An efficient supply chain has many benefits to both the world and businesses alike. When it comes to the world, an efficient supply chain can help with economic growth, job creation, better access to goods and services, environmental sustainability and more. When it comes to businesses, an efficient supply chain strategy could help reduce costs, risk, and increase scalability and growth.
With all the benefits running an efficient supply chain provides, consulting firms have seen a growing demand for their services. It’s important that businesses choose the very best boutique supply chain consulting firm to help them streamline their processes and reach maximum efficiency. In this article we will cover the very best boutique supply chain consulting firms around.
What Are The Characteristics Of a Good Boutique Supply Chain Consulting Firm?
Before we dive in, we need to talk about the key attributes that a good boutique supply chain consulting firm should possess. These things include:
Specialized Expertise
Not every single supply chain consulting firm is the same. Some specialize in certain industries, technologies or goods. For example some will focus on manufacturing and industrial supply chains, while others will specialize in retail and e-commerce. Lastly, some specialize in the automotive industry or food and beverage and more. These are only a few examples, but the point is you should look for a firm that has the specialized expertise you need to optimize your own unique supply chain.
Customized Solutions
Every business is different. The boutique supply chain consulting firm you choose should be able to provide customized solutions that fit your business’ needs. They should be able to look at your unique situation and create a plan that takes into account all the variables, challenges and goals you have.
Working Closely With Their Clients
The boutique you choose shouldn’t want to have control over everything. The best firms will work closely with their clients and listen to their needs. This is important as it will ensure that there’s a good relationship between the two, and the end results are up to par.
Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
When it comes to the supply chain, there are alot of data sets. A good consulting firm should be able to identify patterns, and be able to draw conclusions from the data to understand the causes of supply chain issues.
Expertise In Supply Chain Management (In All Aspects)
Supply chain management has multiple aspects and you should look for a firm that is well-versed in all of them. These include procurement, demand planning and forecasting, inventory management, production planning and scheduling, warehousing and storage, transportation/logistics, order management/fulfillment, customer service, risk management, and performance measurement. Having a consultant that could handle all these aspects will make sure that your supply chain is running efficiently in all areas.
Now that we’ve covered some aspects of what makes a good boutique supply chain consulting firm, let’s look at the best ones.
Top Boutique Industrial Supply Chain Consulting Firm: PLG Consulting
Number one on our list for the industrial supply chain is PLG Consulting, is a top-tier boutique supply chain consulting firm. They specialize in industrial logistics and supply chain management, offering unparalleled expertise tackling the complex and diverse supply chain needs of their clients.
Over the years (20 years of experience & over 400 projects), PLG has built a stellar reputation for improving operations, reducing costs, mitigating risks, and helping their clients make wise investments in their supply chain (green energy).
What Does PLG Consulting Offer?
We mentioned some of the things PLG Consulting could do for companies above while introducing them, but let’s dive a little bit deeper into why they are one of the best boutique supply chain consulting firms.
Supply Chain Design
PLG excels in optimizing supply chains across businesses, ensuring a direct impact on competitiveness, customer delivery, and the bottom line. Focused on practical and actionable solutions, PLG combines data analysis with real-world experience to deliver effective results.
Market Analysis
PLG helps clients penetrate new markets, mitigate risks, and create new opportunities by leveraging their unique understanding of industry verticals and surface transportation modes.
Due Diligence
When it comes to identifying potential risks and rewards associated with a proposed investment, due diligence is needed to ensure informed decision-making, and maximizing the likelihood of a successful outcome. PLG Consulting uses their in-depth market knowledge and project experience to provide clients with a full understanding of the situation.
Logistic Procurement
PLG Consulting assists clients in leveraging logistics for a competitive advantage by helping them negotiate freight transportation and associated services across all surface modes.
With over 20 years of experience and expertise in handling transportation contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, PLG Consulting offers a wide range of support services, including cost benchmarking, negotiation strategies, RFP process management, market analysis, service and performance standards, innovative approaches, contract terms and conditions, and total-cost-to-serve analysis.
Business Strategy
PLG is also proactive when it comes to business growth. PLG assists clients in formulating strategies that achieve their business goals by providing more than just market data and trend analysis. They also facilitate contacts and form relationships within the industry, ensuring they give their clients more value. They also help clients determine the best business strategies to outperform their competition.
Assessment and Optimization
For PLG Consulting, Assessment and Optimization services concentrate on examining a client’s existing supply chain and logistics operations, pinpointing areas where enhancements can be made. They believe that you don’t necessarily have to reinvent the wheel but rather make sure your current supply chain is running as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.
Site Selection
PLG offers Site Selection services to assist clients in finding the most suitable locations for their logistics facilities, manufacturing plants, or distribution centers. Their team of experts conducts in-depth analyses of factors such as transportation access, infrastructure, labor availability, and local regulations to determine the optimal site for the client’s needs, ensuring long-term success and cost-effectiveness.
Technology
Right-sizing technology for logistics and supply chain management as a whole is an area where PLG excels. The tech in which they specialize include Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Shipment Track and Trace, Sales and Operation Planning (S&OP) modules integrated with ERP systems, demand planning systems, and asset management and maintenance systems.
What Makes PLG Consulting The Best?
Talking about what they do and claiming they are the best is one thing, but the true testament to their work lies in the results they have consistently delivered. Below we will add in some quotes from customers who have worked with PLG Consulting and what made them the obvious choice for their needs.
