Describe the physical distribution system in length
Answers
Physical distribution is responsible for delivering to the customer what is wanted on time and at minimum cost. The objective of distribution management is to design and operate a distribution a system that attains the required level of customer service and does so at least cost. To reach this objective, all activities involved in the movement and storage of goods must be organised into an integrated system (physically).
Activities in the physical distribution system
A system is a set of components or activities that interact with each other. A car engine is a system; if any part malfunctions, the performance of the whole engine suffers. In a distribution system, six interrelated activities affect customer service and the cost of providing it:ransportation
Transportation involves the various methods of moving goods outside the firms’ buildings. For most firms, transportation is the single highest cost in distribution usually accounting for 30% to 60% of distribution costs. Transportation adds place value to the product.
Distribution inventory
Distribution inventory includes all finished goods inventory at any point in the distribution system. In cost terms, it is the second most important item in distribution, accounting for about 25% to 30% of the cost of distribution. Inventories crate time value by placing the product cost to the customer.
Warehouse (distribution centers)
Waehouses are used to store inventory. The management of warehouses makes decisions on site selection; number of distribution centers in the system; layout; and methods of receiving, storing and retrieving goods.