Your company is launching a line of products and now is time to get them to the shelves. How can you maximize the distribution process to save costs and maintain your loyal customer base? Often an afterthought, devising an effective distribution process strategy is essential for the successful delivery of the merchandise to their final destination: the hands of happy customers.
There are things that you can do to make the most of the distribution process if you thoroughly think the strategy through.
Streamlining the Distribution Process in Place
How exactly can you streamline the distribution process in place? There are strategies that you can implement that have a direct impact on shelf performance of your merchandise. Here is a guide to help you organize the transition into an optimized distribution. The results of which will ultimately impact customer satisfaction while reducing costs.
Table of Contents
1. Assess Current Performance of the Distribution Process
Begin by identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Among the tools that you can use are:
- a SWOT analysis,Â
- customer feedback,
- market research,
- and sales data.
They are all extremely helpful when trying to grasp your current situation. Although it takes time, having an accurate panorama helps identify pain points and make informed decisions.
PRO TIP: Additionally, you should consider the external factors that may affect your distribution such as legal, economic, social, technological, environmental, and ethical issues.
2. Set Clear Goals
Setting clear goals is key to effective project management and it applies to any endeavor you take on. When conducting an assessment you should be clear on what information you are looking to collect so that you can effectively leverage it. A useful method to help organizations identify goals is the SMART technique. Also, do not be afraid to revise the goals from time to time, as objectives can change as the business evolves.
3. Analyze Your Distribution NetworkÂ
Analyzing your distribution network and channels can be a daunting task. Therefore, you can conduct this analysis internally, which implies deploying a lot of time and resources, or partner up with logistics experts like Amerisa Global Logistics. If choosing the latter, an external partner can offer an objective point of view and specialized expertise.
When performing the analysis, some of the points to focus on should be:
- Identifying optimal locations for facilities
- How to reduce storage costs —can certain operations benefit from bonded warehousing services?
- Can you improve transportation routes?
- What can you do to improve the inventory management system in place?
- What are the potential risks associated with the current distribution process?
- Is your distribution network flexible?
4. Define the Scope
With the answers to the questions, you will be able to define your scope of action. When defining the shape of your new and improved distribution process; you will learn if the infrastructure is correct to be able to provide the service in the most professional way.
5. Leverage Technology
Technology simplifies processes and has the added value of not incurring in our human errors. When optimizing your distribution process, carefully consider which tool you need and how they can empower the next step of your operations. Whether it is a state-of-the-art tracking app or a management app; there is something to help each stage of the process. A savvy logistics partner will know exactly which will adjust to your specific needs and have the know-how to effectively utilize it.
Effective Distribution Processes in Houston with Amerisa LogisticsÂ
Amerisa global Logistics is a logistics market leader offering comprehensive services to global companies. We understand that each operation has a unique set of requirements goals. In order to help our partners achieve it, we deploy our customized —and customizable— tools, systems, and specialized expertise. Additionally, we have an expansive network of trusted carriers and distribution centers. As a result, we are equipped to oversee every aspect of the distribution process, including warehousing, transportation, and last-mile delivery.Â
Whether you need domestic or international distribution, we have the resources and expertise to get your products where they need to be, on time and on budget.
Contact us online or call +12109207282 to truly optimize your distribution process.