OUTSOURCING YOUR LOGISTICS: REASONS, BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES FOR YOUR COMPANY
WHY RETHINK YOUR LOGISTICS TODAY?
To decide whether to outsource your logistics, you need to analyze the gains you can make if you entrust the last links of your supply chain to a logistics provider.
Before outsourcing their logistics, most companies encounter the same symptoms:
- Saturated storage capacities due to seasonality, geopolitical uncertainties of recent years and an increase in activity.
- Exploding costs due to raw material inflation, payroll expenses and other unexpected increases prevent you from investing in more efficient storage or IT tools.
- Maintaining buildings to ever more demanding standards and ever more expensive equipment is time-consuming.
- Due to seasonality and unanticipated increases in activity, recruitment becomes complicated and requires few qualified candidates.
- Increasingly complex environmental and regulatory challenges: carbon footprint, standards, certifications… Bringing buildings and processes up to standard requires significant and costly investments.
Outsourcing your logistics : This means choosing to entrust all or part of your supply chain to a specialist capable of ensuring its performance, reliability and traceability, while allowing you to focus on your core business.
THE STRATEGIC REASONS FOR OUTSOURCING YOUR LOGISTICS
Outsourcing logistics does not mean “losing control”: on the contrary, it is a way to regain control over performance by leveraging the expertise of a logistics partner.
Your added value lies in your products, your know-how or your service — by delegating logistics processes, personnel management, equipment maintenance…you can refocus on your core business.
Outsourcing logistics frees up your teams for sales, development and innovation.
A logistics provider requires a large and professionally managed storage area. An outsourced logistics provider has several clients, which allows them to pool their human and material resources (handlers, WMS, pallet trucks, etc.) and therefore adapt their resources to your volumes, seasons and peak activity.
No need to invest in square meters or to recruit hastily during peak season.
Standardized processes, trained teams, high-performance information systems, quality reporting…
You immediately benefit from the expertise of a logistics outsourcing professional, without a costly learning and implementation phase.
Outsourced logistics converts heavy investments (buildings, equipment, software, etc.) into controlled operating costs.
Your budget becomes predictable and aligned with your actual volumes.
Certified logistics outsourcing providers implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)and continuous quality monitoring. Thanks to tools like Spacefill, your orders are integrated into our WMS, so they can be prepared and delivered by our integrated transport system. All these operations will be transparent to you 24/7.
You gain in reliability, punctuality and traceability, while enhancing your brand image.
Logistics providers are integrating ICPE buildings, selective sorting systems, eco-designed packaging and low-emission transport.
You are making concrete progress on your CSR commitments, by reducing your scope 3, without multiplying internal projects.
THE TANGIBLE BENEFITS OF OUTSOURCED LOGISTICS
Operational gains
- Stabilization and reduction of order picking errors and returns (reverse logistics).
- Improved punctuality and reliability of shipments.
- Reduction of internal stress and daily emergencies.
Financial benefits of outsourced storage and warehousing
- Optimization of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
- Elimination of investments in equipment and real estate.
- Improved productivity through the pooling of human and material resources.
- Fast and reliable inventory thanks to Zetes, our robotic inventory system.
Commercial gains
- Operational customer service thanks to the transparency of the data provided by your logistics provider.
- Ability to open new, easily absorbable channels.
- Enhanced brand image thanks to professional outsourced logistics = quality of service
Strategic gains
- Ability to absorb growth without blocking flows.
- Logistics aligned with your ambitions (omnichannel, sustainable development, digitalization).
- Real-time visibility thanks to digital tools (WMS, customer portals, reporting).
EXAMPLES OF LOGISTICS OUTSOURCING APPLICATIONS
Expanding e-commerce brand
Contexte: Activity tripled, errors and delivery delays.
Solution: Full logistics outsourcing with WMS connected to the site, cut-off at 1pm, shipping J+1.
Result: 98.7% of orders delivered without error, customer satisfaction +30%.
SME logistics outsourcing
Context: Dispersed storage across multiple sites, frequent stockouts
Solution: Centralization of logistics with a service provider, FIFO process and batch traceability.
Result: Reliable stocks, line stoppages halved, 20% productivity gain.
Sustainable logistics outsourcing
Context: desire to reduce the logistics carbon footprint.
Solution: ISO 14001 certified warehouse, recyclable packaging, energy optimization.
Result: -25% CO₂ emissions logistics, CSR promotion with end customers.
Looking to assess your current logistics and consider a structured outsourcing solution?
LOGISTICS OUTSOURCING PROCESS
There is no single logistics process, but as many ways of doing things as there are types of products and customers. An e-commerce flow with piece-by-piece preparation, line-side supply for a factory, full pallet storage, sensitive product management, or reverse logistics: each of these areas relies on…specific logistics processes. Receiving and checking, bulk or rack storage, order preparation, co-packing, returns management… each link has its rules, constraints and tools.
