The global logistics domain has changed dramatically in recent years, owing to several different factors. Global electronic component suppliers are finding it more complex and costly to conduct proper supply chain management, due to unprecedented product demand, trade tensions, freight capacity challenges and a greater level of competition. This article looks at 8 tips that electronic component suppliers can use to streamline logistics for their products.
1. Global relocation and expansion
Several electronic manufacturers are relocating their operations to new nations to either increase production or avoid onerous tariffs. However, companies have to be careful that they aren’t breaking any law in relation to customs and local regulatory requirements. They should also make use of any huge tax incentives being offered by the country. Very few companies have the internal expertise needed to successfully manage new market expansion. This is why companies should always work with a logistics provider with deep in-country experience to enter new markets successfully.
2. Leveraging the power of consolidation
Consolidating a company’s global logistics efforts has a myriad of benefits. For instance, all the paper trails related to shipping documents involved in the delivery process can be better organized if standardized procedures are implemented. Carriers can also use software analytics to optimize routes and pickups. This makes processing payments a lot simpler thanks to more efficient accounting processes and fewer payments.
3. Air freight consolidation
Manufacturers of high-tech products and high-demand electronics tend to ship the products to prevent idle time due to lower-cost consolidated shipments. Consolidations do not necessarily require long waits between shipments and tend to save a lot of money when it comes to customs and shipping fees. To do this, manufacturers should always find a freight forwarding partner that has the required freight and flight capacity to operate in high-demand lanes. This can result in lower-cost shipping that still meets the customer’s delivery requirements. Custom clearance costs are also reduced by combining multiple shipments into a single customs declaration.
4. Management of delivery vendors
When electronic products are routed globally from starting to the ending point, they can travel a complex path through multiple carriers. Some of the delays that can occur include ports getting backed due to docked ships and land transporters. Improperly documented shipping containers can cause headaches for everyone involved in customs inquiries. This is why it is necessary to partner with a reputed global sourcing management company that can consolidate and streamline logistics for an organization.
5. Increasing shipping document accuracy
Electronics and other high-tech companies can spend millions per year on freight. However, they often have shipments getting delayed due to errors in paperwork. Some of the most common mistakes include inconsistent answers on different documents, unclear guidance on whether the freight is pre-paid, and values calculated with the wrong currency. Failure to correct these issues results in items being taken off planes before take-off or being held at customs departments. This is why companies should always choose the right freight forwarded, preferably one that runs paperless operations and automated data transfers.
6. Integrating latest technology
In the logistics domain, on-going upgrades and advancements are continuously being adopted. Autonomous robots are one of the most technologically-advanced additions to logistics. Companies using autonomous robots have seen improved efficiency when it comes to locating, tracking and moving inventory in various logistics facilities. They also help human workers easily modify their existing workflows without requiring complex programming. This frees up human workers to handle high-level functions.
7. Ensuring on-going carrier compliance
Most companies leverage multiple carriers as it reduces costs. However, it may produce another challenge- remaining compliant with each carrier. To avoid dealing with the carriers on an individual basis which increases the chances of mistakes, a multi-carrier solution should be used. The multi-carrier vendor is responsible for ensuring that the company remains up-to-date with carrier standards. Many companies even use an automated freight audit system that provides alerts for changes to rating rules and any unanticipated changes in costs.
8. Automating compliance, documentation and reporting
When shipping containers or parcels, all of the shipments must follow global trade policies. This was traditionally done by manual compliance, which requires hours of labour. Maintaining denied parties lists and reviewing each shipment becomes virtually impossible for high-volume shippers. This can be solved by applying automated trade compliance, which streamlines the whole process. Global shipping also requires massive amounts of customs and export reporting. Automating this process can streamline international shipping and reduces the instances of hold-ups.
Conclusion
The stakes are always high in global logistics, as inexact shipping schedules for electronic components can halt production lines and delay launches. To avoid this, it is best to work with a reputed global logistics partner that can overcome some of the common mistakes mentioned above.
