When should you reach out for help? By a supply chain expert

when to reach out for help article .png.png

In the dynamic and complex world of supply chain and logistics, recognising when to seek professional assistance is crucial. We sat down with North Star Projects very own Darren Chaisty to gain insights on the tell-tale signs that indicate it’s time to consult with a supply chain expert.

Recognising the Signs of Trouble

Darren explains that clients often recognise the need for assistance when they encounter significant disruptions within their operations. "If customers are not getting what they want, production lines are screaming and shouting because goods aren't arriving on time, or items are going missing, these are clear signs of underlying problems," Darren notes. These disruptions create a lot of noise and irritation, indicating that something is seriously wrong.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as Red Flags

While anecdotal evidence can highlight issues, Darren emphasises the importance of formal indicators. "If an organisation has a solid operating model with management control and effective reporting, their KPIs will tell the story. When KPIs are heading in the wrong direction—cost per pick increasing, efficiency decreasing, inventory inaccuracies causing issues—these are quantifiable signs that something is amiss," he explains. Additionally, failing audits and rising costs are major indicators that necessitate professional intervention.

Planning for New Warehouses

When it comes to planning a new warehouse, Darren advises considering these factors from the very start. "Designing the warehouse efficiently is crucial, but it's equally important to establish operational processes to avoid future problems. The earlier the operating design is implemented, the better, as this can help shape how the warehouse will function and adapt," he states. Early involvement of a consultancy like North Star can prevent potential operational mismatches and ensure smooth functioning from day one.

When to Seek Help

So, when exactly should You reach out for help? Darren’s advice is straightforward: "As soon as they start seeing things not performing as expected, they should reach out. If they don't have the in-house capability to solve these problems, or if the in-house team isn't effectively addressing the issues, it's time to ask for help." Often, the initial problem statement isn’t the actual issue, and a thorough assessment can reveal the root cause. This might be resolved quickly or require more fundamental changes.

The Impact of Early Intervention

Darren shares an example to illustrate the importance of early intervention. "We've had clients who involved us from the very beginning of their warehouse planning. This allowed us to influence critical decisions like the placement of rest areas, charging stations for material handling equipment, and overall workflow design. Early involvement helps avoid making assumptions that don't hold up during actual operations," he explains.

Final Advice

Darren’s final advice for potential clients is clear: "Don't wait until problems escalate. The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner we can work together to identify and fix the issues, ensuring your operations run smoothly and efficiently."

Key indicators to look out for:  

  1. Internal and External Noise
  2. Performance Metrics Deteriorating
  3. Audit Failures
  4. Operational Disruptions
  5. Rising Costs
  6. Declining KPIs

By recognising the signs and engaging a supply chain consultancy early, organisations can avoid costly mistakes and enhance overall performance, whether dealing with existing operational issues or planning new projects.

If you're having issues within your business and want advice, Contact North Star Projects for a free consultation and find out how Darren and his team can help.

Enjoyed this? Read more from North Star Projects

Latest news

1

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November Gary McEwan managing director of Interfloor

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November

10 Sep 2025

2

Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working Lancashire Combined Authority

Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working

10 Sep 2025

3

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks announce strategic collaboration Collaboration between BAE Systems FalconWorks and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks announce strategic collaboration

09 Sep 2025

4

High street retailers urged to ‘take advantage’ of new funded support programme Brian Moore, Lee Johnson, Anne Williamson and Andrew Leeming

High street retailers urged to ‘take advantage’ of new funded support programme

08 Sep 2025

5

Beaverbrooks invest in the high street in difficult conditions Mark Adlestone And Anna Blackburn Beaverbrooks

Beaverbrooks invest in the high street in difficult conditions

08 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
17 Sep 2025 - 17 Sep 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Chorley Council breakfast event new
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Worden Hall, Leyland, PR25 3DH

08:00 - 11:00

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September
TMM Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September

Chorley, PR7 2SL

18:00 - 20:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin