Supply Chain Management
Globalisation is now a reality. Suppliers are now sourced from locations around the globe, to produce goods that are distributed to meet consumer demands worldwide. "Production, Distribution and Consumption are a global phenomenon" (Hines.T.2005)
Online Distribution Services will work with you to understand your customer in order to meet the requirements of each specific market segment you target. In addition to this Online Distribution Services will design a strategy to manage your supply chains so that you can satisfy your customers, in a changing environment both nationally and internationally.
Key areas of strategic fit for your supply chains to consider are:
- Volume - quantity and frequency of orders are important factors in the development of a strategy for your firm. This links in with the inventory control of your product in the pursuit to provide high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Lead Time - the length of time your product takes to get to your customers will determine the inventory levels you require. Online Distribution Services, services 18 distribution centres, to ensure your product is as close as possible to your customers.
- Variety - the nature of the market segments involved will dictate the service levels required, i.e. Priority of quick response versus economy, will determine a large part of your supply chain structure.
- Price - how important is price to you and your customers? This will assist determining the structure of your supply chains.
- Market Innovation - many industries such as fashion have a high rate of innovation and change and therefore require low inventory levels with quick response as an absolute requirement. Conversely, other industries are less dynamic therefore having their product close to their market provides no clear advantages.