- Efficient Infrastructure Utilization: “We engaged PLG to help us determine if we were utilizing our infrastructure efficiently.” – Scott Williams, Vice President of Supply Chain North America, Solvay Chemicals – Soda Ash & Derivatives GBU
- Actionable Suggestions and Support: “The experience PLG brought provided us good suggestions both organizationally and strategically on how to improve the management of our logistics functions…and provided us with actionable suggestions, support, and follow-up.” – Gary R. Enzor, Chairman & CEO, Quality Distribution
- Expertise in the Energy Sector: “With PLG’s guidance and expertise, we were able to establish an optimized, long-term rail fleet strategy.” – Matthew Reinhart, Vice President, Global Logistics, HollyFrontier Corporation
- Accurate Market Predictions: “I saw PLG at SWARS and reported that the accuracy of the market predictions, and opportunity target areas they delivered provided the information we needed to achieve our goals.” – Jack Hellmann, President and CEO, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
- Specific Business Expansion Opportunities: “We contracted PLG for an Energy Sector Strategic Research & Actionable Opportunity Project…to determine specific expansion opportunities within G&W’s core short line and regional freight railroad business.” – Jack Hellmann, President and CEO, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
Best Boutique Retail Supply Chain Consulting Firm: Fortna
Fortna Inc., a leading boutique supply chain consulting firm, specializes in providing versatile and future-proof solutions that empower businesses to not just survive, but thrive in the face of change. With a strong focus on retail and various other industries, Fortna’s expertise covers e-commerce fulfillment, omnichannel commerce, micro-fulfillment, and much more.
What Does Fortna Inc Have To Offer?
Fortna offers an array of valuable services to support businesses throughout their supply chain journey. Their 24/7 call center provides round-the-clock assistance, ensuring clients receive timely help when needed. Fortna also specializes in modernizations and retrofits, optimization assessments, parts and warranty management, and resident maintenance, helping businesses maintain and improve their supply chain systems.
Additionally, they offer system health checks and upgrades, as well as comprehensive training, to ensure clients get the most out of their systems. Fortna’s expertise spans across various industries, making them a reliable partner for organizations with diverse supply chain needs.
What Customers Have To Say About Fortna?
After reading multiple reviews for Fortna, we came away with the following.
- Surpassed ROI goals: Clients have found that partnering with Fortna exceeded their return on investment expectations, proving to be a smart and worthwhile investment.
- Lowered cost-to-serve: Fortna’s solutions help clients reduce their cost-to-serve while maintaining high-quality service.
- Exceeded customer service objectives: Clients have reported that working with Fortna enabled them to surpass their customer service goals, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Early and under budget delivery: Fortna’s dedication to efficiency has led to projects being completed ahead of schedule and under budget, as noted by satisfied clients.
- Commendable teamwork: Clients have praised Fortna’s team for their excellent work and commitment to delivering results.
Best Automotive Supply Chain Consultant: Deloitte
Although not a boutique supply chain consultant, we chose them because of their leadership in the field of automotive supply chain consulting. Deloitte’s automotive supply chain expertise caters to the evolving needs of the industry as it faces significant transformations, such as shifting global demand, stringent regulations, and disruptive new technologies. Their comprehensive solutions address various aspects of the automotive supply chain, including corporate strategy, customer engagement, mergers and acquisitions, product development, supply chain operations, and IT and HR services.
What Does Deloitte Have To Offer?
Deloitte supports automotive companies in transforming their manufacturing processes and supply chain strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance.
Enhancing Automotive Supply Chain Transformation
A well-executed supply chain transformation can significantly improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost overall performance in the automotive industry. Deloitte helps companies in streamlining their manufacturing processes and optimizing supply chain strategies.
Optimizing Product Planning, Forecasting, and Scheduling
Effective product planning, forecasting, and scheduling are crucial for automotive businesses to align with market demand and minimize inventory holding costs. Deloitte specializes in helping companies develop and implement these strategies.
Streamlining Procurement and Spend Management
Optimizing procurement strategies and managing spend effectively are essential for automotive companies to ensure cost-effective sourcing of materials, components, and services. Companies who work with Deloitte have access to a number of services designed to ensure their procurement strategies are aligned with their business goals.
Improving Internal Operations and Performance Management
Streamlining internal operations and implementing performance management systems are vital for driving continuous improvement and increased productivity in the automotive industry. Expert guidance can help businesses identify inefficiencies and develop targeted solutions.
Developing Effective Logistics and Distribution Strategies
Developing and implementing logistics and distribution strategies that minimize transportation costs, improve delivery times, and enhance customer satisfaction are crucial for automotive companies. Working with experts can help identify opportunities for optimization and develop tailored strategies.
Selecting Optimal Locations for Operations
Evaluating and selecting the best locations for manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and other operational sites are essential for automotive companies. Factors such as labor costs, access to markets, and infrastructure availability must be considered. Expert support can help businesses make informed decisions and choose the most advantageous locations.
Enhancing Internal Operations and Performance Management
Streamlining internal operations and implementing performance management systems are essential for driving continuous improvement and increased productivity in the automotive industry. Deloitte helps businesses identify inefficiencies and develop targeted solutions, ensuring optimal performance.
Logistics and Distribution Strategy Development
In the automotive industry, effective logistics and distribution strategies are crucial for minimizing transportation costs, improving delivery times, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Deloitte’s expertise enables businesses to identify opportunities for optimization and tailor strategies to their unique needs.
Location Strategy for Operational Sites
Selecting the best locations for manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and other operational sites is vital for automotive companies. Deloitte provides expert support in evaluating factors such as labor costs, access to markets, and infrastructure availability, helping businesses make informed decisions and choose the most advantageous locations.
Conclusion
As you could see, a well-optimized supply chain is important for businesses to thrive in today’s fast-paced, competitive environment. It could be the difference between success or failure.
If you’re interested in our services (PLG), contact us here!
