Logistics consulting: all processes put to the test
The German industry is closely interlinked with all areas of logistics, particularly with a focus on smooth material flows and extensive automation. The more efficiently processes can be designed, the greater the cost savings and synergy effects. This means that logistics processes are naturally the Achilles' heel of a manufacturing company. Only those who can react flexibly to economic changes or industry trends will remain competitive.
The central question: How can internal processes, workflows and tasks be coordinated and interlinked to generate corresponding benefits? The answer to this is logistics consulting tailored to the individual needs of the company.
proLogistik explains the most important areas of logistics consulting and answers other questions that inevitably arise in this context.
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Which aspects are dealt with as part of logistics consulting?
Processes within logistics have always been characterized by optimizations and continuous adjustments. Just looking at production and the flow of "everyday objects" such as toothbrushes, T-shirts or computer hardware, shows this: not only is complexity increasing in an increasingly globalized society, but also the need for individual players to create adequate economic and technical framework conditions.
A central anchor point: intralogistics in every manufacturing company, which focuses on optimal material and goods flows.
Accordingly, logistics consulting is divided into individual areas, which we would like to explain in more detail below.
Location analysis: How can procurement, production etc. be linked in the best possible way?
When it comes to planning central logistics centers or distribution warehouses, countless factors come into play. On the one hand, it's about technical feasibility, but on the other hand it's also about economically sensible planning. Not every location offers the same conditions - which are important to enable growth and adjustments to production capacities.
In short: As part of logistics planning, aspects such as procurement, production and distribution are considered holistically with a focus on the location. Depending on the sector and structure, other parameters need to be taken into account.
Warehouse and layout planning: How must the warehouse be structured to enable efficient control?
Central aspects of logistics planning address the need for space and personnel, take into account location factors, strategic corporate goals and also potential warehouse concepts. How should storage and transportation equipment be dimensioned? Which investments are necessary and economically viable? Such questions are answered by a feasibility analysis, which is always part of multi-level logistics planning.
In this respect, all aspects that enable optimum use of the warehouse must be taken into account. The handling rate, the efficient handling of goods, a comprehensive control function and much more are important here. This applies to the loading, receiving and unloading areas, the warehouse itself and other features of the warehouse layout.
Material flow planning: How can production capacities be utilized in the best possible way?
Processes along the value chain are often separated from one another both spatially and in other dimensions. This requires absolutely transparent, systematic control of all information and material flows.
- The shorter the throughput times, the easier it is to generate synergy effects.
- Logistics planning therefore focuses on optimizing material flows - from incoming goods to production and assembly tasks through to shipping.
Simply put: material flow planning enables an increase in efficiency in terms of higher utilization of production capacities. The intelligent interplay of hardware and software allows production costs to be reduced, which in turn enables better adaptation of pricing strategies or an increase in margins.
Planning automation systems: Which sub-areas are suitable for automating processes and tasks?
A high degree of automation not only reduces administrative effort and eliminates sources of error, but also leads to significantly lower costs thanks to increased efficiency.
- Capacity utilization can be optimized as part of forward-looking warehouse planning.
- Automation processes play a key role in logistics planning and are the most visible manifestation of the overarching strategy.
Important: Not all automation brings synergy effects at the same time. It is therefore important to compare potential procedures and standards and to design them to meet the needs of the company. As part of logistics consulting, industry-specific factors are also taken into account.
Tendering, awarding, acceptance: How can trades be coordinated in the best possible way?
Clearly defined delivery and performance characteristics are important in order to avoid delays in operations and ensure the commissioning of new warehouse structures. This is precisely where logistics planning comes in and sets framework conditions that take each subsection into account.
This typically includes
- Detailed service specifications
- Responsibilities
- Alternative plans
Essentially: All planning and legal aspects are named, classified and evaluated holistically as part of logistics consulting. This often goes hand in hand with a comparison of providers.
Function and performance tests: Is everything running as planned?
Before going into regular operation, various scenarios have to be run through and analyzed. This avoids expensive interruptions to operations or other restrictions at a later date. All sub-areas of a logistics system, consisting of hardware and software, are subjected to a kind of "stress test".
The following questions are focused on:
- Are all parameters fully implemented?
- Can all operating and automatic functions be controlled smoothly?
Ultimately, it is essential to check all functions and performance features of a warehouse before it goes into normal operation. This is exactly where a logistics consultancy comes in and develops a test procedure to simulate tasks in normal operations.
Conclusion:
Logistics consulting is always individually conceived and designed, never an "off-the-shelf" service. The aim here is to treat all areas of the system holistically and to optimize processes. For this reason, consulting services are often broken down into either logistics or process characteristics.
