One of our readers asked us to make a top of the biggest logistic problems we encountered in our work. To be honest, it would be difficult to create such a top, because every problem has a significant impact on the operations of a company. However, we have looked into some of the more recent projects we completed for customers and identified a few cases worth presenting.
Of course, due to confidentiality obligations, we cannot disclose the names of these customers. What we can say is that they are all key players in their industries at European level.
What Makes the Logistic Problems We Selected Significant?
Before we start, a few explanatory words are necessary. Our logistic specialists focused on these three cases because they are representative for many other projects we worked on. Also, they represent widespread logistic problems faced by many companies in different industries.
Thus, we believe that the answers we will give in this article are relevant and helpful for many other companies that seek a solution for these logistic problems.
Case 1: Major Retail Brands Facing Repeated Product Theft in Transit
Our client, a major retail brand, has a widespread network of supermarkets in European cities. They operate both large hypermarkets and small local shops, as well. The retail company works with local producers, who used to deliver their goods packaged in cardboard boxes arranged on pallets.
The Problem: Due to the inadequate packaging, lorry and trailer drivers would easily remove products from the boxes. The palletized delivery would be received as whole. Later on, supermarket employees would notice the disparity between the delivery manifest and the actual number/quantity of products.
The Solution: The Logistic Packaging experts considered the specific needs of the client:
- The need to protect the products in transit from damage and theft
- The need to optimize shipping costs and storage use
- The need to rely on the packaging solution for long term use.
Taking all these options into consideration, our recommendation was the range of small foldable containers with lids and seals. This model of distribution box has a sturdy build and can be safely used for various products, from food to general consumer goods.
The lid with seal provides ideal protection from dust, spillage and weather conditions. Any attempts to open the lid will leave indelible marks on the seal.
The Client’s Feedback: Just months after implementation, the client reported a significant decrease in the loss due to theft in transit. They are also satisfied with the space saving capabilities of the small foldable containers.
Case 2: Aftermarket Auto Parts Distributor Needs Packaging Adapted for Very Small and Very Large Products
This is one of the most frequent logistic problems of the automotive industry. The parts and components used in a car range from the very small and light to the very large and heavy.
The Problem: Our client, an aftermarket auto parts distributor needs to pack and deliver orders consisting of products from a small brake lever to a windshield. Their packaging products could not be used efficiently to pack as many products as possible. Thus, their shipping costs were running high.
The Solution: The Logistic Packaging experts considered the challenges of this project. The client needs to ship large and small parts at the same time and the orders vary from customer to customer. The only packaging solution that fits the client’s need is a combination of products: foldable pallet boxes and small distribution totes.
The footprints of the small distribution boxes allow safe and compact stacking on top of the pallet boxes. A pallet cover secures the stack and, thus, both small and large items can be shipped in the most space saving manner. Every box and pallet box has a label holder to identify the contents quickly.
The Client’s Feedback: The client noted a significant decrease in the total volume of their orders. The ability to pack as many products as possible into the respective containers helped them optimize their operational costs and calculate a fast return on investment for the new packages.
Case 3: Fine Lingerie Getting a Rough Treatment
Luxury lingerie items are among the most delicate and sensitive retail products. They are made of fine silk, Chantilly lace and microfiber and manually embroidered or decorated with Swarovski elements. Thus, they need to be packed and shipped with the greatest care to avoid any damage.
The Problem: Our client, a major luxury lingerie producer, has different production facilities across Europe. One plant cuts the pieces of fabric, another stitches them together and yet another applies the fine decorations. The semi-finished items were shipped between the plants in cardboard boxes. In many cases, the fabric would be damaged by dirt, spillage and odors, rendering it completely unusable.
The Solution: This is one of the logistic problems with the highest loss rate our specialists encountered. The semi-finished products have a high value and the percentage of damaged items was quite significant. Once damaged, these items cannot be returned to the initial production process and retransformed, but completely written off.
Focusing on complete protection from dust, dirt, liquids and weather conditions, the Logistic Packaging experts recommended the attached lid containers. These stackable and nestable distribution boxes offer optimal protection to the packaged goods and help companies save shipping costs and storage space, as well. The lids attached by hinges are reliable and will not break off and get lost.
The Client’s Feedback: The attached lid containers proved to be the right solution for the client’s logistic problem. They noted a significant drop in losses caused by damaged products. At the same time, they are able to ship more items per trailer. Thus, they also noted a decrease in shipping costs.
The packaging experts at Logistic Packaging can solve any logistic problems your business encounters. Send us an email or schedule a live Skype chat to discuss your issue!