With increasingly complex global supply chains, optimizing your distribution network can be a daunting task. Yet, doing so may be the most strategic means to improve product delivery while cutting 5-20 percent from your overall supply chain costs. FORTE’s Distribution Network Analysis and Optimization practice pinpoints the best domestic and/or international network layout for your current and future-state supply chain.

A network analysis should be done when an event is planned within your business, such as the addition of a new customer(s), acquisition, or expansion. It should also be done to ensure that you are operating at the highest level of efficiency with maximized customer service levels. If network and operational changes are on the horizon, employing FORTE’s expertise will facilitate sound and profitable decision making regarding future operational and capital investments.

At FORTE, we use powerful analytical tools, network optimization software and quantitative expertise to obtain an accurate evaluation and diagnosis of your supply chain and the marketplace. FORTE’s network optimization discipline utilizes a unique approach guided by logistics network modeling and iterative decision support.

Most networks are not properly tuned for growth and are in need of optimization. In order to determine the most efficient and cost-effective locations of your facilities, we look at your business as it relates to your customer base, suppliers, and manufacturing plants. With your input, we examine an exhaustive list of scenarios and alternatives, the cost associated with them, and the opportunities for bottom-line growth.

Critical network elements such as operating costs, oil and freight expenses, building costs, inventory carrying costs, labor expense, and required customer service levels are all weighed against various distribution network scenarios, including the current network in use. A comprehensive assessment of operational feasibility is conducted and an optimized network is defined.

FORTE’s affiliation with the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) Center for Productivity Improvement (CPI) provides additional modeling and analytical expertise and techniques. CPI’s award-winning modeling, analytical expertise and techniques empower private sector businesses, ranging from FORTUNE 500 companies to small- to mid-size organizations. All network optimization projects benefit from both organizations’ combined analytical tools and data collection and project management expertise.