Client: Toy and Entertainment Company
Strategic RFP Management for Smarter Logistics
Business Challenge
A leading global toy and entertainment company needed to rethink its North American distribution network. Operating across three distribution centers, leadership sought a way to improve service levels, enhance efficiency, and control costs. A recent internal study revealed the need to redistribute 50% of the company’s B2B volume to a central Midwest facility. While this site was already managed by a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, leadership recognized an opportunity to evaluate market conditions, benchmark warehousing costs, and ensure alignment with best practices.
Several challenges underscored the urgency for change. Warehouse operations required optimization to handle growing volume efficiently, and long-term contractual terms with 3PL providers needed to better reflect financial and service goals. With limited internal resources to navigate the complexities of a strategic RFP process, the company turned to supply chain experts to lead the initiative.
Solution Delivered
Miebach guided a structured, multi-phase selection process designed to identify the best-fit 3PL partner. The project began with an in-depth operational and financial assessment, evaluating current processes, cost structures, and volume forecasts. A data-driven “should-cost” model provided critical benchmarking against market rates, ensuring negotiations were grounded in real-world insights. The team then conducted a comprehensive market evaluation, identifying potential 3PL partners based on expertise, geographic footprint, and capabilities.
Once a shortlist of candidates was established, Miebach developed and managed a detailed RFP process through a bidding platform. The team outlined service expectations, performance metrics, and pricing structures, ensuring alignment between operational needs and commercial terms. Managing the entire provider selection process, from bid evaluation to site visits and final negotiations, Miebach helped the company assess key factors such as automation capabilities, labor strategies, and IT integration. The result was a contract framework that optimized pricing while maintaining flexibility for future growth.
Results & Benefits
The project delivered measurable improvements in cost efficiency, service performance, and long-term scalability.