Distribution planning in a turbulent environment

This paper looks at planning within the present distribution environment, paying particular attention to recent trends and developments. The idea of a depot as the traditional building block of a distribution network is questioned and the various functions of a regional depot are explored.The concept of a transit point as a simple alternative to a depot is developed and examples are given of its use in practice. Several refinements are available, particularly in the area of trailer technology, and these are discussed. The necessary support system for transit point operation is identified and finally the implications for distribution planning are considered.