Despite seeing more digital solutions and services being offered today, which doesn’t require complex shipment routes or need to carry costly inventories. Most businesses today still produce or offer services, that require a physical distribution network towards customers and suppliers.
As any other business process,it should be aligned with the entire value chain, have transparent costs along with an optimized transportation and inventory structure.
These tasks are crucial if you want to improve the end-to-end processes, which by covering three key areas: Transport optimization, Simulation and Inventory optimization can be achieved.
If optimization is to occur, an analysis of the current state needs to be performed, which seeks to create insights for total cost and map distribution structure and network. Having a point of reference is required to run evaluations on ideas&improvements, both quantitative and qualitative.
The next steps are focused on finding solutions that fit the desired structure and are there strategic or tactical requirements to be considered. These steps could involve consolidation of shipments, routings, balancing of shipments and costs, however it will be based on the initial drivers and uncovered requirements for the business. Therefore, the solutions can be many or few, complex or simple.
Having the distribution structure covered, then the goods being transported needs review as well. As inventories tend to build up for the transports to be filled, it can be a capital intensive and expensive operation.However, with smarter inventories that seeks to decrease carrying costs, working capital and eyes the customers satisfaction from the beginning.The results aim to reduce total costs of transportation, reduce inventory risk and improve on cash flow and profitability.
To address the complexity and uncertainty from distribution networks, and specifically when changing these networks and policies. A simulation that encompasses all the relevant elements is to be conducted, which will highlight possible risks and errors within the network. It also provides further knowledge to align, decide and develop the solutions, which is significantly less costly than implementing solutions that doesn’t work or fulfill requirements.
Typical deliveries in a Distribution process with ZCG:
Through optimizationthat focuses on generating value and eliminating wasteful activities, a total cost reduction is achieved.
By analyzing the current distribution structure and underlying processes, an insight into actual costs and connected activities are revealed.
Withbusiness insights from the distribution network, a decision model that reacts to changes internally and externally can be implemented, which ensuresprofitable decision making.
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