Leveraging Technology in Your Logistics Department

Are you making the most of your logistics staff's technical skills? Are you using the technology that will help you use their skills to reap the greatest possible benefits, including better supply chain visibility and increased savings?

Below are a few tips on how to leverage your internal resources and make the best possible use of the supply chain technology that is now available to you.

· Hire people who are strong in IT and are up to date on the latest supply chain technology. If it is too expensive to hire and train full-time employees, consider outsourcing some of your high-level IT tasks.

· Ensure flexibility on the front end. You should have the ability to take and receive orders every way possible so that revenue isn't impeded.

· Keep data flowing through your systems. Automate everything from the first customer interaction to the customer's receipt of the goods.

· Use technology, including RFID, to improve control and accuracy wherever possible.

· Invest in the processes that need technology most. Identify weaknesses throughout your supply chain and determine whether a technology solution would strengthen them.

· Lower costs in transportation management by using things like rate shopping programs.

· Maintain your lifeline to the customer. You should have instant access to any types of data or reporting your customers need.