Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting LLC

If you're a small business looking to improve your processes and operations, fix your gaps or inefficiencies, or are exploring how process improvement can boost your operations... then this post is for YOU! Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting LLC offers educational, advisory, and project-based services tailored to meet your needs. Casey understands that every business is unique and at different stages of growth, so she focuses on what you truly need through honest and necessary advice. 👑 Need your processes documented or standardized? 👑 Having issues within your procurement, transportation, inventory, warehousing, or manufacturing processes? 👑 Searching for workflow improvements? 👑 Seeking to validate a problem? 👑 Looking for educational trainings? She can help with it all! Her commitment is to offer affordable, high-quality services with a personalized touch. Her educational approach strengthens your core skills and knowledges, ensuring that improvements are able to be sustained long after the project is complete. Oh, and guess what...since she take an end-to-end and systems approach, I address every aspect of your operations for comprehensive improvement. Reach out today to find out how to Take Your Company to the Summit. #supplychain #processimprovement #consulting

This week, Casey has been walking through cost management and pricing within transportation processes. So, why would cost management be important within the transportation process? Well, it directly influences business competitiveness from a total cost of ownership perspective, it determines how agile and adaptive the overall supply chain can be, and it can impact customer satisfaction. 📦 For Shippers: ➡️ Reducing freight costs or effectively managing freight costs can help keep product prices competitive in the market (think from a TCO perspective). ➡️ Lower transportation costs coupled with optimized route planning allows for strategic positioning of inventory closer to demand centers. ➡️ Cost-effective transportation solutions ensure timely deliveries at reasonable costs, improving the overall customer experience. 🚚 For Carriers: ➡️ Balancing operational costs with pricing strategies ensure financial sustainability. ➡️ Cost-efficient operations (and processes) enable better use of assets like trucks, warehouses, and labor. ➡️ Transparent and fair pricing fosters trust and collaboration with shippers. Transportation connects every node in supply chain, from raw material suppliers to end customers. Poor cost management within this system can ripple throughout the network leading to higher inventory costs, disrupted production schedules, and customer disatisfaction. Let me give you an example... rising costs of freight during Covid and the results of that to costs across supply chains. Now, that's an exaggerated and unexpected cost management issue. However, it's a great example to highlight how those same issues can be occurring currently but at a smaller scale. Shippers and carriers can leverage data sharing and advance analytics to identify cost drivers and implement proactive (and collaborative) solutions. The key is adopting a systems-thinking approach, where transportation is seen as a critical link within an interconnected supply chain network. #supplychain #transportation #costmanagement #logistics

In today's competitive market, cost managemnet in transportation is not just a cost cutting exercise. Through collaborative efforts, shippers and carriers can strengthen their partnerships as a means to improve cost efficiency while enhancing service quality. A few key strategies that shippers and carriers can collaborate on include: 1️⃣ 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡. Consolidating smaller shipments into larger ones reduces per-unit costs for shippers and increases truck utilization for carriers. ➡️ 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡: Consolidation reduces empty miles, cuts down on fuel usage, and improves delivery reliability. It also minimizes the environmental footprint of transportation, contributing to broader sustainability goals. ➡️ 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠: By leveraging technology and data sharing, shippers and carriers can identify opportunities for consolidation, improving load planning and reducing overall costs. 2️⃣ 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚-𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦 & 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗦. Collaborative agreements between shippers and carriers provide mutual benefits. ➡️ 𝑆ℎ𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠: Predictable pricing helps with budgeting and financial planning. Long-term contracts often secure better service levels and priority during peak seasons. ➡️ 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑟𝑠: Guaranteed freight volumes allow for better resource planning, optimizing fleet utilization, and operational efficiency. 3️⃣ 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 + 𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧. Technological advancements are transforming how costs are managed. ➡️ 𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑂𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑜𝑓𝑡𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑒: Identifies the most efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption, and delivery times. ➡️ 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 (𝑇𝑀𝑆): Enhances visibility into shipment tracking, costs, and performance metrics, allowing for proactive adjustments. ➡️ 𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝐴𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑠: Provides insights into cost trends, helping shippers and carriers make informed decisions about pricing, routing, and carrier selection. The concept of cost management from any perspective isn't just isolated to a functional area. Instead it's a supply chain-wide initiative. Efficient cost strategies improve inventory turnover, reducing holding costs, and enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and affordable deliveries. When shippers and carriers align their goals, they contribute to a more agile, resilient, and competitive supply chain. #supplychain #transportation #logistics #processimprovement

