Understanding the Key Performance Indicators in Logistics

A common part of business in many industries, key performance indicators (KPIs) are a vital component of all aspects of logistics. In short, it’s a tool that helps to quantify and measure the efficiency of logistics in many different types of operations.

While it’s common language in business, KPIs can be much more crucial depending on the type of work and industry in question. A leading example of this would be the manufacturing industry, as logistics is a significant driving force for that sector.

Nevertheless, KPIs are important for performance evaluation, whether it’s procurement, transportation, delivery, and other relevant factors. Between best practices and optimization, logistics KPIs are set in place to optimize performance and end results. In this article, you’ll get a brief look at the importance of KPIs in logistics and the many sub-factors that come into play.

Important KPIs in Logistics

While there are surface-level KPIs that come into play, regardless of the industry, some are a bit more specific than others. However, the truth is that without a well-structured outlook on KPIs in logistics, many angles of business operations can fall short.

A few examples of common focal points of KPIs in logistics include:

1. Pick and pack costs: Helps measure the costs of picking and packing products in warehousing with the aim of reducing expenses and improving profitability.
2. Inventory turnover ratio: This takes note of how fast products move out the door and helps achieve a higher turnover rate to mitigate the potential for overstock.
3. Operating ratio: This concerns operating expenses compared to revenue. Keeping this ratio as low as possible can help create a more sustainable approach to business finances.
4. Net profit ratio: Used to assess profitability in relation to sales or assets. It’s also an important factor in resource allocation, a core part of logistics.
5. Inventory to sales ratio: Takes a look at inventory and compares it to actual sales data. This supports a more balanced inventory and avoids complications in the supply chain.
6. Financial leverage: This concerns debt-to-asset ratios and is an accurate reflection of current and potential financial risk and returns. Finding balance in this leverage can help manage debt risk while optimizing return.

Logistics considers more than just physical daily operations. However, logistic-specific KPIs are tailored to measure performance from many different angles. Creating effective KPIs for warehousing operations or any other industry generally comes with a blend of customization and universal best practices.

Creating Effective Logistics KPIs

For those focused on logistics, effective KPIs can include a bit more nuance compared to a general approach to such metrics. A great starting point for defining logistics KPIs would be to focus on the “SMART” framework. This pertains to focusing on the following KPI parameters:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Timely

Professionals in logistics, especially those focused on improving warehousing or manufacturing performance, have to be hyper-focused on these parameters. Without covering these surface-level KPIs, operations logistics can take a significant downturn in short order.

Endnote

Whether you work in warehousing, manufacturing, or any other industry, you’ll find that KPIs are always a part of the equation. While there are plenty of best practices to work from, optimizing logistics KPIs can come with some trial and error. By combining certain best practices with your own internal systems, KPIs can be refined over time through consistent, actionable data.