Cottons Group
Maximising profi tability through smarter logistics and warehousing
Jay Mistry Tax Incentives Manager
Cottons Group
Manufacturers today face mounting pressure to boost profi tability while tackling rising operational costs and often miss opportunities to maximise savings. Optimising logistics and warehousing are two critical and often underutilised areas of focus for improving margins. Streamlined logistics can reduce overheads, shorten
lead times and improve customer satisfaction. Start by gaining visibility across your entire supply chain. T is allows you to pinpoint ineffi ciencies, manage inventory more accurately, and respond to disruptions proactively. Digital supply chain tools off er real-time tracking of
materials and shipments, providing insights into supplier performance, delivery timelines and stock levels. T ese tools support just-in-time (JIT) inventory systems, which reduce storage costs and free up working capital. However, combining JIT with strategic buff er stocks for essential components helps balance effi ciency with resilience.
Regular audits can highlight issues in: ■ Order processing times ■ Supplier lead times ■ Freight and transport costs ■ Inventory turnover rates
Addressing these factors can lead to 10 to 30% cost reductions in inventory management.
Smart warehousing: beyond storage Warehousing has evolved from a passive storage function to a strategic asset. Modern warehouse management systems (WMS) allow automation of stock handling, improved picking accuracy and reduced labour costs. IoT sensors can track inventory movement and
condition in real-time, improving traceability and reducing spoilage. Combined with AI analytics, these systems help forecast demand, optimise stock levels and fl ag equipment issues before they cause costly downtime. Key warehousing enhancements include:
■ Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) ■ Barcode and RFID technology for accurate tracking ■ Real-time dashboards for logistics visibility
ALL THINGS BUSINESS | 24
LOGISTICS & WAREHOUSING
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