To have available rigorous, clear processes adapted to each type of product. This is essential to guarantee reliable stock levels, accurate orders, on-time delivery, and complete traceability. For the customer, the benefits are significant:
- Fewer errors and disputes,
- Fewer stockouts and overstocks,
- Perfect visibility over its data flows,
- A smoother, more responsive, more professional end service.
By structuring its logistics around controlled processes, the outsourced logistics provider transforms the way it serves its customers, secures its growth and strengthens its competitiveness in the long term.
The reception of goods is the entry point of reliability of a successful outsourced logistics operation. If what is received is incorrectly counted, identified, or recorded, everything else (inventory, preparation, shipping) will be affected. Accurate receiving means accurate inventory from the start.
How does successful logistics outsourcing work at PRÉVOTÉ (process + tools)?
The goods arrive at our docks, with scheduling appointments with carriers and slot management. Upon arrival, the goods are unloaded, checked (quantity, condition, references) then recorded in the WMS STOCK-IT.
Depending on the defined schemes, one can use Spacefill as centralized portal to track deliveries and share information with the client (real-time visibility on what has arrived / is in the process of arriving).
Key points & features
- Managing appointments and reception slots to streamline incoming flow
- Quantitative and qualitative control (deviations, damage, reference errors, relabeling).
- Scan/record in the WMS, automatic location assignment.
- Non-conformity management (blocking, quarantine, reporting to the customer).
Bénéfices concrets pour le client
- Of the Just stocks upon receipt and visibility on what is coming.
- Fewer delivery disputes (objective discrepancies, photos, traceability).
- A solid foundation for the rest of the supply chain.
Bulk storage allows for managing large volumes at a lower cost. This is particularly true for raw materials and bulky goods (molds, machinery, etc.). Large quantities mean large warehouse spaces: a square meter of warehouse space is sometimes insufficient or expensive. It is a necessary step for handling “high-volume logistics flows“.
How does outsourced storage and warehousing work at PRÉVOTÉ?
The pallets are stored on the ground in dedicated areas defined in STOCK-IT. Each zone corresponds to a product family, a customer, a campaign, or a batch. The WMS manages zone positions and stock rotation.
Key points & features of outsourced warehousing
- Clear zoning by product family, customer or campaign.
- Batch management, dates, references.
- Optimized cost per square meter, ease of maneuvering for machinery.
Concrete benefits for clients of outsourced storage
- A storage solution economic for large volumes or overflow stock.
- Ability to absorb one-off increases without investing in a warehouse.
- Ease of operation for “massive” and relatively insensitive flows.
As soon as we need to precision, traceability and picking. The rack becomes indispensable. It allows for precise targeting of each location and optimizes storage density.
How does it work at PRÉVOTÉ?
We use multi-level pallet racks, fully addressed in STOCK-IT. Each location (aisle / bay / level) is known and coded (barcode) which allows us to manage: references, batches, best before dates, serial numbers, etc.
Key points & features of a logistics warehouse
- Adressage fin des emplacements.
- Gestion FIFO / FEFO / LIFO selon la stratégie produit.
- Guidage par Wifi pour les caristes.
Concrete benefits for clients of rack-based storage
- Localisation rapide de chaque produit.
- Inventaires simplifiés et fiables grâce à notre solution d’inventaire robotisé.
- Meilleure disponibilité produit et réactivité pour les commandes.
Some products (agricultural, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, certain industrial) require strict storage conditions. Otherwise, there is a risk of non-compliance or product degradation.
How does it work at PRÉVOTÉ?
We have locations and areas subject to specific conditions, managed by STOCK-IT, with environmental monitoring parameters(temperature, humidity, etc.) as needed. Thresholds and alerts are defined in advance.
Key points & features of logistics outsourcing for sensitive sectors
- Zones dédiées produits sensibles.
- Suivi et historisation des paramètres.
- Traçabilité renforcée (DLUO, lots, batch, etc.).
Concrete benefits for clients of highly regulated outsourced logistics
- Respect des cahiers des charges les plus exigeants.
- Réduction des risques de non-conformité et de destruction de stocks.
- Capacité à adresser des segments sensibles (GMS, santé, export…).
For e-commerce and piece-rate flows, the unit picking directly influences the customer experience: the slightest error is immediately visible to the end consumer.
How does it work at PRÉVOTÉ?
The commands are integrated into STOCK-IT (via API, Spacefill, files, etc.). Operators are laguided to the locations via Wi-Fi, possibly with the use of solutions put-to-light et pick-to-light (Pickeos)to speed up and ensure reliable order preparation. Orders are then packaged and labeled according to carriers or customer requirements.
