In the past, factories produced and stored on site and then sent everything to the end customer. Today, with ever-increasing volumes, the factory does not have or no longer has the necessary storage capacity for products at the end of production. The factory must therefore be able to work in tight flow or provide a storage warehouse to be able to store its production. And even better than a warehouse, many companies now use logistics platforms. You can get in touch with Best Transloading Services In Seattle. So what is a logistics platform? How does it work? What is the difference between a logistics platform and a warehouse?
What is a logistics platform?
A logistics platform is a place where parcels from different suppliers converge. The goods are already packed, and the packages are just passing through. They pass directly from the unloading platform to the shipping platform. And this can be done only by labeling. The platforms are therefore in a logistics flow called “cross docking” . In fact, parcels are redirected more easily from one platform to another, and this improves the overall management of logistics flows. This method also makes it possible to eliminate the preparation of the order.
A logistics platform to better manage the flow of orders
Thanks to their labeling, packages are quickly identified to be reshipped the day or the day after their arrival. On the logistics platform, packages do not stay for more than 24 hours , which is extremely fast. A platform will not have a storage medium, the goods remain on the loading/unloading dock awaiting collection and reshipment. This system is particularly used for the delivery of urgent parcels and there is therefore no storage . Logistics platforms therefore differ from warehouses for this reason. These platforms can be created by a company to better manage its order flow or managed directly by companies specializing in logistics.
What is a logistics platform?
The Cross docking method for preparing orders on a logistics platform
Cross – docking is a way of preparing orders by dispensing with the storage of goods in the warehouse, but also picking.
Parcels are grouped either by recipient or by place of destination on a platform. This platform serves as a place of transit for them. In the first case, the products are already packaged and grouped by final recipient. For the second scenario, the packages will have to be grouped together on the platform to form a batch before reshipping to the final delivery point. In either case, consolidation and deconsolidation should be carried out as quickly as possible. They thus pass from a transport A to a transport B in an extremely short time.
By doing without storage, you are already saving time . Parcels leave much faster, and this method of order preparation is particularly useful for processing urgent orders , such as perishable products, daily press, but also e-commerce sales where consumers always expect more speed.
The logistics platform requires a sharp organization to coordinate all receptions and shipments. The same goes for the information system. This must be effective in managing arrivals, departures, flows, product information, etc.
What is the difference between a warehouse and a logistics platform?
Unlike a logistics platform, the warehouse is a place where the goods are stored for more than 24 hours. These warehouses are equipped with shelves, also called “racks” , for storing raw materials, supplies or finished products. They are then packaged in pallet or parcel format. The logistics warehouse is a storage place that accommodates all types of products. Its average size is about 18,500 m2 . It is especially designed for:
- Reception and control of the product.
- Placing pallets in the storage area.
- The processing of goods packaged on pallets, in boxes or individually.
- Post-manufacturing: goods subject to labeling and packaging.
- The product loading and unloading operation.
Some logistics buildings are designed to be a warehouse area on one side, and a logistics platform area on the other side . This case is frequent, for example, in mass distribution: dry food products are stored and sent as the customer needs them, while fresh products are processed in the logistics platform part of the building to be delivered to as soon as possible while keeping the freshness of the products.
Management of the logistics platform using WMS WCS TMS management software
Growing digitization of logistics
The platforms thus operate on the principle of a perfectly rationalized activity, flawless traceability of goods. It is necessary to optimize the availability of loading and unloading docks. This allows optimal management of carriers according to origin and destination, etc.
And fortunately, technology has been at the service of road transport and logistics for several years now. Whether for the warehouse or the logistics platform, logisticians today use management software. These include WMS , WCS, or even TMS . This is not only a help to make operations more efficient, but it helps to manage all references and flows. These systems make it possible to manage the most precisely, the fastest and it would be impossible today to do without today.
One of the essential roles of this software is to allow access, in real time, to all available information concerning the goods in front of us. The second equally essential role is to perform optimization calculations that humans would not be able to do due to lack of time and/or skill.
Towards effective and efficient logistics models
Thanks to these systems, you can create optimal operating models , imagine the best management of flows according to the reality at the moment T on the logistics platform or anticipate flows thanks to predictive models, but also automate certain functions and some mechanized tools.
Thanks to their speed and fluidity throughout the process, logistics platforms are the key to performance and customer satisfaction. By processing orders more quickly, the company improves its activity, its volumes, its performance, and undoubtedly its profitability. The key to setting up a logistics platform: optimum delivery times, preservation of the quality, and integrity of the goods. And therefore maximum customer satisfaction. Don’t forget that delivery is the last step for the customer, and a satisfied customer will be inclined to renew his purchases, or to talk about it around him.
