The environment in transport and warehouse operations today lends itself to a perfect opportunity to take advantage of many systemic solutions for the gathering of meaningful information that can be utilized to improve service, lower inventory, track shipments and shipment cost and make informed decisions for both short and long term planning.
At BP2 Logistics our goal is to determine with
our clients, which solutions are best suited for their current environment and
which would allow for a proper migration to the future plans of the client.
While we currently have an alliance with an information service provider that
has the ability (Internet based) to manage information from the shipper to the
ultimate consignee (transit journey) and to compliment that information with a
fully automated solution for freight invoice management, we recognize that our
clients have specific needs that might be available elsewhere. Although there
are a number of Technology based companies that can provide solutions based on
specific client needs, it is a primary function of BP2 Logistics to identify the best options to suit our clients' needs.
What is important in this selection process is that the client recognize that the information management solution is unique. The true solution to good information is that data follows rules as established in the terms and conditions set forth in any client agreement or SOP. As agreement terms and conditions or internal charging methodology change, the process simply is updated with new rules to reflect the current environment.
The most important element in selecting a technology provider actually takes
place long before the selection process begins. As transport suppliers are typically
the weak link in this process, it is “key” that the client insists
that any “Agreement” with any supplier clearly spells out the requirements
for doing business. For example, it would be impossible to manage carrier on-time
performance if the carrier fails to provide the delivery date and time
and an agreed upon listing of allowable exceptions for late deliveries. By insisting
that this required information is provided in every transaction, the solution
is at hand and the carrier is now subject to client review rather than a monthly
report from a carrier that is vague at best and not clear as to what is allowable
or not allowable.
