Improving Operational Effectiveness and Customer Service

Improving operative Effectiveness and Customer ServiceCase Study Improving surgical procedureal legalness and customer service at Gant Logistics1.0 IntroductionNowadays, the term of logistics has twist a necessary word relate to the no(prenominal)mal life. M some(prenominal) logistics strain has developed rapidly. In this report, the Gant Logistic is the company which is buyout a railway line logistics blood line to make up of the current young backup. There is no disbelieve as a new business establish as the difficulties leave come out. The purpose of the report is to analyse what kind of problem that Gant Logistics confront up, what kind difficulties need to be overcome. The aim of this report is help the sign business become developed faster and improved the disadvantages. Further much than, the report pass on analyse the scope of the business.Overview of logistics study systems and technologies.2.1 Essential consumesLogistics prudence is very heavy for achiev e an in effect(p) and customer-oriented logistics service of a logistics company. It is a part of cede chain, it plans, implement and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of favourables, services, materials and any information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customer requirements. It contains materials charge, sensnel circumspection, and statistical distribution and tack on-chain instruction.Logistics automation is another feature of an efficient and customer-oriented logistics service. It is the application of computer softwargon, to improve the efficiency of logistics operations. The industrial machinery grass easily identify products by transmitted through radio frequency and is usually used in RFID tags, sometimes by bar code. The supply chain solicitude system enables the business to meet the brings of their customer more efficaciously and efficiently. It can helps companies to process orders much more quickly and effectively to ensure customer needs be addressed quickly. It is in like manner cater company lowers cost, improved collaboration, give cycle times, response to conflict.The Customer human relationship Management is very authorized to maintain customer-oriented logistics service because is support the effective focusing of customer relationships and lifecycle, from initial lead right through to afterward sales activity. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is in effect(p) to use in Gant Logistics Ltd. Because it turning Microsoft sentry into a single center that can organize customers data, offering familiarity, functionality and flexibleness in management of communications. It helps company increase efficient of customer service. utilise Enterprise Resource Planning systems is another essential feature of an efficient and customer-oriented logistics service. It integration across all business process, make business more efficient, faster and less error, enhanced p roductivity, increase boilersuit performance and tonicity reports and performance compend, it in like manner integrate with supplier and customer systems enhance amply visibility and efficiency across the business supply chain. Allow customers to line their parcels, delivery fast, customer service and delivery couriers attitude atomic number 18 also the essential features of an efficient and customer-oriented logistic service. Modeling and management of purpose making, track and tracing are include in the information system, which is very all-important(a) as well. It gives essential data and consolation in each measuring rod of the interaction among logistics services and the target station. A well-developed transportation system is also the essential features of an efficient logistics services. Without a good transportation system, logistics could not make its advantages and will decrease the efficient and customers. It also will cost a lot to the company.2.2 Main types of information systemsAs Gant Logistics Ltd is a new business, it is important and necessary to set up two key elements that help the business developed which are operational efficiency and customer orientation. Although the two elements has been organised, the business still need an efficient information system and technologies to organise. The term of information system is connect the relative information to support the business decision making and control in organisation (Management information systems 2015, Pxxi). The Gant Logistics business is decoct on logistics and transport, so supply chain management systems will be one of the information systems that improve the business more effectiveness. Another system to support merchandise place function is decision support system and enterprisingness resource planning system.Supply chain management system is the nimble management which maximise customer value and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage activities (Robert 20 11). The main function for supply chain management is transformation, movement and storage of goods and materials. For Gant Logistics the operational efficiency is the key element to commence business, during the process movement of the product has to be organised well, appropriate timing, educate goods quality and quantity, and organise quick delivery process is the components for operational efficiency. unsuccessfully and inappropriate communication would drag the business to failure. Therefore, by the bye communication and engine room-enabled visibility lead business to organise production correctly and modify the authorization problem.Logistics business3.0 Recommendations3.1 training systems and technologies3.1.1 Inventory management systemInventory management system is to scan chronicle items, for example, feature licenses and hardware components. Hardware components are installed in the routing platform, both of part and serial number. Feature licenses enable computer software package features to run on a routing platform. It is prudent for Gant to introduce inventory management software into its inventory management system. It will maintain a timely track of orders, inventory levels, shipments and other items. As for certain products, which might be sold together at most time, or are more popular in the foodstuff, it can be grouped by inventory management software and be placed together (Barbosa Musetti, 2010). Considering potential market and delivery destination, inventory management software placed all the products salutary the delivery area, in order to speed up daily operation of warehouse, which is beneficial for manufactures, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. Inventory management system will contribute to the optimisation of warehouse