Published on: 20 December 2019
Last Updated on: 10 September 2024
In recent times, supply chain management (SCM) has had a huge impact on global business. The presence of an efficient SCM system can directly improve customer service, benefiting the producers and distributors simultaneously. This article talks about the operations that supply chain management encompasses and the advantages that it comes along with.
Supply chain management ꟷ definition
Supply Chain Management (SCM) is an important part of every business organization, no matter the size. It refers to the effective management of stock chain activities to maximize customer benefit and gain a sustainable competitive benefit in the international marketplace. In addition to this, SCM also deals with the movement and storing of materials needed to create the final product, inventory management and keeping track of finished goods.
Another important aspect of SCM is the strategic alignment of end-to-end business processes to determine market and economic value. Keeping a good supply chain management system in place can drastically improve the efficiency of plants, warehouses, and transportation vehicles. In brief, SCM plays a crucial role in the final standing point of a company.
The importance of employing supply chain management to business
Supply chain management has turned out to be an essential part of a business and is crucial to every company’s progress and customer comfort. This is because SCM has the power to increase customer service and reduce operating costs. It also improves the financial position of a company. The following pointers explain how supply chain management helps a business to execute all of this:
Meeting customer expectations to deliver the correct product mix and quantity to be delivered on time, in the right location;
Providing efficient follow-up support right after a sale is made;
Decreasing the purchasing and production cost, for example, quick distributions of costly products and raw materials;
Setting up a proficient SCM system to design a network that meets customer service goals on behalf of wholesale manufacturers and retailer suppliers;
Assisting businesses to control and decrease supply chain expenditures, thereby increasing profit leverage;
Reducing the use of large fixed assets such as plants, warehouses and transportation vehicles, which can essentially diminishing cost;
Enhancing cash flow by contributing to the speed of product flows to customers.
The structure of an SCM degree curriculum puts emphasis on leveraging the effects of the operations, as well as the effects of supply chain management on business performance and its objectives. Choose to obtain knowledge with Diploma in Supply Chain Management today and gain a fundamental understanding of company SCM from a global perspective.
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Finding a fast and reliable company for international deliveries is crucial, especially if you are shipping to Poland from the USA. After all, no one wants to deal with delays or uncertainties when sending essential packages.
That’s where Polonez America steps in. With over 40+ years of experience, we’ve perfected the art of reliable shipping to Poland from the USA and globally.
So why stress over shipping? We’ll take you through the process right now!
How To Ship Parcels With Polonez America?
Thanks to our global network and streamlined process, sending packages with Polonez America is quick and easy. To get a quote and create a shipment, visit https://polonezamerica.com/en/ship-parcels.
Here’s how to get started:
Create an account or log in: Sign up if you’re new, or just log in if you already have an account.
Click "Add Package" in My Account: Once logged in, hit the "Add Package" button.
Enter parcel details: Fill in the info about your package — what it is, its size, weight, and more.
Decide on the delivery plan: You can drop off your package at a UPS location or schedule a pick-up.
Review and pay: Click "Show Summary" to check your details and choose your payment method.
Print and attach label: Print your shipping label and stick it securely on your package.
Drop off or schedule pick-up: You can drop off your parcel at UPS or arrange for UPS to pick it up from your home.
What You Need To Know For Smooth And Fast Shipping To Poland From The USA
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your shipment goes quickly and smoothly. Check out the relevant section on our website for all the details on sending your parcel online and preparing it for shipping.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Register on the Website: Sign up on our site to start sending parcels online. If you prefer, you can also visit our warehouse or local office.
Review Restricted Items: Please review our list of prohibited items to avoid shipping items that cannot be sent internationally.
Securely Pack and Label Your Parcel: Make sure your items are packed tightly and safely, and don’t forget to affix the shipping label properly. This helps prevent any potential damage or mix-ups.
Complete Customs Forms: Fill out the customs declaration form carefully to prevent delays at customs.
Pick Your Delivery Option: Decide whether you want your parcel sent directly to the recipient’s address or picked up from our warehouse. This choice will influence both the cost and delivery time.
