Distribution modelling
Models are decision support tools - imitating real-life so that you can examine the impact of change. A model could help you understand how different types of customer growth are likely to affect your business, or to understand the impact of a merger or demerger on your logistics infrastructure.
Models can be used as strategic or tactical tools, and to represent any part of the distribution network: transport, warehousing, international - we've modelled congestion in a warehouse, bottlenecks and pinchpoints, the impact of intake patterns at peak, different shift patterns for drivers and the whole international supply chain, including right onto the shop floor.
Models are built by taking existing metrics from your business, and making estimates and calculated assumptions that allow various future scenarios to be explored. They may be in Excel or created using more specialist tools.
An important part of any modelling process is to carry out sensitivity and breakpoint analysis in order to understand the implications of any assumptions made and ensure that the results are robust.