What is Distribution Management?

Managing a distribution network includes forecasting potential demand, transportation, managing warehousing inventory levels, and delivery within the larger universe of logistics and supply chain management.

Distribution management is one of the most integral parts of the supply chain collaboration process.

While continually facing a spectrum of variables in their daily business, distribution managers are charged with resolving the three fundamental questions:

  1. When?
  2. Where?
  3. How Much?

Successful distribution management utilizes:

  • The Customer’s Perspective on Distribution Management
  • The Distributor’s Perspective on Distribution Management
  • The Proper Flow of Information on Inventory and Forecasting
  • A Company culture that blends the importance of customer satisfaction with the realities of business profitability
  • Proper Employee Training
  • Implementing warehouse management system (WMS) software

6 Top Factors Influencing Distribution Management

Here are 6 top factors that we’ve seen influence logistics planning and distribution management in the online retail sector and beyond:

1. Customer Perspective

The ideal situation for any retailer or manufacturer is to have just enough inventory on hand to sell or to keep production lines running smoothly. These customers wish to hold as little stock as possible without running out.

Since most clients require several different items, each sold or used at a different pace, forecasting the product mix becomes an integral part of their equation. Additional variables, such as sales promotions at the retailer or seasonal inventory build by the manufacturer, can make forecasting difficult.

2. Distributor Perspective

The perfect circumstance for distribution management is to have all fully loaded trucks operating on regularly scheduled routes 100% of the time with a 100% safety record and 0% change of severe weather events occurring.

Since customer sales ebb and flow in real life, achieving this ideal objective is difficult.

In some circumstances, temperature control and other special handling can further complicate the issue.

Also, an effective distribution and warehousing company strives to maintain the optimal inventory with their suppliers to keep inventory management costs at a reasonable level without excessive safety stock.

However, with the proper planning and execution, distribution management can effectively mitigate these seeming opposing challenges.

TIP: Don’t settle for a distribution management strategy that isn’t right for your business.

3. Communication

Running out of product or component parts is the customer’s worst nightmare. Efficient distribution management must ensure the proper flow of information, forecasting, and accurate, safe, and timely deliveries are provided.

In some scenarios, like with BR Williams , distributors are provided real-time sales information electronically to replenish inventories automatically without traditional ordering. This type of transparency allows each link in the distribution chain to anticipate the needs of the end client and to adjust their stock levels and arrange deliveries accordingly.

In these scenarios, the customer will also provide ongoing forecasts.

In other cases, open and continual communication with the customer will help the distributor to anticipate inventory replenishment, schedule equipment and staff for delivery.

4. Planning & Measuring: Creating a Culture

The first step in preparation is to develop a customer-focused mission and company culture that blends the importance of customer satisfaction with the realities of business profitability.

Measure every element of the business from forecasting, procurement, inbound freight management, warehousing and inventory control to order processing, load consolidation, delivery scheduling and backhauls. Working directly with employees in each discipline, look for ways to make each process more efficient. Key considerations are cycle time, cost analyses, on-time deliveries, accurate order fulfillment, and safety measurements.

Create a plan with contingencies for every situation and ensure that all staff has input into making plans realistic.

5. Training & Commitment

Training employees to execute the needs of a distribution company is more than explaining and showing “how” to perform a function. Underlying successful performance is a result of individuals understanding “why” a job needs to be done right and the potential ramifications of poor performance to the company’s future.

Implement the right training and tools for a successful distribution management strategy

The key to superior distribution management is to help new staff become familiar with all aspects of the job and make intelligent and independent decisions in the future.

6. Implementing the Right Tools: Warehousing and Distribution

Inventory management and warehouse management system (WMS) software can help to optimize space within a warehouse. By maximizing existing space, companies can forestall expensive expansion and create more efficient inventory placement.

Similarly, with loading and routing software, distributors can optimize vehicles and drive costs. These tools incorporate load quantities and target arrival times with distance and drive time. Optimizing the fleet is a substantial cost driver for a successful distribution management company.

Successful distribution management utilizes:

  • State-of-the-art information systems
  • Logistics software
  • Highly efficient equipment
  • Forecasting tools
  • Warehouse inventory management systems (WMS)
  • Excellent safety and training programs

Successful Distribution Management

Pulling all of the variables together, making informed decisions, and striving to improve performance each day is the key to distribution management success and customer satisfaction. Complacency has led to the demise of many logistics companies, while innovation has created today’s leaders.

Reliability, anticipation, responsiveness, safety, and high efficiency are the attributes of a genuinely successful distribution management company.

Thankfully, BR Williams is here to help. To discuss your Distribution, Logistics, or Transportation Services options, please contact us online or call (800) 523-7963

Related: Looking for the best 3PL company for your needs? 

About BR Williams:

With humble beginnings back in 1958, BR Williams has grown into an award-winning supply chain management company servicing all 48 contiguous states and Canada. With facilities in Mobile ALPiedmont, ALTallahassee, FL; Anniston, AL (two facilities); Eastaboga, AL; and Oxford, AL, B.R. Williams’ distribution network supports over 50 customers and another 2,550 in the Trucking and Logistics divisions. Industries served include the following: automotive, defense, home improvement, education, food raw materials, textiles, chemical, industrial packaging, metals (finished goods), highway safety and more.

FAQs About Distribution Management

What is Distribution Management in 2023?

Distribution management includes forecasting, transportation, warehousing, and delivery within the larger universe of logistics and supply chain management. These require precise tracking, real-time information, and highly-skilled staffing to execute effectively. What impacts distribution management?

Does BR Williams provide distribution management services?

Yes! BR Williams provides complete supply chain management services, including distribution management.

What do top distribution management companies do?

Regardless of distribution channel, distribution management companies are charged with resolving the 3 main questions:

  1. When?
  2. Where?
  3. How Much?

Successful distribution management utilizes:

More info on what influences distribution logistics

What makes a successful supply chain distribution management strategy?

Considering all the factors that influence how well your distribution management system works. You’ll need to consider:

1. Customer Perspective

2. Distributor Perspective

3. Communication

4. Planning & Measuring

5. Training & Commitment

6. Implementing the Right Tools

For information on the key to inbound and outbound processes and logistics services, click here. 

 

Request a Quote