Network Design is the term used to describe the choice of transport modes and paths used to move goods around. These may range from global networks, such as in the computer and telecommunication equipment industries for the movement of parts, sub-assemblies and finished goods around the world, through regional and national networks down to local ones such as where a small company may supply products in a restricted radius of their own works.
Road is the common and cheap method giving door-to door precision with good weight and volume capacity. Air networks provide more rapid transit at extra cost but need connecting links to get full door-to-door capability. Rail can competes with each depending upon the need for speed, capacity or cost. The more modes that are used and the more linkages means more potential for delay or diversion of product but will also allow use of the most effective modes at different stages of the transit of goods. Good network design recognizes the product’s characteristics in terms of size, weight, shelf-life or value, the nature of production processes, customer service needs and channel reliability and unit cost.
We offer experienced consultants and advisors in air, road and rail network configurations to support your in house teams gain maximum benefit from your network. Email us with your problem, see how we can help.
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