The 7 “C’s” of Logistics

While much of what we know is changing, other things remain fundamental. These are the reference points that guide us when we want to navigate the complex sea of logistics today.

One of the most useful and interesting frameworks that seeks to define these structural pillars is the “seven C’s”. These seven points give us a broad view of the most important elements of logistics. They are not independent: they work in synergy and can only be understood as the interconnected components of a machine.

Keeping these seven aspects in mind is essential for a good approach to logistics in your company or for your online sales.

1. Connect

It would be hard to find a more relevant verb in the modern world; it sums up much of what the revolutions of recent decades have been. Technology allows us faster connections than ever. This applies both to social networks and to the Internet of Things, to sales platforms and to stock management tools.

The word connect refers to the importance of establishing strong relationships with the world around us, whether with customers and potential customers, partners, suppliers, or within companies themselves, internally. The fluidity and effectiveness of all logistics operations depend on these relationships.

2. Create

Fossilization is the enemy of efficiency, even more so in a world as volatile as ours. Adaptability has become more fundamental than ever, and to achieve it, the capacity for experimentation and innovation is necessary.

In the case of InPost, one of our main bets is an approach to parcel transport that is helping solve many of today’s logistics problems. The non-home delivery has become increasingly popular and is a highly advantageous shipping method for all parties. We believe it will be the model of the future.

3. Customize

The level of sophistication of a product or service can often be measured by its ability to meet individual needs. While technology tends to generalize some aspects of human interactions, personalization at all levels is becoming increasingly important.

In logistics, as in other areas, it is necessary to achieve the kind of flexibility that makes it possible to keep up with the public’s demands as these may differ from person to person or change over time.

4. Coordinate

The speed and complexity of modern logistics place special emphasis on coordination. Synchronization of complex tasks and attention to multiple details are required, such as preparing to receive materials from a supplier, managing warehouse stock to meet the number of orders, or, of course, shipping the parcel.

One of the technologies that has become unavoidable, in part because it promotes good coordination between all parties and transparency in the process, is parcel tracking. The InPost tracking service allows both sender and recipient to easily find out the location of a shipment in real time and at any time of day.

5. Consolidate

Consolidation refers to the improvement of operations in order to increase their efficiency. This increase in efficiency can involve, for example, greater speed, lower costs, or improvements in product quality.

It is largely the efficiency provided by our network of pickup points – which eliminates many of the complications and delays of last-mile distribution – that allows us to offer an agile delivery service at attractive prices. You can consult our rates on the Parcel Shipping page on our website.

6. Collaborate

An old saying states that no one is an island, and the same applies, of course, to companies. Complete autonomy is a chimera, and perhaps it wouldn’t even be desirable – we learn too much from others.

In logistics and other areas of commerce, establishing and maintaining partnerships based on common goals is essential. A very direct example is our collaboration with traditional high-street stores to form the InPost Pack Points network.

7. Contribute

The need to contribute positively to the world and society in which we live, as citizens or as companies, is not just a matter of ethics: it is also a business matter. Consumers increasingly value social responsibility and sustainability, and make decisions accordingly. The reuse of materials and the so-called circular economy, for example, are playing an increasingly relevant role.

Logistics is one of the economic sectors that produces the most pollution, and the growth of digital commerce is creating urgent environmental problems. Non-home delivery represents a cleaner solution than conventional deliveries, significantly reducing the CO2 emissions generated for each parcel. Visit our website to find out more about this and other advantages of non-home delivery with InPost.