Working within the supply chain can come with its own concerns and worries, and so working with a 3PL partner may just seem like another list of concerns to add to the mix.
However that doesn't have to be the case.
Adding more stress and worry to an already stressful environment is not the goal of a 3PL. That is why mitigating the concerns of their clients should be high up on any 3PL provider's list.
A quick google search yields the following concerns when working with a 3PL:
- Cost
- Communication
- Distance between you and your product
- Lack of visibility and insight
These are just a few of the common concerns that surround partnering with a 3PL. While valid concerns, this doesn’t mean every 3PL provider is the same, and certainly means businesses shouldn't settle for anything less than the best.
Working to find a 3PL partner that helps you put these concerns to rest is key to allowing your business to flourish.
Working with Birkby to reduce those concerns
Entrusting a 3PL with the majority of your business can be a scary step, but Birkby is here to help make it easier.
That is why we have compiled a list of our own solutions and answers to the top concerns of working with a 3PL, so you can see why partnering with Birkby is the way to go.
Cost
While working with a 3PL pays for itself in the long run, the upfront costs can be a concern for some. The costs of working with a 3PL, while comparably cheaper than purchasing your own warehousing, means of distribution, and often own technology, leave many new clients concerned.
While these costs are scary at first, when you break down the costs and consider the benefits gained in the long run, these expenses are your way into an easier way of managing your business and building a life long relationship.
Here at Birkby we offer some of the most competitive prices for warehousing and 3PL. Not only are our rates competitive, but our use of Routeique’s industry leading technology maximizes profit and efficiency meaning you get the most out of what you’ve paid.
Communication
Closely related to the concern of loss of control, concerns over communication are also common.
When you partner with a 3PL, instead of doing all your operation in house, you add a new step in the process, that step being the 3PL. This new step can be a concern for some, especially when thinking about having to communicate constantly with the 3PL in order to keep yourself in the loop.
A good 3PL puts these concerns to rest by using the best technology they can. As well, having a dedicated support team.
Birkby’s use of Routeique technology allows for open communication between you and the 3PL team. With portals dedicated to allowing you access to the information and people you need to contact.
Distance
When working with a 3PL you become distanced from your product. Whether you are partnered with an out of province 3PL or further, it becomes harder to physically touch your product. This is definitely a concern for many who follow a hands-on approach to their business and wish to be a part of the whole process.
This distance, while concerning to a few, can be beneficial to your business and ensuring your product is in the most opportune location. While the increased distance results in less hands-on control, sometimes that newfound distance is what your product needs to sell more in more locations.
Birkby’s primary location is in Calgary Alberta, a hub for all across Canada. Alongside the opportune location, we offer competitive prices against those found in Canada's busier port locations.
Our placement in Alberta gives us prime access to the CanaMex corridor and the Trans-Canadian highway which are staple routes in the distribution process. While you may be increasing the distance between you and your product, this distance allows for better reach and widespread distribution.
Visibility
Lack of visibility into your product can be a huge concern. When you don’t have your eyes on it that is where things may get lost, broken or damaged. Visibility is crucial to a streamlined supply chain, and giving up that visibility can be scary.
When working with a good 3PL you may give up that hands-on visibility, but in return you gain virtual visibility. Management software, real time information providing tech and more grant you visibility back into your products. While not the same as having a physical connection and view of your product, virtually being able to connect with it is the next best thing, and can sometimes offer more.
At Birkby, our utilization of Routeique software allows us to offer you IMS and OMS technology, real time delivery and more to look further into the status of your products. We ensure visibility is present throughout the whole operation, so you always know where your products are.
Control
Loss of control is a common concern for those considering partnering with a 3PL. When you manage your supply chain operations in-house, you control almost every aspect of it. But when you enlist the help of a 3PL, delivery, packing, storage and often more, are managed and executed by the 3PL. You lose your say in most of these areas.
While this may be off-putting to some, it can greatly benefit your business.
While having this control handed over to the 3PL, you no longer have to commit your own time and resources to these areas. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business, and grow without feeling overwhelmed by having to manage all aspects of your business.
With over 100 years of experience in the distribution industry backing us, you can rest assured that under Birkby’s control, your products are safe in our hands.
At Birkby, It's Our Goal to Ensure a Seamless Transition Into Our 3PL Our Ecosystem, and Remove as Many Concerns as We Can.
Birkby offers comprehensive 3PL services for our clients. Our data-driven mindset and experience in the industry allow us to provide start-to-finish resources. We meet our clients’ needs and ensure your concerns are taken care of.
Looking for a 3PL Provider?
Contact us today to learn more about Birkby’s comprehensive 3PL Solutions.
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