With these steps, you’re all set for smooth and fast shipping to Poland from the USA. For any questions or additional help, visit our website for detailed information. At Polonez America, we’re committed to making your shipping as fast and hassle-free as possible so you can feel confident that your package is well taken care of.
Related: What are the Different Types of Courier Deliveries?
International Shipping Challenges You Should Be Aware Of
Shipping across borders is different from shipping within your own country. There will be some problems which you have to be aware of.
However, knowing these problems will help you be cautious when shipping to Poland from the USA.
Number 1: Customs Delays
You don't know when those bags are going to come out!
You usually have to wait around the airport and fumble through customs before you find out.
Number 2: Shipping Costs
It is much cheaper to ship within the US than to the European continent. Therefore, you must know the shipping costs to Poland from the USA.
Variable Rates: Depending on the weight, size, and destination – costs can fluctuate.
Additional Fees: Always remember you are responsible for any extra taxes, duties, or other related fees applicable to your country.
Number 3: Package Security
Just because you are shipping doesn't mean there is a guarantee you will reach. Yes, there could be security issues that can delay your package.
Handling Risks: The more times a package is handled, the more chances it will be dropped or otherwise damaged.
Lost Shipments: It's essential to have tracking and insurance on valuable items.
Why Take Help From The Professionals
Want to get rid of all these problems? Take help from the experts.
There are several advantages of using a professional shipping service:
Professionals know customs regulations and shipping laws.
They make the delivery process as fast as you can.
Professional services offer tracking systems to keep an eye on your shipment.
Less stress when you know where your package is at all times.
Professionals(who have done this a lot) can handle any problem that might arise, such as a schedule delay or a lost package.
Many services even provide options for ensuring your valuable items.
Final Note!
Even in Poland, shipping overseas doesn't have to be a headache.
Here's a simple breakdown of how you can do it:
Go with an industry leader like Polonez when it comes to international shipping.
Pack and label it correctly with the help of the steps provided.
Find all you need about customs, fees, and delivery options.
For more information or help, please visit our website to understand international shipping better.
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The shipping of goods involves interacting with different governments and commercial parties to transport goods from one place to another. In international shipping to be specific, rules should be properly maintained for the smooth transport of goods. There are a number of procedures and documents that need to be filled in.
Sanctioning of the order, specifying its origin, declaring its ownership are just a few of the many shipping documents that need to be arranged for the transport. Sellers, after discussing it with the buyers, must use proper incoterms on the products to increase their shipping potential. Even the payments are made on the basis of the arranged documents.
Therefore the importance of the shipping documents can be properly gauged from the above lines. Still, it can be really confusing for the sellers to arrange it all smoothly. So, to help the sellers, a list of basic shipping documents integral for international shipping has been compiled below-
Purchase Order:
This is the first official deceleration of the order received by the seller from the buyers. The purchase order defines what has been ordered, the quantity, its monetary value, and the parties taking part in the transactions.
Commercial invoice:
While the purchase order is the initial document declaring the purchase, the commercial invoice is the final receipt of all transactions between the buyer and seller. This contains the amount paid, yet to be paid, shipment details, carrier payments, and even the incoterms that guide the transaction.
The article is also used by the federal authorities to check the ownership of the goods and to identify individual organizations involved in the transaction. In a way, the commercial invoice summarizes the whole transaction procedure on a single sheet of paper.
Bill of Lading:
The bill of lading is an official contract signed between the owner of the goods and the carrier services be it ships or an airplane. By generating a bill of lading, the carrier agrees to carry the specified goods from one destination to another officially.
Therefore the bill of lading is an important shipping document as it makes the freight forwarders association responsible for the products they are transporting. This reduces the excessive pressure on the seller while the transport of goods. Similarly, when the cargo has reached its destination, the bill of lading is used to hand over the shipment to the importers by the carriers.
Packing List:
The packing list is a detailed itemized list of cargo. It includes the names, weights, volumes, and monetary value of every item being transported. Even the safety measures are taken as well as the packaging types are also mentioned in this list.
The packing list is the document referred to by the customs officials in case of any discrepancy in the cargo. It allows swift identification of the suspicious object and minimizes the damage to the other cargo. As a reference, it is used to make other shipping documents like the bill of lading. In some cases, the payment procedures via a letter of credit also depend on the submission of a packing list.
