With automation integrated throughout the supply network and individual home-based orders, we now have an ecosystem that meets the demands of the individual in real-time. Here is where a Third Party Logistics (3PL) company can help you deal with fluctuating consumer demand since supply networks are evolving as single item, consumer-based. 3PL Logistics maximizes your highest level of customer service while keeping costs at a minimum.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupted Supply Chains

The COVID-19 pandemic left unprecedented disruptions to supply chain networks. The demand surges and panic buying, that were a by-product of the pandemic, left many supply chains in a disarray. Supply chains and national drayage services were upended as cargo became backlogged in the world’s ports from lack of equipment, space, and labor. While some supply networks became depleted, others found 3PL warehouses overloaded with inventory. Natural disasters, unpredictable events, new trends, and even seasonal shifts fuel the dynamics of demand. Demand is ever-changing and presents great challenges for business.

COVID-19 has taught us that traditional planning and forecasting is not an effective strategy to predict consumer behavior. No one could have predicted the effects of lock-downs and the explosion of e-commerce. What was learned from the pandemic is that even the best planning is futile unless it includes the execution of real-time logistics technology.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupted Supply Chains

The COVID-19 pandemic left unprecedented disruptions to supply chain networks. The demand surges and panic buying, that were a by-product of the pandemic, left many supply chains in a disarray. Supply chains and national drayage services were upended as cargo became backlogged in the world’s ports from lack of equipment, space, and labor. While some supply networks became depleted, others found 3PL warehouses overloaded with inventory. Natural disasters, unpredictable events, new trends, and even seasonal shifts fuel the dynamics of demand. Demand is ever-changing and presents great challenges for business.

COVID-19 has taught us that traditional planning and forecasting is not an effective strategy to predict consumer behavior. No one could have predicted the effects of lock-downs and the explosion of e-commerce. What was learned from the pandemic is that even the best planning is futile unless it includes the execution of real-time logistics technology.

How 3PL Helps with Fluctuating Consumer Demand Forecasting

A third-party logistics provider can be a great asset to your business as they can help provide effective planning and execution. An experienced 3PL can help you manage your supply and demand gap effectively.

• Mitigate Supply Chain Obstacles – At IronLink, we can mitigate the obstacles presented by fluctuations in stock and deviations in time. Our expertise and 3PL technology can provide clear visibility of the supply chain, thus, minimizing costly set-backs.
• Forecast Your Supply Chain Properly – An experienced and knowledgeable 3PL will be able to interpret product forecasting, supply schedules, and transportation services to obtain the greatest gains in your supply chain ecosystem.
• Maintain Stock Accuracy – A 3PL will usually maintain your stock’s accuracy by incorporating the latest technology and conduct frequent cycle counts. IronLink’s state-of-the-art warehouse logistics software can match supply with demand.
• Assist with Transportation Needs – Your 3PL can assist with your transportation needs such as freight and air freight delivery services. IronLink utilizes relationships with service providers to enhance your business ability to meet the consumer demand on-time and below budget.
• Grow Your Business – The reduction in the supply and demand gap is a direct contributor to your business’ success. A logistics expert like IronLink can determine consumer trends and create a supply chain ecosystem that is highly visible and prevent your inventory from piling up in a warehouse.

Providing successful 3PL services is important to our clients. To learn more about how IronLink Logistics can help with your fluctuating consumer demand, please email us.

The Future of D2C Business Models

The direct-to-consumer e-commerce model exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to develop and grow at a remarkable pace. e-Commerce has provided much data showing D2C is not only here to stay, but will continue to grow in the future. Consumer buying patterns will continue to change and will continue to be digitally based. D2C satisfies peoples’ desire for convenience while shopping and discerning spending.

As D2C’s continue to emerge as a larger and larger share of your business, the need for a 3PL to help manage the integrated logistics. We are still functioning in an omnichannel world and need to manage the logistics from the first mile through the last. There is excellent potential in the D2C strategy. IronLink has the capabilities to provide you with integrated logistics management by driving down costs and maintaining the growth of your revenue.

3PL Direct to Consumer Solutions

As seasonal consumer demands begin to ramp up, capitalize your gains by letting IronLink serve as your Third Party Logistics company. Grow with us as we are pleased to offer new facilities in the following locations:

• Chino, California
• Ontario, California (Rockefeller)
• Ontario, California (Turner)
• Burlington, New Jersey
• Florence, New Jersey
• Ladson, South Carolina

At IronLink, our goal is to provide our clients with the best in third party logistics. We offer integrated logistics solutions for eCommerce companies, freight forwarders and manufacturers. We use cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art software in conjunction with our solution-based and data-driven approach.

Contact IronLink or call: +1-833-214-0220 and let our expert team work with you.