We have quality, vetted warehouse space available near you!

Posted on January 25, 2017January 25, 2017 by WHadmin

Finding quality warehouse space with 3PL services tailored specifically to your requirements is a challenge.

Searches based purely on geographic location produce a wealth of results most of which after many wasted hours of phone calls turn out to be wholly unsuitable, leaving you back at square one.

At Les Flanagan Logistics Services we do things differently.

We offer a tailored, personal service drawing on nearly 40 years’ experience of implementing, managing and utilising warehouses throughout the UK and Ireland.

When we present you with a list of suitable warehouses you know

They have been personally vetted.
They have been recommended because they complement your specific needs.
They deliver the best results for you.

Our service

Saves you the hassle of unnecessary phone calls and wasted time.
Delivers a choice of solutions for evaluation and comparison.
Provides you with an insider’s confidence in the ability and suitability of the recommended matches.
Is personal, targeted, professional and courteous. All enquires are handled with the utmost confidence.

We currently we have a number of quality solutions available for ambient, chilled, frozen and haz chem goods.

Specifically there is significant capacity in Essex, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, East Anglia, Northampton, Warwickshire, South Yorkshire, East Midlands, Nottingham, North Lancashire, Liverpool and South Wales.

For more information on the solutions available to you please contact.

Les@LFLS.org.uk, call 07768 148208 or visit our website.

Why the wooden pallet is King!

Posted on January 18, 2017January 18, 2017 by WHadmin

Pallets are the supply chains key ingredient worldwide. Millions of them are used daily to transport goods from manufactures to warehouses to retailers.

Where would we be without them?

Did you know they first came into use in the 1920’s and were in widespread use by the 1940’s.

That’s nearly 100 years of use. No wonder we all have a soft spot for them.

Every year 1.5 billion pallets are manufactured worldwide, that’s an astounding 60 million cubic metres of timber. In Europe we produce 350 million, 20 million cubic metres of timber annually. (www.timcon.org)

There has been much discussion recently about the environmental impact of the traditional wooden pallet and the numbers I’ve just quoted may have set a green flashing alarm bell off in your head.

Well don’t panic. The pallet that all logistics professionals regard so fondly is actually still one of the most environmentally friendly options available.

Wooden pallets are largely made from the sub-standard off cuts from the furniture and housing industries. So rather than adding to deforestation pallet manufacture is ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

International standards for wooden packaging (ISPM15) help to protect and encourage the safe use of timber packaging worldwide.

Less than 5% of timber pallets end their life at landfill. That’s 95% of what we manufacture being recycled and reused.

Any pallets that are beyond repair can be shredded to provide wood chips for fuel.

There is also a wealth of pallet pool options that keep pallets circulating in the system and many pallet providers repair and recycle on a regular basis.

And let’s not forget the pallets greatest gift – its ability to be recycled and upcycled into some amazing objects.

I bet every single one of you has something in your home or garden that you have made from a pallet!

As this week kicked off with Blue Monday and has continued to be grey and dreary I thought it would be fun to put a smile on our faces by taking a quick peek at some of the best pallet transformations I have seen.

In at number one are these great staircases.

Followed by these two brilliant ways to organise your garage.

How about a revamp of your office space with these filing cabinets.

Or perhaps your kitchen needs a tidy.

The fact is wooden pallets are the lifeblood of our industry.

They are environmentally friendly.

They could be the most versatile recycling material out there.

And they have a very special place in all logistics professionals’ hearts.

Long live the wooden pallet!

Are you facing a labour productivity challenge?

Posted on January 11, 2017January 11, 2017 by WHadmin

Labour is generally one of the biggest costs for most companies, sometimes as much as 50 – 70% of annual budget. Managing and reducing labour related expenses while maintaining robust customer service levels can seem like a never ending challenge that many companies struggle to tackle or maintain.

The benefits for those companies who accept the challenge are far reaching; cost reductions, improved productivity, increased customer satisfaction and more streamlined efficient processes.

