setting goals for your supply chain in the new year
Happy New Year! Not only is it a new year, but a new decade. Now is the time where business owners and management are feeling inspired to kick off 2020 on the right foot and to have a successful, profitable year. At NOTS Logistics, we work with a wide variety of supply chains and have found that most customers we partner with have a general idea of where improvements can be made in their operations. Many of them are looking for improved visibility, more accurate inventory planning, reduced losses, better customer service, etc. While they may know what areas of their supply chains they wish to improve, they often need assistance in making those improvements come to life. This is where S.M.A.R.T. goals come into play.
Specific – When setting a goal for your supply chain, you must be as specific and clear as possible. If people do not understand the goal, how can you expect them to achieve it? Also, it should not be too broad. Otherwise, your staff will not be able to focus their efforts or feel truly motivated to achieve it. There should be no question as to what the goal means and for what department and team members are responsible for making it happen.
Measurable – When drafting a goal, ask yourself what metrics will be used to assess it. A goal needs to be measurable, so that your management team can track its progress. If it is measurable, it feels more tangible. If the goal may take months or even longer to complete, set some measurable milestones so that your employees can feel more motivated.
Attainable – This one is self-explanatory. The goal needs to be achievable, so when creating it, think of what your employees may need to achieve it. Will they need new technology or more training? A goal should inspire rather than discourage.
Realistic – Ask yourself is this goal realistic for your team given the timeframe and their available resources? If your goal is to implement more accurate inventory planning, do you have the proper Warehouse Management System in place to assist your employees? When setting your supply chain goals, make sure that your goals will motivate your employees not frustrate them because they are unrealistic.
Timely – Every goal you set needs to have a definite start and end date. If there is no deadline, there will be no real sense of urgency to make it happen. The goal will sit on the back burner and be forgotten. Set a realistic time constraint, and then remind employees through team meetings, signage, etc. You want the goal to be enforced consistently.
At NOTS Logistics, we believe in order for a goal to be completed, it needs to be S.M.A.R.T. We help our clients clearly define their goals to their workforce and equip them with the resources to get the job done. If you are ready to take your supply chain to the next level in 2020, contact us today.
At NOTS Logistics, our coworkers are the driving force behind everything we do. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence make it possible for us to deliver exceptional service to our customers and positively impact the communities we serve. That’s why taking time to recognize and celebrate our employees is an important part of our culture.
On Wednesday, June 19th, NOTS Logistics proudly hosted an Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout at our Nashville, Illinois location. The event brought together coworkers from across our operations to enjoy great food, connect with one another, and celebrate the contributions that make our organization stronger every day.
Bringing Our Team Together
The cookout welcomed all full-time, part-time, PSA, TRSC, and NMS/North Operations employees, creating an opportunity for team members from various roles and departments to gather outside of their daily responsibilities. Events like this allow coworkers to build stronger relationships, share experiences, and foster the sense of connection that defines the NOTS Logistics culture.
Creating opportunities for employees to come together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting helps strengthen teamwork and encourages collaboration across the organization. Whether working in operations, administration, or support roles, each employee plays a vital part in our success, and this event was designed to celebrate that shared purpose.
A Classic Summer Celebration
The cookout featured classic summer favorites, including hamburgers, bratwurst, and a variety of delicious sides that everyone could enjoy. The casual atmosphere allowed employees to unwind, enjoy a meal together, and take a well-deserved break from their busy schedules.
While the food was certainly a highlight, the true focus of the event was appreciation — recognizing the effort, dedication, and positive energy our coworkers bring to the workplace every day. The cookout provided a space for laughter, conversation, and connection, reinforcing the strong relationships that help define our workplace culture.
Celebrating Our Culture of Appreciation
As a family-owned company, NOTS Logistics has always prioritized people first. We believe that a supportive work environment leads to greater engagement, stronger performance, and lasting success. Showing appreciation for our coworkers is not simply an annual activity — it is a core part of how we operate.
The Employee Appreciation BBQ reflects our ongoing commitment to:
-
Recognizing employee contributions and celebrating achievements
-
Building strong workplace relationships across teams and departments
-
Fostering a positive and supportive culture where employees feel valued
-
Encouraging connection and engagement among coworkers
By investing in our employees and recognizing their hard work, we continue to build an environment where individuals feel respected, supported, and motivated to succeed.
The Importance of Employee Recognition
Employee appreciation events play an important role in strengthening organizational culture. Taking time to acknowledge the dedication of our workforce helps reinforce the values that guide NOTS Logistics — teamwork, respect, and commitment to excellence.
When employees feel valued, they are more engaged in their work, more connected to their teams, and more motivated to contribute to organizational goals. Events like the BBQ cookout serve as a reminder that every role matters and every contribution helps move our company forward.
At NOTS Logistics, we understand that our success is directly tied to the people who make up our team. Their efforts, expertise, and positive attitudes allow us to continue growing, innovating, and delivering high-quality logistics solutions for our customers.
Gratitude for Our Nashville Team
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout and helped make the event such a success. Your continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence are what make NOTS Logistics a great place to work and a trusted partner for our customers.
We are incredibly proud of our Nashville team and all our coworkers across every location. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the role each of you plays in strengthening our organization and supporting our communities.
Looking Ahead
At NOTS Logistics, we remain committed to creating opportunities that celebrate our people, strengthen our culture, and support our teams. Events like the Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout reflect our ongoing mission to invest in our coworkers and build an environment where everyone can thrive.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us for a day of great food, connection, and celebration. We appreciate you — today and every day.
Connect With Us
Main Office
17848 Mockingbird Road
Nashville, IL 62263
Email:
sales@notslogistics.com
Phone: (800) 642-5436
Fax: (618) 478-5356