Supply chain efficiency is more critical than ever before.

Aerospace supply chains are becoming increasingly complex. International trade, part proliferation, the rapid advancement of technology—management of these elements alone requires a tremendous amount of resources.

Fourth-party logistics (4PL), through increased efficiency and visibility, provides an opportunity for supply chain optimization. This optimization is expressed in several ways.

The four following benefits are what your business can see by engaging with a 4PL provider.

1. Powerful Data Visibility

With advanced software and data analysis tools, 4PL providers are able to give your business a single and unified version of the truth. This accuracy and cohesiveness of information are critical, for even a seemingly trivial delay in the supply chain can pause operations.

Aggregate enterprise data is the mechanism by which a 4PL provider gains a control tower view of operations. It allows you to understand (and therefore improve) your operating model at an analytical level otherwise difficult to achieve.

The beauty of an effective 4PL system is that you benefit from sophisticated data analysis without having to pull focus away from your core business.

2. Reduced Supply Chain Complexity

A 4PL provider acts as a single interface between you and multiple suppliers and logistics providers. This allows for greater visibility throughout the entire supply chain.

Instead of having to try and coordinate with a multitude of suppliers in a disjointed manner, your 4PL provider is the single touchpoint for your entire supply chain.

The expert advice and operational support 4PL services provide mean improvement is a continual process. The 4PL approach is not just a quick fix. It is a solution to root cause issues aimed at implementing structural supply chain health.

3. Operational Efficiencies

Customized data analysis and industry expertise mean your 4PL service can provide you with:

• Automated order placement and tracking
• Access to a broad base of quality-vetted suppliers
• Improved forecasting for production schedules and raw material needs

Instead of having resources tied up in managing inventory and supplier relationships, your business can focus on its core competencies.

4. Cost Savings

There is a clear financial incentive to take on a 4PL provider. Greater operational efficiency means reduced operational costs.

Sources of cost savings include:

• Lower overhead and labor
• Reduced inventory burden
• Elimination of wasteful processes
• Improved purchasing leverage from expanded supplier base

These cost savings result in leaner operations and improved cash flow, opening the opportunity for company investment and growth.

The Power of an Optimized Supply Chain

These individual benefits all contribute to optimizing your supply chain.

An optimized supply chain means greater flexibility, which means your company can respond quickly to shifting market dynamics.

The result is a greater competitive edge and the potential to be an industry leader. All derived from the analytical approach of the 4PL model.

To find out how 4PL services can bring operational efficiency to your supply chain, contact Incora (formerly Wesco Aircraft and Pattonair) at www.incora.com.