Forward Air Dover Terminal

Forward Air Dover Terminal

Forward Air Dover Terminal is an integral part of the overall supply chain operations of the company’s final mile acquisition. Faced with numerous challenges, the company has struggled lately to facilitate the smooth monitoring and distribution of appliances to and from its customers.

This is largely due to the inability of an obsolete software (AS-400) which limits the storage of data to serve its customers better. While it is true that delivery teams can coordinate efforts to make good on promises to customers, an Electronic Resource Planning or ERP forms the bedrock of being competitive in the supply chain industry. A good ERP can aid in the monitoring, tracking and distribution of supplies to customers, providing real-time tracking capabilities and new and improved delivery methods. Numerous customers have complained about the delivery time, the ineffectiveness of the delivery teams and methods of returns and credit. These lack credibility in the absence of advance ERP software to meet the growing customers’ demand.

The proliferation of companies and other 3PL firms in the supply chain industry poised to see a sharp increase in maximizing the best service to customers. Good and improved service depends on how your data is received and shared, and that is why good software can effectuate the change to meet consumers’ demand. The prospect of using appliances has skyrocketed during this pandemic (Coronavirus) and providing means of adequate distribution of goods and services remains a focal strategy. Our business is deemed “Essential” since people while quarantined rely on refrigerators, washers and dryers for good hygiene purposes. Therefore, I believe that a good ERP can help make serving our customers an amazing and worthy experience, ensuring costs and time factors as key indicators.

To resolve the issue, I am suggesting that Forward Air secure the use of Mcleod, new and improved software that is used within the supply chain industry. The use of McLeod can aid in cutting back on lagging delivery times, and proficient methods of picking up returned appliances from customers.

Additionally, McLeod has the capability for customers to order their products and provides a swift method of reimbursements of credits for unwanted appliances and exchanges. Lastly, the use of McLeod enables real-time tracking of shipments considering our partnering with various B2B and B2C and the monitoring and distributions of appliances.

Factors to track that could affect the business plan.

Providing a good ERP is a relatively and comprehensive way to track the flow of goods and services.

Here are some of the factors to track that can derail the smooth operation of the business.

Compliance/Regulations: To provide the best goods and services and do some real tracking during the distribution process, tracking the compliance of vehicles and the products manufactured can be an essential step. At Forward Air, our vehicles must comply to local, state and federal regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier & Safety Administration. This can ensure the safety of our fleet in serving our customers. Additionally, our drivers must meet the standards of operating commercial vehicles safely, and the potential dangers they pose to the public.

• A fleet out of compliance means no business for the company.
• Technical – Forward Air will need to keep track of its systems and software used to monitor, track and distribute the flow of goods and services. IN supply chain, a new and improved software system can expand the services provided to customers. Keeping a tab on the ERP used to provide adequate services to consumers is an important factor that can provide stability for the company. An up to date software can not only track goods and services, but provide fast reimbursements and credits to customers, and can aid in the planning and routing of goods to consumers. Without a fleet not in compliance and an up to date ERP system, it becomes a nightmare in trying to track, monitor and distribute goods and services to consumers.

Industry & Competitive Analysis for competing companies summary

The operational approach is one of the key factors that I will consider monitoring. While it is true that Forward Air will need new and improved software to serve its customers better, it is understood that assessing the operational goals and objectives of acquiring a new software should be a priority. The approach to securing a new software can somehow come with major challenges in an extremely competitive industry. Most 3PL firms are engaging top of the line software for operational purposes. As such, Forward Air must be willing to acquire a software that not only extends to real-time tracking and monitoring but providing the basis for easy and friendly use by our employees.

Lastly, product attributes are another key factor to examine for monitoring. The selection of the best available resources to perform proves our capabilities to compete within our industry and meet the demands of our customers. While there are several products available for use, most final mile companies and major 3PL firms run the risk of not being as viable as the mandate of their respective companies.

A unique way to provide the services and meet the demands of the customers within this industry and have a competitive advantage in acquiring a good Enterprise Resource System (ERP). Most companies struggle to integrate their data and other important information gathered from partners and suppliers, including the ultimate consumers. My call to acquire the needed resources and capabilities at forward Air highlights the company’s vision to provide excellent services to all our customers. While it is true that technology transcends the global supply chain operations, having the best tools to do the job must be a priority. A good ERP software brings added advantage to a company through the top of the line monitoring and tracking. What is essential is what options are available to the customers.

To have an effective workflow in the distribution, monitoring and tracking of goods and services, all partners involved must have the ability to share and receive the required data.

Nowadays, companies depend on the existence of good software to compete with partners, suppliers and major competitors.

The ERP software provides the basics as such and not limited to tracking and monitoring services.

They include other features such as providing proper accounting procedures, weather tracking capabilities, inventory control, compliance performance, fleet management, including ordering and shipments of goods and services online. It is expedient that the available resources are concomitant to the training that enables proficiency of workflow and productivity, thereby meeting the demands of the market. New and improved 3PL firms now can perform these qualities with the help of some of the most advance technology and software capabilities known.

Therefore, I have forged the acquisition of Mcleod to assist the company in providing excellent services and meeting the demands of customers in a competitive industry.