The myriad complexities of most pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing supply chains are the product of countless suppliers leveraging an array of carriers to deliver vast portfolios of direct and indirect research, development, manufacturing, and marketing materials. In many cases, longstanding relationships with suppliers who have proven to be reliable in meeting strict production schedules are assumed to be optimized from a landed cost perspective due to longevity and trust with the buyer.
In the logistics industry, negotiated carrier rates can be considered insignificant components of the value chain, with most manufacturers more closely focused on their overall spend across a global supply network. The opportunity to maximize cost savings on transportation through a partnership with a reliable 3PL can easily be eclipsed by the prospect of more substantial savings opportunities through price negotiation and supply agreements with strategic partners, globally. However, the realization of true overall cost reductions in your supply chain often lies with leaning on your 3PL to provide reliable business intelligence and network visibility. Langham’s “Supply Chain Logistics Infusion” services provide a window to increasing profit margins while offering the basis for year-over-year cost savings in even the most complex of pharmaceutical manufacturer supply networks.
Langham’s proven, four-phased approach to identifying easy wins for pharma supply chains begins with comprehensive data mining of shipment transactions and ends with a deliverable solution to the client. This solution establishes a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) and line-of-sight visibility of carrier network spend and key performance indicators (KPI’s).
An effective Phase One analysis of the network is dependent on the data accuracy that Langham has invested in capturing on behalf of its clients. We track intricate details of every supplier shipment we tender so that trends can be identified and variants isolated.
In Phase Two, pricing structures and service agreements are benchmarked to ensure the appropriate carrier partners are assigned to loads based on origins, destinations, and client service levels. Where the opportunity to press cost out of the lane exists, Langham will optimize to ensure service levels are prioritized by the most cost-effective solution provider that meets our pharma customers’ carrier standards.
Equipped with a comprehensive understanding of our client supply network, Phase Three positions our analyst team to affect rapid and long-term improvements to our clients’ KPIs with one-to-one communication with carriers. This creates an environment where all performance metrics, adverse event triage, and corrective action implementation is managed through Langham, with ongoing updates provided through our custom client portal and Langham’s Supply Chain Business Intelligence reporting.
Phase Four is characterized by efficient communications between the client, freight manager (Langham Logistics SPOC), and the supplier to create a shared vision of success that can be measured, acted on with immediacy, and continually improved through a vetted operational excellence feedback loop.
Contact us today to learn more and inquire about a network optimization of your supply chain.
