8 Key Factors to Look for in a Packaging Logistics Consultant

For any organization where shipping is involved in the supply chain, logistics can be an ongoing source of frustration. A seemingly endless flood of challenges, from rising costs and customer expectations to geopolitical events and fluctuating demand, can make it feel like you’re constantly swimming against the current.

Many businesses turn to outside help to overcome logistics challenges, find ways to cut costs without impacting quality and streamline operations. But when hiring a consultant, how do you know you’re not just throwing more money at the problem? In this article, you’ll learn about the key characteristics to look for in a packaging logistics consultant, so you can find the right partner and reap the rewards.

1. Industry Knowledge and Experience

Supply chain and packaging logistics covers a wide range of processes, from designing a packaging solution and choosing the right materials to optimizing transportation, storage and inventory management. Many of these processes have evolved significantly in the last 10-15 years due to rapid and ongoing technology advancements. The rise of automation and a more globalized market have also impacted the way things work.

If the goal is to optimize your packaging logistics, you need a consultant with deep, robust knowledge of the industry. Someone who’s been around the block, so to speak, more than a few times. Someone who understands all the key aspects of supply chain logistics, including procurement, inventory management and distribution. At the same time, look for a consultant with a firm grasp on the latest trends and technologies, who looks to the future to anticipate what’s next.

2. A Successful Track Record

On top of demonstrating their experience, you also want to make sure you’re working with someone who gets results. Anyone can talk about outcomes but the proof is in the pudding, so be sure to ask potential consultants for real world success stories with actual numbers to back up their claims. As a good benchmark, look for KPIs that prove they have a successful track record of delivering effective results.

For example, lowering packaging cost and/or picking time per unit can both help reduce supply chain expenses. Damage rates, volume utilization and on-time delivery are critical measurements of packaging logistics efficiency. Average inventory age and turnover provide a good measure of how well supply and demand are being balanced. An effective consultant should be able to show you the numbers, so you can evaluate their track record for yourself and decide if they’re a good fit.

3. Technical Expertise

Supply chain management software has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, with cloud software and automation transforming the way warehouses and vendors track and manage inventory, shipments and deliveries. No matter what software you’re currently using, you need to partner with someone who’s proficient with industry-specific technology.

In addition to knowing how to use key software platforms, they also need to know how to integrate various tools into existing systems to produce the best possible outcomes. This comes back to experience but also requires very specific know-how, which you should verify before signing on with a logistics consultant. Ask about their technical expertise in whatever areas you’re focused on optimizing, such as inventory management, transportation management or distribution strategies.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

When you’re looking for ways to reduce your company’s shipping costs, there’s always low-hanging fruit that’s easy to see and address. Switching to a less expensive, lightweight packaging solution, for one. But what happens next year when you’re called on to make more cuts? Or worse, what if reducing or changing materials means you now have to worry about the integrity of your shipments?

The key is to find strategic ways to cut costs without impacting the quality of your supply chain. Knowing how to do this requires experience, insight and an ability to think outside the box. (Yeah, we said it.) An experienced packaging logistics consultant should be able to identify opportunities within your processes, materials or technology to reduce costs and drive profitability while still safely delivering a quality product.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability

In our global economy and the digital era, things move fast. Technology changes. Demand fluctuates. Consumer preferences evolve. Your logistics needs may change over time, too. To keep up, you have to be able to adapt quickly, so it’s important to find a logistics consultant who’s also able to adjust their approach on the fly.

Look for someone who’s interested in and excited about industry innovation and likes to keep their finger on the pulse of supply chain logistics. Having an open mind and demonstrating creativity are also good indicators of flexibility. Ask them to tell you about a previous time when they had to pivot quickly, and what approach they take when things change overnight.

6. Effective Communication

The most effective teams are the ones that work well together, and that starts with good communication. If you’re looking to bring in an outside consultant, it’s crucial that you find someone who has strong collaboration and communication skills, and will be a good fit for your team.

Effective communication means being able to exchange ideas clearly with everyone they’ll be working with, from the warehouse to the C-suite. Working well with others and being open to feedback are also important characteristics. To determine if someone will mesh well with your company and team, take stock of their written and verbal communication skills during the interview process.

7. Analytical Saviness

Logistics is, in many ways, a numbers game. Optimizing your supply chain requires the ability to understand the data and use it to effectively solve problems. Look for a consultant with strong data analysis skills, and a savvy approach.

Analytically savviness isn’t something everyone possesses. It takes a certain kind of mind to see beyond the numbers. You want to work with someone who can spot patterns in the data, extract insights from those patterns and use those insights to drive meaningful change in your supply chain operation.

8. Strategic Thinking

When you’re looking to optimize logistics, you’ve probably got a set of short-term goals you need to hit. Knowing how to move the dial on those goals is important. But it’s also critical that in doing so, you don’t change course so much that you’re no longer moving towards your business’s long-term goals.

Strategic thinking is the ability to align short-term goals, such as cost-cutting and material savings, with long-term growth goals, all within the context of a dynamically shifting market. It means understanding potential risks and knowing how to minimize them. Look for a packaging logistics consultant who can look at the big picture, drill down into the details and understand how to connect the two in support of your near- and long-term goals.

Partner with Ernest Packaging Solutions for Packaging Logistics

We like to think of ourselves as a one-stop supply chain management shop here at Ernest, and problem-solving is one of our favorite things to do. Whether you’re looking to streamline your logistics, better manage your inventory or revamp your packaging solutions, we’ve got the industry expertise and experience to help you get ahead of the curve, and stay there. Check out our real-life success stories then give us a call. We love talking shop.