mercredi 28 décembre 2016

Tips To Handle The Essentials Of Distribution Network Design

By Carl Cox


Supply chains have greatly evolved over the past few decades. The modern logistics manager is now faced with competitive pressures, extensive product lines and greater expectations from customers. The manner in which these changes are handled by businesses could mean the difference between survival, burnout and even extinction. So whether you're seeking to tweak your business strategy or control costs, you need to keenly adhere to the various elements that affect distribution network design.

The unpredictable elements that characterize the modern business environment must be taken into account while developing a distribution network. Here, you need to take into account both planned and unplanned events that may have an impact on your operations. Perhaps the biggest inhibitors to flexibility are the equipment and operations that support the supply chain. The capability to exploit emerging channels and uphold efficiency can only be acquired with versatile resources. So even if it means putting up with some hiccups in the short term, carry out the radical changes required to update your distribution facilities and tools.

In a global marketplace, it's always important to have the right product, at the right place at the right time. After all, this is what a demand-driven supply chain is about. Successful firms have focused on an end-to-end strategy that streamlines the flow of both incoming raw materials and outbound finished products.

Just as government policy has an effect on business, logistics managers have an obligation to be involved and aware of laws that involve their niches. Rules on taxation, infrastructure and labor are constantly changed on all levels of government. Without the right input, uninformed decisions could dramatically affect supply chain operations. So it's important to not only familiarize yourself in the regulations, but also take up an active role in the formulation of these policies.

Today's reality is that distribution systems need to provide accurate information at the right time. And with the emergence of standardized information management systems, developing and maintaining in-house programs is no longer fashionable. Switching to industry-tailored, paperless solution would be your best bet.

With consumers now using the internet to make purchases, businesses need to speedily fulfill orders if they're to remain competitive. This translates to increasing the pace of distribution significantly in order to meet market expectations. Additionally, your supply chain needs to properly handle the shorter product lives and reduced lead times. Such elements are typical of the modern commercial arena.

Upholding accountability within a logistics department is critical for a number of reasons. And this requires establishing performance benchmarks, exploring improvement opportunities and constantly tracking resources. Also necessary is a form of reward for exceptional performers. However, care must be taken that any incentives are tied to something that benefits the entire organization.

To ensure the success of your network design project, it would be advisable to engage experienced consultants. Such professionals will help you gather high quality data, validate models and come up with a practical structure that works well for your business. Remember that no two logistics networks can be the same; the design will always vary depending on factors like costs, the market and external environment. Hiring a specialist is thus critical in facilitating a successful redesign process.




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