Research Paper on "Aspects to Consider in Retail Logistics"

Research Paper 4 pages (1428 words) Sources: 4

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Another characteristic is that inside these J4U (Just For You) networks of delivery, for each order there must be separate and individual packaging at the principal point of distribution. This not only increases the volume of packing within the supply chain but also at the same time consumes more space on carrying vehicles in both the onward and opposite channels. Another characteristic is that within these systems of home shopping, irrespective of whether it is based on the internet or the directory, there is a great flow of returned and exchange products. Usually, about thirty percent of non-food items delivered to the home of the consumers are reverted to the sellers. This is contrary to bricks and mortar sellers who experience about six to ten percent of the returned items. This necessitates a huge reverse logistics cost and operations consisting of the recovery, testing, repackaging and redeployment of reverted produce (Fernie and Sparks, 2009).

Overcoming Challenges as a Retail Logistics Manager

There are numerous challenges that can be perceived and experienced in retail logistics and as a manager there are a number of ways that can be employed to overcome these kinds of hindrances. One of the major aspects is the immense increase in demand. As a retail logistics manager, it is important to ensure that the demands of the consumers that arise is satisfied by meeting their demands. One of the ways is making the most of the available distribution channels and routes. Extensive rise and fall in online demand for specific products, for the most part freshly released items, can cause the movement of freight in home delivery channels to rise or fall correspondingly. In particular, this aspect was demonstrated by the distribution of fresh Harry Potter book volumes by means of the Amazon.com channels to be distributed right to the doorways of tens of thousands of homes as soon as they were published. For instance, in the United States, the distribution company FedEx made a distribution of a quarter of a million copies of the fifth Harry Porter book in the volume series for Amazon on the day of publication. This was attained by the company as it made use of its channels of one hundred and thirty flights flying overnight and use of twenty thousand home delivery freelancers and FedEx express carriers (Frenie and Sparks, 2009).

Other challenges that can be experienced by a retail logistics manager is the disappearing of products, returning of products, poor delivery with regards to timing and also issues with time period available for warehousing and delivery. One of the major ways in which the manager can overcome these challenges is making use of Radio-frequency identification (RFID). This technology advancement encompasses the use of wireless electromagnetic fields in the transference of data with the objective of routinely detecting and tracking codes placed on items and objects. RFIDs can be used to track the items being delivered to ascertain their location. In addition, these RFIDs can be used in warehousing and also tracking the process of production of the items (Dixon, 2008).The key benefit of RFID over tools such as barcodes is that the information in consideration does not essentially have to be read in an onerous and heavy manner for the line-of-sight process and practice. Instead, the whole practice is undertaken by use of radio waves. As a result, this causes the technology to be much quicker, programmed and contactless. This technology has come to be profitable as it has prompted the notion of getting distribution notifications in real-time. To add on, the developments and improvements in the supply chain have been accredited and attributed with diminishing the expenses and amassing the level of efficiency (Vella, 2012).

References

Dixon, P. (2008). Retail Home Delivery: Online Customers, Logistics and Supply Chain Management - Keynote speaker. YouTube. Retrieved 17 September from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbPMaxNl3J4#t=390

Fernie, J., Sparks, L. (2009). Logistics & Retail Management: Emerging issues and new challenges in the retail supply chain. London: Kogan Page Limited.

Green, E. E. (2011). 4 Factors for Considering Air Freight vs. Ocean Freight. The Cargo Channel. Retrieved 17 September from: http://www.universalcargo.com/blog/bid/71724/4-Factors-for-Considering-Air-Freight-vs.-Ocean-Freight

Vella, D. (2012). Using technology to improve supply chain management. Global Purchasing. Retrieved 21 August 2015 from: http://globalpurchasing.com/supply-chain/using-technology-improve-supply-chain-management READ MORE

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