Breaking Down the Importance of Logistic KPI's

Logistics KPI's include metrics that involve cost, time,the time variation in completing the shipping
percentage, and transactions.transaction; other indicators which bring complexity to
The key performance indicators in the logisticsthe shipping transactions, such as number of
industry are useful metrics to measure thedocuments required to file, the criteria for inspection,
performance and progress of activities in logisticsand the percentage of containers inspected in every
operation. These metrics can have certain importancenormal shipping transaction.
for the attainment of the organization's goals.Inefficiencies in logistics operation can harm the
For the logistics management to be effective incompetitive standing of an organization. Cost and
carrying out objectives, it must see to it thattime have interrelated effects. The cost involves in
strategies are developed and enhanced, and thatlogistics include cost of transportation including fuel
there are performance dynamics to support thecost and cost of warehousing. The longer the time to
entire supply chain.ship goods, the higher the costs would be.
Seeing to it that the method of delivery is effectiveThere are also risks in transporting items that can
is a concern of logistics management. This can beeventually add up to the cost of shipping. Perishable
translated by having an on-time arrival of the deliveryitems are prone to wastage and spoilage if the
to its intended station or ends.transit time is longer. Products that are time-sensitive
It is normal for a business to experience delays andcan eventually lose their value if the time of the
downsides during its operation. The logistics industrydelivery is longer. Man-made errors and incompetent
is no exception. However, it is a responsibility of theactions can incur more costs for shipping transactions.
management to minimize or eliminate drawbacks asIndicators that logistics and supply chain management
much as possible. Though elimination of drawbacksmust bring into light include: total cost and time for
seems nearly impossible yet achievable during thetrade-related procedures, total time to complete the
course of the logistics operation, it is still a challengedocument processing, the required number of
for a business in the logistics industry to improve itssignatures per shipping transaction, and time to deal
standing in the supply chain.with custom appeals.
There are key metrics that can be used to measureLogistics companies may also have to determine the
the performance of a logistics business and operation.frequency of shutdowns taking place in the port due
They include: the average time needed to processto unusual weather conditions or manmade forces,
and complete an import or export transaction; thethe vessel turnaround time, the inland freight cost,
cost of the processing of the shipping transaction;and the average freight cost per destination.