3PLs, freight forwarding, pricing negotiation, LTL, these and many more terms make up the everyday vocabulary of a logistics manager irrespective of the space they are in. But this is not an exhaustive list.
A new logistics manager needs to know a lot more in the first 30 days of the job in order to be exemplary. He/she needs to be skilled in understanding inventory, warehousing, and transportation and it is expected that they fully understand the processes, and systems, while showing the ability to navigate challenges. These challenges are as unforeseen as they can get.
As you can see, many people are employed in trucking and transportation in Canada. Industry-wise, the logistics industry is dynamic and demanding, with numerous moving parts that require careful coordination. To help you hit the ground running, we have compiled a detailed checklist for your first 30 days as a logistics manager.
In this blog post, we will guide you through a series of actionable steps that will enable you to establish a strong foothold in your new role. From familiarizing yourself with the existing logistics infrastructure to building relationships with key stakeholders, this checklist is recommended by some of the logistics experts out there, who, like you, were once new to this role.
What do the first 30 days look like for a new Logistics Manager?
Key factors that you would need to focus on in the first 30 days can be broadly classified into Agility & Automation, Analytics and Others.
First, focus on agility & automation.
Agility is how quickly you can adapt to the new changes in the rapidly changing supply chain market in eCommerce. If you don’t have or develop this, everything else that you do would be futile for the supply chain is the most unpredictable industry out there.
Automation is equally crucial. Manual picking in a warehouse is tiresome and time-consuming. It is, however, important. This is where an automated process makes everything better. If your company is using automated processes for mundane tasks, that is what you want to learn in the first 30 days. Learning about the best software out there is definitely a plus. This kind of software also makes it easier to track and manage inventory. Logistics software doesn’t make the job of a logistics manager less of a hassle but it makes it easier to trace, analyse and act on the possible hassles.
We conducted a poll and found that most people on LinkedIn second us on this.
The next thing to do as a new logistics manager would be to focus on Analytics.
The analytics procedures conducted by organizations to analyze the logistical function is what we mean by analytics in logistics. This would include gaining complete visibility of the delivery process and finding what works best for your business. You might also have to compare a lot of rates to figure out the roadmap. Comparing regional and national carriers for the best rates is your job.
Some experts believe in keeping it simple.
However, rushing into automation is never a good idea. Here’s why –
Understanding analytics in a human context is the next step.
If you are based in Canada, we have a cheat sheet.
Most experts recommend getting a good understanding of the people you are working with and for. A large majority of logistics managers believe that logistics is all about people. When asked what should be the top priority in the first 30 days as a new logistics manager, they said –
How to build these relationships then?
Develop these two traits, they say –
Driving reliable and sustainable logistics is no piece of cake. But here’s a checklist –
TL;DR
- Focus on building relationships. That’s most important.
- Understand agility and automation. Do not rush though.
- Figure out the analytics. Dive deeper.
The success of your logistics operations relies on your ability to effectively manage people, processes, and resources. With a well-planned approach and a keen eye for detail, you can lay the groundwork for a thriving logistics department that excels in delivering products and services efficiently and reliably.
Get ready to embark on this exciting journey as we guide you through the crucial first 30 days as a logistics manager.
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