Designed with the End in Mind

Rick Brumett

Vice President of Market Development

Transportation Insight

As any client solution is developed, it is critical to learn as much as possible about the end of the client’s supply chain — their customer. The success with a client is largely dependent on maximizing the satisfaction with their customer. Not only is it essential to focus on how a client defines success with their customer, but also it is important to identify and address their customer’s challenges, frustrations and concerns.

With the complications involved in today’s supply chains, many businesses serve two distinct customer groups: Business to Business (B2B), typically through a big box retail channel, and Business to Consumer (B2C) through a web interface, direct to consumer. The same product, but two entirely different sets of supply chain challenges — and it is critical to define the ideal “End” when serving each of these verticals.

B2B solutions must be designed principally to focus on retail vendor compliance; effecting delivery within the Purchase Order’s window, optimum placement of inventory to facilitate delivery within PO windows, insuring the customer’s product meets proper configuration standards at time of delivery, etc. All requirements are keys to satisfying the customer’s customer in the big box channel. The ideal end is a perfect vendor scorecard in terms of PO delivery. And the solution must be constructed with this specific end in mind. Logistics partners not only have to be experienced in fulfillment and distribution into the big box channel, but also they must  be absolutely sensitive to the critical importance of the vendor scorecard.

B2C solutions present a completely different set of supply chain challenges. Speed is never unimportant, but speed takes a backseat to delivery reliability and product condition at the time of delivery. Plus, the end customer in the B2C channel typically wants a menu of delivery options: inside delivery through the front door, delivery to room of choice, product setup, removal of packaging material, etc. The delivery must be perfect in the eyes of a consumer and the B2C consumer has all the power in this channel —  in their ability to submit a review of the product and the delivery experience. B2C vendors know well that the product review is the key to their future. Studies show that 90% of consumers trust in peer reviews on the web, versus 14% believing in traditional advertising. Therefore, the perfect end for the B2C vendor is an excellent consumer review listed on their website. And the solution must be constructed with this end in mind: focusing on logistics partners that have a distinguished background in residential delivery, excellent claims ratio, high-end service menu, etc.

Yes, producing savings is a critical component in winning any 3PL relationship with a multi-channeled business. But a solution that is focused on the satisfaction of the client’s customer in every channel will keep the relationship strong.

Blog Archive

The Dragon's Decline and the American Renaissance-- Rick Brumett

Looking to China for cheap production? Not so fast. Recent wage hikes combined with rising prices mean China isn't as cheap an option as it once was. As a follow up to last week’s blog, this week’s posting provides additional details into the many reasons for the return of American Manufacturing. Transportation Insight’s Vice President of Market Development Rick Brumett tells us more in this blog.

The Return of Manufacturing-- Is Onshoring in Your Plans?  Should It Be?-- Clay Gentry

More than one-third of American-based manufacturing executives at companies with sales greater than $1 billion are reportedly planning to bring back production to the United States from China or are considering it, according to a leading survey.Transportation Insight's Vice President of Logistics Clay Gentry provides insight into the impact onshoring may have on a company’s supply chain.

Removing the Blinders for Supply Chain Visibility -- William McCallum

Supply chain visibility is something that can be achieved by implementing an automated technology solution.  What is the right technology for your organization?  Discover how leading companies are reaping the benefits of Supply Chain Visibility in this week’s blog by Transportation Insight’s Director of Business Development, William McCallum.

New Markets and Expansions Require Insight and Expertise  Part 2-- Rick Brumett

Is your supply chain being stretched beyond its capacity? Business intelligence and logistics expertise are key elements for identifying continuous improvement opportunities and avoiding unanticipated obstacles. Transportation Insight's Vice President of Market Development, Rick Brumett, discusses the importance of a resilient supply chain.

New Markets and Expansions Require Insight and Expertise -- Rick Brumett

Expansion can be a challenge for any company's supply chain. Key elements to overcoming complexities and disruptions include business insight and logistics expertise. Transportation Insight’s Rick Brumett, Vice President of Market Development discusses the importance of a balanced supply chain.

Sir Frances Bacon and Thomas Hobbes: Almost Right about Knowledge -- Chad Palmer

We've all heard the saying, "Knowledge is Power." Transportation Insight’s Vice President of Solutions Chad Palmer examines the familiar phrase in light of powerful data collection and modeling techniques that provide actionable business insight.