In short, a distinct competitive edge.

If you are thinking of tackling labour productivity Les Flanagan Logistics Services Ltd provide a full project management service that delivers significant results fast.

Our most recent project in a manufacturing warehouse, employing 90 staff, delivered annual savings of over £300k.

We have more than 4 decades of experience in management consultancy and business development within warehousing, distribution and logistics.

We have worked both large and small organisations including Sainsbury’s, Wincanton, M&S, Tibbett & Britten, Dairy Crest and Neals Yard Remedies. We are supply chain specialists with in depth experience in warehousing, labour relations and performance management.

The benefits of working with us are;

a bespoke, tailored project management approach that works with your business. We are big enough to be the best at what we do but small enough to offer a personal service that makes you our top priority.

a comprehensive work rate analysis of every measurable task based on professional work measurement and method study techniques. The analysis highlights inefficiencies, duplications, double handling and lost time allowing you to make focused changes swiftly.

a detailed work flow evaluation which identifies the speed of movement of key lines and makes smart, achievable recommendations that will reduce travel time, eliminate congestion and streamline the process flow.

an examination of your labour management techniques and structured training for all management levels on how to maximise labour force productivity.

a thorough investigation, feedback and training on organisation and work load planning with a real focus on managing avoidable peaks, troughs and bottlenecks that impact efficiency.

ongoing support, training and guidance that ensures you implement the recommended changes and reap the rewards.

If labour productivity is your challenge for 2017 then get in contact now and let us help you get that competitive edge.

Please email Les@LFLS.org.uk or call 07768 148208.

We are a small team which allows us to offer a real personal and tailored project management package but it does mean that we book up fast so we would advise you to get in contact quickly to guarantee our help this year.

Logistics trends to watch out for in 2017

Posted on January 5, 2017January 5, 2017 by WHadmin

As the New Year gets underway I thought it would be useful to look at how I believe supply chain and logistics services will develop in the next 12 months.

I predict that our industry will be subject to aggressive transformation in 2017. The continuing growth of e-commerce, the increasing empowerment of consumers, the stagnation of bricks-and-mortar retail and Brexit will all play their part in influencing change.

As industry leaders we need to recognise these challenges as opportunities. As traditional practises get turned on their heads we have a real chance to innovate and revolutionise our industry.

Those who embrace change will be at the forefront of one of the most exciting times our industry has experienced.

So what are the main trends that will act as the catalysts for these changes?

Growth of e-commerce – there is now hard evidence that traditional bricks-and-mortar retail is stagnating. As you would expect e-commerce continues to go from strength to strength. Overall the trend is for Omni channel retail which in turn will mean more companies looking to add or extend their online offering. As industry professionals we should be looking to develop our capabilities and services around e-commerce logistics.

Same Day Delivery – the genie has definitely been let out of the lamp! What we used to say was impossible is now quickly becoming the norm. With companies such as Amazon and Argos trailblazing this service, customers are beginning to expect it, and other retailers will have to get with the trend in order to stay competitive. Can you offer retailers a same day solution?

Customer centric deliveries – we are living in the age of increasingly empowered consumers. They expect delivery to be about them. They need to be made at a time that suits them, to a destination of their choosing. They want to be able to change the delivery time and place last minute. They want to know the name of the driver and see a photo. They especially want to be able to track and trace that last mile. This is a paradigm change for the industry and creates real opportunity for technological innovation and creativity.

Supply chain visibility – the growth of e-commerce challenges logistics providers. Automation, high volume, stocking products in line with demand, multiple delivery options all make traditional practises unworkable. We are entering a new world of full supply chain visibility. Companies want to be able to track their products from manufacture right the way through to the final moments of delivery. They want real time information and touch of a button reports. To keep at the top of our game we need to have the technology and skills to be able to offer service at such a detailed level.

Brexit – the full effects of this are unknown and it is extremely difficult to predict what will happen. We could see an upsurge in trading with countries such as China as free trade with European countries ceases to exist. Import and export in and out of the UK may take a hit and shipping companies may feel the pinch. I will be watching developments keenly.

