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Top Tips for Managing a Global Supply Chain

general 8 January 2019

There’s no better time than now for your business to dip its toes in international waters.

However, you have to make sure that your supply chain will remain as efficient as possible even as it becomes global. This will minimise your risks and open opportunities.

If you’re looking for tips on how you can achieve this, you’ve come to the right place.

Partner with the right suppliers
Choose only manufacturers who stay true to quality and can deliver as promised. You will want to see if they offer ideal working conditions for their labourers. Of course, you’ll also want to check that they comply with local and national regulations in relation to product safety. All these combined can help ensure that your production flows smoothly.
 
Have reliable sales forecasting
Moving goods takes more time now that you’re on an international scale. This is why you need to have an accurate forecast of how much your bulk inventory will sell, else your products may get stuck somewhere in the supply chain. Ask yourself what or how much global logistics or warehousing services you need to meet customer demands.
 
Manage the timing properly
This works hand in hand with the above tip. Let’s say your main audience is in Scandinavia. If you’re sourcing your materials or parts domestically, it’s possible for you to deliver your goods within two weeks. In the event that you source to China, it’s unlikely you can make a two-week delivery happen. So, time restocking and despatch appropriately according to your sales forecast.
 
Prepare a contingency plan
Hopefully, nothing untoward will happen to your supply chain, but it doesn’t hurt to be ready for emergency situations. Think about alternate materials and formulations so production can continue even in the midst of a disaster. Maybe you can also arrange a temporary deal with another supplier who can serve as a suitable substitute for your main producer.
 
Utilise any existing network
To expand into a new market, you’ll normally need great assets and a strong infrastructure. This doesn’t have to be the case if you partner with a logistics provider who has their own established transportation and storage network. They can take care of trade tariffs, customs requirements, and transit documentations too. This way, you should be able to access new markets more easily.
 
We at AKW Global Logistics are a UK-based company that can help manage complete supply chains from manufacture to fulfilment. Our European transport services cover all major Central European Countries, while we also serve the Baltic States, Scandinavia, and the rest of Europe.

Do you want to learn more about our worldwide services? Please call 0161 873 2033 or email [email protected].

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