[caption id="attachment_21956" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Packing List should contain itemized details of the cargo[/caption]
Letter of credit:
International shipping takes time and is very complex due to the several parties involved. Therefore a secure mode of payment needs to exist for the growth of trade.
A letter of credit is generally accepted as the most credible mode of payment among traders. This is issued by a reputed bank guaranteeing the payment to the seller within a specific period in case the buyer fails to pay the whole transaction sum in the specified period.
This payment can be obtained by the seller only after successfully submitting all the shipping documents to the specified bank.
Dock/Warehouse Receipt:
The condition of the product is integral while being transported from one place to another. In case of going for a long voyage, the shipment is stored in a dock/warehouse before being shipped off. The receipt generated here proves that the product arrived in good condition and is passed along as it is.
Certificate of Origin:
Certificate of Origin declares the country to which the product is manufactured and therefore belongs to. This is an essential shipping document because countries have different trade policies with different countries. Therefore if the origin country is unknown, the customs cannot charge proper taxes and other duties on the goods. It also helps to identify if transporting the goods is legal and conforms to trade ties between the countries.
Insurance Certificate
To minimize the risk in international shipping, insurance is taken on the shipment by the exporter. The insurance certificate certifies the insurance scheme and its value.
All these shipping documents together can give the parties involved the best experience of international shipping. Though a lot of the information in many of these documents is similar each serves its own purpose and is needed in different stages of shipping. To know about these in more detail, check out https://www.cogoport.com/shipping-documents.
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Small business owners face numerous considerations when deciding whether to purchase or lease a business facility.
Once a business owner identifies their specific facility requirements and successfully locates the ideal property, they encounter another crucial choice: Should they buy or rent the property?
This decision arises in two distinct scenarios: First, when the owner of the desired property is open to either selling or leasing it, and second when you have multiple options, some available for purchase and others for lease.
To make this decision confidently, it's essential to evaluate the financial aspects and the determining factors that influence the suitability of leasing versus buying a business facility.
Comparing The Economics Of Leasing Vs. Buying
What should you go for when it comes down to lease vs buy for business?
In business decisions, few choices are as pivotal as determining whether to lease or buy assets. This holds for many assets, from real estate to equipment, vehicles, and more.
This decision can have significant financial implications for business owners, and understanding the pros and cons of leasing versus buying is crucial for informed decision-making.
Let’s explore the economics of these two options, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of each to help business owners make the right choice for their specific circumstances.
The Economics Of Leasing
Leasing, as a financial arrangement, is a concept that extends beyond the realm of property and includes various assets such as vehicles, equipment, and even software.
At its core, leasing is a method of obtaining the use of an asset for a specified period while making regular payments to the asset's owner, whether it's a lessor or a financial institution.
The economics of leasing involve several key factors that affect the decision to lease rather than purchase outright.
One of the primary economic benefits of leasing is the conservation of capital. When you lease an asset, you avoid the substantial upfront cost of purchasing it. This is particularly advantageous for businesses, allowing them to allocate their capital to other essential operations or investments.
For individuals, it means not having to deplete their savings to acquire a costly asset, whether it's a car, a piece of machinery, or even a home.
Leasing often offers more predictable and manageable cash flows compared to outright ownership. Lease agreements typically involve fixed monthly payments over the lease term, making it easier to budget and plan for expenses.
Tax benefits can also make leasing an economically attractive option. In some cases, lease payments are tax-deductible as a business expense.
This can lead to significant tax savings for companies. However, tax benefits can vary depending on the asset being leased and the specific tax regulations in place.
However, There Are Economic Drawbacks To Leasing As Well:
Long-Term Costs: Over an extended period, leasing can be more expensive than buying, primarily due to the cumulative cost of lease payments.
No Equity Buildup: When you lease, you do not build equity in the asset. It remains the property of the lessor.
Limited Control: The lessee must adhere to the lessor's terms and conditions, which can be restrictive.
The Economics Of Buying
The decision to buy an asset, whether a property, a vehicle, or any significant investment, is a fundamental economic choice with both immediate and long-term financial implications.
