Remodels, brand launches, and other special in-store projects can take a lot of time and resources to complete successfully—especially when you’re implementing it across hundreds or thousands of locations.
Managing these types of projects internally can constrain resources, increase costs, and delay your speed to market. Creating a resilient project rollout strategy with an external logistics provider can build in the efficiencies you need to keep your freight—and your project—on track.
3 steps to an effective project rollout strategy
When creating your strategy, use these three best practices to build smarter solutions that fit your unique project needs.
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Maintain control through visibility
From planning and transportation to project management, clear visibility at every stage of the project keeps you in control.True project visibility is about more than just monitoring inventory in motion. When you know where every aspect of your project stands, from initial orders through final invoicing, you can proactively decide how to handle disruptions before they delay your project.
The right tech and reporting capabilities can also give you the service and transit details you need to decide when to prioritize service and when to prioritize costs, so your project stays aligned with planned timelines and budgets.
Even when you outsource a project rollout—whether in part or in full—to a third party, it doesn’t have to feel like you’re giving up control. By collaborating with your logistics provider, they become an extension of your team, helping manage the different aspects of the project.
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Optimize by mode and service
Depending on your project’s scope, an end-to-end shipping solution may require a combination of truckload, less than truckload, consolidation, and last mile services to get the job done. From there, these types of projects often require specialty services like inside delivery, debris removal, installation, assembly, merchandising, and training—along with the potential for specialized equipment like lift gates, forklifts, pallet jacks, and dollies.Since these require flexibility and careful coordination, optimizing your mode and service choices up front can help:
- Avoid potential disruptions or delays plaguing a specific mode
- Improve speed to market based on the transportation market conditions
- Create positive customer experiences while minimizing unnecessary costs
- Minimize accessorial costs from service providers that aren’t fully equipped for your project
In addition to selecting the right mode and service for your project, considering creative options—like bypassing a distribution center entirely—can mean the difference between a project finishing as planned or falling off course.
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Secure the capacity you need
Once you’ve decided on the right modes and services for your project, you’ll want to work with a logistics provider that has an extensive carrier network to secure the equipment you need.This way, you’ll have multiple options to choose from based on the priorities of your project. The ability to access carriers and equipment options from a single provider instead of many can also free up your time for more important tasks and help avoid missed deadlines—and potentially empty shelves.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your resilient strategy can help you save money, boost efficiency, and increase speed to market. Creating a true, end-to-end project rollout strategy will combine the expertise, technology, and data needed to proactively manage exceptions, minimize delays, and keep even your most complex projects on schedule.
Looking for help with an upcoming project rollout? We have a team of experts to help streamline your next project. Connect with us to better meet rising consumer expectations and improve shipment performance.
