In early December 2020, the first mass vaccination against Covid-19 virus began in the U.K. Since then, the urgent large-scale distribution of vaccines is now the most important logistical operation carried out worldwide.
As vaccine distribution is now a priority in global logistics, supply chain leaders need agile services focused on patient healthcare. The requirements for 'last mile' delivery, or reaching the end user, primarily test the flexibility and resilience of processes to disruption, as does the wide range of new challenges that can arise.
Logistics before and after a pandemic, meaning nothing will stay the same
In a not so distant past, supply chain design seemed to be easier. Supplies typically went to industrial locations, such as factories and warehouses; retail locations, such as shops and shopping malls; or, with the rise of e-commerce, directly to the consumer. Supply networks were relatively stable and in most cases warehouses abundantly stocked.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything. It turned out that what had been considered rational, profitable and flexible for years in a 'normal' situation failed in an epidemic crisis. The impact of the global pandemic on logistics operations was particularly stressful for certain industries and companies dependent on a single source of suppliers. The pandemic exposed gaps in these important operations, while highlighting the importance of flexibility, scalability and technology in maintaining continuity and responding to changing market demands.
Now and in the future, supply chain leaders will struggle with internal and external factors affecting procurement and distribution operations. In short, logistics professionals must develop a streamlined but resilient service focused on reaching consumers. But to achieve this, it is necessary to implement processes and use the services and technologies of companies that streamline supply chains all the way to the final consumer.
The fragility of previously practised logistics operations
If the pandemic has taught companies anything, it is the need for absolute flexibility. We are still dealing with an environment that is unpredictable, and further supply chain disruption is expected, both due to Brexit and the ongoing pandemic. Businesses need to be able to switch different services on and off quickly and adapt to change. This means agile operations and quick decision-making will be essential to the survival of many businesses.
Provide flexibility using packaging rental
.Even before the pandemic, many supply chain leaders were coming to the conclusion that there was a need to navigate and plan operations in a much more open and holistic way. Now more than ever, supply chain processes need to be both robust and flexible to respond to any emerging threats.
"Rental packaging means that you do not pay unnecessary additional costs for maintaining warehouses with unused packaging"
One of the many solutions currently practiced is the use of services that deal with the sudden need to increase the space or quantity of logistical carriers in warehouses at the right time and place. This includes the ability to rent packaging. Although this is a service that some companies have been using for years, it is a tailor-made solution in times of crisis. It is convenient when there are supply disruptions or high demand during peak periods. It avoids costly storage of unused packaging such as pallets, pallet collars, containers or plastic bins. You also don't have to worry if production or deliveries stop due to a lack of packaging. What's more, when businesses are looking to save money during a pandemic, renting packaging means you don't incur unnecessary additional costs of maintaining warehouses with unused packaging.
Distribution of vaccines requires smooth operations despite disruptions
Logistics managers take on the responsibility arising from optimising processes in such a way that the delivered product meets high quality standards. In particular, this concerned concerns in relation to the transport and storage of the vaccine. The supply chain in this case must be as stable as possible, given that many vaccines require very low temperatures. The efficiency of cold chains is a key factor in distribution. For more on the proper role of isothermal packaging and roll containers in the pharmaceutical and food industry, see the article How safe is your cold chain? Learn 7 important facts
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Last mile deliveries - how to meet customer demands?
In the next few years, last-mile deliveries are becoming more and more demanding. With the growth of the e-commerce industry and the demand for products ordered online, delivery times for products are very short, even 'pushed'. During the pandemic there was an increase in demand from the e-commerce industry which meant that some companies struggled to deliver orders as quickly as possible. Customers during the lockdown started to shop online more often than usual expecting their products to be delivered as quickly as possible.
With such demand and expectations at the 'last mile' delivery stage, it is essential for companies to work with experts with knowledge of supply chain planning and diversification. It is also important to have the right tools that can speed up the picking process. In the article 3 Ways to Improve Order Picking in E-Commerce Warehouses, you will read about how to optimize your warehouse for online operations to deliver goods to customers efficiently and quickly.
Packaging workflow technology is real-time transparency
Another key logistics trend is the rise of technology, providing real-time visibility of packaging. Advanced RTI process control enables companies to fully track the route of their packages, allowing them to optimise routes based on disruptions or traffic volumes. Our integrated transaction management system allows you to get real-time updates from all parties in the process. This way, you know exactly how much and where your company's packages are. In this way, we actively control the whereabouts of pallets, pallet collars and other packaging, all parties to this process working efficiently.
A reliable package tracking platform gives companies the ability to download detailed data and analyse it to improve the delivery process in the future. This enables companies to optimise their deliveries linked to efficient service to their target customers.
The growing role of warehouses and distribution centres
As consumer behaviour changes, shopping is moving online and retailers may want to transform their shops into fulfilment centres. By turning them into mini-distribution services, companies can combine them with last mile delivery services to speed up shipping. More and more companies are expanding their operations by building large warehouse facilities. Understanding the needs of the market, we offer a large range of wooden pallets, plastic pallets, storage racks and other supports for storing goods in warehouse space.
Partnership with Rotom UK
.With all the challenges companies face, cooperation with experienced professionals is essential to not only survive but also to grow your business. You can't just stop at offering the same level of service as before. It is necessary to choose such logistics services that are flexible, transparent and enable you to meet demand.
Finding a packaging management partner means having solutions that are efficient and will make it easier to work in changing conditions. This enables companies to focus on what they do best downstream, and Rotom as a trusted partner will take care of what it knows best - providing customised packaging and the latest services and technologies to meet future challenges.
