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Ensure Your Shipments Are Looked After Every Time

StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Shipments|Ensure Your Shipments Are Looked After Every TimeAs a modern business, you are going to have an international client base, and this means organizing shipments both domestically and internationally. There are a lot of ideas that play a role in this process, and it is important to make sure you focus on some of the best ways of improving your business shipments, and making the right decisions to look after this. There are so many things that play a part in ensuring you have the perfect business shipments, and choosing the right companies to work with is one of the key ways of being able to achieve this.

That means you need to look at what you can do to team up with reputable companies like Mercury in order to ensure you are getting the best shipments for your business. They are the perfect choice to help you make the best of your thermal and cold chain supply deliveries. Providing multiple options, and a range of packaging choices at different sizes and temperatures, you can see the website in order to gain a better understanding of who Mercury are, what they do, and how your company can benefit from teaming up with them. Check out the infographic below so you can get a breakdown of the different things that the company offers, and how you can utilize this with your shipments.


Infographic Designed by See website

3 Secrets to Making Your Auto Parts Store a Success

StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Auto Parts Store|3 Secrets to Making Your Auto Parts Store a SuccessOwning an auto parts store is an exciting business venture. However, just having a passion for automobiles isn’t enough to draw in customers. Going above and beyond to make the store stand out from the competition is a must. Here are three proven ways to turn an average auto parts store into a booming success:

1. Contract with Dependable Suppliers

In-demand auto parts shops always have well-stocked shelves. After finding used madix shelving for sale, it’s crucial to keep it filled to the brim with the hottest products. That’s why finding the most reliable suppliers is of the utmost importance. After all, if the store doesn’t have what the customer wants in stock, they’ll just head elsewhere. No business owner wants to lose a sale because of an unreliable supplier.

When it comes time to choose suppliers, it’s best to shop around. Ask about product turnaround times, minimum purchase orders, and possible shipping disruptions. Don’t be afraid to back out of a deal if the supplier can’t meet the shop’s needs. The right supplier will do everything possible to ensure their retail clients have enough products to meet customer demand.

2. Know What’s on the Shelves

Having the best suppliers does no good if the store owner doesn’t keep track of their inventory. As an auto parts store owner, it’s wise to keep an eye on the top-selling products. For instance, if jump-starters or GPS trackers start selling out, it’s a good idea to increase inventory orders for those products. The most successful retailers also know how to pair different products. They might suggest a water repellent treatment whenever a customer purchases new windshield wipers, for example.

Owners should routinely monitor inventory statistics. This includes keeping track of popular brands and types of auto parts, such as BMW parts, to ensure the store is meeting the needs of its customers. These stats will show which products sell out the fastest, and it will also help owners monitor for product loss. Having a computerized database with help streamline this task. Moreover, recognizing inventory trends gives brand owners more negotiating room with suppliers. If a particular product moves more than others, it may be time to talk with the supplier about a bulk discount.

3. Create a Marketing Plan

While there is always a need for local auto parts stores, there is also a lot of competition within the industry. Analysts forecast the US automotive aftermarket will reach $445 billion by 2023. That statistic proves the demand for innovative auto parts is at an all-time high. The stores that will make the most money know how to effectively market to their audience.

Marketing needs to reach the target consumer. Years ago, most businesses relied on television spots and print ads to promote their services. However, online marketing is now the best option for auto parts stores looking to grow their customer base. Well-known stores all have company websites and social media profiles. These tools make it possible to connect with potential customers from all over. Marketing helps brands become automotive industry leaders, and the stores will generate more money as a result.

Prepare for a Successful Ride

Many auto parts stores compete in the same space, but some will prove more successful than others. Contracting with the best suppliers, recognizing inventory trends, and developing a marketing plan will help take any auto parts store to the next level. After implementing these proven secrets, brands will notice an influx of customer interest and an uptick in sales.

Protect Your Supply Chain During a Pandemic by Using Automation

StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |Supply chain|Protect Your Supply Chain During a Pandemic by Using AutomationIn 2004, there was a severe earthquake and subsequent tsunami that resulted in profound effects to several Asian countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand and Indonesia. These were followed by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the U.S. as well as the Tohoku earthquake in Japan in 2011. All of these crises foreshadowed a reality that the global pandemic of 2020 confirmed: There are systemic weaknesses in most companies’ global supply chains that must be mitigated. Automation may be one of the most important solutions.

THE TRUTH REVEALED

Just what did these crises show? For one thing, they demonstrated that the just-in-time philosophy that many automobile and electronics manufacturers had adopted broke down in the face of these catastrophes. Because companies only possessed just enough parts and materials for their immediate needs, they were left high and dry when their suppliers had to close down.

Another flaw that came to the surface was lack of visibility. A manufacturer might have had a close working relationship with a STmicroelectronics product distributor, for example, yet they had only a foggy idea of the tertiary vendors who were affiliated with that company. Ultimately, this failure to undergo the long and expensive process of mapping led to greater costs and a loss of transparency when disaster struck.

THE PANDEMIC PRESENTS UNIQUE CHALLENGES

COVID-19 has changed virtually everything, including the way electronics manufacturers operate. Social distancing in a warehouse setting can be difficult, and there also may be COVID-related staff shortfalls that are causing bottlenecks. This is where technology can save the day.

AUTOMATION AND THE SUPPLY CHAIN

Automated assistants or robots never become ill, and they don’t need to adhere to physical distancing or other virus-related rules. A robot can deliver items between workers and can become a tireless assistant to an employee or team. Today’s mobile autonomous robotic cart (MARC) technology takes automation a step further. It operates simply and efficiently without the need for WiFi, yet its sophisticated inner workings enable it to take stock of its environment and easily move and manipulate items.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another emerging innovation that can reduce disruptions and make it possible for electronics products to reach consumers and retailers in a timely fashion and in compliance with quality standards. For example, AI can be used for route planning and even for trouble-shooting and redirecting a shipment if an unforeseen event should arise. Furthermore, chatbots can communicate with suppliers, place purchasing requests, send routine correspondence to suppliers regarding regulation compliance, research and answer questions and receive and record invoices and payments. In addition, machine learning can be used to manage warehouses more efficiently.

When disaster strikes, there is no single solution or cure that will wipe it all away and restore full functionality. However, automation brings many different tools to the table that can help to prevent supply chain disruptions and mitigate the effects of the ones that do occur. As technology continues to advance, automation’s capabilities will only skyrocket.