With Australian retailers and suppliers facing increasing challenges from a rapidly changing digital world, a new three-day exhibition for the logistics sector has been announced for Melbourne in March 2014.
The 3PL (third party logistics) E-warehouse Management and Solutions Show will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from March 25-27, 2014, and is being organised by Fair Events
The 3PL Show is aimed at decision makers across the logistics, supply chain, distribution, warehouse and materials handling sectors. It will run along side the e-Commerce Conference and Expo – to be held at the same venue – with the theme of 'How we connect, buy and supply in the future'.
The exhibitor profile includes suppliers and providers of third-party logistics services, logistics and warehouse management systems, software solutions, warehousing and materials handling equipment/services, transport and packaging systems/equipment, security systems, and order fulfilment systems.
"Successful implementation of a third-party logistics strategy is essential for any supplier in today's digital environment," said Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director of Fair Events.
"The 3PL Show will showcase the latest developments in this industry to both 3PL providers and to organisations looking to outsource their logistics requirements.
"Decision makers across the logistics and supply chain sectors – including both purchasers and users of such services, and suppliers – will come together at the 3PL Show to see the latest technology and developments.
"Companies of all sizes are looking for the latest solutions in logistics and supply chain management in today's digital world, in what is an unprecedented time of change driven by technology," he said.
"Developments such as omni-channel retailing mean that suppliers and retailers have to be increasingly flexible, proactive and responsive to the demands of their customers.
"Sales made through multiple channels require highly sophisticated solutions to optimise inventory control, order picking packaging, and dispatch in a timely manner– often within hours or even minutes of receiving an order – to ensure the back end fully supports the front end."
Fitz-Roy said the rapid pace of change and technology in the logistics sector, combined with increasingly demanding customers, meant that third party logistics service providers were increasingly being used across all industries.
"Third-party logistics involves the outsourcing of various elements of a client's supply chain to a single 3PL company able to take on management all aspects of the logistics and supply chain management functions: inbound freight, customs, warehousing, order fulfilment, distribution, and outbound freight to customers."
Mr Fitz-Roy said there were a number of reasons why companies would use a 3PL provider. These included:
The ability to increase on-time performance and realise efficiencies through better inventory management, using superior technology and processes? to maintain their competitive edge. The ability to quickly build a multi-location distribution network with lower risk and without the significant capital investment associated with building an in-house network.
"We have specifically designed the 3PL Show to make it the industry's most effective working fair, so that decision makers and industry participants can quickly find the products and services most relevant to their needs," he said.
This includes dividing the show into three main sections:
IT solutions, including telematics, e-business and telecommunications. In-house solutions, including intra-company logistics, warehouse management systems, auto ID and packaging. Freight transport solutions, including transport, logistics and security systems.
"The show will also incorporate our Spotlight Learning Exchanges where we will focus on key innovations and new technology," Fitz-Roy said.
Sectors targeted by the 3PL Show include:
Wholesalers and retailers. E-commerce. Transport, distribution, storage and logistics. Customs Brokers. Freight forwarders. Warehouse design and construction. Recycling and rubbish disposal. Packaging. IT and software. Cold storage. Industrial supplies.
