The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK defines the seven Rs of logistics as:
“Getting the Right product, in the Right quantity, in the Right condition, at the Right place, at the Right time, to the Right customer, at the Right price.”
Successful implementation of the seven Rs requires much planning and monitoring of the whole order processing cycle, from when the order is placed to delivery to the customer.
The right product in the right quantity
Whether they are an individual or a business, a customer wants to receive exactly what was ordered, with the correct quantity of items. Automated systems direct pickers using visual or auditory signals to the precise locations of order items.
Packers scan the barcode of items they pack to make sure that they match the order and are in the correct quantities.
The right condition
All items, especially fragile ones, should arrive in good condition. Picking trolleys should be suitable for the type of goods picked. For example, trolleys with tote boxes or compartments should be used to protect small items. Large and awkwardly shaped items, such as sofas, can easily fall off flatbed trolleys. Use specialised trolleys for carrying non-standard items.
Talk to us at Steely Products about all your material handling needs. We’ll advise you on the most suitable trolleys to use for your particular range of products in order to transport them safely.
Packers need to identify fragile items and make sure they are packed with bubble wrap or other padded materials.
The right place
The order needs to be delivered to the right destination. Use systems that validate addresses by checking a given postcode against a list of valid addresses within that postcode.
Delivery drivers need to confirm with GPS technology that the order has reached the correct delivery address. A signature on receipt of the order confirms that it has arrived at the right location.
The right time
Customers expect that orders are received at the right time. If a delivery time is promised, the order should arrive within the stated time frame. The responsibility for delivering on time should not stop when the order leaves the warehouse. Warehouse management systems can link to courier tracking to monitor delivery times. If there are unacceptable levels of late deliveries, this needs to be rectified.
The right customer
There are situations where an order is delivered to the right place at the right time, but it has been received by the wrong customer. This can happen when delivering to commercial premises shared by multiple companies, blocks of flats, or when a “safe” place to leave a parcel is not secure. Proof of delivery security systems can help identify that the correct person has received the order.
The right price
When setting prices, make sure they’re fair and reflect the quality of your products. At Steely Products, our end users know that our prices are fair. We offer premium-quality equipment that is competitively priced.
For more information about our material handling and storing equipment, call us today or fill in the contact form below.
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