenge? Setting up a fully-functional stage in a matter of 6 to 7 minutes without damaging the field.
Planning, Coordination, and Execution
The biggest logistical challenge behind the Super Bowl halftime show is setting up the stage the minute the first half of the game ends. The stage itself is wheeled onto the field using about 40 separate carts, which each require about 10-12 people to move. On top of the stage, an additional 15 to 20 carts carrying audio equipment get transported to the field. In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, hundreds of trucks arrive to the venue with deliveries of stage materials, props, electrical equipment, generators, and much more. Every minor detail including delivery windows, returns and item replacements, and storage locations are taken into consideration. Just one small hiccup in this process can change the outlook on one of the biggest days of the year.
Frank Supovitz, former Senior Vice President of Events for the National Football League (NFL) commented on the logistics of the Super Bowl. “The Super Bowl is a living, breathing organism,” Frank said. “It’s subject to surprises at any corner and any level.”
Planning and coordination have been, and always will be, a major part of logistics. The Super Bowl is no different, as military-like precision is required to successfully pull off the single biggest sporting event on Earth. Although most people believe that logistics only involves moving something from point A to point B, it’s the planning and execution behind each delivery and setup that makes all the difference.
by logisticsplus | Dec 23, 2019 | News
Technology, solutions, and services are constantly evolving in the logistics industry. As the decade comes to a close, it’s amazing to reflect on the ways our industry has changed the past ten years. Competition is heating up, demand is growing, and technology is advancing. Heading into 2020, expect things to be no different with technology and innovation leading the way. Here are just a few top logistics trends to watch in 2020.
Technology and Mobile Applications
We expect that 2020 will leave behind old-school “pen and paper” tactics. Logistics companies will opt for mobile technology and platforms that speed up processes such as identifying inventory, booking and tracking shipments, storing invoices, and more. Simplicity and accessibility to mobile technology will continue to expand the industry.
Data and Analytics as a Service
The explosion of sophisticated data makes it hard to consume and use effectively. As a new decade begins, the logistics industry has already seen companies begin using artificial intelligence (AI) and business intelligence tools to create better decision making processes for customers. When complex data is normalized and consumable, supply chain efficiency is increased. Data as a service is one of the top logistics trends to keep an eye on for the foreseeable future.
Increased Collaboration Between Shippers and 3PLs
Third-party logistics companies will rely heavily on technology to connect with customers and carriers. The transition from EDI to API connections for transportation management systems (TMS) has made it easier than ever before to book shipments, create BOLs, view invoices, track shipments, and more. Collaboration between logistics providers and shippers is crucial in this technology-driven landscape.
Improved Last Mile Deliveries
Last mile deliveries have become a popular topic for logistics professionals due to the increased consumer demand for goods. Retailers and logistics companies should evaluate their current capabilities and make adjustments to accommodate these shifts. As consumer shopping habits switch from brick and mortar stores to e-commerce, you must have reliable last mile solutions that get your products exactly where they need to be, possibly even installed or setup, in a timely fashion.
Environmental Sustainability Practices
Sustainability and green practices have increased the past several years. By finding unique solutions and joining sustainability partnerships and organizations, logistics companies will do their part in finding sustainable solutions. Freight carriers are participating in this trend by purchasing equipment that lower emissions, fuel costs, and more. Look for this trend to continue well into the future.
In 2020 and beyond, the future of logistics will be centered around increasing supply chain visibility and speed. Customers expect to have turnkey, out of the box solutions that will increase the efficiency of their business. Wherever the logistics industry goes, rest assured, Logistics Plus will be leading the way.
Are you heading into the new year with 2020 vision? Contact Logistics Plus for a check-up and let us know what logistics challenges you face in the years ahead!
