The only constant in life – and in the logistics industry – is change. Maybe you’ve released a new product, or are discontinuing a current one. Maybe you’re merging with another company. Regardless of your unique situation, changes in the e-commerce industry and your business can alter your capacity and impact your logistics.

So, what do you do? Many companies consider consolidating their distribution centers. This is a good way of refocusing your supply chain, and as a result you can see several benefits – whether you handle distribution and fulfillment in-house or work with a third-party logistics (3PL) partner.

Increased warehouse organization and efficiency

Consolidating distribution centers is an opportunity to better organize your inventory and cut out unnecessary processes. Think of it as spring cleaning for your supply chain. Consolidating your distribution centers can help you find fresh new ways to fill orders and returns faster, handle backups as they arise, and optimize as you go along. 

If you’re pressed for time or feel stuck in your ways, a logistics company can help you think of new methods to reorganize your warehouse and improve efficiency. Logistics companies can apply industry best practices and the latest technology to help your process grow with your business. If you’re thinking about reaching out to third-party companies to help, we recommend doing your research to find the best partner for you. Here’s a guide to help you get started.

Create a better customer experience

When your warehouse runs efficiently, you can process new orders and returns faster. And when your orders are processed and filled faster, they’re shipped faster - and your customers get them sooner. Streamlining your logistics process is an opportunity for you to rethink and improve your customer experience.

A logistics company can help you manage product shipments and inventory to create a more positive experience for your customers. By understanding your needs and looking from the outside in, your 3PL partner can help you optimize your process with your customers in mind. 

Let you focus on your business

Logistics management is different for every business. And as your business changes, your needs change. The processes you spent months optimizing and putting into place might not be best for you anymore.

Consolidating distribution centers can be an opportunity for a logistics company to help you manage your supply chain while you focus on growing your business. Sometimes it’s a quick fix, and sometimes the relationship is long-term – but in all cases, streamlined processes can help logistics become one less thing you have to worry about. The extra help can give you the time you need to focus on increasing sales, balancing staffing levels, improving your e-commerce website, or accomplishing other tasks on your to-do list.