Many people still don't know, but logistics is one of the main areas of any company. Therefore, any optimization applied to it can generate major impacts. In view of this, philosophies such as Lean Logistics appear and gain more and more strength.
Lean Logistics, which translates to Lean Logistics, aims to identify activities that add value and eliminate process waste.
The market is undergoing major transformations. Practically all segments are experiencing various changes. In logistics, there are increasingly new technologies and philosophies emerging to help with processes within companies and their warehouses.
Many people still don't know, but logistics is one of the main areas of any company. Therefore, any optimization applied to it can generate major impacts. In view of this, philosophies such as Lean Logistics appear and gain more and more strength.
But do you know what Lean Logistics is?
Lean Logistics is part of the “Lean” management model. That is, being lean. Therefore, its main objectives are to identify activities that add value and eliminate waste from the process.
Logistics is developed from a series of processes and this philosophy is characterized by seeking efficiency in all of these stages. This includes receiving goods, storing them, shipping them and transporting them, for example.
The key is to map each of these sectors, analyze where possible bottlenecks are, implement changes to increase efficiency and measure their results. To make it easier to visualize how it works in practice, we are running a PDCA cycle, that is, plan, do, check and act, always focusing on eliminating waste.
It is worth mentioning that, as it is a PDCA cycle, this is a process of continuous improvement. In other words, it is necessary to constantly check what opportunities there are for improvement in the company's logistics area.
To put Lean Logistics into practice, you must first understand the 3 fundamental pillars that support its development. From there, you just need to put it into practice.
Fundamental pillars of Lean Logistics
Reduced stock: since having a large volume of stock lying around entails costs, the main idea is to only have what will be used in the warehouse. This is where the Just in Time methodology comes in, a system that adds to production management by determining what must be produced, transported or purchased at the exact time.
Synchronization in processes: since we mentioned having only the essentials in the warehouse, this smaller stock needs to be efficient. Therefore, all parts of the supply chain need to be in sync. There is currently software to connect these areas and ensure this alignment – essential to avoid bottlenecks.
Process optimization: Inbound and outbound logistics processes need to be constantly improved to reduce unnecessary waste and maximize profits. You can map and review each process to understand which points can be improved.
Inbound logistics focuses on internal processes, while outbound logistics focuses on external activities and distribution to the market.
Putting all these ideas into practice may not be an easy task. However, there are some technologies that can help you in this process.
Contact Bertolini Storage Systems and find out how to implement them!
