In all organization labour is the most important part of any business; a company can accomplish great things with even a small number of employees. But when it comes to optimizing Distribution operations, it’s ultimately about the skills of your human capital rather than the quantity, so take a look at your staff. If your COO is certified in Lean Six Sigma and is a warehouse veteran, or if you’re willing to pay for training, your team may be able to effectively make the jump to a larger distribution center operation without selecting a 3PL.

This ensures you have someone qualified to oversee warehouse management while keeping all inventory under your control. If your team is very small, or you don’t have a logistical master on board, it may be time to consider a 3PL.