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Efficient container management in logistics Optimized control for stable processes
In the complex and rapidly changing world of logistics, optimal container management is crucial for companies that want to ensure a smooth and cost-effective supply chain. In this blog post, we look at the various aspects of container management: We focus on the definition, some challenges, suitable planning systems and platforms, the far-reaching benefits of container management and future trends in this context.
What is container management?
Container management is a holistic approach to managing reusable containers and load carriers along the entire supply chain. It includes the planning, control and monitoring of container flows between suppliers, customers and external service providers. To summarize, the main objective is to determine the need for containers in terms of quantity and timing and to ensure that they are available on time. By using planning systems that are specially optimized for each individual case, stock levels, throughput and circulation times as well as container shrinkage can be significantly reduced.
Container management goes far beyond the purely physical management of containers and also includes aspects such as the monitoring of container statuses, the traceability of containers along the supply chain and the integration of container data into the company-wide ERP system. It thus ensures that process management within a company is improved holistically, leading to improved efficiency and productivity as well as increased customer satisfaction in the long term.
Relevant challenges
Despite its many advantages, companies face various challenges in the area of container management. These include non-transparent container stocks due to a lack of account assignment and account reconciliation, incorrect complaints processing or errors during stocktaking. As a result, overstocks and understocks in the container cycle lead to deliveries in alternative packaging (AVP) or, in extreme cases, even to production stoppages or costly container replenishments.
Another challenge is the integration of the various aspects of container management, including warehouse management, transportation and ERP/accounting. A lack of integration leads to inconsistencies in data and processes, which in turn leads to inefficient processes and increased costs. Companies must therefore ensure that their container management is seamlessly integrated into their entire logistics and business process landscape! There are various planning systems and planning platforms for this purpose:
SAP ERP system as a planning platform
As already mentioned, the implementation of efficient container management requires the use of suitable planning systems and platforms. Modern ERP systems such as SAP ERP play a decisive role here. Such systems offer functions for account management, such as Auto ID/RFID solutions and integration with other business processes and internal company interfaces. This enables optimum control of container flows and end-to-end transparency along the entire supply chain!
Overview of the advantages
A well-designed and implemented container management system offers a wide range of benefits for companies. These include:
Efficient container management enables companies to optimize their stock levels, shorten throughput times and reduce container management costs.
By optimizing container management, companies can increase their productivity by ensuring that the right containers are in the right place at the right time and that production processes are not interrupted by missing or damaged containers.
Efficient container management helps companies to use their capital more efficiently by reducing unnecessary stock levels.
Efficient container management helps to improve delivery reliability and increase customer satisfaction by avoiding bottlenecks and delays in the supply chain.
Summary and future trends
Holistically optimized container management is crucial to a company's success. Digitalization and automation allow processes to be further networked and simplified, enabling your company to prepare even better for future developments.
Efficient container management along the entire supply chain offers significant savings opportunities and process reliability. As a result, time and costs can be reduced, leading to increased productivity and optimal use of capital.
Container management is not only a logistical aspect, but also an important part of the digital transformation of companies. Continuous optimization and adaptation to new developments are crucial in order to remain competitive and successfully master future challenges.
If you have any further questions about container management or general questions about your logistics, we will be happy to help you at any time!
We look forward to hearing from you!
