When it comes to supply change management, changing or even sticking with your current 3PL provider has some pretty serious consequences.
To help you make the best possible choice, here are a few signs that indicate it might be time to make a change. Making the switch is no joke, and it is not something that should be taken lightly. With that said, before making a final decision, make sure you talk with your current provider to see how they can re-accommodate you or address your current concerns.
If you are thinking about switching your logistics provider and going out of your way to find out if you should, well, that might tell you something. But we caution against using this as the only piece of evidence you need. After all, you are in a business relationship, not a romantic one, so there is nothing wrong with seeing what is out there. We will not claim to know the details of your situation, but a series of grievances and concerns are likely why you are seeking help&#;or service&#;elsewhere. Or, maybe, you just want to save money. Whatever the case is, take time to consider why you are looking elsewhere.
Many companies claim to be a one-stop shop, the answer to all of your supply chain management problems. But the truth is, as you may probably know by now, many companies are the exact opposite. You may have chosen your current 3PL provider because you felt that they were the end-all solution. You felt that way because that is what they told you. But after a few months, or even a few years, the reality of the situation is much different. If you have realized that it is not just your goods that are being taken for a ride, it may be time to abandon the ship. Additionally, if your current provider is not the one-stop shop you believed them to be, or if they no longer provide many services they used to, it is most likely affecting your bottom line. It is also a telling indicator of things to come.
It is a deeply ironic situation to find yourself in, but it happens&#;and it is by no means amusing. If the technology your current provider uses cannot keep up with the growing demands of your business, you should be concerned. You have a business to run and fiddling around with a clunky or outdated TMS only gets in the way. If your business is growing (and growing fast), you need a competent technological solution that will grow with you, providing real-time information, ease of use, and clear lines of communication. An advanced information system (IS) can help you save money, as it can keep fulfillment costs low, delivery speeds high, and communication lines open. It makes your company better and more efficient, which makes your job easier and gives you more time to devote to other pertinent business matters and decisions.
It might not have been the case just a few years ago, but today e-commerce and third-party logistics are seemingly inseparable. Customers demand speed, and they are willing to pay extra for it. When you adopt and implement faster shipping rates, you keep your customers happy and make more money in the process. In fact, it is so pertinent at this point in the shipping game, that many 3PL providers are changing their approach to accommodate larger e-commerce needs. So, if your 3PL provider does not have the means to help you in this regard, looking elsewhere makes a lot of sense.
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You might keep a watchful, all-seeing eye on your shipping KPIs, but that does not mean your provider is. If you are not reaching or exceeding your goals on a regular basis or in a way that you deem satisfactory, it might be time to rethink your shipping strategy&#;and a new third-party logistics company might be the answer that you so desperately seek. Any company can read and interpret a few numbers on a page, but only the very best know what to do with the information. Look for a 3PL provider that understands how KPIs influence and impact your bottom line; you want to find a freight shipping company that uses collected, as well as projected, data to achieve better overall success.
If you do decide that it is time to part ways with your current 3PL provider, make sure you have another company ready to go. You do not want to find yourself drowning in the murky waters of a bad, premature decision. Like quitting a job before you have another lined up, going a few hours&#;let alone a few days, weeks, months, or years&#;without professional third-party logistics is not advised.
We do not recommend handling your supply chain on your own either, as doing so will cost you both financially and mentally. So, why not consider DTS? We have decades upon decades of combined freight experience, serving everyone from the aerospace and aircraft industry to the pharmaceutical industry. To learn more about the DTS, browse our website or contact us at your earliest convenience.
