The challenge

An international manufacturer of household and personal products sought to improve productivity and reduce costs within its outsourced warehouse services. While third-party logistics providers played a critical role in distribution, leadership recognized that existing partnerships were not delivering the expected value.

Inefficiencies in contract terms, cost structures, and performance expectations limited visibility and constrained scalability. Adonis Partners was engaged to develop a strategic approach for optimizing 3PL partnerships and driving long-term value across outsourced operations.

The 3PL optimization approach

Adonis Partners’ expert consultants conducted a comprehensive assessment of the client’s outsourced logistics model. This included reviewing contract structures, cost drivers, and performance benchmarks, as well as completing on-site evaluations to identify gaps in service execution and operational alignment.

Based on these findings, Adonis developed a structured RFP strategy that defined clear timelines, roles, selection criteria, and negotiation tactics. A Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) was used to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with transitioning providers.

Once the RFP was finalized, Adonis led the participant search and selection process, serving as the primary point of contact throughout evaluations and negotiations. This ensured a collaborative, disciplined approach to selecting best-fit partners.

The impact

Adonis Partners played a pivotal role in analyzing RFP responses and facilitating informed, data-driven decision-making. The successful transition to new 3PL partners resulted in $2 million in annual savings while significantly improving operational efficiency and scalability.

Beyond cost reduction, the engagement established clearer performance benchmarks and stronger vendor relationships, setting a new standard for outsourced services and positioning the organization to support continued growth.