fleet management

5 ways to streamline your supply chain

June 27, 2023December 22, 2022 by Meritxell Vázquez

Ilustración vectorial del concepto de análisis de la cadena de suministro - maneras de agilizar la cadena de suministro vector

Una cadena de suministro que no está agilizada y no es eficiente solamente supondrá una carga para la economía de una empresa y podría causar el declive de ésta. Por este motivo, la cadena de suministro es primordial para la actividad económica y el control de las operaciones logísticas y se debe trabajar en aplicar … Read more

Why reverse logistics is key to Black Friday

June 27, 2023November 2, 2022 by Meritxell Vázquez

Mujer angustiada hablando por teléfono mientras prepara paquetes - Logística inversa en el Black Friday

It's getting earlier and earlier when you start hearing offers weeks and even months in advance of Black Friday, a key date for Christmas pre-shopping. And that's because more and more large retail companies are deciding to extend these dates of consumption, launching offers before Black Friday and after Cyber Monday.

This translates into a supply chain that is less pressured by the bottleneck generated by a peak demand originally focused on a single day. However, there is a key element in peak demand strategies: reverse logistics due to the nature of the purchases and their expected high volume of sales, of which another large number of returns are expected after the holidays.

If you want to know the important points of reverse logistics on Black Friday and other demand peaks, take a look!

Packaging damage

According to this DS Smithstudy, it was estimated in 2021 that e-commerce shoppers would receive more than 14 million damaged and spoiled products and 64% of online shoppers had already claimed to receive their purchase in poor condition before. This results in a high volume of merchandise returns, especially if the price is more than 25 euros, and high consumer dissatisfaction.

This problem can be avoided without much mystery by applying the right packaging for each product or order. Either choosing the right package size without being unnecessarily bulky, applying suitable protectors for them and closing the box properly avoiding spaces that can be opened. Besides it is necessary to avoid overpacking because, sometimes, it turns out to be more counterproductive for the protection of the article and generate more waste of materials.

It should be noted that staff must follow instructions on how to handle packages, as quick but careless handling could cause knocks and damage the item. In addition, not all products are eligible for return because, if the shipping costs turn out to be higher than the price, it is decided not to take the package back to the warehouse and, instead, alternatives and compensation are offered to the affected customer.

Servicio de entrega urgente ilustración vectorial plana - Logística inversa en el Black Friday

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

Do you know how to manage your fleet and get the most out of it with a TMS?

June 7, 2023July 14, 2022 by Meritxell Vázquez

Mujer joven preparando paquetes para su entrega y escaneando el código de barras - administrar tu flota con un TMS foto

Fleet management is an arduous and tedious task in which it is easier than we would like to admit to make mistakes and pay for it with poor performance and loss of time and money. For this, there is the option of managing your fleet with a TMS to assist, optimize and automate operations.

However, TMSs are thought to be a product exclusively for large companies with huge fleets because of their sophistication and complexity. But, nothing could be further from the truth, any company that manages its supply chain and operates with a transportation fleet has the need to install a digital control tower for cargo operations.

If you want to know the advantages of managing your fleet with a TMS, take note!

Allows you to organize the company and grow with it

Thanks to the ability of a TMS to collect all the necessary information about your fleet, your customers and your orders, it is now possible to unify all the data in one place. This eliminates the need to go through calls, messages, e-mails and paper documents to check the accuracy of accounts, which wastes too much time and resources.

Therefore, apart from the ease of successful operations, it is also much easier to collect the KPIs applied to your monthly, quarterly and even annual targets and act on them. In addition, thanks to better communication and customer satisfaction, it allows the company to grow and adapt to the volume of demand, because it takes just a few steps to add new vehicles and new hires to the TMS database.

Avoid unnecessary calls

Usually, to carry out the transportation of an order, either to get it to the distribution center or to the end customer, a team member is needed to make the calls to the shipper and the broker to check the availability of the freight and agree on a rate. With this action, too many time and financial resources have already been invested that may result in the freight not being available or not being dealt with by the people involved.

