Logistics consulting. How can you overcome bottlenecks to boost your logistics and customer satisfaction?

Bottlenecks are one of the major challenges in supply chain management. These blockages not only slow down the flow of goods, but also impact on operational costs and customer satisfaction. That’s why logistics consulting expertise plays a key role in identifying and overcoming these obstacles.

What is a bottleneck?

A bottleneck happens when a specific element of the supply chain limits the overall performance of the process. This can take various forms: insufficient storage capacity, slow order-picking processes or stock management problems. These bottlenecks create product delays, create backlogs and, as a result, increase supply chain costs, while reducing the total efficiency of the supply chain.

3 essential steps to identify bottlenecks with Logistics Consulting

Process flow analysis

Studying the volume of work at each stage helps to identify problem regions that are slowing down your supply chain. Using process diagrams and flow maps, you can visualise and identify the problem stages responsible for delays.

Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs)

Measures such as waiting times, stock levels or delivery times can reveal anomalies. For example, cycle time or resource inactivity give a clear picture of where action is required.

Gathering feedback from staff

Operators and supervisors, who are directly involved in operations, are often the first to notice slowdowns. Their feedback gives valuable information for identifying critical points.

6 proven solutions for solving bottlenecks

Process automation

Automation is particularly effective in repetitive, high-volume activities such as stock management or order picking. The use of automated transport systems or robots reduces cycle times, minimises errors and improves total productivity.

Optimised stock management

A high-performance warehouse management system (WMS), offering real-time visibility of product levels and locations, reduces the risk of overstocking or stock-outs. This guarantees agile preparation for variations in demand.

Reducing demand variability

Stabilising demand can limit the pressure on processes. Offering incentives for planned orders or setting volume limits reduces unpredictable fluctuations. Accurate forecasts also improve the fluidity of operations.

Ongoing staff training

Staff trained in new technologies and methodologies adapt more easily to changes, reducing errors and improving overall performance.

Optimisation of logistics flows

For companies operating complex distribution networks, bottlenecks can often appear in the transport chain, particularly in the last mile. Route optimisation technologies help to plan transport routes efficiently, reducing delivery times and costs.

Restructuring capacity and processes

If the problem is insufficient capacity, it may be necessary to restructure or add resources. Advanced planning systems (APS) can also be used to better coordinate resources, aligning capacity and demand

Revolutionised logistics for La Pradera Online thanks to ACSEP!

An emblematic case is that of La Pradera Online, which specialises in the care of exotic animals. Before adopting our IzyPro WMS, the company relied on in-house software to manage its logistics operations. Integrating IzyPro has resulted in better stock management and a significant improvement in productivity, helping to accelerate the company’s business expansion.