| | February 20179CIOReviewBeing able to accept, exchange and properly transfer money between countries, while staying within the bounds of global trade regulations, can be overwhelming for emerging brandsstores and chains have specific UPC and labeling requirements not only for displaying the product on shelves, but even for them to be able to accept product shipments in the first place. Taking the time to learn each and every retailer requirement can be an unnecessary expenditure of time and money for a brand. Instead, pairing with a 3PL provider with a proven track record in the region you are pursing can streamline the process and keep hiccups from occurring in the last steps of the supply chain. Neil HampshireDeliveryWhile worldwide carriers offer a great array of transport and logistics services, the ability to coordinate with local transport and warehousing assets can make a tremendous difference. By using local transport and warehousing assets, companies can have additional products in country at the time when a retailer or e-commerce customer requires it rather than having to spend days or weeks to get additional inventory in country. A truly global 3PL provider can leverage existing relationships with local providers to maximize efficiencies in local shipping and storage through economies of scale by leveraging multiple brands' inventories to secure lower rates. These savings can then be passed down the chain to reduce the cost of supply chain and logistics operations for each individual brand. RecyclingCountries vary in the materials they allow in products, as well as in the waste streams. While one country might have established regulations for e-waste recycling and recovery, others may require those same materials to be landfilled, and with regulations come standards. Specifically, advisory signage and labeling must be incorporated not only into packaging but often directly onto the devices themselves. When companies have a partner that is familiar with each and every region's material disclosure and disposal regulations, and has the ability to customize packaging and products at a regional level, companies can prevent having confusing and overcrowded information on packages that try to convey all the applicable regional requirements on a global level. Last minute customization by a capable 3PL allows for product and packaging to present a clean aesthetic, while still adhering to regional regulations by including only regionally-relevant information. Even if a brand manages to anticipate and properly prepare for the must-know facets of the global supply chain listed above, these are simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expanding a brand's global presence. The main piece of advice for any company looking to expand globally is to carefully examine each situation and plan accordingly. There may be areas of the world and specific markets that make sense to start with and expand outward from. While it's true that every company and every product is different, the fact remains that you have one chance to globalize successfully--so make sure you start with the strategy that's correct for your organization--not one that's rushed into.
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