Starting fresh in a supply chain role?
Whether it’s your first job or a transition to a new company, the learning curve can be steep.
Need help settling in? Take a look at the video underneath for some helpful advice.
Starting with Supply Chain Basics
When stepping into a new role or company, it’s crucial to quickly grasp how the supply chain functions. This week’s focus is on the physical side—how products flow from receipt to delivery. Observing these processes firsthand not only helps you get up to speed but also uncovers opportunities for improvement. While this discussion highlights logistics, the next session will dive into performance tracking and systems.
Examining How Products Move
Begin at the warehouse, starting with the receiving dock. Ask essential questions like: Where do products originate? Are they manufactured locally or imported? How are they delivered—containerized, palletized, or as loose items? Observe how goods are unloaded, whether manually or with machinery, and note any bottlenecks or scheduling issues.
Next, look at how items move into storage. Are they placed into picking areas right away, or do they go into bulk storage first? Delays or extra handling can hint at inefficiencies. Avoid offering solutions at this stage; focus on understanding the “why” behind the processes. Often, seemingly odd practices are rooted in practical reasons you’ll uncover as you dig deeper.
Breaking Down Picking and Packing
Shift your attention to how orders are picked. Are employees handling full pallets, cases, or single items? Does the picking method—batch, wave, or individual order picking—fit the operation? Evaluate whether tools like voice-picking systems, specialized racks, or carton live storage are effectively utilized.
After picking, examine how items are packed and dispatched. Are orders processed efficiently, or do delays occur? Inefficiencies here might signal inventory inaccuracies, packing constraints, or issues with dispatch planning. Ensuring smooth transitions from picking to packing is vital for maintaining delivery timelines.
Understanding Deliveries and Feedback
Follow the journey beyond the warehouse. Accompany delivery drivers to observe how goods are loaded and delivered. This hands-on approach can reveal challenges, like poor delivery route planning or difficulties unloading at customer sites. Engage with customer service teams to complete the loop. They can provide valuable insights into recurring customer issues, service gaps, or bottlenecks further upstream in the process.
Related articles on this topic have appeared throughout our website. Check them out:
- You and Your Supply Chain Career
- Supply Chain Q&A Sessions
- The Most Important Thing in Supply Chain Management
Editor’s Note: The content of this post was originally published on Logistics Bureau’s website dated January 04, 2023, under the title “Understanding Supply Chains Part 1- Physical Processes“.