I am looking forward to 2017 and am eager to see how our industry responds to the challenges ahead.

Who knows may be next year I will send you all a copy of my article using a drone!

All the best for 2017, Les.

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS in 2017

Posted on December 28, 2016December 28, 2016 by WHadmin

The relative quiet during and after Christmas and the New Year affords a good opportunity to review our performance during 2016.

The benefits of looking in detail at what worked and being honest about failures and disappointments is of huge value.

It’s from these conclusions we are able to plan for 2017 and drive our businesses forward.

So, while you’re recovering from too much turkey and one to many eggnogs start reflect on the successes and failures.

What were your biggest achievements this year and why?

What strategies led to real results?

Which were the least and most profitable services?

What did you not do so well and how can you change things to make improvements?

Did you provide consistent excellent customer service to all customers?

Where can you improve your service?

What do you need to invest in to improve operational and financial performance?

What do you need to do you attract more customers?

Is your marketing timely and relevant?

Do your services compliment your customers’ requirements?

On your return to work in the New Year it’s time to formalise the review with your management team and workforce.

Your review should conclude with a comprehensive business plan for 2017 complete with financial targets, customer account plans, people development goals and operational improvement objectives.

The work doesn’t stop there though.

Monthly reviews throughout the year should keep your plan on track.

Look out for these tell-tale signs that things might be going wrong.

Sales figures drop – stop and analyse why this is happening immediately. It could be your service levels have dropped and you have unhappy customers. It could be your products aren’t meeting your customers’ expectations. You could have a problem with quality or may be your marketing lacks relevance and you aren’t attracting the new customers you expected.

Employee morale drops – your biggest asset is your workforce. Low morale leads to mistakes and a lack of attention to detail. It doesn’t take long for this to translate into a drop in service levels which are clearly visible to and felt by your customers. Get close to your workforce to understand potential frustrations and issues.

Costs rise and revenue falls – this is often really difficult to see as the movement tends to creep over time rather than stand out as a dramatic change. The key to staying on top of this is regular key performance indicator reviews and robust financial management.

Competition increases – keeping an eye on your competitors is essential. If you see a sudden increase in the market then it’s time to stop and review what you are doing. Making sure you are always at the top of your game and able to offer something different to your competitors is key to maintaining growth and achieving your goals.

Important customers leave – losing key clients tends to be a sign that something isn’t right. Proper account and relationship management should be an early indicator. Take time to understand what has gone wrong and address the issues quickly to avoid future losses. Proactive communication to customers is key. Keep the customer at the heart of your business.

Growth is quick and exceeds expectations – now don’t get me wrong this is a good thing; but don’t be caught out by it. Rapid growth can put serious strain on your people, systems and resources. If you’re pulling in the cash make sure your infrastructure can sustain the growth long-term.

Quality time spent reviewing and planning has a direct relationship to your company’s success.

I wish you all a wonderful New Year and a 2017 filled with growth and prosperity!

THE LOGISTICS OF CHRISTMAS

Posted on December 21, 2016December 21, 2016 by WHadmin

It’s time to get the log fire burning, mull some wine and settle down with a mince pie or two and watch a feel good Christmas movie.

But before you switch off completely I thought it would be fun to take a look at some mind boggling Christmas logistics facts and figures.

First we must pay homage to the ultimate King of Christmas Logistics, Father Christmas himself. While we are all still trying to find solutions to the ever changing supply chain, he has been quietly providing the definitive next day timed delivery for hundreds of years. Maintaining exceptional customer service and 100% delivery accuracy means his place as King is guaranteed for some time to come.

Do you know he flies 317 million miles on Christmas Eve. That’s 1800 miles per second!

Recently he has reacted to customer demand and now offers a track and trace option through his Norad Tracks Santa Site

The most amazing thing is his charges have never been subject to any kind of increase. He still does all this work for a glass of Sherry, a mince pie and a carrot for Rudolph!

