Getting goods out.
WHAT DISTRIBUTION MUST ACHIEVE
Correct goods To the correct place At the agreed time Undamaged At acceptable cost
WHAT DETERMINES COST
Distance Drop density Load utilisation Vehicle cost Failed deliveries
WHY DROP DENSITY
Deliveries close together cost far less per drop.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Delivery days by area.
WHY
Routing by order sequence rather than geography wastes the day.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Cost per delivery.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
A minimum order value, or a delivery charge.
WHY
Small deliveries cost more than they earn.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT PICKING
Accuracy, verified before despatch.
WHY
Wrong goods delivered cost the delivery twice plus the return.
WHAT TO CHECK
Picked orders against the order document.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT PACKAGING
Protection appropriate to handling and journey.
WHAT TO PROVIDE WITH EVERY DELIVERY
Documentation the customer can check against.
WHAT TO OBTAIN
Acknowledgement of receipt.
WHY
It is the record when delivery is disputed.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT FAILED DELIVERIES
Their causes.
WHAT THEY USUALLY ARE
Nobody available Wrong address Access problems Customer refusing
WHAT REDUCES THEM
Confirming before despatch Accurate address records Delivery windows
WHAT TO TRACK
Deliveries on time and complete Damage Returns and their causes Cost per delivery
