Outsourcing last-mile logistics can help automotive managers rest easier.

Logistics challenges are a constant source of stress for automotive companies. However, a growing trend to outsource last-mile logistics is reducing some of the pressure on the industry. 

Are you a weary and overextended automotive logistics manager? An experienced 3PL partner can provide much-needed relief.

Because you can never know too much about how your supply chain operates.

It's not every day that someone suggests you take time out of your busy schedule to read a book about logistics. But if you're responsible for managing your company's supply chain, you know how hard it is to stay up on the trends and new technology available to distribution center managers. 

Take AI, for example, which is revolutionizing everything from optimizing warehouse layouts to automating picking systems to handling customer inquiries. You could spend days researching this one topic alone.

You don't have to accept a one-size-fits-all logistics solution to meet your unique business requirements

If your business depends on having the correct inventory in the right place at the right time, you understand the difficulties of just-in-time (JIT) inventory management where any disruptions in your supply chain can cause production delays, stockouts, and unhappy customers.

Cura Group is a specialized logistics partner that stands apart from traditional 3PL providers with a tailored approach. We take the time to thoroughly understand your needs, allowing us to craft a personalized logistics strategy to optimize inventory levels and ensure reliable delivery performance, unlike traditional 3PL providers with one-size-fits-all solutions.

This is the first in a new series introducing you to key members of the Cura Group team.

We usually use this blog to discuss the latest logistics trends or how Cura Group's customized warehousing and distribution centers help our clients solve specific business problems in a volatile global economy. I'll write about our newest technology acquisitions or the business partners who help us serve companies looking to venture into overseas markets.

But the truth is that the incredible people who work here are what really makes Cura stand out in the third-party logistics industry, and I'm delighted to introduce them.

We're headed to the MRO Americas Show to talk about flexible contract logistics solutions for aviation parts sellers.

Addressing systemic aviation supply chain issues

The global pandemic may be old news for some industries, but not for aviation. A recent article by McKinsey & Company explores the lingering effects of COVID, saying, "... the aviation value chain still shows significant post-pandemic losses, and the industry faces a shortage of almost everything but passengers." 

Old-fashioned logistics can't meet new customer expectations --  it's time to up your warehousing and delivery game.

With the advent of e-commerce, mobile commerce, and omnichannel experiences, we find ourselves at an inflection point where traditional retail logistics must adapt or be left behind. A recent article in Forbes says consumers will buy nearly $11 trillion in goods and services online this year alone.

The emergence of innovative shopping technologies is leading us down a path of convenience, speed, and personalization. Let’s break down some key trends and how they’re transforming retail logistics.

Why the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show is a great way to kick off the new year.

If you search for logistics exhibitors at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, you'll get back a list of 28 companies promoting innovations like AI-powered robotics, smart safeboxes, and all-electric urban delivery vehicles. 

Meanwhile, a search for "High-tech Retailing/ E-Commerce" returns 324 results — for everything from software platforms, barcode scanners, and low-light indoor solar cells to "technology-enabled made-to-measure shoes".

That's a lot of logistics to cover. After a one-year hiatus, our friend and colleague Casey Wakula is heading back to CES this year to see what's what.

We stayed the course but expanded our scope.

Some people plan vacations, and some celebrate with parties, but when the holidays arrive, we like to go back over the year's blog posts. 

Why?

1. To see if we actually made progress on the things we said we were going to do at the end of last year.
2. To revisit the trends and themes that shaped our thinking about what to do next.

Building and managing a well-run point-of-use parts center comes with its fair share of challenges, but the results are worth it.

Efficient distribution of new and replacement parts at their point of use is crucial for any industry with operations relying on complicated equipment or machinery. Think aviation, transit, HVAC, or automotive, for example.

Direct-to-consumer and direct-selling retail brands also benefit when popular products are held close to where they are sold. 

In general, ready access to replacement parts and fast-moving inventory reduces costly downtime. And less waiting and more reliable fulfillment improves customer satisfaction. These outcomes can lead to more sales, higher customer retention, and increased profitability. 

However, being good at point-of-use fulfillment can be a lot harder than it looks. Here are our Top 10 reasons why you might need some assistance to get your inventory closer to where it's needed: 

Technology can help any size business move products almost anywhere.

In the sprawling world of international commerce, the logistics industry is the unsung hero that quietly ensures goods flow seamlessly across borders, oceans, and continents. Picture the last item you bought online — maybe it was a smartphone, a pair of sneakers, or even a book. Chances are, it traveled thousands of miles to reach your doorstep. 

Behind this impressive feat lies an intricate web of systems and processes that make global trade possible. And as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the logistics industry must evolve along with it. Enter automation—a game-changer with the potential to redefine global logistics as we know it.