In an era dominated by globalisation and e-commerce, effective supply chain management has become the backbone of any successful business, facilitating the seamless flow of goods and services from production to consumers. A key element in this field is Third-Party Logistics (3PL), which has emerged as a game-changer in optimising supply chain operations and offering numerous benefits to businesses. 3PL is a service provided by external businesses to manage different aspects of the logistics and supply chain management. This article will highlight the pivotal role of 3PL today.
1. Expertise and Specialisation
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, FairPrice Group Supply Chain Business (FPGSC) is one of Singapore’s leading 3PL providers to FMCG businesses, dedicated to designing, managing and operating end-to-end supply chain solutions for daily logistics needs. FPGSC offers all-rounded logistics services and focuses on data analytics, empowering more efficient inventory management and planning. Equipped with extensive knowledge and experience in managing various aspects of the supply chain, ranging from investing significant time and resources in developing expertise, to working with clients across different industries, understanding the operations of each sector is made possible. By leveraging FPGSC’s scale and industrial experience, businesses can easily streamline supply chain processes, from warehousing and inventory management to transportation and order fulfilment. Staying abreast with industry trends and best practices is paramount. FPGSC is capable of providing valuable insights and guidance to help businesses achieve improved efficiencies and cost savings.
2. Scalability and Flexibility
Streamlining supply chain infrastructure is a challenge today due to global disruptions triggered by macro factors, and fluctuations in market demand and seasonal peaks. As a trustable 3PL provider, FPGSC helps to tackle these uncertainties effectively, by offering scalable and adjustable solutions for businesses to accommodate changes in today’s dynamic business environment. Simultaneously, this ensures the availability of necessary resources and infrastructure to meet customer needs. Ultimately, businesses can flexibly broaden their reach, venture into new markets, and adapt to changing business conditions without exorbitant upfront investments.
3. Enhanced Service Levels
When it comes to service, customer satisfaction is paramount, and this signifies the importance of 3PL providers. By offering reliable and efficient warehousing and logistics solutions, FPGSC, equipped with extensive networks and resources can ensure the timely delivery of goods. In particular, transportation routes are optimised and delivery times are reduced. FPGSC deploys various management systems and software including transportation management systems (TMS), to alert drivers of real-time traffic conditions, making optimum route planning possible. These technological aids also pave the way for precise fleet location tracking and timely delivery status updates. Ultimately, businesses can improve their customer satisfaction levels, helping them to gain a competitive edge and develop long-term customer loyalty.
4. Access to Technology and Innovation
In this highly digitised landscape, the presence of innovation and technology should not be underestimated, especially in supply chain management. However, implementing and managing the latest technologies may often be costly and time consuming. Fortunately, access to state-of-the-art technology platforms, such as inventory optimisation tools and warehouse management systems (WMS) is made available. With a deep understanding of emerging technologies and industry-specific software solutions, FPGSC allows businesses to digitise their warehousing distribution services and gain greater visibility in their supply chain management.
FPGSC is the supply chain arm of the largest supermarket operator in Singapore. Possessing a core strength in 3PL, FPGSC provides simple and reliable supply chain services to support business growth. With the unwavering philosophy of embracing technology and automation to bring value to businesses, FPGSC values the power of data and analytics. Cutting-edge analytic solutions are deployed to offer upstream services in monitoring, clearance, container tracking, warehouse inventory and management, as well as land-based transport and distribution. This ultimately contributes to FPGSC’s success in the industry today.
FPGSC’s state-of-the-art facility – the Supply Chain Operations Centre (SCope) serves as the key enabler. Equipped with extensive steady-state application, the advanced analytic solution allows FPGSC to achieve end-to-end supply chain resilience during times of crisis and optimise inventory management. Particularly, SCope supports real time monitoring of potential disruptions to supply sources caused by external factors. The case study below demonstrates how this feature was put into good use.
On 23 March 2021, a rising number of notifications was being sent to FPGSC’s staff on duty. The incident occurred at a time when neither global nor local media in Singapore had reported that a container ship was blocking the Suez Canal (the main trade route between Europe and Asia). The heads-up prompted FPGSC to immediately check against the import shipment data. It was revealed that several of the containers on board Ever Given, one of the largest container ships globally, would be stuck for some time. Using this useful information, FPGSC triggered the Products Team to order substitution products from alternative suppliers for continuous supplies, reducing the impact of the disruption.
While global adverse events in geopolitics, weather, and healthcare may have impacted FPGSC in unprecedented ways, FPGSC is capable of wisely harnessing upstream intelligence, data, and analytics to overcome the adversity, whether it is repeated and sustained upstream supply chain disruptions or multiple panic buying episodes.
Learn more: Harnessing the Best of Data for Supply Resilience
As supply chain management becomes more complex over time, the role of 3PL in driving efficiency and success grows crucial. Engage 3PL providers such as FPGSC in your business operations today to ensure a seamless, organised supply chain management process.
Designing, managing and operating end-to-end supply chain solutions for daily logistics needs, FPGSC operates as the supply chain arm of the largest supermarket operator in Singapore. Get in touch now to find out more about the services.
