To address challenges associated with managing the flow of goods for retailers and their supply chain partners, logistics intensive organizations are turning toward cloud-based solutions to assist in managing the retail post-purchase order process.

Logistics flow control is a complex process that involves collaboration between multiple parties, including the retailer and its suppliers; the transportation providers of the retailer and its suppliers; and the customs house brokers, consolidators and freight forwarders of the retailer and its suppliers. The retailer's internal processes also require close coordination between its merchandising operations and distribution centers worldwide.  Current logistics and global trade compliance systems across these communities may not be well integrated or designed to collaborate across all of the necessary parties involved. Without a network-based approach, information may end up being neither timely nor comprehensive. As a result, retailers can be forced to carry more inventory than required, potentially less reactive to consumer demand and could incur excess importation fees or even fines.

In order for a retailer and its partners to efficiently and effectively control the logistics flow post-purchase order, they need a solution that connects, collaborates and manages the suppliers, logistics services providers and customs house brokers involved with moving and clearing the goods, regardless of whether the operations are managed by the retailer or supplier. Download this white paper to gain a better understanding of how logistics flow control combines global trade compliance, transportation management, visibility, dock-door appointment scheduling and yard management capabilities to manage the flow of goods from supplier to retail dock-door, regardless of transportation mode while connecting and enabling collaboration between retailers, their suppliers and the logistics services providers and brokers that work with them. Download NOW!

Written by Chris Jones

Executive Vice President of Industry and Services

Descartes Systems Group