Multiple Third Party Logistics: “3PL”Logistics and Warehousing Relocations
Situation
The Global 3PL, due to the nature of their business, was constantly in the process of undertaking small to very large scale warehousing and logistics projects.
These involved: clients outsourcing their logistics to the 3PL or as a new 3PL contract client, internal client movements by the 3PL and clients relocating to new 3PL operated facilities.
The 3PL needed a highly experienced Project Manager to manage the projects and contracted Stoke Consulting for each of these projects.
Scope and Deliverables
As Project Lead, Stoke Consulting provided the key elements of classic Logistics Project Management including:
- Governance and Scope: Clear definition of the Project Scope, Client and 3PL sponsors, timeline and desired outcomes.
- Project Team: assembly of a joint project team from both the 3PL and the client, leading to structured meetings and detailed progress tracking.
- Detailed Project Planning: both high level milestones and detailed task level planning for each activity required to execute the project. This included plans for people, logistics resources (MHE), freight, new infrastructure, and systems management.
- Operational Transition: Guided business continuity during the transition period, including systems and stock availability and coordinated workforce transitions. Also, the transfer of the client’s day to day operational processes into the 3PL’s operation.
- HR and Employee Support: Worked with corporate HR to manage redundancy processes and personal relocations for affected employees
Outcomes
The transitions were completed efficiently with minimal disruption:
- “Live” business transition: In most cases, the client’s business continued to operate live, with most end user customers unaware of the relocation.
- Infrastructure: new warehousing internal infrastructure built on time and ready for the ‘go live’.
- Safety and Compliance: No injuries or industrial lost time during the process.
- IP Transfer: Successful transfer of the client’s operating processes and procedures to the new 3PL facility.
- Key Learnings: Site closures and transition to new locations requires specialist and experienced Project Management resources. A well-detailed plan is the key to success , linked to a harmonious team working towards the project goals.
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