Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in logistics remain a critical and frequently discussed subject.

We’ll explore common pitfalls people encounter with logistics KPIs and provide guidance on simplifying your approach.

Watch to learn how to avoid these mistakes and enhance your KPI strategy.

Logistics Performance Metrics: Key Insights

KPIs are a hot topic, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the details. Let’s simplify things and talk about some common mistakes and practical tips to improve your approach to logistics performance.

First off, many people fall into the trap of tracking too many KPIs. My advice? Stick to three or four key performance indicators per level in your organization. For instance, if you’re managing a warehouse, three or four critical KPIs should be your focus. In a large warehouse, each function might need its own set. If you’re a distribution manager, your KPIs should cover warehousing, transport, and so on. Senior leaders, like MDs or CEOs, require high-level KPIs—think warehouse cost as a percentage of sales or transport cost per drop. The key is to tailor your logistics performance metrics to each management level and keep them manageable.

Another common issue is not measuring what truly matters. Remember the saying, “what gets measured gets managed.” It’s spot on. Focus on outcomes that align with your goals. For example, if you want to boost productivity in your warehouse, measure picking rates, cost per order dispatched, and similar metrics. Look at your current KPIs and ask yourself if they drive the right behaviors. There’s a story I can’t forget from a large company that measured cartons processed through their distribution centers. This led to counterproductive behaviors like routing products unnecessarily through the warehouse just to boost carton counts. Ensure your logistics performance metrics promote the behaviors you want.

Helpful Resources

I’m not diving into specific metrics here, but I’ll share some valuable resources:

• Supply Chain Secrets Channel
• Logistics Bureau Blogs

These resources will provide detailed insights.

What’s the best logistics performance metric you’ve encountered? What mistakes have you seen?
Let us know in the comments!

Special Offer

Here’s a heads-up: Logistics Bureau will soon offer a special warehouse audit. If you’re running a warehouse and want to evaluate your performance for 2024, keep an eye out for the link below.

Here’s the link to Audit your Warehouse: Boost Your Warehouse Performance

By focusing on a few critical metrics, measuring what matters, and avoiding common pitfalls, we can drive meaningful improvements in our logistics operations.

Related articles on this topic have appeared throughout our website, check them out:

• The Best KPI: The Probability of a Perfect Order
• KPIs for Your Warehouse: How to Choose and Use Them
• KPI Key Performance Indicators in Supply Chain & Logistics
• The Big List of Supply Chain KPI Mistakes to Avoid

Editor’s Note: The content of this post was originally published on Logistics Bureau’s website dated January 24, 2024, under the title “Logistics KPI Tips – Key Performance Indicators“.