September 20,
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and frequent, businesses of all sizes recognize the importance of managed cybersecurity services. Partnering with the right managed cybersecurity provider can help protect your company from ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and other online threats while allowing you to focus on your core business activities. But with so many providers in the market, how do you choose the right one? Why Choosing the Right Managed Cybersecurity Provider Matters Choosing a managed cybersecurity provider is a crucial decision that can impact your business's security and success. A great provider will proactively defend your company from threats, respond quickly to incidents, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. On the other hand, a poor choice can leave your business vulnerable to attacks, costing you time, money, and possibly your reputation. Let&#;s dive into the factors you should consider to make an informed choice. 1. Evaluate Their Certifications and Industry Standards One of the first things to consider when evaluating a cybersecurity provider is their certifications. Industry-recognized certifications demonstrate that the provider&#;s team has the necessary expertise and follows best practices to secure your business. Key Certifications to Look For: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification indicates advanced knowledge in designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification focuses on identifying and fixing vulnerabilities from a hacker&#;s perspective. ISO/IEC : Providers with this certification follow international standards for managing information security. CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that shows proficiency in core security functions and best practices. Certifications reassure that the provider has the right knowledge and skills to keep your business safe. 2. Understand Their Service Offerings Managed cybersecurity providers vary in the range of services they offer. Ensure you choose a provider whose offerings align with your business&#;s needs. Here are some key services to look for: Core Managed Cybersecurity Services: 24/7 Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of your systems to detect and respond to threats in real-time. Threat Detection and Response: Advanced threat detection tools and rapid incident response capabilities to minimize damage. Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing: Regular network assessments to identify and fix potential vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Compliance Management: Support in meeting industry regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS. Security Awareness Training: Education programs to train your employees on best practices for avoiding phishing scams, malware, and other threats. Before choosing a provider, assess your business&#;s needs and ensure that the provider offers comprehensive services covering all aspects of your cybersecurity. 3. Assess Their Incident Response Capabilities Even with the best preventive measures, cyber incidents can still happen. When evaluating a managed cybersecurity provider, it&#;s essential to understand their approach to incident response. You need a provider that can react quickly and effectively to minimize damage in the event of an attack. Key Questions to Ask: What is their average response time? Time is critical during a cyberattack. The faster your provider can detect and respond to a threat, the less damage it can do. Do they have a defined incident response plan? Ensure the provider has a well-documented plan outlining the steps they will take during a breach. How do they handle communication during an incident? Clear communication during a cyber incident is vital to keep your team informed and coordinated. 4. Review Customer Testimonials and Case Studies Customer reviews and case studies provide insight into a provider&#;s track record and how they&#;ve helped businesses overcome cybersecurity challenges. Look for testimonials on the provider&#;s website, but don&#;t stop there&#;check third-party review sites like Google Reviews, G2, or Trustpilot for unbiased feedback. What to Look for in Reviews: Response Times: How quickly did the provider respond to incidents? Customer Support: Were customers satisfied with the level of support provided? Effectiveness: Did the provider protect the customer&#;s business from cyber threats? Case studies can also give you a deeper understanding of how the provider works with businesses similar to yours and the results they&#;ve achieved. Ask for references from current or past clients to get a firsthand perspective. 5. Ensure Scalability and Flexibility Your business&#;s cybersecurity needs will evolve as it grows, so it&#;s important to choose a provider that can scale its services accordingly. Ask potential providers how they will accommodate your growth and whether they offer customizable packages to meet your changing requirements. Consider the Following: Can they scale services as your business grows? The provider should be able to adapt their offerings to support larger networks, more employees, or expanded data storage. Do they offer flexible service plans? Look for a provider that can tailor their services to your needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. Do they stay up-to-date with new threats? Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field. Your provider should proactively update their tools and strategies to combat emerging threats. 6. Examine Their Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge Depending on your industry, you may need to comply with specific regulations regarding data security and privacy, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and damage to your reputation. When choosing a managed cybersecurity provider, ensure they have experience with the regulatory requirements relevant to your industry. The provider should help you implement and maintain the security controls to stay compliant. 7. Look for Transparent Pricing and Clear SLAs Before committing to a provider, it&#;s crucial to understand their pricing structure. Some providers may offer flat-rate pricing, while others may charge based on the services you use. Ensure the provider is transparent about their fees so you don&#;t encounter unexpected costs. Review the provider&#;s Service Level Agreement (SLA) to ensure you&#;re clear on what services they will deliver and the response times they guarantee. An SLA should outline: Uptime guarantees Incident response times Penalties for failure to meet these expectations Clear SLAs and transparent pricing help set expectations and avoid surprises. Conclusion Choosing the right managed cybersecurity provider is a critical decision that can impact your business&#;s security, compliance, and overall success. You can make an informed decision that aligns with your business's needs by evaluating certifications, service offerings, incident response capabilities, customer reviews, scalability, compliance expertise, and pricing. Managed cybersecurity services offer the peace of mind from knowing your company is being protected by experts. With the right provider, you can stay focused on growing your business while they handle cybersecurity's complex and ever-evolving challenges. Take the time to vet potential providers thoroughly, and you&#;ll be better positioned to safeguard your business against the growing tide of cyber threats.
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