and distribution centers. Since Gant has a number of distribution centers in 11 locations and deliver various products much(prenominal) as fast-moving consumer goods and domestic appliance. It is difficult to come out the exact goods listed on the inventory order. Introduction of inventory management software will increase the efficiency of keeping and picking up of products. Inventory management software enables Gant to manage and automate track the receipts, adjustments, transfers and extraction counts in the warehouse.3.1.2 Third-party logisticsThird-party logistics refers to the supply chain including both its own suppliers and outsourced suppliers, to fulfill its overall objectives. It requires for an integrated operation both in entrepot and transportation services, which can be scaled and customized in accordance with the mutable market conditions, such as additional demands for goods and materials. Once there is an integration of procurement or production of goods, the company shall call the trey-party logistic providers for help (Helo Szekely, 2005). It is a fact operation in the overall supply management, including raw material provision, warehousing and transportation. Fuel cost is a major cost element for Gants business, with an annual fuel bill in excess of $60 million. It operates distribution centers in 11 locations across Australia and utilizes a fleet of 182 motortrucks. It is essential for Gant to dilute its fuel cost and increase its operational efficiency. Third-party logistics allows Gant to transfer its pressure to third party and enjoy a cost saving. There are 3 main types of third-party logistics providers, which are asset based, management based and integrated providers (Cheng Phillips, 2011). It is advisable for Gant to choose the third one, in order to maintain flexible operation, land capital commitment, save both cost and time.3.1.3 Customer-oriented modelUnlike causality strategic goals in logistic system, which emphasizes greatly on profitability and market plowshare, customer-oriented model gameyly value customer service in the wide-cut supply chain. The Quick reaction is the key to success of the custo mer-oriented model. Gant shall recognize customers changeable demand and react to it as soon as possible. Quick Response requires for a closer cooperation among all the participants in the supply chain, including manufacturers, deliverers, wholesalers, retail sellers, etc, so that the cost of customer service are able to be rock-bottom to the minimum. Gant shall gain the key information on customers demand in time and make the most of it in the supply chain. innovative logistic technologies shall be introduced to the logistic system, such as EDI (Hazen Byrd, 2012). Customer-oriented model are carried out through out the overall logistic processes. It requires for redesigning in manufacturing operations, good partner relations in negotiation, shorter periods in delivery, timely information share in communication, fast transport and TQM obligations. It is of great significance for Gant to set up customer-oriented model, for the basis that it helps the company to boost sales volum e and cut costs, which is good for all the participants in the supply chain.3.1.4 Drivers monitoring systemAll the trucks in Gant shall be equipped with console-mounted cameras. Cameras are able to track the number one woods eyes behavior, when they are driving. When drivers are found to nod-off, they will be alarmed through Bluetooth earpiece. With a customized sound or gentle vibration, drivers will be waked by this driver fatigue alarm. In addition to that, sensors shall be embedded in the truck seat, which are able to measure electrocardiography of drivers, known as cardiogram (Gruenwald, 2013). Sensors are able to measure drivers titty rate variability, so that judge the stability of drivers heart rate, from beat to beat. When drivers are tired or sleepy, their heart rate will slow down greatly, which will be notice by the sensor. This information will also start up driver fatigue alarms in the truck. It is necessary for Gant to introduce cameras and sensors in their logis tic system, for the reason that it is to resolve serious issue of driver fatigue. These technologies will enable Gant to draw out real-time monitoring on drivers sizeable and efficiency, as well as to eliminate the negative impact brought by driver fatigue as much as possible.3.2 Schedule for implementationTimeStrategyOperations1st yearInventory management systemInventory management softwareDrivers monitoring systemSensors, cameras, alarmssecond yearCustomer-oriented modelQuick response in all the processesthird yearThird party logisticsIntegrated providers4.0 ConclusionGant is a new company formed from the management buyout of a transport and logistics business. There are a couple of issues in its current operation, such as high fuel cost and low operation efficiency. Strategies shall be set up to deal with these issues, such as set up inventory management system and drivers monitoring system, introduce customer-oriented model and select third-party logistics providers. There is no doubt that a series of difficulties will be met during Gants suppuration in logistics system. It is necessary for Gant to keep a timely record and share information with its partners, in order to quick response to the changeable market condition.5.0 ReferencesBarbosa, D. Musetti, M. (2010), Logistics information systems adoption An empirical investigation in Brazil, industrial Management Data Systems, vol. 110, no. 6, pp 787-804.Cheng, L. Phillips, J. (2011), Geographic information system applications in supply chains, International Journal of Business Research, vol. 11, no. 5, pp 131-136.Gruenwald, H. (2013), Logistics software from a logistic management and management information systems (MIS) perspective, Information Management and Business Review, vol. 5, no. 12, pp 591-597.Hazen, B. Byrd, T. (2012), Toward creating competitive advantage with logistics information technology, International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management, vol. 42, no. 1, pp 8-35.H elo, P. Szekely, B. (2005), Logistics information systems An analysis of software solutions for supply chain coordination, Industrial Management Data Systems, vol. 105, no. 1, pp 5-18.Management Information Systems, 2015, introduction to information systems, 1st end, Heather Gray,Issa, Grame, Indrit, Kelly,Brad and Hugh, viewed 28 May 2015, Vitalsouce bookshelf ebook database.Robert , H 2011, What is supply chain management? The Supply string Resource Cooperative, viewed 28 May 2015, http//scm.ncsu.edu/scm-articles/article/what-is-supply-chain-management.http//www.scs.org/pubs/jdms/vol2num2/Kustra-Ganapathy-pp71-86.pdf