Network Strategy

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Supply Chain Management Excellence Through Distribution Network Optimization

As the supply chain continues to be affected by factors such as labor shortages, rising transportation costs, transportation backlogs and capacity constraints, Sedlak’s supply chain experts are available to partner with clients on logistics network optimization. A gap analysis of a business’s network allows us to assist our clients in building a strategy to remedy current network challenges while planning for future needs.

Distribution networks face frequent change. Whether it’s a new acquisition or market, a shift in customer demand or supplier sourcing or a need for consolidation, your network is an evolving entity that can support or hinder business growth.

A truly optimized distribution network design can address change while offering significant advantages:

Meet or exceed Service-Level Requirements (same-day and next-day needs)
Maintain or improve customer service while reducing inbound and outbound transportation costs, inventory levels and carrying costs, and fixed and variable costs
Achieve an ideal balance between the total number of distribution centers and their geographic locations relative to customer demand
Ensure capacity by prescribing an ideal size, purpose and configuration for each distribution center
Anticipate seasonal peaks and business changes with infrastructure and operational flexibility

Unparalleled Expertise in the Tools, Functions and Impacts of Distribution Network Design

Sedlak has conducted network analyses in support of distribution planning since the 1960s. Our work has addressed networks of all sizes and complexities for businesses across the market spectrum. Our experts have a deep knowledge of distribution network design, helping our clients understand the models and develop creative alternatives, which challenge the status quo and address all critical aspects of your distribution operations. We focus on strategy, not just models, to fully support your business objectives while minimizing your distribution costs.

We utilize the industry’s most sophisticated tools and methodologies and can scale our analyses to address your most specific questions or broadest strategy needs. Our analysts can compile and analyze data in various forms and from multiple systems and use predictive analysis to determine your business’s future infrastructure requirements. We can also employ “What If” analyses to illustrate the specific tradeoffs and impacts of alternate network configurations.

As an end-to-end supply chain advisory firm, Sedlak’s professionals can convert your network strategy into a tactical plan for deployment and fully support implementation within the prescribed time frame.

Success Stories

Transportation Analysis for Fresh Mark, Inc.

Sedlak provided FreshMark, a subsidiary of Sugardale Foods, with an optimal equipment concept and layout to reduce product touches and related labor costs. We also identified additional improvement opportunities to consider with the development of a master campus plan to balance efficiencies across functions and locations.

Automated DCs for DSW

More than a Decade of Projects: New Automation & Systems, Brownfield Facilities, and Uninterrupted Operations

Distribution Network Model for Blood Donation

Sedlak reduced distribution network costs by 30% for a large provider of blood and blood products and then supported the alignment of the organization and four of their affiliates to the new integrated distribution approach.

Distribution Network Study for Benjamin Moore

We Saved Benjamin Moore over $5M with the development of a long-term distribution network which immediately improved their capacity.

Centralized Distribution for AboutHealth

AboutHealth engaged Sedlak to identify potential opportunities for the AboutHealth owners to consolidate the distribution of their medical supplies.

3PL Analysis for Lulu’s

Sedlak developed a master blueprint for our client’s retail boutique operations based on a five-year business plan. We designed a new network model to improve processes and product flow and supported all recommended options by a capital investment and ROI evaluation.

Distribution Network Redesign for Academic Healthcare Institution

Sedlak made recommendations to our client, one of the largest academic institutions in the U.S., specializing in advanced biomedical research and graduate-level education in healthcare and the life sciences, which were projected to achieve or $1 million in operating cost savings.

Distribution Strategy for GlaxoSmithKline

We recommended a preferred 3-DC option and a preferred 4-DC Option to a multinational pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccine and consumer healthcare company, each equally reducing transportation expenses. In addition, we recommended network options that maintained targeted service levels for both.

Transportation Analysis for Fresh Mark, Inc.