The beginning of the New Year is the traditional time for rapidly assembling resolutions that we can break at leisure during the year. But contrary to accepted practice, New Year's resolutions do not necessarily have to be broken. In fact, certain resolutions can have a long-term, beneficial impact that makes adherence well worth the effort. Here are five such resolutions for logistics managers to consider for the coming year.

1. Resolved: To collaborate more aggressively. It's amazing how much can be accomplished when you work with your carriers and 3PLs in a spirit of cooperation. For the most part, these service providers want the same thing you do: better productivity, happy customers, solid profitability. There's got to be a way that both of you can effectively work together toward achieving those mutual goals.

2. Resolved: To gain greater visibility. This actually is a two-for-one resolution because it looks both inside and outside. Internally, heightened visibility into what you do raises the level of understanding of logistics throughout the organization. And this, in turn, facilitates implementation of logistics-driven initiatives that may involve other functional areas. Externally, greater visibility lets you closely monitor shipments as they move inbound from suppliers and outbound to customers. Technology is the great enabler here.

3. Resolved: To spend more time thinking. Sounds simplistic. But in the heat of everyday operations how often do any of us take stock of where we are, where we want to be, and how in the world we're going to get there? But it's exactly this kind of strategic pause that opens our eyes to the possibilities—and the means for attaining those possibilities. Granted, it's not always easy to carve out some quiet time. But in addition to helping you keep your sanity, it's good for business.

4. Resolved: To improve on a capability or develop a new one. There probably are exceptions to the rule—but not many. We all have certain soft spots in our professional physique that need firming up. For logistics managers, the shortfall might involve an understanding of basic financial principles like return on investment. Maybe it's an awareness of the technology available to streamline logistics operations. Or perhaps the interpersonal skills need some work.

5. Resolved: To keep blocking and tackling. In the face of technology advances, new management techniques, and organizational shake-ups, it's easy to overlook a fundamental tenet of our profession: Logistics is ultimately about physical execution—packing, handling, warehousing, and moving goods to market in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner. If any of those basic activities are not executed properly, the entire supply chain suffers.

Compared to the really tough resolutions like losing weight or exercising regularly, these five are relatively easy to keep. And the results will be no less beneficial. Good luck with all of your resolutions for 2003!