Market Insights | Page 2

Why VMI and JIT Programs Are Right for Food Industry, 3PL and Manufacturing Inventory Management Needs

Managing inventory is often a business’s trickiest balancing act. Too little on hand and customers are upset by delayed shipping, resulting in lost sales. If you overcorrect and hold too much inventory, your cash flow can dry up as you hold already-paid-for products at your expense.

Grab and Go with Portable Packaging

Life is hectic. People are busy. Whether it’s traffic, work, school, errands, or zoom meetings, individuals are always on the go –– leaving them little time to eat. More and more people find themselves looking for food that comes in portable packaging so they can grab, go and eat. This rising trend has created a demand for compact, on-the-go packaging that offers convenience and ease of use while keeping food fresh. 

Double hung. Bay/bow. Picture. Sliding/gliding. Windows and doors come in a variety of designs and sizes, which can make packaging them tricky. Even the smallest packaging mishap can lead to irreparable damage. This delicate and fragile process requires a team of experts that understand all the complexities involved in panel products. When looking for a packaging solutions company for easily broken and damaged products, it is crucial to partner with a well-rounded packaging solutions company that offers state of the art product engineering and various packaging products that minimize damage

People love their granola, and it’s no surprise why. Granola serves as both a quick snack and as a staple breakfast food. Hailed for its versatility, granola tastes good alone or in yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies or salads. This popular food is convenient and packs a good crunch. But the main ingredients that make granola taste so great; oats, honey, sugar and dried fruits can quickly lose their freshness and taste if not properly stored and packaged. Moisture can also affect the taste of granola by turning its oats, fruits and sugar soft, causing granola to lose one of its most defining characteristics: its crunch. Therefore it is essential to have the best granola packaging and shipping solutions to keep it crunchy and ready to eat –– from the time it leaves the warehouse –– to the time you take it home.

The Global E-commerce Supply Chain Has Been Disrupted:

Politicians, scholars, business management consultants and industry experts can all agree that COVID-19 has caused global disruptions in e-commerce supply chain management. Thankfully, they also agree that the lessons learned during this economic upheaval will force companies to become more resilient, adaptive and agile with regards to e-commerce supply chain logistics, technologies, best practices and strategies during AND post COVID-19.

New consumer behavioral changes will likely impact online selling and services for years to come. Simply put, if what worked yesterday isn’t working as well in today’s marketplace, accept that redirection and evolution are necessary. Perhaps you need to reassess your business value chain, partners and processes to prioritize your response plans?

There is no doubt that COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on consumer behaviors and, as a result, the purchasing decisions made at both digital and physical stores. Some trends, like healthy snacks, will continue to dominate shelves. But at the same time, a new premium on safety and sustainability could push packaging strategies in new directions.

In the current market landscape, it’s never been more critical to streamline costs and enhance efficiency. One often overlooked area for cost savings is the packaging supply chain--an area that also poses unique challenges for windows and doors brands. From managing many SKUs to overcoming skilled labor shortages, Just in Time (JIT) and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) could be the key to unlocking new levels of efficiency for your windows and doors business.

Way back in 1986, the Harvard Business Review was singing the praises of Just In Time (JIT) inventory, a then-new strategy based on the success of Japanese manufacturing. Since then, the supply chain has evolved in countless ways, transforming how businesses view the nuances of production and inventory management. Yet that Harvard Business Review article’s headline is just as relevant today as in the mid-1980s: What’s Your Excuse For Not Using JIT?

According to the Harvard Business Review, more than 30,000 new products are launched in the U.S. each year—each requiring packaging in some way, shape or form. Although packaging strategies are as varied as the sheer scope of product types available to consumers, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some common ground. If you’re looking to launch a new product and need packaging or simply want to improve your existing strategy, use these top factors of high-quality packaging to ensure your product is positioned for success. 

No matter your industry or sector, proper inventory is crucial to your business’ success. With a streamlined inventory management process, your customers get the right orders at the right time—every time. But when the process breaks down, it can delay orders, cause your customers to jump ship and, ultimately, cost your company significant revenue. If you’ve ever misjudged your inventory volume requirements, you know how painful it can be to have critical cash flow tied up in more product than you need.