Understanding the economics of buying involves considering various factors that impact the purchase decision and how ownership affects one's financial situation.
One of the central economic aspects of buying is the upfront cost. When you decide to buy an asset, you typically need to pay the full purchase price, which can be a substantial one-time expense.
This upfront payment represents a significant commitment of financial resources and can affect your liquidity, especially for big-ticket items like real estate or high-end machinery.
Buying an asset often means having complete control and decision-making authority over it. You can customize, modify, or use the asset as you see fit.
This sense of ownership can be economically empowering, allowing you to tailor the asset to your specific needs or preferences.
Mortgages and loans are common financial instruments for buying high-value assets like real estate or vehicles. These arrangements enable individuals to spread the cost of the asset over time.
While loans may involve interest payments, they make the purchase more accessible and can be financially strategic.
However, Buying Also Has Its Economic Downsides:
Higher Initial Costs: Purchasing assets often requires a substantial initial investment, burdening businesses with limited capital.
Risk of Depreciation: Some assets, like vehicles and certain equipment, can depreciate over time, impacting their resale value.
Maintenance Costs: Owners are responsible for maintenance and repairs, which can be costly.
Reduced Flexibility: Selling owned assets can be time-consuming and might not be feasible in rapidly changing business environments.
Factors To Consider When Making The Lease Or Buy Decision
The lease vs. buy decision is critical and can significantly impact a business's financial health and long-term prospects. To make an informed decision, business owners must weigh several important factors.
Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
Financial Considerations
The financial aspect is often the cornerstone of the lease or buy decision. One of the initial considerations is the upfront costs. Buying a property typically involves a substantial financial commitment, including a down payment, closing costs, and potential expenses for renovations or furnishing.
On the other hand, leasing usually requires a security deposit and the first month's rent, which are notably lower than the upfront costs of buying. Another critical financial factor is the monthly expenses associated with each option.
While leasing tends to result in lower monthly costs than buying, owning a property often entails higher mortgage payments. However, these payments contribute to building equity in the property.
Additionally, the potential for property appreciation is a financial consideration, as owning a property allows you to benefit from the property's value increase over time. Conversely, leasing may increase annual rent, impacting your financial planning.
Lastly, the tax implications are significant. Property ownership can provide tax benefits, such as deductions for mortgage interest. In contrast, leasing does not offer these tax advantages but may simplify financial management.
Long-Term Goals
Your long-term objectives play a pivotal role in the lease or buy decision. Buying might be the more suitable choice if you are interested in benefiting from property appreciation and potentially selling the property for a profit.
On the other hand, if flexibility is a priority, such as the ability to relocate or change your living situation without the responsibilities of property ownership, leasing provides greater adaptability.
Understanding your long-term goals is crucial in deciding to align with your aspirations.
Responsibilities and Maintenance
The responsibilities and maintenance associated with each option are essential factors to consider. Property maintenance costs, such as repairs and upkeep, are the responsibility of property owners.
Leasing, however, often shifts these responsibilities to the landlord responsible for maintaining the property. Moreover, property ownership allows for customization and renovation, allowing you to modify the property to your preferences.
In contrast, leasing may come with limitations on modifying the property, as any alterations typically require landlord approval. These factors highlight the practical aspects of the lease or buy decision and the degree of responsibility you are willing to undertake.
Market Conditions
The state of the real estate market at the time of your decision is a critical external factor. It can significantly influence the cost-effectiveness of leasing or buying.
Buying may be more advantageous in a buyer's market, characterized by lower property prices and favorable interest rates.
In contrast, leasing might be the more prudent choice in a seller's market with rising property prices, as property prices may be inflated, making buying less cost-effective.
Duration of Stay
Your anticipated duration of stay in the property is a key factor. For a short-term stay, leasing is often a more practical option.
Buying may not provide enough time to build equity and recover the upfront costs of property ownership.
Conversely, plan to stay in the property for an extended period. Buying can be financially advantageous in the long run, allowing you to benefit from property appreciation and build equity over time.
Making The Decision
The decision to lease or buy should be based on your business's unique needs, financial situation, and long-term goals.
Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis, factoring in your specific circumstances, and considering how the economics of leasing or buying align with your business strategy is advisable.
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