ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Blog


The latest news, trends, and insights in supply chain logistics from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s own team of subject matter experts.

By Katherine Wroth 03 Oct, 2024
Personalization: A Necessity in eCommerce
By Katherine Wroth 25 Sep, 2024
If you’ve stumbled upon on this blog, you’re likely looking for a 3PL to help elevate your business. Choosing the right partner is critical to your success, and that’s why we’re here. Supply chains have become the backbone of thriving companies, but what exactly separates a good supply chain from a great one? As a third-generation 3PL with over 81 years of experience, we’ve identified five key indicators demonstrating a well-managed supply chain. 1. Accurate Sales Forecasting One of the most critical factors in maintaining a smooth supply chain is the ability to forecast demand accurately. Companies that excel in sales forecasting can anticipate customer needs, plan inventory levels effectively, and ensure their 3PL partner has the necessary resources. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, we know that accurate forecasting helps our customers and allows us to optimize warehouse space and labor allocation, creating a win-win for both sides. 2. Effective Inventory Management and SKU Rationalization Inventory management is another essential pillar of an efficient supply chain. Companies focusing on increasing inventory turns can reduce holding costs and free up valuable warehouse space. Additionally, SKU rationalization—analyzing and optimizing product offerings—can help businesses focus on the most profitable products. A lean, well-organized inventory leads to better cash flow and minimizes wasted resources. 3. Embracing Technology Brands that embrace modern technology are often the ones leading the pack. Whether adopting cutting-edge ERP systems or leveraging e-commerce platforms, technology is a vital enabler for operational efficiency. Partnering with a 3PL like ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ that values innovation ensures businesses can implement scalable, technology-driven solutions that drive sales and operational efficiency. Technology doesn’t just improve the customer experience—it enhances the entire supply chain, from order fulfillment to final delivery. 4. Holistic Supply Chain Strategy A well-managed supply chain considers the entire network beyond the fulfillment process. From sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product, brands that excel take a holistic approach to their supply chain strategy. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, we work closely with our partners to optimize their fulfillment center locations, inventory and inbound/outbound logistics. This end-to-end view allows companies to make informed decisions that balance cost, service, and efficiency. 5. Cost-to-Serve Optimization Lastly, one of the key indicators of supply chain success is a company’s ability to manage the total cost to serve. Rather than focusing solely on reducing expenses in one area, successful brands take a comprehensive look at their supply chain costs—sourcing, transportation, warehousing and distribution. By understanding the full picture, businesses can strike the right balance between cost and service levels, ensuring profitability without sacrificing customer satisfaction. Final Thoughts At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, we know that a well-managed supply chain is the foundation of success for many brands. By focusing on these five key areas—sales forecasting, inventory management, technology, strategy, and cost-to-serve optimization—businesses can create supply chains that are both resilient and agile. Whether you're looking to streamline operations or scale your business, we’re here to help you take your supply chain to the next level. Are you ready to take your supply chain to the next level? At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, we’ve been perfecting logistics for over 81 years. Contact us today to learn how we can be the trusted partner your business needs.
By Katherine Wroth 09 Sep, 2024
By deploying a drone-based inventory monitoring solution at its Hillsborough, N.J., facility, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½Centers, a growing 3PL, has taken license plate accuracy to the next level, helping with order picking and eliminating time spent on manual cycle counts.
