In this three-part series, we’re looking at how vendor consolidation makes it easy for companies to remain innovative, nimble, and vigilant about their productivity and cash flow.  Countless companies rely on multiple packaging vendors, resulting in increased supply chain costs, strained vendor relationships, and increased packaging management costs.

In part two of this series, we detailed 10 core benefits of a packaging and operational management program for your company. From product cost savings, reduced inventory-related costs, and stronger vendor relationships, to improved operational efficiency – a packaging and operational management program is a win for your company.

In this final part of this series, we look at the seven qualities and experiences you need to look for and expect from your packaging management partner.

Part Three: Seven Qualities and Experience to Look for in a Packaging Management Partner

1. A PROVEN PROCESS

   The right packaging management partner will take a consultative approach to understand your packaging needs, packaging process, and total cost of ownership. They will have a proven method to investigate your buying patterns, collect samples, consult with you on product protection, and examine product applications without disrupting your day-to-day. They will have a team of experts to identify the right packaging solutions and best services platform that produce improved operating and supply chain efficiencies.

2. A WINNING TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS

   The best partner will quantify cash flow improvement and cost savings and have the experience, track record, and confidence to guarantee savings in writing.

3. READY ACCESS TO EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES

   Your packaging management partner should give you a competitive advantage by providing you with resources and expertise you can leverage to accelerate your speed to market. They will have certified packaging specialists, packaging engineers, designers, and technicians to help you keep in step with changing consumer preferences, packaging options, and technologies, and assist you with design, prototyping, packaging engineering, packaging automation, and more.

4. AN OBJECTIVE VIEW

   Choose a partner that understands the manufacturing environment and its challenges and requirements and is a significant distributor of best-in-class distribution items. This perspective and access to a broad range of packaging solutions will assure their ability to be product-agnostic and identify the very best packaging solutions for your business and customers vs. focusing only on what they produce.

5. ROBUST SERVICES OFFERING

   Look for a packaging management partner that will continue to innovate to create new savings and efficiencies by providing services that take costs out of your system. Examples could include a custom online catalog, on-site services, design, and engineering support, packaging automation services, and the like.

6. CONTINUOUS INNOVATION

   The right partner will continually assess your packaging supply chain and proactively recommend ideas to optimize your packaging and services to improve efficiencies further and save you money. They will keep you up to date on packaging technologies, trends, and packaging products.

7. THEY DO THE WORK – YOU STAY IN CONTROL

   The best packaging management partner will have systems in place to provide a 360-degree view of your packaging expenses and provide you with regular reporting and information so you can make informed and strategic decisions.

To enjoy optimal benefits for your business, partner with a supplier who has a proven track record of improving efficiencies, savings, and cash flow to allow you to focus on what you do best — growing your business.

Part One: What is Vendor Consolidation?

Part Two: The 10 Benefits of a Packaging and Operational Management Program

Download Why Vendor Consolidation Should Be a Priority for Mid-Sized Manufacturers, Food Processors, and E-commerce Companies to see how Vendor Consolidation and Packaging Management resulted in guaranteed savings for six general manufacturing and food processing companies.

To learn how vendor consolidation and packaging management can improve your operational efficiency, cash flow, and speed to market, please contact your SupplyOne representative or call us directly.