However, the TMS automates this entire process, as the system collects information about the available fleet and sends this data to customers in very few steps and time invested. In this way, time is spent on other tasks and relationships with shippers and intermediaries are improved, and they are eager to return to your services because of their effectiveness.

It is worth noting that shippers are looking for their automated processes to adapt to the automated processes of third parties, as they want to leverage their investment in a TMS and would be burdened by doing business with a logistics operator that does not have one.

Ilustración vectorial del concepto de solicitud de presupuesto de flete - administrar tu flota con un TMS vector

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

How to plan the management of light electric vehicles?

June 20, 2022June 16, 2022 by Meritxell Vázquez

Hombre de entrega montando bicicleta con paquete - gestión de vehículos ligeros eléctricos foto

When people often talk about a fleet of vehicles, their most familiar image is usually that of trucks, trailers and even vans, given their relevance in the logistics industry. However, we should not forget the latest protagonists in terms of alternative vehicles to the usual ones: motorcycles and bicycles.

More and more companies have already implemented electric light vehicle management, promoting sustainability and last mile capillarity. However, how can you have control over a fleet of motorcycles and bicycles? Does it differ much from a conventional fleet of trucks and vans?

If you are curious about the following points to keep in mind when controlling a fleet of light vehicles, take a look!

Define a fleet management strategy

Like any logistics fleet, such a fleet requires a good strategy in its respective document in order to be in line with the needs and other business strategies. In particular, if one takes into account objectives such as the sustainability of the activities for which an electric light vehicle management can grant.

It should be noted that a fleet strategy must be connected to the fleet policy, which establishes everything that can be covered by the strategy, both its objectives and the rules to be followed by both the personnel involved and the drivers. Consequently, it is essential that all the organization involved in the fleet participates in the realization of the strategy so that the strategy is defined in a realistic and well realized way.

Automate routine tasks

Fleet management (and, for that matter, electric light vehicle management) is known to have very tedious tasks and optimizing time and cost savings is paramount to improving the efficiency of the process. These include paperwork, MOT, fines, regulatory compliance and supplier cost invoices, and so on.

Therefore, the automation of manual processes is an almost essential step because of the numerous benefits it provides. Among its advantages are reducing the number of unnecessary tasks, going paperless, creating the possibility of analyzing data collected from operations and improving the use of human resources.

Mensajero profesional que entrega el pedido en la ilustración plana de scooter - gestión de vehículos ligeros eléctricos vector

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

4 warehouse location strategies

June 27, 2023May 26, 2022 by Meritxell Vázquez

Foto de parque industrial creado por 4045 - ubicación de los almacenes foto

Since the onset of the pandemic, it is clear that there has been considerable growth in the e-commerce sector. As a result, both online retailers and logistics operators have been working to improve and implement all the necessary changes in both warehouse management and last mile distribution. However, large retailers and distribution centers have gone a step further in the location of warehouses.

It is known that 82 logistics parks have been opened in Spain in the last 2 years, which is a remarkable number considering the impact of the e-commerce boom. However, what strategies are companies taking into account to locate their activities in certain logistics centers? If you want to know them, take a look!

Product features

This is one of the most important factors in warehouse location, as the product to be sold or distributed is at the heart of the business model, whether B2B or B2C. However, several components of the goods such as durability, intrinsic stability and manageability must also be taken into account.

Durability is a fundamental aspect when it comes to fresh goods where they are to be consumed soon after purchase such as foodstuffs. While intrinsic stability is a relevant factor for chemical products where mishandling can cause health problems, so they are safer, being stored only at their production plant and points of use. Handling is also an important point for bulk liquids and aggregates because it is not convenient to store them in many places and transfer them until they are already packaged.

Production capacity

Another aspect to be taken into account in the location of warehouses is the storage capacity, which is in proportion to the amount of manufacturing and/or imports by suppliers. But it is not only a question of focusing on volume, but also of paying attention to other factors such as the degrees of transformation.

