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The consumer market has changed. In order for small to medium sized businesses to be able to compete against the German multiples, British retailers, and Amazon must re-evaluate how they are storing, stocking, shipping. If businesses fail to realise this, they risk their own demise.
By introducing techniques from just in time inventory control and the pull method of distribution, businesses can pivot away from the abyss, and grow revenue in the years to come
Just in Time (JIT) logistics is the practice of having just enough inventory on hand to fulfil orders and keep your business running smoothly.
JIT reduces waste and unnecessary spending. When ‘it’ is efficient it makes your business efficient. Less stock on shelves or in storage as you only have stock when you need it most. Most retail units have a storage for approximately one-fifth of their retail space; rewind fifty or sixty years and it was the opposite for many retailers. This efficiency means less “dead-stock.” You’ll have fewer items sitting on shelves or in your storeroom, taking up space, and ageing as shoppers browse on by.
However, JIT is prone to calamities like strikes or natural disaster. In a disaster like a lockdown or a war increased efficiency is weak comparable to the ancient model of bulk storage and local supply chain models. We are after all an Island beside another island. Look up ‘the Emergency’ for an idea what we are talking about.
By building a just in case inventory, businesses can execute the pull method. Orders are fulfilled from satellite distribution centres where the stock can be greater than what a brick-and-mortar store can hold.
As the retail industry scrambles to meet increased consumer expectations order fulfilment needs to be the top priority for businesses. Customers are no longer satisfied with waiting for their new widget to arrive. They want it now. If they aren’t able to find this satisfaction from your company, they will most likely try to find it at someone who can deliver. By establishing a network of strategic warehouses around markets and transportation hubs, companies can build a supply chain that meets the demand of consumers.
Just in case is an excellent solution for project management. Warehousing and storage for project phase planning can reduce your overall costs. The experts facilitating your store remodel or refresh will have the materials they need at the right time. Working with Athlone City Storage will ensure your projects run smoothly. In this case, the demand is certain. You know the number of materials you need. You even know when you’ll need them on the worksite. Employing a dedicated partner like Athlone City Storage makes project management easy.
There is no single solution that will help all companies. Each supply chain – just like the businesses and the products they create – is unique. Although there are best practices that apply to every industry, Athlone City Storage believe a strategic combination of both “just in time” and “just in case” will help companies become more efficient and win more loyal customers. Careful analysis of your data will reveal which products and which projects will benefit from each. Trusting Athlone City Storage who can objectively craft a unique solution for your business is a must. Depending on your industry and the size of your business, the demand-driven approach of JIT could help you become leaner and more profitable. If good project management and customer satisfaction is your goal, JIC could be an excellent solution for your business.
