Northern Tool + Equipment

Shaun Bunch

Supply Chain Orchestrator

Over the past few years, supply chain experts at the executive level have had to pivot and innovate around rapidly changing conditions like geopolitical events, inflation fluctuation, and recessionary concerns. This is in addition to the challenges their company’s supply chain already faced.

My team and I saw it as an opportunity to identify areas to increase efficiency by upgrading technology and maximizing our relationships. It’s possible to find business-changing success by building strategic partnerships to help in numerous areas, from improving automation to expanding reach to maintaining mindfulness as a large company.

Improving Automation & Transportation Management

Implementing new transportation management system technology and support, like programs offered by C.H. Robinson, can help companies upgrade to receive real-time updates on the movement of products, shipments, deliveries, and invoicing internationally and domestically. Cloud-based platforms automate tasks that previously needed to be done manually and give teams real-time access to plan, order, execute, procure, and settle merchandise sales more efficiently across a company.

"One of the biggest takeaways in my career working with supply chain logistics and building company partnerships is to make sure the core missions of each organization are aligned in purpose."

If a retailer is planning to grow and support both brick-and-mortar locations and e-commerce transactions, they may want to consider implementing updated transportation management technology that accounts for a post-pandemic economy; the steep disruptions supply chains can experience and offer solutions to meet the needs of today's employees and customers.

Expanding Direct to Consumer Reach

What business isn’t trying to gain new customers or at least meet them where they are? For example, we recently partnered with Stord to expand our reach to western states like Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Las Vegas-based facility allowed us, as a company, to reduce shipping costs and shipping times. We know our customer base in these states ranges from serious DIYers to professional tradespeople, and it’s a priority for us to be able to support them with our most in-demand products and reduce potential barriers to accessing the right tools for the job. Partnerships like this are just one part of the ongoing supply chain advancement efforts needed to help businesses expand and optimize distribution networks.

Consumer Mindfulness

One of the toughest challenges retailers of large items face is the size and weight of many of the products they sell. Companies like Packsize are able to cut corrugated spending and help improve sustainability. If nearly half of a company's products are being shipped to consumers, it is crucial to find a partner dedicated to getting customers' orders to them damage-free while decreasing the amount of packaging and waste associated with shipping large items. It can have a financial impact, potentially lessening your expenses, and it builds credibility with our consumers by showing dedication to finding sustainable solutions while still delivering a quality product.

One of the biggest takeaways in my career working with supply chain logistics and building company partnerships is ensuring each organization's core missions are aligned in purpose. You want to partner with companies that will continue working with you in the rapidly changing supply chain environment. The right partnerships will prioritize 100 percent transparency and technology integration and have goals strategically aligned for growth together. This helps ensure the relationship is built to grow beyond the first project.