Qualities of a Successful Outsourcing Partner

Monday, June 20, 2011 by Jack Biddick
Over the course of the next few weeks I will outline the concerns most often raised by new customers when they are preparing to outsource a product or service with us. We do a variety of back room operations for medical device customers. My goal is to provide the reader with some of the qualities companies seek when looking for a successful outsourcing supply chain management partner and to provide some guidance in their outsourcing process.

1. Aligned Strategies:
 
There are many companies that can supply services; most companies are looking for the proper fit. It is important to work with a company that has a sound strategy that is being implemented by a strong management team.
 
We had one customer who selected a excellent contract manufacturer to do kitting for them. While the company’s expertise was in contract manufacturing they did not possess a World Class Third Party Logistics (3PL) Warehouse Management System and were not considered a top 3PL provider. They were able to build the kits but were not able to inventory or distribute them with ease. Their strategy was as a contract manufacturer not a kit assembler and distributor of products. The contract manufacture’s strategy for the engineering and manufacturing of medical devices was outstanding. Their ability to build kits and distribute them was not their core competency.

Up next: Having a strong metrics focused management team... 
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What's Trending?

Monday, August 2, 2010 by David Speakman
Well, according to Yahoo as of right now -- you've got a range from American Idol, to Chelsea Clinton, to Iran, to bear attacks of all things. But in the world of strategic marketing consultancy services and top 3pl companies, we've got to do a little better than just what's hot right now! Or do we? As much as we need to stick to the basics and practice what's tried and true...we get the most questions about what's hot and how we can best hitch on to that wagon. And, come to think of it, that's probably to be expected. What's HOT for us right now? How about small business supply chain management? Maybe marketing for higher education? A few promotional product ideas...and some digital asset management solutions. They might sound as disjointed as Chelsea Clinton is to bear attacks, but the bottom line is that's what our best prospects are looking for. And, basically, it's what The Allied Group is good at. As a marketing communications company that also offers total fulfillment outsourcing, we've got our best clients covered from marketing strategy to supply chain management strategies. If you need to attract, acquire or retain more of the right customers AND contain, reduce and remove operational costs, we should talk!
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