High-Tech Logistics

High-tech logistics is the transport, storage, distribution, and management of materials, parts, and products throughout the high-tech supply chain. The types of products covered by high-tech logistics include components, semiconductors, telecommunications, LEDs, computer hardware, flat panels, equipment, devices, and consumer electronics.

The high-tech supply chain is the collection of the steps needed to get a high-tech product into the hands of a customer. This includes sourcing of raw materials, manufacture into parts, assembly into finished products, and the ordering, storage, transport, and distribution of high-tech goods.

Different aspects of the high-tech supply chain can include:

• The transport of raw materials such as silicon, lithium, copper, aluminum, etc.
• Storage and order management for raw materials until they’re needed for manufacturing.
• Supply of raw materials into early production and assembly lines for components and parts.
• Storage of components and parts until they are required for assembly.
• Transport of high-tech parts and components to supply downstream production lines.
• Storage of finished high-tech parts and products until they are required by retailers, equipment suppliers, aftermarket sellers, and others.
• Transport and delivery of finished high-tech parts and products to vendors and customers. 

Exact needs vary between high-tech manufacturers and suppliers, but will likely include the following:

• Rapid product innovation and speed to market as vendors and consumers demand the latest version of high-tech products.
• Order management and product flow optimization to take account of long lead times and ensure the availability of materials, parts, and products for high-tech manufacturing.
• Support for a variety of high-tech assembly lines and methods, especially lean manufacturing and just-in-time assembly. 
• Resilient supply chains that can ensure the flow of goods during times of marketplace, economic, or other disruptions. 
• Rigorous security and quality control across all components, parts, and finished products.
• Deep data, systems, process, and team integration between the manufacturer / seller and the high-tech logistics provider.
• Integration across high-tech logistics services including freight forwarding, import, customs clearance, drayage, storage, warehousing, distribution, and delivery.
• Special handling and transport for raw materials, parts, and finished products.
   

There are many ways to improve the high-tech supply chain, including:

• Deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning to create various scenarios, models, and forecasts for supply and demand, and building those findings into high-tech order management. 
• Sourcing secondary suppliers and manufacturers for various components across the supply chain to build resilience.
• Using a wide logistics transport network for proximity to ports, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and vendors.
• Staying ahead of changes in the high-tech and logistics industry to reduce risks and issues due to changes in legislation, regulations, or marketplaces.

Reverse logistics for brands with high-value consumer electronics help to extend product lifecycles and comply with regulations. Once a customer returns an item, it can be repaired, reconditioned, or recycled. 

When shipping electronics, you need to secure products from theft or damage. Goods must also be ordered and transported quickly to avoid stock-out situations, especially during launches, sales, and other peaks in demand.

A good high-tech logistics partner will track orders in real time and maintain an up-to-date inventory. This is especially important for cross-border shipments to avoid products being stuck in customs.

We’ve been supporting high-tech logistics for many years. We offer end-to-end, integrated logistics solutions that work effortlessly with OEMs and all tiers of suppliers. Our range of supply chain services includes freight forwarding and customs clearance, warehousing and storage, order and inventory management, and distribution.

We focus on:

• Integrated supply chain and logistics services
• Fast high-tech manufacturing and supply chains
• End-to-end visibility and tracking of high-tech logistics
• Comprehensive high-tech logistics networks for distribution across national, regional, and local suppliers, vendors, and dealers
• Deep control and compliance across spares, parts, and products
• Logistics tailored to the unique nature of high-tech products
• Strong focus on CSR and ESG responsibilities