All of our businesses have been affected by the growth in B2C and it’s easy to see why when you take a look at how the value of online Christmas shopping has increased since 2012.

Online sales are showing no signs of slowing down. In fact online spending is forecast to continue to grow for the foreseeable future.

As the amount of money we are spending online goes up so does the number of parcels we are expected to deliver.

More parcels means more vans and light delivery vehicles.

And let’s not forget all the extra picking, packing and deliveries means a substantial increase in workforce over the festive season.

Here’s how Christmas affected a few of our major players last year.

So, if you are feeling exhausted and ready for the holiday now you know why!

Happy Christmas and a relaxing New Year to you all!

Are you delivering customer service excellence?

Posted on December 14, 2016December 14, 2016 by WHadmin

The relationship between business and customer is the true foundation of any 3PLs success.

“By developing close relationships with clients and reacting to changes in the market, 3PL firms are giving customers the vision and capability to grow now and in the future” Nigel Wright

Excellent customer service and the ability to pro-actively meet the challenges of the ever changing supply chain give 3PLs a distinctive edge in this highly competitive market.

As we all begin to review 2016 and plan for 2017 it’s a great time to take a look at your customer service.

In my opinion, excellent customer service stems from outstanding performance in four key areas of your business, information technology, delivery solutions, your people and cost.

Information Technology

State of the art WMS allow you to provide customers with transparent, accurate real time data on inventory, stock movement and costs. This touch of a button technology impresses customers providing the ability to solve queries and get answers quickly.

As supply chains become increasingly demanding and customers require pallet, layer, case and single picks WMS provide sophisticated systems that allow you to provide full service solutions.

Cutting edge WMS provide paperless, error proofed processes. This not only looks impressive and reassuring to a customer but also improves overall accuracy and efficiency that becomes visible in excellent KPI’s.

It is not enough to just install a WMS. Frequent changes to the supply chain mean to be progressive you need to be constantly working to improve and expand the capacity of your system.

Delivery Solutions

As B2C services continue to expand with the growth of the e-commerce culture, you need to find creative, cost effective solutions to offer your customers.

Traditional lead-times of 3-5 days are simply not good enough anymore. You need to have reliable next day, same day and even 2 hour delivery solutions. On top of that the end user is demanding full track and trace, flexible delivery slots, parcel shop and click and collect.

To provide the best service you need to be working on solutions to all of these challenges.

People

Your greatest asset is your workforce. The key to providing the highest level of customer service is excellent staff, who enjoy their job, understand their value, are unafraid to suggest new ideas and improvements and who communicate enthusiastically and professionally with staff and customers alike.

A strong leadership team and a multi skilled workforce are essential.

Attracting and retaining the best quality people should be a key component in your business plan. Good salaries, clear training and development plans, comfortable facilities, clear communication, multi-level involvement in decisions, investment and fun should all play a part in your core values.

Cost

Cost remains and always will be a key component in any customer service solution. However customers now place a much higher value on exceptional service and niche solutions. Costs should be flexible and transparent and clearly communicated and documented.

Customer service excellence is the driver of growth for both your customer and for your business. Achieving the highest standards possible should be a major priority for you in 2017.

5 BENEFITS OF WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A 3PL

Posted on November 16, 2016November 16, 2016 by WHadmin

Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) are reaping the rewards of the boom in e-commerce and the growing interest and passion for independent brands.

At the same time consumer attitudes to service and delivery are rapidly changing. Customers are more demanding and expect delivery on their terms. They want to receive their order quickly and at a time and place of their choosing. E-commerce logistics is becoming delivery led not delivery last.

These changes provide real challenges for SMEs. Without the budget or logistics expertise of the big brands they have to work hard to deliver a customer experience that allows them to compete with their larger competitors.

The answer for SMEs is to partner with a 3PL who can become an extension of their business and provide best in class logistics solutions.

