SCALA research finds only 18% of UK companies are satisfied with third-party logistics suppliers
According to new research from supply chain and logistics consultancy firm, SCALA, only 18% of UK companies are satisfied with their third-party logistics suppliers (3PLs). The survey, released this week, returned results from a selection of the UK’s best-known businesses and 3PLs with regards to customer satisfaction rates. Companies surveyed do business across a range of industries, but are primarily engaged in the grocery, FMCG, electrical appliance and homewares sectors.
The report discovered the existence of significant discrepancies between the satisfaction levels 3PL customers have with their third-party Logistics suppliers, and the perceived satisfaction rates of the 3PLs themselves. Common satisfaction pain points for businesses included a lack of proactivity from 3PLs, a lack of continuous improvement and a constant focus on cost instead of quality. 3PLs on the other hand, largely believed their clients were “very satisfied” with their services.
John Perry, managing director at SCALA, commented: “Two things are clear from this research. Firstly, customers of 3PLs need to be more vigilant in their approach to tendering, awarding and managing their 3PL contracts. Secondly, 3PLs should be doing more to increase satisfaction levels amongst their customers and identifying better ways to accurately gauge the state of their customer relationships.
“The key to achieving better synchronisation between 3PLs and their customers lies first and foremost in ensuring customers and 3PLs are aligned to successfully achieving the customer’s key business objectives. Once a contract is awarded, this then needs to be implemented through regular, formal review meetings, that look at objective measures of performance both of those business objectives and the detailed SLA logistics performance measures that are effectively communicated between both parties. Too often, KPIs are set at the outset and then consigned to a bottom drawer.
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“Without reference to these measures of success, perspectives become based on informal discussions, hearsay and personal bias. KPIs provide both sides with the rare opportunity to step back and review the situation calmly and clearly. These also provide early indicators of when slight changes are needed to keep the relationship on track.
“These formal reviews are also an opportunity to review changes in business requirements and profile and for 3PLs to proactively suggest improvements and innovations that deliver on their expertise and added value.
“Bringing in external advisors can bring independent objective expertise to help businesses on both sides gauge the state of a partnership, outline any discrepancies and iron out pain points. While most companies go through tender processes perhaps every five years, with little experience beyond their own 3PL relationship, external advisors are constantly involved in the fruition of new partnerships and as such can offer key insight into how relationships should be upheld.”
