Amazon has changed the rules of merchandise order and delivery

I recently purchased an item from Amazon and was amazed at the speed in which it was delivered to my home — next-day delivery on a Sunday, at no additional charge. What was this item that justified such a quick turnaround? A $10 pair of socks.
Amazon has changed the rules of merchandise order and delivery, and consumers now have much higher expectations for knowing the status of their purchase at all times and receiving it promptly, without paying extra for the convenience. Alerts are sent when the order has been processed, shipped and delivered to your door. This transparency in all stages has become the norm for online purchases — even for something as inconsequential as a pair of socks.
For consumer goods and industrial manufacturers alike, supply chain speed and visibility are more complex and crucial than ever. The amount of data necessary to plan for production, hire employees and deliver goods to market on time can be daunting. Handled internally, logistics management can be an extremely intensive process that pulls the focus away from primary business goals. For this reason, companies may find it beneficial to enlist the services of a third-party logistics provider.
The real-time data provided by a transportation management company enables complete supply chain visibility and can empower businesses to make more efficient, cost-saving decisions.
A transportation management system provides a wealth of useful information to companies. Typically, data is captured from dispatch, warehouse and fulfillment systems and from remote devices on carriers. It identifies trends, disruptions or inefficiencies within the supply chain. This provides transparency in real time and allows companies to make data-driven decisions that optimize short- and long-term planning, production and business strategies.
When partnering with a lead logistics provider, a company receives instruction and training to understand how to access all the available information on its shipments. Each company is different from the next, so a leading 3PL will enable customizations that streamline and enhance a company’s particular business model. This is not something you can get with a mass-produced, off-the-shelf TMS.
The data gleaned from this level of visibility provides crucial information on arguably the most important aspect of a company’s business: the bottom line. These systems allow companies to review carrier and service options and choose between the most affordable, or the more efficient, premium-cost carrier. Logistics providers can use these systems to initiate a shipment, dispatch the carrier, track its progress and confirm delivery. That data can then be compiled and studied, providing a means for clients to identify opportunities to further optimize their supply chain.

Access to supply chain data has enabled companies to be proactive in their logistics planning and decision-making. And just like that $10 pair of socks, it gives them an expectation of excellence and confidence in the level of service they choose.

Michael Jarrett is president and CEO at Jarrett.