412: Maximize Warehouse Efficiency and Profitability, with CargoWise
Martin Hespeler & Graham Burford talk about warehouse management; challenges & opportunities; & how tech is helping logistics providers navigate market forces.
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IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:\xa0
[08.21] Introductions to Martin and Graham, and their roles at CargoWise and AWA Logistics.
[09.54] The traditional approach to warehousing and how, and why, that approach has evolved.
\u201cThe traditional methods are in the rear-view mirror, and we\u2019re moving quite quickly with technology.\u201d
\u201cIn years past, people would ask \u2018how do I reduce my labor cost?\u2019\u2026 Since the pandemic, the conversation has shifted dramatically to \u2018how do I optimize?\u2019 because labor is not readily available anymore.\u201d
[13.10] How the pandemic, and other disruptions, have driven change; and a closer look at the current logistics and warehouse management environment.
\u201cThe industry has changed, but the labor force has also changed, and that\u2019s the biggest thing we\u2019re seeing with automation. We\u2019re being driven by the labor.\u201d
[15.38] The biggest challenges logistics providers face now, as they balance a rapidly changing market with a dated infrastructure.
\u201cNow, many companies are dealing with the reverse logistics component which has been a nightmare, quite frankly, for decades!\u201d
\u201cOne of the big things we\u2019re starting to be managed on is opportunity cost. If we haven\u2019t returned or delivered in a certain KPI, what does that lost opportunity cost? Customers now aren\u2019t just looking at freight spend or delivery cost, they\u2019re looking at the time in transit and what a lost sale is costing them.\u201d
[21.51] The importance of thinking about warehousing from a cross-border perspective and updating the traditional approach so that logistics providers are cross-border adept.
\u201cWhen you can provide visibility to both the logistics provider and their customer, it\u2019s extremely powerful.\u201d
\u201cWe\u2019re starting to see a lot of manufacturers move production to Mexico and other Central American countries to get access to this market, and to avoid additional duties and taxes.\u201d
[27.49] How CargoWise is creating a highly integrated and capable global solution; and why thinking on a global scale is crucial.
\u201cIt\u2019s all about the data\u2026 without data being in a system that can transmit electronically to multiple countries and systems, we can\u2019t move cargo. Having a database and resource that allows us, not only to have that data accessible but in the correct format to transmit it, is critical.\u201d
[33.10] The importance of market awareness and keeping that global thinking approach, when it comes to sustainable growth and expansion.
[35.57] How CargoWise technology is helping AWA logistics to optimize, stay competitive, and navigate unpredictable global market forces.
\u201cThe technology has allowed us to continue to be competitive in the market\u2026 it\u2019s really changed us from a manual process\u2026 It\u2019s taken out 12 hours of pick time, on one lane, per week\u2026 and we\u2019ve cut down our errors by 80%.\u201d
[41.22] How CargoWise has created an effective communication process for AWA Logistics, helping them to expand their business.
[45.55] The key warehouse management trends we should be paying attention to, and Martin and Graham\u2019s advice for organizations as they think about the years ahead.
\u201cIntegrated solutions, with centralized data management, is key.\u201d
\u201cYou have to be really forward thinking \u2013 if you\u2019re not looking for what\u2019s coming next, you\u2019re not with the right provider.\u201d
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RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:\xa0
Head over to CargoWise\u2019s website now to find out more, or download their FREE Global Warehousing eBook. You can also connect with CargoWise and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook, or you can connect with Martin or Graham on LinkedIn.
If you want to hear more from CargoWise, you\u2019re in luck! Check out 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise, 346: Enable and Empower Your Supply Chain, with WiseTech, 367: Going Beyond Visibility \u2013 Unveiling The Invisible, 369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance, 371: Going Beyond Visibility \u2013 From Risk to Resilience: How Technology Is Transforming Global Supply chains, or 373: Going Beyond Visibility \u2013 Culture and Digitization.