Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present insights into one company's rationale for closing unproductive distribution facilities. Design/methodology/approach – The reader is given background of the decision‐making process behind transportation mode selection and distribution center...

States that there is compelling evidence that the Japanese retail distribution system is changing. This study uses census data for ten years (1985 to 1994) to understand past changes in the structure of the retail distribution system. To understand the likely changes to the distribution system...

A large number of firms have reconfigured their supply chains. The general trends entail, among others, the reduction, centralization and re‐location of plants and distribution centers, the design of new distribution systems, and the reduction of the supplier base. The analysis of the...

Purpose – A variant of Kohonen's algorithm for the self‐organizing map (SOM) is used to solve a continuous location‐routing problem that can be applied to identify potential sites for subsequent selection by a discrete finite set model. The paper aims to show how the algorithm may be...

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss a simulation study for a multi‐product, two‐echelon inventory replenishment system. The paper compares a one‐warehouse N ‐retailer replenishment system to a two‐warehouse, N ‐retailer system with cost per unit of distribution and delivery...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the prerequisites for achieving coordinated action in reverse distribution systems. It is an underlying assumption in distribution, logistics and supply chain management that a higher level of coordination between the actors is superior to a...

Trade restrictions; border crossing difficulties, and company organizational structures have limited historical cross‐border distribution activity. The result, generally, is two or three independent distribution systems to support North American logistics operations. With the completion of the...

Reviews current software and hardware as it relates to distribution systems. Presents an organizing framework in order to identify the impact of technological innovations on firms operating in lesser‐developed countries as they consider adoption of such innovations. Discusses the choice...

Discusses the selection of distribution control techniques for a manufacturer of exhaust systems. A method for this selection process is proposed and worked out for the case study company. Argues that selecting one control technique for a complete company is not advisable. Distribution control...

One of the essential components of China’s economic open door policy is the reform in its distribution system. So far the distribution reform has transformed China’s distribution system from being non‐responsive and supply‐driven to increasingly responsive and market‐ driven and the...