Northampton, UK: 6th October 2021
The buying patterns of UK consumers have changed dramatically because of lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic. There has been a surge in sales of DIY and home-based leisure activities, with online sales almost doubling due to the pandemic. BHETA Associate Member, DACHSER DIY Logistics, say their specialist services have aided retailers and suppliers in coping with both trends.
Carolyn Hough, Dachser Business Development Manager, said: “The sudden growth in online shopping has made sales forecasting, inventory planning and supply chain engineering very challenging. Previously infrequent e-commerce consumers found a new way of sourcing their DIY tools and materials. Management consultant Accenture reported online purchasing to have increased by more than 50% in the first six months of the crisis, jumping from 6% up to 14% of total sales. More significantly, this level has stabilised in the less-restricted post-crisis period.
Dachser predict that the e-commerce boom in the DIY and household goods sector is here to stay. Unfortunately this will prolong the logistical challenges of sourcing a huge range of products quickly and efficiently to supply the UK and Europe from regions around the world. Retailers who have not positioned themselves for an e-commerce future may face severe challenges, and we advise them to come up to speed as soon as possible.
Dachser’s industry solution specific for the DIY, garden and home leisure sectors can help with these challenges, providing individually tailored logistics services for customers. Established twenty-two years ago, DACHSER DIY Logistics currently has an annual shipment volume of 7.7 million consignments. These figures indicate the significance of this sector-specific logistics solution and how the Dachser team continue to react to the demands placed on the DIY suppliers and retailers by the changing buying patterns of consumers.
Carolyn said: “Suppliers also experience other challenges brought about by the characteristics of an online marketplace, including irregular demand spikes that require sudden changes in supply capacity. These unpredictable order sizes can make managing the distribution difficult, for instance, direct delivery, holding inventory in intermediary hubs, last-mile delivery, proof of receipt and handling product returns.
“Consequently, Dachser focuses on a range of tailored eLogistics services to adapt to the continuing digitalisation of its customer’s order processes and supply chains. Providing access to all relevant data concerning customer shipments and a system that has a direct connection with the Dachser transport and warehouse management systems has proved beneficial to thier customers. eLogistics provides quick and accessible information about all processes along the supply chain. There are numerous functions available for handling, control and transparency. Crucially in circumstances where online sales demands are immediate and fluctuating, there is the ability to track in-depth process sequences both in transit and in the warehouse when necessary.
“With variations in routing, volumes, delivery criteria and unexpected disruptions occurring, maximum transparency of the product supply chain is vital in a DIY supplier’s competitive advantage within the future of online sales.
Carolyn would be delighted to have a discussion with any BHETA members about support with their logistics.
Contact Carolyn Hough, DACHSER Business Development Manager on 01706 747883 or carolyn.hough@dachser.com