The degrees of transformation classify goods on the amount of processing required to become the manufactured product they distribute (which may not necessarily be destined to the final consumer depending on the business model). A product with a low degree of conversion is usually one that needs only to be packaged and/or processed such as fresh goods. While an item with a medium or high degree of modification are those that go through many or many developments and changes to make them suitable for sale such as industrial materials, so it might need several warehouses for the raw materials involved in manufacturing.

Finally, it is known that a distribution network is mainly composed of the following three characteristics of the warehouses: the number, location and types of warehouses. Keeping these aspects in balance in order to be as profitable as possible is not at all simple because of the tedious planning involved, apart from the fact that there are two important factors to take into account: the composition and the distribution in the marketing network.

Vector de cadena de suministro - ubicación de los almacenes vector

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

What are the most sought-after professional profiles in logistics?

April 11, 2022April 11, 2022 by Meritxell Vázquez

Currently, the logistics and transportation sector is becoming quite relevant due to the growth of e-commerce. In addition to the fact that in Spain it is one of the most important sectors of the economy for having a GDP of 10% and managing more than 500 thousand shipments per year.

Looking at this panorama, it can be stated that it is an industry that employs more than 950,000 people, a very attractive figure for people who wish to start or change their professional career. But, specifically, what are the professional profiles in logistics, and is any specific training required to be able to exercise these professions?

If you are interested in knowing the details of the most in-demand logistics professional profiles, take a look!

Warehouse handler

Undoubtedly, this is the most sought-after profile in the logistics sector. Their tasks are based on assisting in the loading and unloading of trucks, checking and ordering merchandise, controlling the stock of products, preparing them and keeping the warehouse register up to date.

These professional logistics profiles require a minimum of compulsory secondary education. However, there are specialized training courses such as forklift or warehouse handler that help to have a solid foundation for the job performance and improve the curriculum. Not to mention the physical ability to move heavy objects from one place to another. cursos de formación especializados como la de carretillero o la de mozo de almacén que ayuda a tener una base sólida para el desempeño del trabajo y mejoran el currículum. Sin olvidar que se debe poseer la capacidad física para mover objetos pesados de un lugar a otro.

Forklift operator

The second most sought-after profile in the sector is the warehouse foreman. These are people who handle forklifts and are responsible for receiving, placing heavy packages on pallets and preparing orders and packaging.

Despite what the name suggests, the professional is not only focused on a specific task. In the case of forklift operators, they perform other complementary tasks such as reviewing delivery notes. In order to access this position, it is required to have passed the ESO and to undergo forklift training to be able to handle the machinery.

Delivery person

This is probably one of the professional logistics profiles that has gained much relevance in recent years due to the considerable growth of e-commerce. The delivery driver is in charge of getting the goods to their destination, as well as planning the most efficient schedules and routes. This task can be much easier if a route optimizer is used.

In addition to that, he also organizes the merchandise in his van and communicates directly with customers, having a certain profile of a salesman. To be able to work as such, you need a type B driver's license, own your own van and have all the documentation in order to be self-employed.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

How Santa carries out his logistics for Christmas

April 14, 2023December 15, 2021 by Meritxell Vázquez

Retrato de hombre en Traje de Santa Claus - logística para Navidad

It is one of the most important times of the year and Santa Claus along with the heads of each department's help prepare well in advance their logistics for Christmas so that all the gifts arrive on time to their homes.

Looking at how demand has grown in recent years, it is no longer enough to manufacture and distribute toys with his sleigh alone. The logistical processes have become increasingly complex and demanding, so Santa Claus has an army of elves and reindeer ready to facilitate such complex logistics management for Christmas.

From raw materials

When Santa Claus has an idea in mind for a new toy, he works with the development department to get the product into production. He makes sure that the elves get the raw materials they need for manufacturing thanks to his good relationships with suppliers.

