Introduction
What is FMCG? Also known as fast moving consumer goods, FMCG has a very low durability and a very fast turnover due to increasing customer demands. These consumer packaged goods are referred to as fast moving since they have a short business cycle. The FMCG industry basically includes all types of goods which are produced and consumed on a very large scale like food products, cosmetics, hygiene products and other kinds of consumables.
In this blog, we will learn about the importance of logistics and transportation in FMCG and elaborating about the 7 Rs of logistics. We will also discuss the challenges that are faced by the FMCG industry and provide you with the possible solutions. So let’s begin.
Importance of Logistics and Transportation In FMCG
Logistics is based on the process of movement and transportation of goods. Let’s talk about various points highlighting the importances of logistics. The following are some pointers that will highlight these importances :
- A good logistic is always an efficient one. One of the key features of logistics is that it increases the efficiency of the whole process of the business.
- Efficiency means lower cost with higher production rates. Well, logistics also lowers the cost of production and at the same the production output maximises.
- An improved and enhanced inventory control technique is also another selling feature of logistics. Not only that, the warehouse should be utilised with proper planning. Hence, logistics also ensures a smarter use of warehouse space.
- Logistics improves the customer experience as a whole. With better customer satisfaction and supplier satisfaction, logistics is very important for any business.
Let’s elaborate the 7 Rs of logistics to get a better idea and knowledge about it.
- Right Product – Delivering the right product according to the given specifications.
- Right Quantity – Having the right quantity of products defines clarity on how well the inventories are listed.
- Right Condition – Customers expect that the product delivered should be in proper condition and fully functionable.
- Right Place – The product is tracked to to ensure that it is delivered to the correct delivery address.
- Right Time – The product reaches the customer within the given time is the most important thing from the customer’s point of view.
- Right Customer – The delivery should be done to the right customer by avoiding any address errors or any other glitches should be taken care of.
- Right Price – The pricing of the product should be done tactically and they should be competitive.
Challenges faced & Solutions provided
The FMCG sector faces a lot of challenges. It ranks up to the fourth largest industry in India. The FMCG sector controls most of the home and everyday products, it generates huge revenues and competition at the same time. Still the FMCG market faces a lot of challenges. So let’s talk about the challenges faced in the FMCG sector along with the solutions. We can understand it better with the help of a table.
Parameters | Challenges | Solutions |
1.Marketing | The marketing goals have been more or less constant but the only thing that changes rapidly are the strategies. This is because consumer demands keep on changing and these changes lead to a constant updating of strategies in order to deal with high competition in the market. | Taking initiatives to interact with clients and customers to understand their tastes and preferences. Also, creation and distinction of marketing streams can also be adopted. |
2. Environmental sustainability | There are already a lot of controversies about the FMCG sector being engaged in harmful and toxic activities that cause ill effects on the environment. In today’s world, only that business is supported that is sustainable. | Probably the best way to make sure that a business is environmentally friendly is by adopting sustainable practices and methods like reducing the use of plastic and opting for alternative packaging methods. |
3. Supply Chain | Most companies have a lot of difficulties in this field of business and fail to maintain a proper supply chain. This prevents them from reaching the desired goals and intended objectives. | Necessary investments must be made in supply chain infrastructure that will fulfil the customer’s demands and expectations. |
Conclusion
The FMCG industry is the fourth largest sector of our Indian Economy. Talking about the logistics of the FMCG sector, it has a very high turnover rate with efficient logistics methods. We also learnt about the 7 Rs of logistics and what they stand for. Also, the importances of logistics and transportation and how they improve the customer experience as a whole. With better customer satisfaction and supplier satisfaction, logistics is very important for any business.
