Why are manufacturers and suppliers increasingly focused on improving pre-retail logistics? Research shows that nine out of ten businesses want to improve this important part of the supply chain. Many are seeking help from specialist logistics partners. By enhancing pre-retail processes, companies can streamline logistics, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition. Here are the five key motivations driving the need to improve pre-retail logistics.
1. Reduced Time to Market
Getting products on the shelf faster is a top priority for manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers. By improving the connectivity between supply chain management and transport management systems, businesses can optimise fleet scheduling and reduce delays. Bottlenecks during vehicle loading and unloading can be avoided, and HGV dwell times at fulfilment centres are minimised. This streamlines logistics, helping companies get goods to market faster and stay competitive.
2. Enhancing Efficiency Through Automated Logistics
Errors and inefficiencies can significantly slow down the supply chain. Investing in automated logistics solutions can eliminate manual data input, reduce excessive product handling, and cut down on unnecessary admin. By replacing manual tasks — such as handwritten labels and paper-based inventory logs — with digital and automated supply chain processes, businesses can improve accuracy, reduce human error, and save both time and money.
3. Improving Sustainability in the Supply Chain
Sustainability is a key consideration for businesses today. The pre-retail logistics stage presents a valuable opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of supply chain operations.
With the right IT capabilities and efficient transport management systems, companies can optimise route planning and vehicle loads. Through end-to-end stock visibility and transport consolidation, businesses can reduce their mileage and vehicle usage. This results in lower carbon emissions and a more sustainable supply chain.
4. Ensuring Retailer Compliance
Retailers set high standards for their suppliers, and meeting these requirements is crucial for success. Automating and digitalising key processes, such as on-pack labelling, improves the accuracy and flow of stock inventory data, helping companies stay compliant with retailer standards. We can create visibility and insight to improve quality checks, which are based on the supplier manuals and expectations of retailers.
By ensuring retailer compliance, businesses can avoid costly delays and inefficiencies caused by non-compliant goods being returned through the supply chain.
5. Maximising Sales Opportunities by Boosting Retailer Satisfaction
Retailers are increasingly focused on retail-ready perfection, which means products must arrive on time, in the right format, and ready for sale.
Streamlining pre-retail logistics not only ensures compliance with retailer standards but also helps minimise margin dilution, leading to more satisfied retail partners. This satisfaction is key to maintaining ongoing orders and maximising sales opportunities from retailers.
Optimising pre-retail logistics is essential for any business looking to reduce delays, improve efficiency, and enhance retailer satisfaction.
To learn more about how pre-retail logistics can help your business get goods to market faster, while ensuring compliance, download ASC’s expert guide here.
