By: Dave Jesse, COO

Everyone has heard of those Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) becoming indispensable success factors for 3PL organizations like us. On time delivery, order/inventory accuracy, cycle time, cost per order, return processing time are just a few that come to mind. Sound familiar? Over the next few months, I am excited to break down what we value as six critical factors, outside of normal KPI’s, in choosing the right 3PL partner. They are highlighted below for an overview, and we will go through each of them more in depth in our upcoming blog series.

LEADERSHIP
The success of any relationship with a 3PL lies heavily on the experience of the leadership running the warehouse you are working with. Having seasoned leaders like we do at Bonded is imperative when dealing with 3PL engagements.

AGILITY
The success of 3PL operations hinges on the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Agility, the capability to respond promptly and effectively to shifts in the supply chain, has become a cornerstone for achieving operational excellence which is something we pride ourselves on every day.

LOCATION
One often undervalued detail when dealing with a 3PL is the strategic location of the warehouses. Your target markets for outbound orders, proximity to ports, optimized transportation networks and more should play a big role in selecting your 3PL provider.

QUALITY
In the complex web of supply chain management, the importance of high-quality 3PL operations cannot be emphasized enough. It goes beyond mere execution – it is about building lasting partnerships, driving efficiency, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.

SENSE OF URGENCY
3PL’s play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless movement of goods from point A to point B. One key attribute that distinguishes exceptional 3PL services is a corporate-driven sense of urgency that aligns with client expectations.

TECHNOLOGY
Choosing a 3PL provider involves considering various factors, and technology plays a crucial role in this decision-making process. When choosing a 3PL provider, evaluating their technological capabilities and alignment with your business requirements is crucial for long-term success.

The normal KPIs help 3PL providers and their clients measure efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. I am excited to take it a step further in this series of the six critical factors I mentioned above that should contribute to effective logistics management for your company.

Do you have any questions, comments or are ready to start a conversation? Reach out to my team by clicking HERE.