After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following: • Discuss the strategic…

After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following: •    Discuss the strategic value-adding role distribution plays in the supply chain. •    Recognize the tradeoffs between distribution and other supply chain functions. •    Understand the analytical framework for distribution planning decisions. •    Evaluate fulfillment strategies and distribution methods. •    Describe the primary fulfillment processes and support functions in distribution center (DC) operations. •    Use productivity and quality metrics to analyze fulfillment performance. •    Describe how information technology supports distribution operations. •    Discuss materials-handling objectives, principles, and equipment uses