Meet The Supply Chain Consulting Group

Exhibiting at IMHX 2022

Stand 5G47

Ahead of exhibiting at IMHX 2022, we caught up with Gavin Parnell, Director at The Supply Chain Consulting Group to chat all things IMHX, new product launches, sustainability and key market trends to watch out for.

To learn more about The Supply Chain Consulting Group, visit them at IMHX 2022 or head over to the The Supply Chain Consulting Group website

How do you view the outlook for the UK logistics industry?

Clearly, the industry is facing a number of short to medium-term challenges, particularly labour and materials shortages, global shipping problems and post-Brexit complexities, and all of these are contributing to upward cost pressures.

On the other hand, the pragmatic attitude of logisticians means that many companies are pressing on with projects and investments that were delayed by the pandemic. The acceleration in route to market shift is driving new solutions and both the WMS and automation markets are benefitting from innovation and competition from new entrants.

The profile of the industry has been raised, sometimes for the wrong reasons, but I think there is more awareness of supply chains now among the public and the government – hopefully this will be a good thing.

What new products or services are you launching in 2022?

It’s more a case of continuous improvement than anything fundamentally new. As we expand the team we find our skillset and our range of experience naturally increases, which increases the range of what we can do for clients.

We are continually improving the tools we use internally to address client projects, as well as purchasing software where appropriate. For example, linear programming/optimisation software, 3D visualisation, etc.

We also keep up to date with technology developments in the industry, such as new and improving automation technologies and developments in the WMS market.

How has SCCG embraced sustainability?

We try to have an open and inclusive culture at SCCG and espouse values that are compatible with those of our clients. In our work the efficiencies we identify help clients work towards their sustainability goals.

At a more immediate level, we are reducing our carbon footprint through a big reduction in consultant travel and we have moved our Slough office into The Future Works, one of the most sustainable and technologically advanced buildings in the Thames Valley.

What key trends should we watch out for?

I see a tipping point regarding warehouse automation, where it will reach way beyond its traditional client base. In the UK there has always been a leaning towards manual solutions because you could ‘throw people at it’ when you needed more output. It’s getting more difficult and expensive to do that so we are likely to move close to continental attitudes of defaulting towards automation. This trend will be complemented by the availability of more flexible and scalable solutions – AMRs, etc.

On the transport side, I expect to see government measures forcing through greater use of electric vehicles and other alternatives for final mile delivery, which, combined with the demand for rapid delivery, will drive continued demand for warehouses near urban centres to act as consolidation points and forward stock locations.