SAN FRANCISCO and AMSTERDAM, June 17,
2014 /PRNewswire/-- A resilient supply chain is
the fundamental goal of the majority of enterprises throughout the
world. Increased complexity, the pressure to become both more
efficient and environmentally friendly, as well as the geographical
distances involved in such supply chains all contribute to a
greater risk of disruption. Clearly, solutions need to become
increasingly innovative to meet the challenge.
Arthur van Gerven from the global
logistics service provider, Menlo Logistics, was recently invited
to join professors of logistics and other leading authorities from
around Europe to address the issue
and present Menlo's view on how solutions can be created. The TRA
2014 Conference, of which Van
Gerven's session formed a part, was organized by the
LOG4GREEN* cooperation. This initiative aims at awareness raising
and strengthening the competitiveness in Europe's logistics sector.
Van Gerven started from the
premise that 4PL or lead logistics provision benefits supply chain
resilience by avoiding the causes of disruption or by better
adapting to its consequences. "The over-sight provided by a 4PL
operator will improve performance in four criteria, which are key
to the resilience of any supply chain," explained van Gerven. "The model provides flexibility to
achieve rapid reaction to circumstances; predictability in order to
maximize optimization and both cost and carbon efficiency, which
promote business and environmental sustainability."
Out-sourcing to a 3PL service provider goes some way to managing
the results of supply chain disruption whether created by a
major disaster capable of paralyzing a complete production process
or more minor localized events such as traffic congestion or labor
disputes. However, a 4PL approach, over-seeing all out-sourced
logistics suppliers allows for the identification also of more
systematic, process-driven inefficiencies. A good 4PL is capable of
designing solutions to reinforce any complex supply
chain.
Menlo's approach, as described by van
Gerven in the real-life context of a retail sportswear
customer, revolves around the technique of Value Stream Mapping.
This is part of the Lean methodology and has as its primary goals
the elimination of waste and creating a road map for continuous
improvement.
As a result of employing this philosophy, resilience is built
into the supply chain performance. Measurement of asset
leverage and process efficiency as well as emission target
achievement is continuous and the ability to resist disruption is
constantly reviewed. Disaster recovery and contingency planning can
then also take place with the confidence that a robust yet flexible
supply chain is already in operation.
In concluding, van Gerven also
underlined a further benefit of the 4PL's adaptability. "Resilience
is also enhanced by the ability of shippers and their 4PL's to
collaborate in reducing supply chain waste and emissions and
therefore improve sustainability through the joint utilization of
assets and sharing of resources. This is a vital consideration in
the future success of minimizing supply chain disruption," he
said.
*http://www.log4green.eu
About Menlo Logistics Europe
In Europe, Menlo Logistics maintains seventeen
dedicated and multi-client logistics centres located in
the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Germany and the
United Kingdom. This warehouse
network can serve as pan-European distribution solution using one
or several facilities. Supply chain and transport management
solutions as well as 3PL, warehousing and distribution services are
offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors including:
fashion and apparel; healthcare and medical equipment; hi-tech
electronic; oil and gas and data network equipment; automotive;
defense and government services and retail e-fulfillment. The
European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution
Centre in the Netherlands.
www.menloworldwide.com/europe
Follow Menlo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MenloLogistics
About Menlo Logistics
Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a
US$1.6 billion global provider of
logistics, transportation management and supply chain services with
operations in five continents, including North America. As a third-party logistics
provider, San Francisco,
California-based Menlo Logistics' services range from
dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution
management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering
and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order
fulfillment and light assembly through a strategic network of
multi-client and dedicated facilities.
With nearly 20 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space
in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin
America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Logistics
creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and
distribution needs of leading businesses around the world. Menlo
Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a
$5.5 billion diversified freight
transportation and logistics company.
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SOURCE Menlo Logistics