Distribution & Retail Management

Introduction:

Distribution management has been an important feature of industrial and economic life for many years, but it is only recently that it has been recognized as a major function in its own right. Retail management includes all the steps required to bring the customers into the store or online portal to fulfill their buying needs.

The needs of the consumer are supplied by an amazing variety of outlets, all of which are demanding higher levels of expertise. Warehousing and distribution management is necessary to ensure that the right goods are available for the customer at the right price at the right place and at the right time.

Targeted Groups:

• Warehousing Professionals
• Logistics and Transportation Professionals
• Sourcing, Procurement, and Supplier Management Professionals
• Retail Professionals
• All of those who need an understanding of warehousing and distribution concepts that can deliver lasting value for your business

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Evaluate procedures, change and improve methods
• Eliminate wasteful activities/costs
• Carry out efficient picking for e-procurement
• Understand distribution methods
• Improve customer service
• Define the various constituents of retail strategy
• Understand how to develop and sustain a competitive advantage in the retail sector
• Define the practical tools and techniques of retail strategy

Targeted Competencies:

• Understanding the retail environment
• Understand how to improve customer satisfaction through distribution management
• Appreciate the influence of the supply chain in retail operations
• Know how to operate a retail warehouse

Course Content:

Unit 1: Retail Management:

• Understanding retail
• Appreciating the needs and expectations of the customer
• Meeting those needs and expectations
• Range and scope of retail formats
• Understanding how retail outlets operate
• Managing people in a retail environment

Unit 2: Distribution and Inventory Management:

• Channels of distribution
• Third-party versus own account
• Improving online shopping distribution
• Inventory management
• Information systems for planning and control

Unit 3: The Role of the Warehouse:

• Why we need a warehouse
• What functions they cover
• How do they fit into the supply chain
• The balance between sorting and storing
• Supply /demand variables
• ABC Analysis or the 80/20 rule
• Through puts and product formats

Unit 4: Layout Options, Methods, and Equipment:

• Receiving options
• Storage options
• Picking/assembly options
• Dispatching options
• Organizing for flow
• Loading bays
• Selecting equipment and racking
• Implications for warehouse layouts
• Operational timings and planning

Unit 5: Productivity and Service Levels:

• Fixed and variable cost
• Typical costs involved
• A model for understanding the roles of productivity, utilization, and performance
• Setting productivity and cost targets
• The importance of having measurements and key indicators of performance
• Internal and external customers
• Improving outgoing service levels
• Effects of substandard service