Material Handling Digest Newsletter by QC Software Looks at Transportation Costs
QC Software has professional affiliations with the, DSA, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the Warehousing Education and Research Council, and Material Handling Industry of America. QC Software (www.qcsoftware.com) is the leading provider of Tier 1 warehouse control systems to the warehousing and distribution industries. Since 1996, QC Software, utilizing state of the art technology combined with extensive research, development, and rigorous testing, has developed the QC Enterprise suite of products.
This past August, QC Software introduced a newsletter titled Material Handling Digest. This premiere issue may be read at http://qcsoftware.com/PDFs/Newsletter_Aug_2009.pdf. Beyond a message from QC Software president, Rich Hite, the issue also reveals 8 Key Ways to Reduce Transportation Costs.
1) Review all records to find hidden costs – Do a comprehensive review to identify freight costs for all domestic and international moves and all transportation methods. When there are multiple suppliers and trading partners, you may not have all the information readily available.
2) Have a qualified consultant perform a freight audit – An independent review can help you find additional ways to save on transportation costs that you may have overlooked.
3) Evaluate freight costs using analytics – Understand where, how and when costs are incurred. Assess carrier selection to find more cost-effective solutions. Evaluate service requirements to maintain proper service levels. Make sure to look at all the factors that influence freight costs including routings, shipments, volumes, mode selection, traffic lanes, transit times, etc.
4) Reduce handling and touches – Lowering the number of touches means lower shipping costs. Streamline your operation and apply best practices to more accurately and efficiently pick, pack and ship your product.
5) Manage your freight program using best practices – Review the planning, procurement and management processes to identify and adapt best practices.
6) Analyze packaging materials used in your industry – For many companies, cardboard containers are considered adequate. But in the automotive industry, for example, light, durable and reusable containers made of plastic or steel have been found to be more cost effective.
7) Use carton optimization software – Utilize software that determines the optimum container size for the amount and type of product to be shipped. Carton optimization can significantly reduce dunnage, material and shipping costs.
Join a freight consortium – This can help you maximize your savings.The issue also examines QC Software’s Green Initiative. Designed to be modular in nature, easily configurable, and platform independent, this highly scalable solution satisfies the needs of any size warehouse.
QC Software, Inc.
www.qcsoftware.com
Jerry List
JerryList@qcsoftware.com
(513) 469-1424