By Katherine Wroth 28 Aug, 2024
Do we hear voices at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ? Absolutely! Even though the concept of Voice of the Customer (VoC) has been around for almost three decades, it’s surprising how many third-party logistics providers still struggle to execute it effectively. In logistics, success isn’t just about operational excellence—it’s also about truly understanding and amplifying the Voice of the Customer (VOC). For us at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, VOC is crucial in ensuring we meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. But what exactly is VOC, and how does our dedicated strategic account management team play a vital role in bringing it to life? Understanding the Voice of the Customer The Voice of the Customer (VOC) refers to the feedback and insights we gather from our customers about their experiences, needs and expectations. However, it’s more accurate to think of this as the "voices" of the customer. Each customer can have multiple touchpoints and departments—sales, marketing, finance and operations—each with its own priorities and concerns. Sales and Marketing Teams Our sales team at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ focuses on building lasting partnerships with our clients by deeply understanding their unique needs and challenges. Meanwhile, our marketing team works hard to support our clients' customer-facing initiatives and enhance their brand reputation. Financial Teams We know that financial teams are concerned with the costs associated with logistics. Their primary focus is understanding how ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ can help control or reduce costs while maintaining high service quality. Our finance team works to maintain transparency in pricing, billing accuracy and opportunities for cost savings. Operational Teams Our operational counterparts are interested in how ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ integrates with our clients' broader supply chain. They seek alignment between our services and their internal processes to optimize efficiency and reduce disruptions. The Role of Strategic Account Management At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, our strategic account management team is the bridge between our operations and the diverse voices within our customers’ organizations. This role goes beyond just listening—they distill and synthesize these voices into actionable insights that drive fundamental improvements. Synthesizing Feedback Our client management team is responsible for taking extensive feedback from various client stakeholders and condensing it into clear, actionable points. This synthesis is crucial for ensuring our operations team can quickly implement changes that align with the customer’s needs. Facilitating Communication Effective communication is the cornerstone of strategic account management at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. We make sure that our clients feel heard and understood. By relaying concise customer feedback to our operations team, we enable swift and effective responses, promoting a sense of trust and partnership. Driving Positive Outcomes Ultimately, our goal in amplifying VOC is to ensure that our customers see favorable outcomes from their feedback. This could mean improved service levels, cost reductions or enhanced operational efficiency. Our account management team is dedicated to achieving these outcomes, reinforcing our clients' confidence in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Conclusion At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, our strategic account management team is essential for capturing the diverse voices within a customer’s organization and translating them into actionable insights that drive success. By doing so, we ensure that our customers feel heard and see the positive impact of their feedback on the services they receive. Are you ready to experience the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ difference? Contact us now to connect with one of our 3PL experts.
By Katherine Wroth 22 Aug, 2024
As a third-party logistics provider with over 80 years of experience in the industry, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ understands that speed and accuracy are crucial. E-commerce brands need their orders picked, packed and shipped to customers within minutes. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ meets these demands by offering a wide range of integration options tailored to its client's specific needs. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s Expertise in Simplifying IT Integration for Clients ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ supports everything from traditional, straightforward system integrations like flat files transferred to an SFTP site to more sophisticated solutions such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) over AS2 or a value-added network (VAN). However, the real innovation lies in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s robust stack of REST APIs. These APIs allow clients to programmatically interface with various systems within ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, including the Warehouse Management System (WMS) layer, providing a future-ready technology solution. For tech-savvy clients, this means the possibility of integrating with ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s systems even before operations go live, ensuring a smooth transition and continuous operation. Additionally, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers quick and effective plug-in solutions for popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and QuickBooks Online through its partnership with Pipe17. This enables rapid integration, making connecting with ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s systems easier for clients using these platforms. For brands using NetSuite, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s long-standing Oracle SDN partner expertise provides a best-in-class interface. Whether a client uses TrueCommerce, SPS Commerce, or another EDI provider, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ can integrate seamlessly, making NetSuite the central hub of operations. This flexibility extends to environments with pre-existing customizations, allowing clients to benefit from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s solutions without disrupting their current setups. How ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Prioritizes Security and Integrity in a Digital Landscape As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, the security and integrity of client data have never been more critical. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½takes this responsibility seriously by adhering to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which guides its technology choices and security posture. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has established long-term partnerships with industry-leading cybersecurity providers including Okta, CrowdStrike, Arctic Wolf, and GuidePoint Security. These relationships ensure that ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ remains at the forefront of IT security, leveraging the best technology to protect client data from a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Investment in IT security is a top priority at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Unlike some organizations that operate under the principle of "no budget" for IT security, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ carefully allocates significant resources to this area. This strategic investment ensures ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ can provide a secure environment for client operations and data, safeguarding against potential data loss and other cyber threats. How ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Stands Out in IT in the 3PL Industry ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Distribution's approach to IT infrastructure combines innovation, flexibility, and robust security. For many years, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has been a cloud and SaaS-first company, giving it a significant advantage over its peers. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ can deliver tailored innovations quickly and efficiently by maintaining deep partnerships with commercial software providers while developing in-house capabilities. This unique approach allows ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ to react swiftly to client needs, whether implementing a small yet impactful change or responding to an urgent business opportunity. In contrast to competitors relying solely on off-the-shelf packages, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s ability to innovate internally ensures that it can provide the right solution at the right time, keeping client operations running smoothly and securely. Conclusion ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½is a third-generation 3PL leader in IT integration and security within the 3PL industry. With a comprehensive approach that includes advanced integration options, strong cybersecurity measures, and a commitment to innovation, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ensures its clients can operate seamlessly and securely in today’s digital landscape. Ready to Enhance Your Logistics with Cutting-Edge IT Solutions? We understand that your business demands more than just logistics—it requires seamless integration, robust security, and innovative technology—partner with us to experience a long-term 3PL partner that aligns with your digital needs. Contact us today to learn how our tailored IT solutions can uplevel your operations and keep you ahead of the competition.
