Annual 3PL Logistics Study indicates increasing use of 3PL services

During the recent CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the annual results of the "2012 3PL Logistics Study: The State of Logistics Outsourcing", sponsored by Capgemini Consulting, Penn State, Panalpina, Heidrick & Struggles and EyeForTransport, were revealed.

In addition to its annual study of the 3PL market, the survey also reported on three additional timely topics affecting the logistics market today; emerging markets, unique challenges in the electronics supply chain and talent within the supply chain industry.

Within its annual reporting of the 3PL market, little has changed over the past couple of years. Transportation management and warehouse/distribution management continue to be the top IT technology services 3PLs provide. Perhaps the most interesting results in this part of the study were that more shippers are increasing their use of 3PL services. This may be due to companies placing more emphasis on their core services/products.  24% of survey respondents were returning to insourcing some 3PL services and more than half of the respondents indicated they are reducing or consolidating the number of 3PLs they use.

Survey results, regarding emerging markets, pointed out issues that many shippers and 3PLs have faced for years; difficult laws and regulations, cultural differences and the ability to deliver against promises and/or agreed service levels.  Not surprisingly the majority of shippers and 3PLs operate in emerging countries as many reported it was no longer a "nice to have", but rather a necessity to operate in emerging markets such as China, Brazil, India and Mexico.  Many shippers noted they view global 3PLs with local 3PL partners as most successful within the emerging markets.

The electronics supply chain is complex and includes a heavy reliance on emerging markets; price pressures and balancing make-to-order versus make-to-stock. It also has to accommodate multiple channels with differing needs.  One would think that because of such fragmentation, the electronics industry would rely heavily on 3PLs to address concerns such as visibility, security, packaging and short-lifecycle issues; however, based on survey results, electronic companies do not feel that 3PLs are able to help them to solve their major logistics challenges and as a result these companies usually undertake the tasks themselves. Some are successful, however, many are not. The survey indicates that 3PLs must do a better job selling their abilities to this industry.

Finally, talent management was included in the survey. The supply chain industry is suffering from a shortage of qualified supply chain managers. The report stated that 52% of employers experienced difficulty in filling supply chain positions; up from 14% in 2010.

The outlook for the 3PL market remains positive as more shippers continue to outsource their logistics needs to 3PLs. Increasing opportunities exist in emerging markets for both shippers and logistics providers however; the supply chain industry must find creative ways to attract talent into the industry for it to remain as successful as it is today.

Quelle: eyefortransport
Portal: www.logistik-express.com