Association between distribution centre design and contextual characteristics

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between the main decisions for designing distribution centers (DCs) and the contextual characteristics of the distribution networks. Design/methodology/approach Experts were surveyed and responses analyzed quantitatively through multivariate data techniques. This study considered four contextual characteristics that were deemed as influential for DC design: types of routes in the distribution network, quantity of DCs, distribution network levels and company size. Findings This paper evidenced which decisions are affected by each contextual characteristic encompassed in this study. This paper identified that the characteristic types of route in the distribution network must be carefully considered, as it had the greatest amount of associations with the decisions for designing a DC. Originality/value Despite its importance, most studies on design of DCs disregard the effect of the context in which DCs are inserted. This research provides arguments to support decision-making process of DCs design, increasing assertiveness of their planning. This work fulfills a literature gap by empirically examining the effect of contextual variables on the decisions related to DC design. Regarding practice, this paper addressed a fundamental issue for managers looking to design a DC, as it evidenced how contextual characteristics impact the decision-making.

AS/R system travel time in class-based storage with different input-output point levels: a proposed formula

“…As well as, the proposed mathematical formulation to compute the travel time for both the SC and the DC cycle is well fitted to support precise calculations requiring a short time to be carried out. This is of particular value in current competitive markets, where organizations should provide fast and customized deliveries (Guimarães et al , 2021), and in some industry sectors, such as the food and pharmaceutical ones (Zaerpour et al , 2014), where automated storage systems have been applied for a long time. In fact, they face the need to further improve the efficiency of their warehouse processes due to the increasing demand pressure introduced by COVID-19 pandemic.…”