3PLs provide the following benefits:

Cutting edge delivery expertise

3PLs are delivery experts. It’s their job to know, understand and access the best delivery solutions available. Whether its same day, next day, timed, tracked or international 3PLs will have a range of services to suit all. This combined with excellent rates and experience handling paperwork, customs, taxes and duties means an SME working with a 3PL can expect to save time and money while offering their customers a first class service.

Industry know-how

Many 3PLs specialise in a specific sectors such as toys, healthcare, beauty or chilled & frozen foods for example. Their specialism allows them to amass huge amounts of industry specific expertise and knowledge. Utilising this knowledge 3PLs apply the best industry practices and processes. By tapping into this an SME can focus on growing their brand confident in the knowledge their logistics partner will be able to handle any opportunity and challenge.

Safe, secure, suitable storage

Long or short term secure storage, bulk movements, pallets, cartons or unit pick. Retail, wholesale or e-commerce direct to consumer, there is a 3PL to suit every business and budget.

Technology Exciting developments in IT mean companies can access and track their stock and orders through on-line portals. Batch code traceability, inventory levels, order progress and inventory tracking throughout the supply chain. Most of this technology is available on mobile devices and tablets giving customers instant access anywhere at anytime. All this is are now available at the touch of a button reducing the complicated and time consuming record keeping and administration management that businesses used to have to complete.

Peak season capability 3PLs have access to flexible space, resources and manpower. This enables them to react and ramp up quickly to meet seasonal peaks and promotions. 3PLs provide businesses with the ability to fulfill increased volumes at short notice while maintaining delivery excellence.

In a crowded market place 3PLs level the playing field between big brands and SMEs providing smaller businesses with the opportunity to offer cost effective industry leading logistics solutions that deliver exceptional customer service.

ARE YOU READY FOR BLACK FIVEDAY?

Posted on November 16, 2016November 16, 2016 by WHadmin

It doesn’t stop with Black Friday though. We now have Black Fiveday which starts on the Thursday before Black Friday and culminates in Cyber Monday.

I just did some research and the facts and figures are mind boggling. Did you know?

Consumers are expected to spend 5 billion over the 5 day period.
Black Friday 2016 will be the biggest day of online spending the world has ever seen.
1.1 billion is predicted in sales on Black Friday alone.
3.3 billion is predicted for the 3 day weekend.

As a 3PL, especially if you offer internet fulfillment services, you’re at the sharp end of this annual event. The statistics speak for themselves, we need to take this event seriously and have a clear strategy in place to maintain our service.

If you haven’t started your Black Fiveday planning yet, here’s a checklist to get you on track.

Identify which of your customers are hosting Black Fiveday deals.
Ascertain whether their deals are on specific stock lines or across their whole stock offering.
Request details on the volume of orders your customers are expecting.
If order volumes are expected to rise significantly speak to your customer about increasing the number of order files you receive from them during the day and the following days. You may need one an hour!
Determine the exact length of Black Fiveday promotions. Is it the full 5 days or just the Friday or Monday?
Clarify the delivery promises your customers are making to their customers, (next day delivery, within 3 days etc.)
In order to maximise productivity, output and service levels decide if and when to run night and weekend shifts.
Check you have enough packaging, boxes and labels available.
Liaise with your IT support company or department to ensure you have access to their assistance should it be required.
Notify your parcel carriers and Royal Mail about the increased volume and arrange additional collections or larger collection vehicles if required.
Pre-print Royal Mail franking labels if applicable.
Calculate staff numbers, devise shift plans and organise additional training.
Arrange for products on offer to be retrieved from bulk storage and placed in an accessible area.
If a customer’s deal is just on one or two items, arrange to pre-pack a certain volume of these so they simply need mailing labels and despatch paperwork adding when the orders start flooding in.
Make customers aware of any additional charges for night or weekend opening.

And most importantly

16. Have FUN and ENJOY IT! Fast paced, logistics and warehousing challenges are what get us up in the morning. This is an opportunity for your business to excel. This is what we do best!

Tag Archives: logistics