5 Steps To Make Your Supply Chain More Sustainable
Posted on: 31 March 2020
Do you want to build sustainable and green elements within your supply chain? Modern businesses increasingly need to show customers and vendors alike that they are an eco-friendly and forward-thinking company. But doing so can seem like a large obstacle, leaving many owners unsure where to begin. To help get your business started on this path, here are a few steps to take.
1. Find Cheerleaders
Who within your company would be a good fit to start greening up your supply chain? This project needs to be staffed with enthusiastic participants who will champion the effort rather than see it as just another assignment. It will likely take creativity, thinking outside the box, and persistence. Create a team of staff members who will bring that willingness to the table with genuine excitement.
2. Start Easy
There's nothing wrong with beginning your efforts with some easy places to make more environmentally-friendly. You could look at your energy sources, for instance, and opt for greener choices. Choosing local sources to reduce your carbon footprint and energy usage is another easy place to find a win. Easy wins help boost morale and create a good footing for taking on the tougher areas like inventory sourcing.
3. Use Technology
Technology is a great help in creating an environmentally-friendly network. Technology might link you up with green vendor networks or make your own internal processes more efficient. It could help you connect through media rather than have carbon-heavy face-to-face meetings. And logistical tools today can aid any business in analyzing the green activities of other businesses.
4. Find High-Value Targets
What are the biggest sustainability problems within your specific supply chain? Is it heavy transportation needs? Special parts that must come from certain vendors or locations? Lack of options within your industry? Identify areas where improvement could make the most difference and focus on them. If a few vendors are the cause of 50% of your long-range transportation needs, fixing this alone gives you a real claim to success.
5. Hire Help
If you're not sure how to find greener alternatives within the supply chain, hire outside help with this project. This is a long-term project and so it often calls for longer-term planning. Invest in professional assistance by logistics experts who have likely already tackled the problem.
Breaking down your green logistics goals into manageable steps will help your team find success. Even though it will require effort and likely some investment, it will be worth your while as you set up your company for the future.
To learn more, contact companies offering retail supply chain logistics services in your area.
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