Wholesale Distribution

Distributors manage the process of warehousing, parceling, shipping, and transporting goods in large quantities to be retailed by others.  Sounds easy, right?  Not so bad until you factor in varying lead times, global competition, shorter product life cycles, increased regulation, and eroding margins.

The wholesale distribution industry remains an important force in all major sectors of the economy, ranging from basic commodity items to advanced technology components.  Due to the pressures mentioned previously, it is important for distributors to streamline their supply chains wherever possible.

Many distributors also face the challenge of sourcing offshore—longer lead times and reduced product visibility.  There is a greater need than ever to balance risk/reward and vendor minimums/multiples to efficiently utilize shipping containers.  Enhancing processes and taking advantage of inventory planning automation are becoming top priorities.

At the end of the day, it's all about how efficiently you can provide the best possible service to your customers.

Challenges:

• Consistently high customer service levels—an unserved order usually means a lost sale
• Managing spreadsheets that determine what to stock, how much, and when to order
• Accurately forecasting future demand
• Difficulty maintaining appropriate min, max, and safety stock levels
• Efficiently filling trucks or freight containers
• Too many stock-outs 
• Low inventory turns
• Managing excess and/or obsolete inventory
• High cost of expedites
• Incorrect  mix of inventory items
• Purchasing/replenishment optimization
• Product expiration and substitution
• Complex multi-node network models

Our Recommendations:

Core Distribution Modules

• Demand Manager – forecasting, safety stock, and reorder point planning
• Requirements Planner—advanced supply planning, optimization, and PO generation
• Economic Order Manager—Economic Order Quantity, ABC analysis, and service level goals
• Exception Signals –exception based management of both supply and demand streams

Possible Expansion Modules—based on specific business need

• Sales & Operations Planning –connect organizational strategy with operations
• Supply Base Manager—vendor lead time performance management
• Demand Collaboration Portal –collaborative forecast facilitation tool
• Logistics Collaboration Portal—PO tracker for offshore product in transit

Next Steps:

• Read some of our success stories in wholesale distribution
• Download RockySoft product literature
• Contact us to request more information
• Contact us to schedule a demonstration of the Pack Light Inventory Management Suite®

Your inventory, our passion!

A partial list of our Wholesale Distribution Customers:

• Ammex
• Barjan
• Bemis Worldwide
• Bravo Sports
• Central Restaurant
• Chamilia
• Connolly
• DDS
• Dental City
• Dodge Company
• Emery Waterhouse
• Flintec
• Interparfums
• Marine Depot
• Orr Safety
• Vocera