The festive season has arrived and for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), managing logistics during Christmas can be a challenge. With an average Christmas spend in the UK ranging from just under just below £700 up to £973 per person, an influx of orders in inevitable – and with this comes increased customer demands and potential supply chain disruptions, meaning effective logistical planning is crucial.
6 Logistics Tips for SMEs
- Forecast Demand and Peak Flow Management
Christmas brings a surge in consumer spending, and it’s essential for SMEs to accurately forecast demand. Using historical data combined with market trend insights and customer behaviour to predict the quantity and types of products needed during the festive season.
Collaborating closely with suppliers and logistics partners before and during this season, ensures that inventory levels are optimised and aligned with the expected increase in orders. - Automation to Reduce Errors
With higher order volumes and more demand for fast shipping, there is an increased potential for errors in picking, packing, and shipping. Implementing automation technology, such as order processing software and barcode scanning can help to streamline these processes and also minimise human error.
Automation isn’t just reserved for larger corporations, implementing automation technology, such as order processing software and barcode scanning can help to streamline these processes and also minimise human error, enhancing efficiency, allowing SMEs to meet and exceed customer expectations. - Extended Warehousing and Inventory Management
As the festive season kicks in, SMEs may find their existing warehouse capacity strained. Expanding warehousing facilities, with flexible storage providers or collaborating with third-party logistics companies (3PLs) can help to handle the increased inventory.
Efficient inventory management is key during this time. Regularly updating stock levels and identifying fast-moving products can help to prioritise restocking, minimising holding costs and ensures that popular items are readily available. This ensures that products are readily available for fulfilment, preventing stockouts and contributing to seamless order processing and distribution. - Collaborate with Logistics Partners
Christmas logistics require a robust partnership with reliable logistics providers. Collaborate with distribution and courier companies with a proven track record of handling increased volumes during peak times. Negotiate clear service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure timely deliveries.
It is also key to communicate proactively with your logistics partners to stay informed about potential disruptions and work closely with your in-house team and logistics partners to have contingency plans in place. - Proactive Customer Communication
Effective communication with customers is crucial during the festive season. Be sure to keep customers informed about order statuses, shipping times and any potential delays. Clearly communicate cut off dates for guaranteed Christmas delivery, and provide accessible customer support channels to address inquiries promptly.
Proactive communication builds trust and helps manage customer expectations, even in the face of unexpected logistical challenges. Following this period, there is typically an upturn in product returns. Maintaining clear communication channels with customers to streamline the returns process, with easy-to-follow return instructions, and implement automation to process returns efficiently. - Last Mile… and First Mile
Addressing challenges in the first mile – from order placement to fulfilment centre or warehouse and last mile – from the fulfilment centre or warehouse to the customer is crucial.
Working with reliable logistics partners enhances the efficiency of the entire supply chain, ensuring timely deliveries and a positive customer experience.
Mastering logistics in the Christmas season is a balancing act that requires careful planning and execution.
By forecasting demand accurately, optimising inventory management, collaborating with reliable logistics partners and 3PL’s, implementing efficient order fulfilment processes and prioritising customer communication – businesses can navigate the festive season successfully.
With these tips in mind, SMEs can not only meet customer expectations but also set the stage for continued growth and success in the coming year.