To fullfill this, the materials travel through a complicated network of logistics from the time they are mined for processing in a factory and so on until they reach the hands of the elves, who make the final product. In addition, their magical staff has a warehouse for all those goods used for the manufacture of toys.

Inventory storage

From raw materials to toys ready to be shipped, all this inventory must be stored in their respective warehouses. There all the items are packed, sorted and well ordered so that they can be easily located in a warehouse as big as Santa's.

Thanks to the latest technological advances, Santa Claus has not hesitated to automate the ordering systems and to optimize the stock databases in order to have total control over the inventory and avoid stock-outs.

Warehouse operating processes

When one of the thousands of warehouses Santa Claus has all over the world orders a certain amount of toys, the elves in charge of the warehouse get down to work. First they check the available stock, locate the order and pack it carefully so that the products are not damaged in transport. For this, a picking optimizer proves to be very helpful in locating the inventory quickly.

Meritxell Vázquez

SEO & Inbound Marketing
Video Game Design and Production graduate currently training in Digital Marketing with a focus on SEO and Inbound Marketing.

Creating articles of value and supporting communication to the technology sector.

hedyla.com

Do you want to know how to reduce costs in fleet management?

September 29, 2021September 29, 2021 by Raquel Pérez

Reduce costs in fleet management - Image created by vectorjuice - www.freepik.es

Objective: to reduce costs in vehicle fleet management. This is the goal pursued by every logistics manager who wants to position his business as a leader in the sector. Although it is a complex task to carry out, in this article we are going to give you some keys to achieve it.

First of all we should know the causes of these high costs and how with digital technologies we are going to solve them.

High fuel costs. Minimizing fuel consumption is a priority in fleet management, since it is estimated that 20% of the total cost of the fleet comes from fuel consumption.
Vehicle maintenance. A correct maintenance of the fleet is a must for every company. To carry out the periodic revisions, to adopt security systems for the vehicles or to control and to solve any problem observed by a driver would be a good practice for any company, but unfortunately the lack of control in this area derives in an increase of costs of the management of fleets.
Reckless driving and/or accidents. Reckless driving increases the probability of an accident and also the maintenance costs of vehicles, which suffer greater wear and tear.
Costs that are unpredictable or difficult to control. Costs such as fines to drivers or fines for not having passed different vehicle inspections, even fines from insurance companies for irresponsibility on the part of carriers. Time lost in traffic jams or due to drivers' medical leave or time spent on vehicle inspections are just a few examples of costs that directly affect a company's fleet management.

Raquel Pérez

Communications & Marketing Responsible at Hedyla

Multimedia Technical Engineer. Working 11 years in the Audiovisual and Communication Department of a multinational company. Responsible for the Marketing and Communication Department in several companies in the technology sector.

Designing digital strategies. Innovating and adding value to communication.

What software is used in logistics?

June 21, 2023May 27, 2021 by Andreu Araque

Logistics software are all those digital solutions that allow you to manage, control and optimize the different logistics processes from both a strategic and daily operational point of view. In order to be prepared for today's needs, it is important to know what software is used in logistics nowadays.

Logistics is complex as it integrates a multitude of activities with many actors involved. Likewise, logistics has a great connection with the rest of the company's activities and, therefore, is affected to a great extent by decisions and situations derived from other factors that are not properly logistical, such as sudden changes in demand, new products launch or expansion to new territories, among many other examples.

The digitization is currently a key aspect for the future of companies of all sizes. However, the complexity of logistics mentioned above is also visible in the variety of types of software for logistics, or that have a direct relationship with it, for example systems for supply chain management or company management (ERP).

In addition, each type of software also has notable differences from others that are in exactly the same category. Therefore, it is necessary to go beyond the category and see the functionalities that each system offers to know exactly whether or not it adjusts to the needs of each company.

Andreu Araque

Co-Founder & CEO at Hedyla

Telecommunications Engineer with more than 10 years experience managing development teams and the B2B market, adding value to big corporates from different industries like Fintech, Travel and Logistics.

Expert in analysis and data visualization.