From purchasing to shipping, complex logistics.
A key element of a company, logistics brings together all the means and methods relating to the organization of the latter. Handling, transport, packaging, supplies, management of customs and financial data, compliance with quality and safety levels... logistics is a complex mission.
1- Purchases
The "purchasing" position refers to orders placed with Monchoix's various suppliers, ahead of the season. It is a fundamental stage in the life of the company, since it determines Monchoix's ability to meet its customers' expectations. At the same time, it is one of the most complex positions to set up. The success of the order is in fact conditioned by several parameters: the choice of products to order, the quantity required and delivery times. "The order is placed in two stages," explains Margaux Gaultier, logistics assistant at Monchoix. Our organization requires a first arrival at our premises for the pre-season at the beginning of March, and a second at the end of April, with respective orders in October and January." A significant amount of anticipation work and a good knowledge of the processes are therefore necessary.
Product selection and quantity assessment: the importance of customer feedback
In order to determine which products will be included in the annual collections, Monchoix relies on pre-orders made by its customers, as well as on the results of the best sales from previous years. “Every year, we also think about new products to renew the catalog,” adds Margaux. “A first selection is made internally. Then, as far as possible, we make samples to present to customers. This allows us to have an initial impression. We order in very large quantities. This is why this customer feedback is very important to us.” The Monchoix team also relies on its favorites, because “there are products that we really want to defend.”
Deadlines and international standards: knowing when to order
Monchoix works with several suppliers, mainly in France and China. While French delivery is faster, it is intended for customization. The purchasing department must therefore take into account production times in the Trégueux workshops. International orders, on the other hand, require mastering the rules of global trade and knowing how to anticipate. "In our jargon, we think in terms of ETD, estimated departure date. With China, for example, I know that from the order, I have to count one month for production. But we never place our orders only one month in advance, because other elements are added," explains Margaux. Regular contact with the production plant, verification and validation of files, management of contingencies, booking of the freight forwarder, choice of the embarkation date, etc. ... the purchasing department must be versatile. Margaux must also be familiar with the trade agreements established between France and the supplier countries. "It's a bit technical. Especially since the rules are not the same from one country to another." Finally, the goods are transported by boat to Le Havre.
2- Receipt of Orders in Monchoix Warehouses
Monchoix receives deliveries of its orders on its unloading dock, received in full containers. The entire team is mobilized for unloading. The products are sorted by reference, installed on pallets and then stored in the warehouse, under the watchful eye of Thérèse, warehouse manager at Monchoix. "On average, we receive a dozen containers in the year. There can be several in the same day. This requires managing schedules, predicting the number of pallets needed, etc.", explains Margaux.
3- Quality control
The Monchoix company carries out systematic quality control before shipping to its customers. "We open a box of each reference." A significant amount of work when you consider that a container can contain up to 40 references. "At the slightest doubt, we open more boxes. It is not uncommon for us to have unpleasant surprises. But we have learned to anticipate them and integrate them into our schedules."
4- Personalization
Monchoix has been a specialist in personalized tableware for several decades. From the creation of visuals to the installation of decorations, the company offers its customers a wide choice of models as well as unique decorations, created to measure*. Also, after receipt, the "white" tableware goes into "production" in order to be decorated. This step is carried out in the Monchoix workshops in Trégueux.
5- Shipping
When the products are ready to go, Monchoix ships them to its customers. “Everything is delivered by truck,” explains Margaux. “In season, from mid-March, our carrier comes by every day. Out of season, we have to call them to schedule the transport. We have a tracking number and can know exactly where the goods are at any time.” The shipping stage requires good expertise in customer order books to deliver on time.