Optimizing Logistics, Key Roles And Importance Explored

After 21 years of professional experience in the Supply Chain area in the pharmaceutical segment, I migrated 1.5 years ago to the retail segment, when I started my new cycle at Le Creuset. I am delighted with the company and the challenges that this new segment has provided.

More than just kitchenware, Le Creuset has been a colorful companion for meals and memories around the world since 1925. Respect for tradition and authenticity has been Le Creuset's main guide for nearly 100 years - our passion for superior quality, exceptional design and European craftsmanship remain to this day.

I currently manage Le Creuset's Supply Chain areas in Latin America, where we have subsidiaries in Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia, with the responsibility of supplying our own stores, customers and end consumers with products from our own factories in France and Thailand, in addition to partner factories in Asia and Europe.

We operate with different Logistics Operators in the 4 countries in Latin America and it is their importance that I would like to talk a little about in this text.

The essence of the existence of a Logistics Operator is to facilitate, through its specialized services, the management and execution of activities related to logistics and the supply chain. They play a fundamental role in optimizing logistics processes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth functioning of commercial operations.

The Logistics Operator can see problems that may occur along the supply chain. Thus, strategies are created so that the company's entire work is not jeopardized. This way, the risks of delays in the delivery schedule are minimized and the organization prevents its customers from being impacted.

The outsourced Logistics Operator, due to the expertise and high technical level of its team, delivers innovative logistics chain management practices, strategies and approaches to the business.

Some main functions of a Logistics Operator in the supply chain:

Storage and Inventory Management

The Logistics Operator takes care of the adequate storage of products in their Warehouses. They organize inventory, manage inventory, pick orders, and pack products for transportation. It is also concerned with the security and integrity of stored items.

Order Management

The Logistics Operator receives customer orders, checks product availability, processes requests, and provides billing and shipping information. They ensure orders are fulfilled correctly and handle returns and exchanges if necessary.

Distribution and Reverse Logistics

The Logistics Operator organizes the distribution of products, planning delivery routes and coordinating with carriers to ensure timely delivery to the correct destinations. Additionally, they may be responsible for reverse logistics, handling the return of products or materials from the consumer to the manufacturer or distributor, ensuring proper management of returns, repairs and waste disposal.

Transport Planning and Execution

The Logistics Operator may also be responsible for planning and coordinating the transport of goods, selecting the most efficient routes and appropriate transport modalities. They ensure that products are moved safely and within established deadlines, coordinating with carriers and handling the necessary documentation.

Additional Services

In addition to the activities mentioned, a Logistics Operator can offer additional services, such as personalized packaging, labeling, assembly of promotional kits, document management and technological solutions to optimize logistics operations.

Over the last 12 months, we have conducted bidding processes for Logistics operations in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. This competition process is not always motivated only by the incessant search for cost reduction in logistics operations, but also by the possibility of innovation and improvement of processes, always aiming for a better experience for our customers.