Logistics services / Operational consulting
Operational Consulting & Audit - We Find Where You're Losing Money, Time and People
Most companies know their logistics could work better - but don't know exactly where the problem lies or where to start. Vologis conducts an independent audit of warehouse, transport and supply chain processes, identifies bottlenecks and delivers measurable recommendations. We don't stop at a report - we implement changes until measurable results are achieved. We operate from hard operational experience, not textbook theory.
- Warehouse and transport process audit
- Bottleneck identification and quick wins
- Warehouse layout and flow design
- WMS, automation and robotics selection
- Quantified recommendations with an implementation roadmap
- We implement changes - we don't just write reports
When logistics starts costing more than it earns
Bottlenecks are rarely where you expect them. The company sees rising costs, delays and team frustration - but the root cause often lies deeper: a poorly designed layout, suboptimal picking processes, a misconfigured WMS, or a structure that hasn't kept pace with business scale.
Internal teams gradually lose perspective on their own organisation - it's hard to see a problem you're looking at every day. An external, objective view uncovers hidden reserves and bypasses the internal politics that often blocks change.
Vologis operational audit is not theoretical analysis. We go on-site, count rotations, observe processes, talk to operators. We show exactly where capital is stuck - and what to do to free it.
A bad automation investment costs you for 10 years. Warehouse automation is a multi-year investment - which is exactly why the wrong choice is so costly. We advise independently: we select automation for volumes, processes and the growth horizon - so the investment pays back across its full lifetime.
Who is operational consulting for?
An audit makes sense wherever logistics has become a brake on growth or a source of costs that aren't visible at first glance.
Manufacturing companies
When production logistics is slowing output and shop floor supply and batch tracking need restructuring.
Trading and distribution companies
When warehousing and picking costs are growing faster than revenue.
E-commerce and D2C
When growing order volumes are reducing picking efficiency and returns handling quality.
3PL/4PL logistics operators
When you need an external process review and benchmark ahead of contract renegotiations.
Companies before an IT or automation investment
When you want certainty that the investment in WMS or automation will pay off and solve the right problem.
Transport companies scaling a fleet (100+ vehicles)
When you're managing a fleet of over 100 vehicles and growth is exposing bottlenecks: route planning, dispatch, empty runs, driver turnover. Operational consulting structures processes before the next scaling stage.
What does operational consulting and audit cover?
We tailor the audit scope to the problem - from a rapid review of one area to a full operational assessment of the warehouse, production and transport.
Warehouse process audit
We analyse inbound, storage, picking, packing and dispatch. We identify bottlenecks, waste and areas with the highest improvement potential.
Production logistics audit
We assess shop floor supply, material flows, batch tracking and assembly picking. We pinpoint where processes are slowing production output.
Bottleneck identification & Quick Wins
We identify both low-cost immediate-impact changes and longer-term actions. Every recommendation comes with an estimated effect and priority rating.
Layout and flow design
We design warehouse layout and material flows around a specific rotation profile, volume and growth plans. We eliminate unnecessary movements and empty runs.
WMS and automation selection
We help select and configure WMS systems, warehouse automation and robotics - objectively, with no supplier ties. We match technology to scale and budget, not the other way round.
Warehouse automation consulting
We advise on automation selection - from AutoStore, miniload and sorters to AMRs and internal transport systems. Independently, no vendor commissions. We select a scalable solution based on realistic volumes and investment horizon.
Roadmap and implementation
We deliver a concrete short- and long-term action roadmap. You can implement the recommendations yourself or with our support - all the way to achieving the target KPIs.
When is the right time for an operational audit?
An audit makes sense when you recognise at least one of the following signals:
- Rising operational costs with no clear cause
- Order fulfilment and picking delays
- Running out of warehouse space
- Team spending time firefighting instead of developing
- Before purchasing or replacing a WMS
- Before investing in warehouse automation
- Need to reduce average stock levels
- Business scale has outgrown current processes
- Planned warehouse relocation or expansion
- Declining throughput despite increased headcount
What do you get from the audit?
Accurate diagnosis
Certainty about where the real problem lies - hard numbers, not assumptions.
Quantified recommendations
Every action prioritised and accompanied by an estimated financial or operational benefit.
Short- and long-term action roadmap
A concrete plan: what to do first, what requires investment and when to expect results.
Prioritised by return
Focus on actions with the highest return - not those that look most appealing.
Reduced risk of poor investment decisions
An audit before buying WMS or automation helps avoid costly mistakes from misdiagnosis.
Market and best-practice benchmark
Knowledge of where you stand against your industry and what the most efficient operators in your segment are doing.
Board-ready results presentation
A decision-ready document: prepared for presentation, with no operational jargon.
Why Vologis?
Vologis is not a consulting firm that writes reports and leaves. We have direct operational experience - managing warehouses, production and 3PL logistics. We know what a problem looks like from the inside, not just from a data perspective.
We're 100% independent of WMS, automation and warehouse system vendors. We don't recommend technology because we have a contract with it - we recommend what genuinely fits the client's scale, budget and operational specifics. Sometimes the best decision is to delay IT investment until the processes are ready.
Talk to Vologis- We walk the floor - we don't analyse from a desk
- 100% independent - no ties to WMS or automation vendors
- We recommend implementation, not just diagnosis
- Experience from the operator side, not just consulting
- Market and best-practice benchmark
- Measurable results - not general observations
FAQ - frequently asked questions
How long does a logistics audit take?
A quick audit (Quick Check) of a specific area: 1-2 weeks. A full operational audit of a business: 3-6 weeks, depending on scale and number of locations. Scope and timeline are agreed at the first meeting.
How does a Vologis audit differ from a WMS vendor analysis?
A WMS vendor analyses processes with a view to selling their system. We're 100% independent - we have no interest in any specific solution. We often recommend cleaning up processes first, before it even makes sense to invest in a new system.
Do I have to commission you for implementation after the audit?
No. You can implement the roadmap recommendations yourself or with another partner. Many clients start with an audit and decide on implementation after seeing the results. There is no obligation to continue.
Does the audit cover transport costs?
Yes. The audit can include analysis of transport costs, carrier selection and route optimisation as part of a broader operational review - or as a standalone area if that's the primary issue.
What do I get at the end of the audit?
A document with a diagnosis, quantified recommendations and a short- and long-term action roadmap prioritised by impact and potential effect. Plus a board-ready results presentation.
Do you audit production logistics?
Yes. A production logistics audit covers production cycle planning, raw material supply, shop floor flows, production batch tracking and reporting. This is a frequent starting point before deciding on automation or a system change.
Find out where your logistics is losing money
Free first conversation. We'll tell you straight whether and how we can help.
Detailed solutions
Every industry has its own operational specifics. See how we audit specific sectors.
Operational audit also covers process security
Process bottlenecks often go hand in hand with security and internal control gaps. Operational consulting and Loss Prevention are complementary areas.
Operational security and Loss Prevention