Seamless transitions are_they_possible

1. ne ws.e xpre sst racking.o rg
http://news.expresstracking.o rg/2013/12/seamless-transitio ns-are-they-po ssible/
Seamless Transitions: Are They Possible?
December 25, 2013 · by leo wo ng · in News · Edit
Large organizations are of ten reticent to switch service providers because of the short-term ramif ications
of transitioning business to someone new. T hese are f ive important considerations f or importers and
shippers to keep in mind when the time is right to transition your logistics and compliance programs to a
customer-service f ocused and highly experienced service provider.
“We were recently awarded business that had been handled by another service provider f or more than
f if teen years. T here were procedures and other important inf ormation f iled in various places that were
unorganized and certainly not optimized. Following the steps in a f ormal transition process allowed f or a
streamlined and centralized program developed in partnership with the customer. T he customer expressed
how pleased they were with the knowledge and inf ormation that they subsequently gained by walking
through the transition process step by step with Expeditors. T his also signif icantly improved their overall
compliance in record and data retention.”
It goes without saying that a bad transition can signif icantly impact your end customer, your revenue, and
your supply chain. Today’s supply chains are so complex that any disruption can create a ripple ef f ect
upsetting the balance between providing your goods to your customers on time and completely missing the
upcoming product launch. We understand that the risk is high.
If you caref ully consider these f ive elements, we think you’ll f ind a much smoother transition ahead of you.
1. Transparency
From the time business is awarded; there should be a high level of transparency between both
organizations. Transitions are a team ef f ort, and expectations must be communicated between groups.
You know your business better than anyone; but you must be willing to share your vision and goals so the
partnership can succeed.
2. Resources
Unlike some transactions, dedicated resources are important f or successf ul transitions. T hose resources
should likely come f rom the service provider, so they can engage the right operational subject matter
experts, IT analysts, and management support. Tasking one person with shepherding the project through to
completion ensures the oversight necessary to stay on track with targeted dates and milestones.
3. Mapping
Prof essional transition managers are uniquely equipped to develop comprehensive project plans based on
the identif ied key perf ormance indicators, scope of systems integration, and process mapping. Clearly
def ining operational processes f rom the beginning will simplif y the overall project and will ensure there is no
disruption to your business when switching service providers.
4. Communication
Every project should start with a “kickof f call” or meeting to ensure the scope of business is aligned with
your expectations. Regular weekly conf erence calls with internal and external stakeholders will make it
easier to stick with the project plan.
5. Measurement

2. A smooth transition will include timelines and milestones that are clear and measurable. Your business
objectives should be the f ocal point of the process, with regular reviews to keep everyone on target to
achieve the results you expect.
Expeditors has developed a successf ul global transition and implementation process using experienced
prof essionals who are responsible f or providing an accurate assessment of what business is secured,
what transition elements exist and what measurements should be applied to accomplish a global, seamless
transition to our Account Management Program.
Note: ExpressTracking provide Expeditors Tracking service now.