Why Use a Logistics Consultant?

If you want to improve your supply chain, you might have considered using a logistics consulting service. However, you might worry whether it's worth the cost or bring tangible benefits to your business. Here are some reasons to seriously consider using a consultant.

Product knowledge

Working with a logistics consultant who has a broad knowledge base and experience working through problems similar to those you experience brings a number of benefits to your team.

You might receive a lot of literature from salespeople, for example, saying how great their products are, but how can you choose between them? Independent logistical consultants do not sell products and do not get financial incentives from the products they specify, so they can provide objective advice.

A project that is run internally can often be distracted by day-to-day management problems. Bringing a consultant who can focus on delivering results will ensure that goals are achieved faster.

Consultation does not need to take ownership of the project from management. However, as long as management is clear about its objectives and can carefully choose, direct and manage consultants, tangible value can be seen.

When should I use a consultant?

All organizations reach a point when they realize that they can do things better or differently. It may be that one or more operating areas are not achieving their goals or are not functioning as efficiently as possible.

The main reasons for using a consultant usually focus on:
- Complexity
- Time scale
- Expertise
- Resources

Efficient Staff Designation

Problems or problems may be short term. To manage changes effectively and maximize benefits will require intensive efforts, potentially jeopardizing the performance of subsequent operations. Increasing the number of employees permanently to handle short-term projects will increase operational costs. A consultant can assist in managing change until the introduction is complete and the operation has stabilized.

Often specialist knowledge exists within the company but assignments cannot be arranged within the required time period. Consultants are suitable for providing skills that are not available from permanent staff.

Decisions that produce major changes or financial commitments from the company will often involve consultants to review any analysis before the decision is made. Outsiders can ensure that approaches and objective attitudes are taken and that all potential alternatives are known and explored. Often the consultant will find additional alternatives that were not even considered beforehand. At other times, asking consultants to confirm a competent and comprehensive analysis can add weight to the business case.

If a project loses momentum or does not deliver the expected results, a consultant can quickly provide the input needed to get it back on track.

Work with Logistics Consultants

The use of a consultant is unlikely to bring benefits if you ignore the involvement of consultants as an expensive disruption of daily operations. However, if you choose the right consultant or consultation, clearly determine the project objectives, provide the information needed by the consultant, and set aside time to review progress and buy their ideas, the benefits will be seen.

JWS Logistics is a team of independent logistics consultants specializing in all aspects of commercial supply chains. Find out how JWS Logistics can help your company by calling Phone: +44(0)1604 904334, or sending us a message using our Contact Form.