Key points & features of outsourced picking
- Préparation à la pièce, multi-références, multi-commandes.
- Guidage put-to-light et pick-to-light.
- Règles d’emballage et de calage adaptées à chaque client / produit.
Concrete benefits for clients of structured picking
- Forte réduction des erreurs d’article ou de quantité.
- Délais courts possibles (cut-off tardif, préparation J pour expédition J+1).
- Clients finaux mieux servis, moins de retours logistiques donc baisse des coûts.
For B2B, retail, or mass-market distribution, preparation by carton or pallet has an impact directly improves the flow of goods in receiving and on the shelves at the client’s location.
How does it work at PRÉVOTÉ?
Orders are prepared by carton/package or pallet, grouped by delivery point (store, warehouse, industrial site). STOCK-IT manages the preparation, generates the necessary documents (delivery notes, packing lists, labels) and gives the transport order to Prévoté Expedis, a courier company located at the same site as your warehouse.
Key points & features of outsourced fulfillment
- Préparation par unités logistiques (cartons, palettes).
- Regroupement par point de livraison.
- Intégration des contraintes clients : consignes palettes, étiquettes, horaires.
Concrete benefits for clients of outsourced e-commerce logistics
- Réception plus rapide et plus simple chez le destinataire.
- Moins de litiges sur les quantités et la conformité. Approvisionnement régulier, compatible avec les contraintes magasins / sites.
- Approvisionnement régulier, compatible avec les contraintes magasins / sites.
Promotional campaigns (gift sets, packs, POS displays, limited editions) are highly visible and often at high commercial stake. Poor execution can ruin a campaign.
How does it work at PRÉVOTÉ?
In dedicated areas, we assemble, repackage, and prepare kits, boxes, bundles, and POS displays according to brand specifications. STOCK-IT tracks components, co-packing manufacturing orders, and final inventory.
Key points & features of outsourced POS logistics
- Assembly of kits / boxes / sets.
- Sticker application, relabeling, POS display assembly, gift wrapping.
- Monitoring of component consumption and work orders.
Concrete benefits for clients of outsourced copacking
- Rapid launch of promotional and occasional campaigns.
- Controlled visual quality (brand image respected).
- Possibility of testing offers/packages without modifying your industrial tool.
In industry, a supply problem can cause an extremely expensive line stop. Line-side supply secures production.
How does it work at PRÉVOTÉ?
The components are managed in STOCK-IT and then delivered to the production line according to a defined schedule (just-in-time, kanban, sequencing, etc.). The logistics provider prepares kits or sequences for direct delivery to the manufacturer’s workstations. Our integrated Prévoté transport system ensures reliable information transfer between logistics and the most suitable transport provider.
Key points & features of a buffer stock
- Management of references, batches, manufacturing indices.
- Delivery in sequence or in kits adapted to the industrialist’s workstation.
- Synchronization with production needs.
Concrete benefits for clients of outsourced local stock
- Reduction of workshop inventory.
- Fewer breaks and production line stoppages.
- Smoother, better-controlled production.
Returns are sometimes unavoidable (e-commerce, B2B, after-sales service) and have an impact on both image, cost and environment. If poorly managed, they become a bottomless pit.
How is outsourced returns management handled at PRÉVOTÉ?
Returns parcels are received, identified, sorted, and categorized: restockable, reconditionable, repairable, or destroyed/recycled. STOCK-IT manages statuses and movements (return stock, quarantine, scrap, etc.). This information can be integrated into the client’s systems. Normally, for each category, the customer depreciates the value according to their own scale and reimburses the recipient; the objective being to cover the associated processing costs and encourage the reverse logistics provider to properly handle returned products before returning them.
We identify the returns as follows:
- Good, sellable products –> Direct restocking
- Damaged packaging –> Product to be repackaged for “second choice” stock
- Incomplete product (missing parts) = After-sales service for parts
- Product not for sale –> Defective (which are further divided into 2 categories for waste management = Mechanical –> Non-hazardous industrial waste or electrical –> WEEE)
Key points & features of reverse logistics
- Precise sorting and qualification process.
- Reintegration into stock or recycling stream.
- Traceability of return causes (quality, transport, error) for analysis.
Concrete benefits for clients of a reverse logistics service
- Less time wasted “dealing with the damage”.
- Maximizing the value of what can be maximized (resale, refurbishment, recycling).
- Continuous improvement of products and processes through feedback analysis.
By structuring each step – from receiving to storage, from picking to co-packing, from line-side supply to reverse logistics – with rigorous processes and high-performance tools, your logistics becomes reliable, readable and scalable. You reduce errors, gain responsiveness, secure your stocks and offer your customers a level of service that matches your commercial and CSR ambitions.