Logistics Integration

Intralogistics is the transportation, handling,

With supply chain management becoming increasingly more important and complex in businesses today there has been a need for more integration across all the logistical functions. This has led to the term intralogistics - the transportation, handling, storage and distribution of raw materials to finished goods. Whether its the receipt and storage of raw materials or the delivery of actual products, the process needs to be seen as one integrated function – intralogistics. And its not just about physical resource, its also about handling the flow of information, including location, inventory and customer despatch data.

At iGSG, we identify five areas that need to be fully integrated to have an effective intralogistics strategy:

Supply

This is the ability to secure the goods or raw materials that will eventually be sold to the customer as a finished product.

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Transportation

This covers both goods in and goods out. It is essential that time considerations are built in to this process. Raw materials arrive as they are needed and shipments are made when the customer expects or needs them.

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Warehousing

The management and storage of raw materials and finished goods is central to all logistical integration. How and when stock is received, unloaded and replenished will influence the speed and efficiency of order fulfilment.

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Order Fulfilment

From taking the order to despatching it requires a great deal of organisation and management. Efficient picking, order processing and packing rely heavily on warehouse management. The profile and arrangement of stored goods will have a major impact on how safely and quickly workers can pick and pack orders. These functions are becoming more and more automated and software controlled.

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Customer Service

The final integration component is all about keeping the customer satisfied. Orders must be processed swiftly, delivered on time and in good condition. Systems must be in place so customers can get information on order status and delivery tracking. Logistics systems must also be able to handle returns and provide management information to ensure customer satisfaction and reduce future return levels.

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At iGSG we integrate our logistical solutions. Traditionally logistics management worked with production, focussing primarily on efficiency with little regard to distribution chains or market trends. In turn sales departments sold as much as possible with no real link to materials supply or production timings. Even with the emergence of marketing departments, businesses sought to maximise customer service and profit without fully considering transportation and distribution chains.

At iGSG our philosophy is total involvement across the business. By integrating logistics at every point in the supply chain you maximise returns across all aspects of the operation and focus on your customers.

We can help you improve your performance across all the integrated logistical areas. Whether its something simple such as improving materials handling or storage or a more complex redesign of your warehouse and systems. This integration, or intralogistics as we prefer to call it, is the key to business success in a consumer driven society where delay is a watchword for failure.