How can you ensure your international logistics strategy is flexible?

If you run an import/export business, you know how important it is to have a reliable and efficient international logistics strategy. But you also know how unpredictable and dynamic the global market can be. How can you ensure your international logistics strategy is flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions and customer demands? Here are some tips to help you plan and execute a flexible international logistics strategy.

1 Assess your risks

Before you design your international logistics strategy, you need to identify and evaluate the potential risks that could affect your operations. These risks could include political instability, natural disasters, trade barriers, currency fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and customer preferences. You can use tools such as SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, and risk matrix to assess your risks and prioritize them based on their likelihood and impact. By understanding your risks, you can prepare contingency plans and mitigation measures to reduce their negative effects.

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Hussam AlKokhon, CDCS, CBE

Head of Trade Finance at CQUR Bank | LIBF Alumni Ambassador-Qatar | Chair of ICC-Qatar Customs & Trade Facilitation Commission
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with #Dynamic #Partnerships: Collaborating with multiple logistics partners to diversify options and respond quickly to changing needs. Also having an #Agile Supply Chain: Implementing agile supply chain practices, such as just-in-time inventory management and multi-modal transportation, to minimize bottlenecks and optimize efficiency.

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Fathima Nazeeha Mihraj

Customer Service Officer | Finance | Newport City Council-UK Government | Member of the CMI |Masters in Global Business Administration (Sp) Finance-USW | CMI Level 7Dip.in Strategic Management &Leadership.
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Your supply chain strategy should be reviewed and adjusted on a regular basis to reflect changing market conditions, consumer preferences, and emerging trends. This guarantees that your supply chain is flexible and responsive to new possibilities and challenges.

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Jonas Vieira

Podcaster & Founder at Invoice Content | Invoice Cast | Follow-Up do Comex
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Sua flexibilidade na logística internacional dependerá dos seus prazos para que seja viável e possível ter planos B e C. Importante ressaltar que flexibilidade na logística sempre custa.

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Amanda Freitas

Analista de Logística Pleno | Yara Brasil - Pós graduada | MBA em Gestão de Comércio Exterior | Pós em Gestão de Negócios Portuários e Logística
(edited)
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Uma estratégia de logística internacional deve ser pensada com uma cadeia de parceiros eficientes em suas etapas, que atendam prazos e antecipem problemas por meio de constante análise de mercado e adversidades globais. Portanto, é vital contar com parcerias especializadas, onde cada uma possua maneiras de flexibilizar suas operações em situações de risco. Fatores externos muitas vezes são imprevisíveis e contar com empresas que saibam lidar com tais situações pode minimizar os impactos logísticos. Portanto, a flexibilidade de uma cadeia logística está na utilização de parceiros capazes de ações logísticas flexíveis para reduzir custos em momentos de risco. O custo existirá em qualquer alteração, mas poderá ser amenizado em toda a cadeia.

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2 Choose your modes of transport

One of the key elements of your international logistics strategy is the mode of transport you use to move your goods from one country to another. You have several options, such as air, sea, road, rail, or multimodal transport. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, speed, reliability, capacity, and environmental impact. You need to choose the mode that best suits your product type, destination, budget, and delivery time. You also need to consider the availability and accessibility of the transport infrastructure and the customs regulations in the countries you operate in. To increase your flexibility, you may want to use a combination of modes or switch between modes depending on the situation.

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Fathima Nazeeha Mihraj

Customer Service Officer | Finance | Newport City Council-UK Government | Member of the CMI |Masters in Global Business Administration (Sp) Finance-USW | CMI Level 7Dip.in Strategic Management &Leadership.
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Multimodal transportation has several benefits, including flexibility, cost savings, increased dependability, decreased environmental impact, customisation, and global reach. Consider these criteria while deciding how to transport your goods from one nation to another.

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3 Diversify your suppliers and partners

Another way to ensure your international logistics strategy is flexible is to diversify your suppliers and partners. Having a single or limited source of supply or service can expose you to the risk of dependency and vulnerability. If your supplier or partner fails to deliver, you may face delays, shortages, quality issues, or increased costs. To avoid this, you should look for alternative or backup suppliers and partners that can offer you competitive prices, quality standards, and delivery options. You should also maintain good communication and collaboration with your suppliers and partners to ensure they understand your expectations and requirements.

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Fathima Nazeeha Mihraj

Customer Service Officer | Finance | Newport City Council-UK Government | Member of the CMI |Masters in Global Business Administration (Sp) Finance-USW | CMI Level 7Dip.in Strategic Management &Leadership.
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Diversifying your suppliers have major benifits such as Risk mitigation, flexibility, quality, innovation, cost optimization, market access, continuous improvement, resilience, compliance, customer satisfaction, and sustainability are key benefits of this approach, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Further our objective should be towards climate action and sustainability as it is the key element for the success.

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4 Monitor and evaluate your performance

Finally, you need to monitor and evaluate your international logistics strategy regularly to ensure it is meeting your goals and satisfying your customers. You can use key performance indicators (KPIs) such as lead time, inventory turnover, order fill rate, delivery accuracy, and customer satisfaction to measure your performance and identify areas for improvement. You should also collect feedback from your customers, suppliers, partners, and employees to understand their needs and expectations and address any issues or complaints. By monitoring and evaluating your performance, you can identify and implement changes and innovations that can enhance your flexibility and competitiveness.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure your international logistics strategy is flexible?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Assess your risks

2 Choose your modes of transport

3 Diversify your suppliers and partners

4 Monitor and evaluate your performance

5 Here’s what else to consider

Import/Export Operations

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How can you ensure your international logistics strategy is flexible?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Assess your risks

2 Choose your modes of transport

3 Diversify your suppliers and partners

4 Monitor and evaluate your performance

5 Here’s what else to consider

Import/Export Operations

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