Logistics Consultancy - A Broad Term

Logistics Consultancy seems to be a broad term and the services provided cover a wide range of activity.  This means that the services offered by the same consultancy can be seen in different ways in differing market sectors. Some industries seems to have more of an appetite and a need for external assistance and this creates a self fulfilling virtuous circle where the consultants engaged have more up to date and in depth knowledge of the industry.

Many of the principles of storage and stock holding and the ways of managing the associated processes were developed in manufacturing industries. This sector was at the forefront of developing new cost effective methods of handling in the early days of logistics.

During the last twenty years far more use has been made of logistics consultancy services by retailers.  Does this mean that all manufacturers have their logistics sorted out and operating efficiency and at the lowest cost?  In fact I would suggest that the retailers are leading the way and the manufacturers are having to respond.  Does this mean that the changes being driven through are for the good of all sectors of industry?

Is what is good for one sector good for another or indeed good for all?  A consultant should get to see many sectors in the course of his career and can bring this wide experience into play on each new project.  This wide view must, of course, be focussed by the consultant to address the problem, after all he has been engaged by the client to look at and provide a solution to that particular issue.  Sometimes, however the wider view can provide a solution to that particular issue.  Sometimes, however the wider view can provide a new insight to the original problem.  In this situation the consultant can provide a different perspective.  He can bring experience of best practice  in one industry and compare with the ways of working in another.  Sometimes the concepts and ideas that a consultant deals with all the time can be applied to a completely new field or industry.

In that case the principles applied by the consultant will follow the normal procedure of understanding the current situation, by analysis of process and data.  This is then followed by addressing the solution to the problem by introducing a new process or providing suggestions for delivery of services. The lessons learnt in this situation can then be applied in other new situations or provide valuable new experience in approaching problems in more familiar industries.

Another aspect of bringing together a wide range of the knowledge of logistics consultancy can occur in multi discipline projects.  Good examples are of modern fast track projects are those involving the development of new distribution facilities.  In these projects a wide range of professionals come together to deliver a complex project in a short time.  Many of the disciplines do normally interact and so someone who understands the sometimes conflicting requirements of the team members such as civil engineers and client IT departments, can be a valuable member of the team.

From these examples it can be seen that logistics consultancy covers a wide range of activities and is well placed to be a pivotal service to clients in many industries and sectors.

THE LOGISTICS BUSINESS, a leading specialist supply chain and logistics consultancy, has experience in planning and developing supply chain, distribution and warehousing operations throughout the world. From supply chain and distribution strategy, to development of distribution operations, warehouse design and layout, as well as manufacturing logistics and IT systems design, its clients include many blue chip companies.

We have also worked on government initiatives on sustainable transport and waste minimisation.For further information please call:Helen Morris, THE LOGISTICS BUSINESS on +44(0)1527 889 060, email helen.morris@logistics.co.uk