Throughout the past year, we have seen major disruptions in supply chains across the globe. However, temporary structures can be used to improve logistics and supply chain management – here’s how.
We keep hearing a lot about how our supply chains are taking a beating at nearly every step along the way. This means that those who handle the raw materials for manufacturing as well as those who are in retail to sell the finished product – and everyone in between – are impacted by the supply chain woes in one way or another.
Stepping up with alternative solutions, such as temporary structures, can make a huge difference in improving logistics. Nobody truly knows whether this is only a temporary situation – or a new part of our everyday lives. So, the best thing we can do is find solutions that fit.
Understanding Supply Chain Management
In general, logistics and supply chain management is how goods move through the process — from raw materials to finished products. Companies must learn to be efficient and streamlined to reach success with their sales. If another company does better at managing their supply chain – who do you think is going to have the happier customer? And, let’s be real for a minute – successful business all comes down to a satisfied customer.
The first basic steps of supply chain management – plan, source, make, deliver, and return – cannot happen if there are bottlenecks all along the way. Freight unable to get loaded on tractor-trailers at ports due to shortages – and that is if they are even able to get to the ports at all. Then you’ve got a stagnant level of inventory before it turns into an overflow of inventory, thanks to the inconsistent, unsteady flow of products.
In order to successfully manage a supply chain in these conditions, you are going to seriously need to improve the logistics.
Improving the Logistics and Supply Chain Management
In all fairness, there is not much that one company is going to be able to do to change the situation of our supply chain issues as a whole. This is a global concern that is impacting more than just one sock company’s favorite buyer. However, what does need to be done is the ability to logistically make the current conditions work as efficiently as possible.
By improving the logistics and supply chain management of your company, you can reap the benefits. Just be prepared to make some changes to how you do things. And, sometimes this may require you to invest in new tools or equipment. For instance, a temporary tent structure.
How a Temporary Structure Can Help Logistics and Supply Chain Management
So, what makes temporary structures so beneficial in improving logistics and supply chain management? Well, they are very versatile and dependable. They can be the one solution that is used in so many different ways to help companies of all sorts make a positive impact on their overall level of efficiency.
These structures are:
- Durable enough to withstand inclement weather.
- Strong enough to compete with the offerings of a permanent structure.
- Cost-effective.
- Sustainable.
- Customizable to meet your needs.
- Wide-open layout and design.
- Can come with accessories, including lighting, flooring, climate control, and more.
- Quick solution.
And that is just to name a few. Below are three of the many ways temporary warehouse structures can help.
Storage for an Overflow of Goods
Nobody expected what happened during COVID-19 and the consumer’s response to happen the way it did. Certain items flying off store shelves couldn’t be produced fast enough to keep up with demand. Since then, certain areas of retail stores will be without certain products entirely – or, at least, have a little supply.
To prevent things like this from happening, retail chains can place an order for a surplus of goods. This initial upfront cost can give them big rewards when a product is in demand – and a customer is satisfied that they found it.
Storing the extra inventory can be tough. With a temporary structure, they can have a secure place to keep everything safe and convenient for when needed.
Automated Fulfillment Centers
Moving toward automation can increase efficiency – which can save you the time you lost due to supply chain issues. But, it also requires the space to make it happen. Wide-open spaces found in temporary structures can allow for a personalized layout to be designed – and an efficient way to start forming automated fulfillment centers around the country.
Getting Goods Closer to Customers
Consumers want their products. With supply chain issues causing severe delays, it is important to get the goods as close to customers as possible. This reduces the chance of not having a product because of transportation issues and such.
As with automated fulfillment centers, temporary structures allow you to quickly construct temporary warehouse structures in the most convenient locations. You won’t have to worry about transporting goods from rural distribution centers, for instance. Instead, you can have your products near consumers and ready to go as needed.
Reduce the reliance on tractor-trailers, railways, and the like — and improve your logistics and supply chain management by simply reducing the distance between you and the end-user.
What Does the Future Look Like?
As COVID-19 has taught us, we can’t know what the future holds or what to expect. However, when it comes to our supply chain, there are going to still be issues – probably for many years to come. During the beginning stages of the global pandemic, many companies turned to outsourcing to reduce their risk and their need for a factory full of employees.
They were able to get their products manufactured elsewhere – and then brought in. Except, with so many doing just that, our ports are overloaded. Transitioning back to handling the manufacturing themselves is an option – except there is a serious lack of labor force. Many companies may find that opting for nearshoring is a much more promising solution all the way around.
We’ve learned that finding ways to reduce inventory shortages needs to be an important focus. This may mean increasing purchase orders to get a surplus of inventory each time, for example.
Consumer behavior can be very erratic and unpredictable at certain times. So, while we can’t know exactly what the future holds, we can have a plan in place and the necessary tools to make it happen – such as utilizing a temporary structure. This will always keep you one step ahead while improving your logistics and supply chain management efficiency.
