“We have had tremendous results using Carolina Supply Chain Services on an ongoing basis to perform audits at our customer locations and our own dry and frozen distribution centers. The information they gather has allowed us to refine our internal processes leading to a significant reduction in outbound shipping damage and hidden damage.”

Gary Piwko, Director - Remarketing and Returns Management
Kellogg Company

  

 

TRACE® Supply Chain Analysis
TRACE supply chain analysis is an integrated observation and database system that examines packaging and distribution problems at key points along the supply chain, allowing you to TRACE returns and unsaleables to their source. The information collected and analyzed gives you the insight to make changes that can yield significant long- and short-term cost savings.

TRACE® Collaborative Studies
 TRACE Partnership/Collaborative Studies are an opportunity for manufacturers and their trading partners to work side-by-side to address the root causes for returns and unsaleables and to put measures into place to implement key changes that will reduce overall damage. The end result is a better understanding of each other’s practices and obstacles. Collaboration leads to action plans and bottom line results.

Unsaleables Monitoring System
Through returns center data, the Unsaleables Monitoring System provides information critical to effectively measure the performance of your packaging, the quality of your product and the effectiveness of promotions. You gain customized returns center-level data through a statistical sampling approach that mirrors the logistics and distribution channel characteristics unique to your systems.

Consulting
Incidences of returns and unsaleables occur as a result of a variety of factors and causes. These returns “drivers” can be classified into three distinct areas – manufacturing, distribution, and process (or behavior).

Our supply chain and best practices consulting services focus on identifying opportunities for improvement in the following areas:

  • Product performance monitoring
  • Manufacturer packaging, distribution, and logistics practices
  • Distributor warehousing and distribution practices
  • Sales/buying practices
  • Stock rotation and store handling practices
  • Product discontinuation practices
  • Brand and category management strategies