By Katherine Wroth 21 Aug, 2024
Inside ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Distribution: The Journey, Success and Future of a Leading 3PL 
By Katherine Wroth 19 Aug, 2024
With the global 3PL market projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2026 , businesses are under increasing pressure to adapt to evolving customer expectations. Effective communication between your business and your third-party logistics (3PL) provider is more critical than ever for maintaining operational efficiency. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ , we’ve developed 3PL integration solutions that enhance connectivity with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and e-commerce fulfillment services , ensuring your operations stay ahead in this progressive market. Traditional Integrations: SFTP and EDI Many of our clients rely on traditional integration methods, and we are fully equipped to support these needs. Whether transferring flat files to an SFTP site or using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) over AS2 or a Value-Added Network (VAN), our infrastructure and experience ensure reliable data exchange. These methods are ideal for clients who prefer or require a conventional approach. Future-Ready Solutions: REST APIs However, the future of logistics integration lies in advanced technology, and ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is at the forefront. We have developed and maintained a comprehensive suite of REST APIs that allow clients to programmatically interface with various systems within our operations, including the Warehouse Management System (WMS). This API-based approach offers flexibility and customization, enabling clients to integrate quickly and efficiently, even before their operations go live. It’s perfect for tech-savvy clients looking to streamline processes and gain real-time access to logistics data. Quick Integration with E-Commerce Platforms For clients using popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce or QuickBooks Online, we offer a robust integration layer through our partnership with Pipe17. This collaboration allows us to connect clients to our systems swiftly and securely, ensuring that their operations can hit the ground running without lengthy setup times. This solution is especially beneficial for businesses looking to maintain a seamless connection between their online stores and our 3PL services. NetSuite Integration One of our standout offerings is our integration with NetSuite, where ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is an Oracle SuiteCloud Developer Network (SDN) partner. Our long-standing relationship with NetSuite allows us to provide a best-in-class interface for clients who rely on this powerful ERP system. Our ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Suite app enables real-time data synchronization and operational truth within the client’s NetSuite environment. This setup is highly compatible with various EDI providers like TrueCommerce, SPS Commerce and EZCom Lingo, allowing for a central operations hub within NetSuite. Our solutions are designed to integrate efficiently even for clients with pre-existing customizations in their NetSuite environments, such as those using tools like Soligo. We offer partial implementations of our connector, ensuring that even the most customized setups can benefit from our expertise and integration capabilities. Conclusion At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, our approach to IT integration is both comprehensive and flexible, designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Whether you’re leveraging traditional methods or looking to tap into the future of logistics technology, we have the solutions to ensure your operations are cohesive and efficient. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of technology means our clients can always rely on ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ to deliver the services they need today and the innovations they’ll need tomorrow. Are you r eady to take your logistics operations to the next le vel? Contact us today to learn more!
By Katherine Wroth 12 Aug, 2024
Inside ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Distribution: Building Customer-Centric Supply Chain Solutions 
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