Pallets, Distribution, And the Retail Supply Chain

The retail supply chain starts with the manufacturerWeak pallets, nonstandard-sized pallets and pallets
and then leads directly to the distribution center andbuilt to specifications that do not include your
warehousing centers. It is in these centers where theproducts can all lead to a breakdown in the retail
heart of the operation lies - a breakdown here, or ansupply chain. For instance, pallets of different sizes
inefficient system in place, impacts both ends of thereduce the effective use of your warehouse space
process. It leads to backups with the manufacturerand racking system. Weak pallets can break, causing
and outages in retail outlets. However, managing yourdamage to your workers and to the product on the
retail supply chain correctly ensures that the entirepallet. Pallets built for other purposes can lead to
process works smoothly.problems snarling the entire system.
Distribution centers play an essential role in the retailNumerous brokers masquerade as providers, as well.
supply chain. Without the supplies and products sentUsing these brokers only increases the costs
out on regular intervals from the DC, the retailassociated with transportation and shipment of goods
outlets have nothing to sell to consumers. Whetherthrough your DC. Another thing to watch for is
you're selling widgets, automobile parts or cleaningproviders who do not own their own transportation,
supplies, are a Fortune 500 company or a smallerwhich incurs additional transportation costs. In short,
retail operation, nothing trumps the importance of thethe choice of pallet providers affects costs
distribution center and warehousing facilities.associated with quite a few DC-specific areas, as well
However, this vast system of interconnectedas areas outside of the DC. The wrong choice in
locations hinges on the distribution system workingproviders increases these costs, while decreasing
correctly. The humble pallet is the key to thisyour effectiveness and productivity. Of course, the
effectiveness. As such, finding the right palletizedright choice has the opposite effect, increasing your
solution is imperative.productivity and ensuring that the entire retail supply
The pallet has a long history, first introduced in thechain works as smoothly as possible.
1920's and enjoying widespread use during WWII.The humble pallet affects an enormous number of
Today, the importance of the pallet has notthings, from the cost of operating a distribution
diminished, as illustrated by the numerous types ofcenter to the availability of goods within retail outlets.
pallets available, as well as the number of palletMaking the right choice in providers is important, not
services providers. It is the choice of pallet type andonly to savings, but also to the continued operation
pallet service providers that is most important inof the entire chain.
ensuring that your DC runs smoothly and properly.