The logistics and distribution sector, like most industries, follows international standards on quality and continuous improvement management to guarantee optimal customer satisfaction levels.
Quality in every facet of a company has evolved through time, from a stage when it was more an abstract concept to one that assesses and measures the efficiency and competitiveness of a company.
However, when a company fails to meet the standards in areas that aren’t considered core, such as storage or distribution, hiring certified logistics services is a good way to ensure the necessary quality to reach a prominent level of service.
The evolution of quality
The idea of quality as something to be managed by companies was born in the USA in 1987, but it was Japanese companies which quickly embraced this concept and put it to good use.
In 1994, the International Organization for Standardization instituted ISO 9000 as a consistent parameter for measuring quality in manufacturing companies; by 2000, it had been adapted for service companies.
In the beginning, we used it just as a control indicator to help our manufacturing lines stop defective products from reaching the market.
Later, we aimed to guarantee quality by using a system to make sure our manufacturing processes met certain standards.
Today, we speak about comprehensive quality management, which goal is to achieve excellence and the complete satisfaction of clients.
Meeting the standard in logistics
Specifically, applying ISO 9000 in the logistics industry implies developing practices where suppliers help manufacturing and commercial companies become more efficient and offer excellent services to end consumers.
In this sense, among many others, achieving quality in logistics has to do with meeting the indicators for key processes, such as:
- Being punctual in delivery times.
- Guaranteeing clients will receive the products in good conditions.
- Setting up efficient customer complaints management systems.
- Implementing reverse logistics processes to make it easier for clients to return products.
Adding activities that help the above-mentioned processes demands an approach that boosts the adoption of quality management systems in every level while fostering collaboration among those in charge of the supply chain’s stages. It even asks us to be open to the possibility that many of these improvements could be, at least, partially outsourced.
Offering end clients an excellence of service that meets both the industry’s quality standards and their expectations, can be a headache.
For companies lacking the capacity to certify their distribution and storage processes, outsourcing this part of the supply chain is essential if they wish to remain competitive.
The following are factors to consider when choosing a certified logistics supplier:
- Knowledge and experience in logistics.
- Financial solvency.
- Trained staff.
- Facilities and equipment.
- Cutting-edge automated systems and management software.
- Efficient operational practices.
- Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of each client.
Why hiring the services of a logistics supplier when looking to improve our service quality?
Hiring a certified logistics company specializing in storage, distribution, foreign trade, among other activities, will bring increased productivity and efficiency alongside lower operational costs that will translate into higher profits.
Being that customer service and satisfaction are two of the most important issues for any company, and the last stage of the supply chain, outsourcing logistics services becomes an investment for growing the business.
Offering excellent attention may be the factor that sets you apart from your competitors.
A logistics supplier may be your best ally for achieving this.