Freight cost structures are the foundation of pricing decisions for shippers AND carriers, influencing everything from operational efficiency to overall supply chain performance. To navigate these complexities, it's important to set a baseline of what the key components that shape transportation costs are. 1️⃣ 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀. These are the core charges for moving goods and are determined by factors like shipment size, weight, distance, and mode of transport. SHIPPER = Shippers need to understand how these elements impact pricing to make informed decisions, such as route efficiency, optmizing load sizes, or even mode selection. Base freight charges often guide pricing models, so shippers who implement pricing strategies gain cost advantages. CARRIER = Carriers rely on these charges to cover operational costs. Ensuring that base rates align with their service is critical for long-term profitability. 2️⃣ 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀. Fuel is one of the most volatile components of freight costs. Let's just think about how much our own regular gas prices have fluctuated throughout the last few years! Surcharges are calculated as a percentage of base rates and help manage fuel price fluctuations. SHIPPER = Keeping track of these surcharges allows for accurate budgeting and better forecasting of transportation expenses, especially in times of rising fuel prices. CARRIER = These surcharges ensure they aren't disproportionately affected by market volatility, avoiding the absorption of fuel costs. 3️⃣ 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 & 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀. Labor includes wages for drivers, warehouse staff, and administrative personnel, while equipment costs cover the purchase, maintenance, and depreciation of assets like trucks and trailers. SHIPPER = Understanding the labor and equipment costs carriers face can help shippers negotiate fair pricing and align expectations around service levels. CARRIER = Managing these costs effecitvely is important for carriers to remain competitive, especially in a market with rising labor shortages and increasing regulatoryrequirements for equipment maintenance. 4️⃣ 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀. These charges arise from additional services beyond standard transportation. SHIPPER = Awareness of these charges helps avoid unexpected expenses and encourages efficient operations to minimize delays. CARRIER = Clear communication about accessorial feeds ensures price transparency and helps maintain trust with shippers. Freight cost structures aren't isolated. They are deeply integrated into the braoder transportation process and the supply chain as a whole. Every cost component influences decisions around network design, inventory placement, and route planning. Understanding these costs allows businesses to better align their transportation strategies with key supply chain goals of cost efficiency, speed, and service quality. #supplychain #transportation #logistics #processimprovement

In today's topic, Casey dives into cost management and pricing, giving some baseline definitions and practical strategies for both shipper and carriers. Cost management and pricing are important components of domestic transportation. Whether you’re a shipper looking to control costs, or a carrier aiming to maintain profitability, understanding the key cost structures and implementing effective pricing strategies is essential for improving your bottom line. Be sure to check out today's episode, and watch for where she'll break this down further this week! #supplychain #transportation

Knowledge is power! 📚🧠💡And Casey is in full swing teaching four classes at universities this fall semester! Whether you're an individual looking to enhance your knowledge or a small business aiming to strengthen your team's core competencies, education is the KEY to unlocking your full potential. ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting LLC offers educational services for: 👑 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: One-on-one tutoring for college coursework, certification prep, or general learning to help you reach your academic and professional goals. 👑 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 & 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Delivering training, workshops, and programs designed to sharpen your team's skills and boost performance. With over 11 years of diverse industry experience, top industry certifications, two master's degrees, and as an instructor at multiple universities, Casey is equipped to offer customized educational solutions that meet your unique needs. Subject areas include: - Supply Chain Management (all functional areas) - Project Management - Process Improvement - Lean Methodology - Risk Management - Six Sigma Methodology Leverage my experience and education to give yourself the power to Take Your Company to the Summit. For more information on educational services, check the link in the comments below! Reach out if you're interested. #education #supplychain #processimprovement #educationalservices

Did you get your Caseysplination today? Well, if not be sure to check it out and subscribe! Education and experience based insight on the "why", one Caseysplination at a time! Today's topic: Supply Chain Planning #supplychain #supplychainplanning #processimprovement

After working with businesses to tackle supply chain and process improvement challenges in the last two years, Casey is now offering tailored service packages designed to meet your specific needs! Whether you're seeking quick strategic insights or more in-depth support, I've created three flexible packages to ensure you get the value and guidance you need, without the upsell of a project. 👑 𝟱-𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 - For businesses needing quick problem-solving and actionable recommendations. 👑 𝟭𝟬-𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 - Comprehensive strategy and follow-up, perfect for those looking for a deeper dive and strategic roadmap. 👑 𝟭𝟱-𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 - Ongoing support and implementation guidance for businesses that require more in-depth advisory support and long-term results. 🔍 Not sure which package is right for you? No worries! You can book an Introductory Advisory Session today, and we'll work together to identify the best fit for your business. For more information or to book advisory services, check out the links in the comments. Let's Take Your Company to the Summit! #supplychain #processimprovement #advisory #consulting

What are some practical steps you can be taking as we close out 2024 and head into 2025? 1️⃣ Identify your current state by assessing current workflows. Look for problem areas, inefficiencies, gaps, risk prone activities, and waste. 2️⃣ Identify your future state by looking at where you'd like to take your business in the future. It's important to think short-term, but also how that feeds into long-term. Be sure that short-term improvements are taking incremental steps towards longer term goals. 3️⃣ Develop your roadmap of initiatives and how you're going to achieve your future state. Once again, think in terms of incremental steps here. Be sure to keep your roadmap directionally correct and agile to adapt to market shifts, macro-level impacts, changes in technology, risks, etc. 4️⃣ Execute the roadmap. There are so many ways this can be facilitated and plenty of methodologies out there to follow. Be sure that your initiative execution plan matches your organizational structure, culture, capabilities, and knowledges. 5️⃣ Monitor and seek to continuously improve. Just because an initiative doesn't appear to be immediately working, doesn't mean it isn't! Sometimes what appears to be a failing initiative is the result of lack of monitoring and making small changes as the initiative is implemented/executed. Throughout all of this, it's important to remain realistic as well; realistic about where your business is at, where it's headed, and how you're going to get there. #supplychain #processimprovement

Did you get your Caseysplination today? Well, if not be sure to check it out and subscribe! Education and experience based insight on the "why", one Caseysplination at a time! Today's topic: Supply Chain Planning #supplychain #supplychainplanning #processimprovement