VMI for Smart Supply Chains: A Blog Series
Unpacking Vendor-Managed Inventory Systems — Post 1 of 4
How often have you forgotten to order shipping or warehouse supplies, only to learn that the cartons and bubble wrap you need are out of stock or shipments are delayed? Or even worse, that you have missed your monthly inventory goals while finished goods sit unshipped, awaiting proper packaging materials?
As surging e-commerce puts untold strain on U.S. supply chains, few facilities are immune from the unwelcome fallout of poor inventory control. Warehouse shortages, consistent stock-outs, high storage costs and freight delays can make or break a business when unchecked. On the flip side, inventory overages lead to immobilized capital, production slowdowns and other cost pressures.
Long-term supply chain success and inventory control start with building a strategic logistics network. Are you getting the most from your vendor relationships? You can’t do everything, and growing your company requires your full attention. To free up internal staff and focus on core competencies, you need experienced third-party vendors who align with your values and business objectives. Reputable packaging suppliers, freight companies and logistics partners help you stay mission-focused during the most challenging market conditions.
Make the Most of Your Seattle Supply Chain
Identifying suppliers that share your priorities is the first step toward building a robust logistics network. As you consider new and existing vendor relationships, take note of supplier efficiency and calculate your return on investment. Document potential vendor risks, recognize future growth opportunities and raise performance concerns in a transparent, collaborative way. Also, remember to take advantage of the deep expertise offered by seasoned suppliers. It may be invaluable to your business innovation and problem-solving strategies.
Vetting third-party companies for your supply chain network requires a proactive approach to clarify expectations and strengthen trust. Questions like these can help you gauge whether suppliers like our Seattle custom packaging company are a good fit for your needs:
- How will you deal with supply chain interruptions?
- Can you help me stabilize costly inventory dips and surpluses?
- Do you have a quality assurance program?
- What do you need from me? How can I make your job easier?
- How can we collaborate to achieve success?
Streamline Supply Chains With Vendor-Managed Inventory
When warehouse space is elusive and inventory management takes over your workweek, an integrated logistics network underpins your company’s ability to respond with agile efficiency. One way to streamline distribution and maximize facility space is through vendor-managed inventory programs. Outsourcing shipping and warehouse supply logistics increases your Seattle supply chain’s visibility and eases internal burdens. While managed inventory solutions don’t suit everyone, 35% of PackageIt customers have opted for our Pacific Northwest VMI program!
Managed-inventory business models require hard-earned trust, guaranteed transparency and upfront communication about supplier and customer goals. When these objectives are achieved, the VMI benefits are clear. You will enjoy:
- Simplified purchasing & inventory replenishment.
- Restored warehouse space previously occupied by obsolete inventory.
- Prevention of same-day office supply runs.
- A focus on core competencies while vendors manage the rest.
- Collaboration with packaging suppliers, which saves money & maximizes profits.
Is PackageIt Part of Your Strategic Supplier Team?
Your company’s productivity, efficiency and customer satisfaction hinge on strategic logistics relationships, and PackageIt is Seattle’s first choice for family-operated packaging, shipping and warehouse inventory expertise. If you’d like to be considered for our vendor-managed inventory program, or you need a Seattle custom packaging company for reoccurring warehouse supply orders, call or connect online today: 888.743.0907.
And stay tuned for part two of our VMI blog post series: Benefits of Vendor-Managed Inventory for Packaging Supplies.
