The growth of e-commerce increases consumer choice and flexibility, but it also challenges distribution centers to keep pace with consumers' higher expectations for faster and more accurate delivery. Nearly nine in 10 distribution center operators expect to adopt new mobile devices and voice-direction technology in the next five years to meet that need, according to a survey by Honeywell and YouGov.
Tom Sanderson, chief executive officer of Transplace, joins us in a discussion of the trends that are affecting the transportation landscape in 2015 -- and how they differ from what the industry experienced in the previous year.
Consumer demand for more fresh, ready-to-eat products is driving development of new replenishment models based on smaller, more-frequent deliveries, versatile truck drivers and the latest temperature-controlled trailer technology.
Challenge: A large 3PL supports the distribution efforts of one of the largest candy manufacturers in the world. Processing sales requests previously for samples and displays involved a text-based ordering system that required the use of a printed catalog to look up order numbers. The sales team needed a mobile option that simplified the process and integrated with the WMS.
Challenge: A top global publisher was looking to reform its supply chain to adjust to declining print volumes and increases in smaller, more customized orders.
3PLs are much more than an outsourced logistics execution channel today: They're assuming larger contracts, more complex projects and increased authority as trusted advisors to companies navigating the omni-channel landscape. But with greater responsibility comes greater expectations all around - and it's up to 3PLs to rise to the occasion.