Buy in Bulk
It’s key to meeting fluctuating requirements in the retail and logistics sectors.
The lockdown created a challenging environment for both the retail and logistics sectors. Since the initial shutdown, we are now seeing the easing of restrictions and a wider variety of goods being offered once more.
The entire distribution chain has had to adapt to these fluctuations to ensure a steady supply of goods to customers. Flexible staffing in the form of Temporary Employment Services (TES) can be beneficial in assisting both retailers and logistics organisations during these trying times.
Meeting increased demand
When the lockdown was first announced, the sectors experienced unprecedented pressure, as people rushed to stock up on “essential items”.
This wave of demand eased, but ensuring a steady supply of goods remains a challenge. The current environment for essentials like food and cleaning products is operating at peak demand, and the distribution channel needs to be able to cater to that.
This means they require a workforce to keep up with from offloading imported shipments to transporting to packers in stores.
As the lockdown is gradually lifted, the need for workers will grow. However, at the current level warehouses are not permitted to operate at full capacity. There is also potential for the country to revert back to higher levels of lockdown in the future, which would then put different pressures on the workforce.
In addition, if a worker tests positive for Covid-19 many others must be quarantined, which results in the need for an entire additional workforce to be deployed at short notice. Flexibility is of the utmost importance in ensuring operations run smoothly.
The skills you need
One of the most important qualities a TES provider offers is the flexibility required, with access to an extensive database of skilled and experienced staff across all industries. This includes expert on-site operations teams and effective contingency teams.
In addition, they are able to guarantee the short turnaround necessary to ensure staff can be deployed quickly.
For example, a store may need to be closed or warehouse staff quarantined, which means a whole new workforce may be required on short notice. With a TES provider, retailers and logistics operations have support for fluctuation and demands, both during more normal times and in this difficult environment.
TES providers ensure that all staff have completed the necessary on-the-job training and have the relevant skills for the positions they are being deployed to, to enable them to fulfil all job functions effectively. They also offer systems and operational support to ensure that all workers deployed meet the requirements of each individual site, including training and any necessary inductions.