Benefits of a Set Delivery Schedule
Looking for a simple way to improve business efficiency and reduce stress? Implementing a set, predictable ordering and delivery schedule could be the solution you are looking for. Keep reading to find out how your shop could be positively impacted by making this change today.
Predictable Inventory
Understanding what your inventory needs are beyond a day to day basis is critical in being able to focus on repairing vehicles. By knowing average usages and having sufficient inventory levels, you will be able to efficiently place orders based on real data. Using real data to create inventory levels will greatly streamline the ordering process and set you up for success by ensuring you have your typical needed inventory on hand.
Predictable Delivery
An agreed upon delivery timeframe with your distributor, based on when you place your order will reduce the uncertainty of when your products are going to arrive. Knowing when orders will arrive can reduce stress and better enable your team to plan their work. By receiving your orders on a regularly scheduled day/time, you know what to expect - no need to call and check on the status of a delivery. Creating an ordering process is key. Your team should know when orders will be delivered, but also when orders must be submitted. This should be the same time on the same day(s) each week.
Reduce time taking orders
When you are consistently ordering based on your typical usage, less time will be spent placing orders. Orders will also become more accurate to your shop’s needs when they are based on typical average usage. This gives team members more time to designate towards other things in the shop such as repairing vehicles, improving processes, and working with their Account Managers.
Efficiency
Having an ordering and delivery process allows your shop to minimize the total number of deliveries which means you can expect fewer disruptions, fewer invoices, fewer payments, and fewer phone calls. Your team will be able to stay focused on the components that generate profits for your business.
Even while an implemented, set, and predictable ordering/delivery schedule is in place, it is almost guaranteed that emergencies and volume increases/decreases will still occur. The key to overcoming this hurdle is consistent and open communication between the shop and supplier. This makes it easy to overcome adversity as it arises and receive products outside of the normal schedule.
Do you really know what your average usages are? Your distributor should work with you to help you understand what your averages are to be efficient. Time equals dollars in all aspects of the collision repair industry.