Who Created this Chaos? -- Jim Felmet

Are you working harder or working smarter? Are your processes from 10 years ago able to complete the tasks for today?  When does the day-to-day operation of production turn to daily chaos? In Transportation Insight's blog post, Jim Felmet provides insight for streamlining processes and divorcing chaos.

The Many Benefits of Financial Settlement Services -- Jay Wilson

Do you know the benefits of hiring an expert to do a job? Companies who ship product are increasingly weighing the pros and cons in an effort to boost quality and improve their bottom line. Vice President of Processing Services Jay Wilson, outlines the benefits of a 3PL partnership with financial settlement expertise. 

Transportation Technology and the TMS-- Jim Taylor

The ever-changing landscape of transportation technology continues to challenge businesses worldwide. How do companies discover the best opportunities for improvement? By taking a look into the past, Transportation Insight’s Vice President of Technology, Jim Taylor, offers insight for today.

Logistics 101: The Many Models of Logistics Providers --- Rich Tracchio

The logistics community can be confusing with so many new and different types of service providers. Transportation Insight's Regional Vice President of Business Development, Rich Tracchio examines the various business models.

What in the World is Going On?! -- Rick Brumett

Transportation Insight’s Vice President of New Market Development, Rick Brumett, sheds light on the International Shipping Marketplace. With decades of international logistics experience, Rick offers insight into the latest trends.

"Analysis Paralysis:" The Anti Improvement Syndrome -- Eric Lail

As many companies outline initiatives to streamline operations for future growth, some find themselves in a state of “Analysis Paralysis.” Total Insight’s Vice President of LEAN Performance Solutions, Eric Lail, who offers insight into this perplexing issue.

The Perfect Parcel Storm -- Charles Moore

Many companies who ship product are increasingly concerned about the continual increases in FedEx and UPS rates — especially in light of e-commerce. To better understand the value a great 3PL partner can bring to the table, would it help to see the latest data regarding Parcel Rate trends? Gain insight from Transportation Insight's Vice President of Parcel Pricing, Charles Moore.

The Gold Standard for Logistics Financial Settlement -- Jay Wilson

One thing manufacturers, distributors and retailers have in common is that they face pressure to drive down costs to transport and deliver goods. Transportation Insight’s  Jay Wilson, Vice President of Processing Services offers insights into reducing costs by using best practices in the Freight Bill Audit and Payment Process. Learn more about the Gold Standard.

Designed with the End in Mind-- Rick Brumett

Are your clients and prospects designing their supply chain solutions with the end in mind — their customer? Businesses generally serve two customer groups, B2B and B2C. Review the Transportation Insight Blog post by Vice President of New Market Development, Rick Brumett, to gain insight on the challenges of achieving customer satisfaction amid supply chain diversity and complexity.

New Focus on Global Supply Chain Security: What Does it Mean for Your Business? --- Commentary and Perspectives

Risks are escalating and presenting new challenges for economic endurance within the global supply chain. Transportation Insight’s blog post looks at the recently released National Global Supply Chain Strategy and highlights why a trusted logistics partner can help businesses sustain competitive advantage in this ever-changing marketplace.

Growing Transportation Budgets Prompt Shippers to Consider Cost of 3PLs -- Todd Fain

With volatility in fuel costs and expanding transportation budgets, many companies have identified this year as the time to take charge of their supply chain. Transportation Insight’s Vice President of Business Development, Todd Fain, offers insight into this complex issue.

Energy is a Game Changer for the United States-- Commentary  and Perspectives

Do you want to learn more about the energy outlook and related costs?  The Energy Information Administration (EIA) publishes projections for a variety of energy prices.

The Gold Link in the Chain-- Commentary and Perspectives

Do you understand the importance of actively pursuing increased supply chain visibility? Read about visibility and what some call the gold link in supply chain strategy.

Hidden Factory Cost: Is there a Hidden Factory in Your Organization?-- Commentary and Perspectives

Reaction to Hours Of Service Ruling -- Chris Mendenhall

Have you heard about the new Hours of Service ruling from the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration and Department of Transportation? Have you been wondering about the impact the new Hours of Service could have on supply chains? Discover more from Chris Mendenhall, the Vice President of Pricing Services.

 What are your Key Performance Indicators-- Commentary and Perspectives

Strategically Using Supply Chain Management -- Commentary and Perspectives

What Makes the Best 3PLs Different? -- Eric Lail

Where Does the Value Roadmap Begin? -- Chris Baltz