Third-party logistics providers are expected to evolve from mere transportation and storage to trusted partners in lean supply chain management, focusing on problem-solving and value addition. Key expectations include results-oriented strategies, disciplined technology integration, dedication to lean principles, commitment to continuous improvement, and dedicated resources. Establishing a long-term partnership between customers and providers is essential for enhancing supply chain efficiency and innovation.

1. hallowedblasphe04 - Lean Logistics | LeanCor
5 Things You Should Expect From Your Third Party Logistics Provider
The new role of the third party logistics provider will not just be to transport and store, but rather to
serve as a trusted partner in the lean journey by identifying problems, implementing solutions, and
adding value in global and complex supply chains. The relationship with the third party logistics
provider needs to move from transactional to one of long term partnership and commitment.
http://www.learnleanlogistics.com/six-sigma-certification/ -
http://www.learnleanlogistics.com/six-sigma-certification/ -

2. Here are five key things you should expect from your third party logistics provider. If these things
aren?t part of its DNA, you may encounter fundamental problems down the road.
1. First and Foremost ? Results
The goal of a third party logistics provider should be to support the growing demands and
complexities of its customer?s supply chain and do so in fashion that results in:
Improvement of on-time delivery to the customer (whether that?s dealers, retailers, manufacturers,
or consumers)
Reduction of transportation cost
Reduction of inventory levels
Reduction of order to delivery lead time
Improved freight performance
2. Disciplined, Intelligent Technology

3. A third party logistics provider is a partner that will bring discipline and visibility (such as proactive
track and trace), to the day to day execution and technology. Technology that integrates suppliers,
customers, and transportation providers serves as the platform for increased operational efficiency.
A plus is when this technology is housed with that one provider and has robust reporting and
analytical capabilities with all inbound and outbound data residing in one system. The provider
should have a reliable IT team that can be flexible and respond quickly to daily changing supplier
and shipping scenarios.
3. Appreciation and Dedication to Lean Principles
An effective third party logistics provider will recognize the value of lean principles. Businesses all
around the world are familiar with the value of lean principles. The current conditions of
globalization and competitive environments require operating a lean business now more than ever.
Lean principles teach to eliminate waste and focus only on those things that result in customer
value?ultimately building business cultures that focus on problem solving. While many companies
have embraced lean in manufacturing processes, they have yet to un-tap the wealth of opportunity
lean brings to the supply chain. The Lean Supply Chain is a system of interconnected and
interdependent forces that operate in unison to accomplish overarching supply chain objectives.
Once you have every team member empowered to solve problems every day, the results are
extraordinary.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Logistics-Supply-Chain-2414/2008/1/Difference-Logistics-Supply-Chain.ht
m
4. Collaborative Continuous Improvement and Innovation

4. T
h
e
t
h
i
r
d
p
a
r
t
y
l
o
g
i
s
t
i
c
s
p
r
o
vider should demonstrate an aggressive continuous improvement mindset with solutions that are
both measurable and actionable. It should deliver new and proactive ideas on a frequent basis, and
thought leadership in the form of supply chain vision and innovation to help the customer turn its
supply chain into a competitive advantage. A great third party logistics provider will provide the
services, people, processes, and technology to achieve the customer?s goals. There should be a
collaborative attitude between the customer and the provider, as well as an established global
understanding for any future expansion opportunities.
5. Last But Not Least ? Dedicated Resources
Dedicated, skilled, and experienced personnel are key for effective program and account
management. A third party logistics provider should provide this and on-site presence at your
facility. This person will then gain intimate knowledge of your business, your people, your processes,
and your suppliers, and can serve as a liaison to deliver the customer service you expect in a third
party logistics provider. The customer-provider relationship should be viewed as a strategic
partnership ? with both executive leadership teams engaged.
Share
4
SEP

5. http://learnleanlogistics.com/