Change is part of life. We go on vacation to change our surroundings, we get a new haircut to change our look, we buy new cushions to change our living room.
Outsourcing your logistics to a third party is a big change for any company. You may be tempted to operate as you did before, but managing this transition is an important part of the growth process for your business.
While project management and strategic change are vital, it’s the team involved in implementing the strategy that could cause disarray. Remember, people often undergo changes in life, the difference in attitude can be whether or not they think they have any input.
Here are 3 tips to help navigate the transition:
- Be Realistic
Workplace changes become easier over time, as employees get more comfortable with new programs, procedures, changes in technology, etc. A clean break from old practices won’t happen overnight, and it’s unrealistic to think that this will be the case. Having someone simply agree to the change isn’t necessarily enough. Try approaching new process training with the perception of ownership, instead of merely trying to get them to “buy in” to the idea.
- Communicate
Communication drives efficiency. During a transition that directly affects day to day operations, there is no such thing as over-communication. Start at the top. Those in senior positions should be united and equipped with answers as they will naturally be fielding questions and concerns from the rest of the team. Develop a communication that can be customized for each department, as they will all have various concerns.
Your communication should cover why current internal logistics procedures are not working, emphasize the benefits to your organization’s future by switching to a 3PL, and the outline the long-term risks if you do not take action. Following the initial communication, you could need several follow ups as guidance for new processes and seemingly repetitive reminders. Keep in mind, you cannot over-communicate.
- Apply and Enforce Structure
Without these two key elements, you will not see the positive change come to fruition. Yes, outsourcing your logistics can give you a tremendous advantage against competitors, but if your game plan isn’t constructed with the utmost care, you won’t stand a chance. Falling back into “comfortable” old habits is a real risk, but remember there’s a reason you decided to outsource.
Your entire organization will benefit from setting a detailed plan so that all departments and management levels are on the same page. The exact structure will look different for each business, and when you partner with Radius Logistics, we are invested in your success.
Our main priority is to give you peace of mind through expert management of your transportation, so you can focus on what matters most – refining your business and staying competitive. Contact us today!
