If you own a business that sells a product rather than a service, then you have an inventory that needs to be protected. Your goods are your entire livelihood, and having something unpleasant happen at any point in the supply chain can spell disaster for your company.
One of the simplest ways to protect your goods is to learn how to care for your product while it is on the road. During transit is when most accidents occur, resulting in thousands and even millions of dollars lost because of human error and poor storage. Follow this advice to care for your inventory even when it is away from you.
Pay Attention to Storage Space for your Inventory
Where you store your goods has a significant impact on whether or not the inventory is well cared for. You should never send your product to a warehouse you don’t trust, and you should always pay attention to what kind of amenities are available at a location.
Depending on your product, you might need a climate-controlled warehouse to protect the integrity of your goods. Food, for example, needs to be kept in a cold location so it doesn’t rot during transport. Electronics have a similar problem, as does anything that might melt or lose structural integrity.
Another element to consider is how well protected your storage space is. Some warehouses have simple locks, while others possess electronic security systems. Know what risks you are willing to take and develop your supply and shipping chains accordingly.
Hire Trustworthy Services
Human error is the predominant cause of inventory damage. Before allowing truckers to disappear with your goods, make sure you are hiring individuals you trust. This might mean you need to interview individuals, especially if you own a small business. However, if you have a larger company, you can hire a provider of third-party logistics (3PL). A 3PL can ensure you have trustworthy employees working for you at every step in the supply chain.
Paper Trails Are Key to Inventory
The simplest way to take care of your goods is to make a paper trail. This way, if something goes wrong while you are transporting the product, you can see what went wrong where. The easiest way to create a paper trail is to demand signatures and updates from everyone who handles the product. This includes warehouse workers, truckers, and anyone else.
Who Should Handle Your Inventory?
Once you know what type of storage space you need, how to create a strong paper trail, and whether or not you want to hire a 3PL, you need to find the right staff. If you choose to invest in third-party logistics, it is a good idea to choose someone local who has connections across the country and warehouses for proper storage.
At American Manufacturing Solutions, we offer you access to our network of shipping and transportation specialists, as well as to our multiple warehouses in Ohio. These are climate controlled and every step of the shipping process is monitored to ensure your goods remain safe during transportation. If you have any other questions just contact us.
