Manufacturers frequently find themselves facing the question whether to carry out the warehousing, distribution, and transportation processes internally or hire the services of logistics experts.

The most important aspects of a supply chain begin at the warehouse, the place where we organize and keep products that we will later distribute. Therefore, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) – which were created to help guide every step involved in moving stock – have evolved very much in recent years.

Ten years ago, logistics trends talked about venturing into e-commerce, the emerging warehouse and transport management systems, and adding to our offer value services like packing, reverse logistics, and backhauling because all of these were necessary to keep competitive in the industry. Currently, all of the above are a reality in the operation of the largest logistics companies.

Knowing which type of outsourcing model is better depends on the complexity of the supply chain and the strategic goals of each company, and of the nature of its products and the way the sector handles itself.

Logistics is evolving thanks to Big Data and we are beginning to process data from the supply chain to make better strategic and tactical decisions to improve revenue, increase savings, and improve customer experience.

Latin America faces a greater challenge than just following the global technology trends, and that is achieving a digital transformation that integrates technology, processes, and people while meeting the pressing needs of the region.

As a result of technology, we have optimized the supply chain by decreasing costs and time, connecting suppliers and clients, improving inventory storage, and increasing safety.

What began as a necessary task to make the exchange of goods possible in the era of globalization has now become a strategic issue that involves the whole supply chain: hiring 3PL services.