In a globalized economy logistics has become a crucial area for the success of companies.

The performance of each company depends on the performance of its suppliers and of its business partners. The customers of each company are spread on a large geographical space. For this reason distribution logistics is the most important and complex part of logistics. An efficient and effective management of distribution logistics is a key issue for the success of a company. There are many different problems to deal with, from facility location to transportation, to inventory management, and, most important, to the integration and optimization of the entire logistics network. Quantitative methods provide relevant tools to support decisions, from strategic to operational, in distribution logistics.

Transportation, distribution and logistics

The logistics behind the distribution of your products and services can have a major impact on your bottom line. Examine ways you can ensure your product distribution methods are optimal.

Transportation and distribution channels

How you distribute your products and deliver your services can affect your cost and your clients' satisfaction. Finding the best method of shipping and receiving goods is especially important when dealing in large quantities. Some factors to consider:

Quantity of items per shipment Type of transportation Overall transportation costs Timing

You can save on costs and improve your customer service by reviewing storage and distribution operations on an ongoing basis. By shortening the amount of time goods spend in a warehouse or in transit, you can deliver them in a more timely manner. Some elements to consider when transporting goods:

Type of products (perishable or non-perishable) Time needed to obtain goods and availability of goods Time needed to deliver goods to the client Access to suppliers (abroad or in Canada) Customs requirements Volume of shipment

You can transport goods by air, sea, rail or road. Each mode has a variety of options that present advantages and disadvantages. Choose the one that will best meet your needs.

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Logistics planning
Logistics is the management of the movement, storage and delivery of your goods or services to the customer. You can use a logistics plan to manage your inventory and keep an eye on costs. Create a plan for the following:

Inbound logistics the flow of raw materials shipped to your business for manufacturing Internal logistics the movement of raw materials and finished goods from one department of your business to another Outbound logistics the preparation for shipment, and the transportation, of the finished products (i.e. packaging, shipping and handling)

By using logistics planning, you can cut down on production costs, speed up delivery and improve the response time for answering client requests.

International markets and logistics

If you are looking for information on how to get your goods to international markets, the following will give you insight on importing, exporting and delivery of your goods.

Export marketing, sales and logistics Get customers in export markets and deliver your goods or services to them.