Wal-Mart Distribution Center

Wal-Marts distribution system is the most advanced in the world. For most products they use the pull system, which simply means that inventory is not moved until a customer buys something and then the system orders a replacement for that item. 85% of the items are picked up at the suppliers warehouse by a Wal-Mart truck and brought to the distribution center. A small amount of products are brought to the store, I think by P&G. Wal-Mart uses cross docking a system they perfected to unload a truck on on end of the distribution center and unpack it’s contents if needed and send them on conveyer-belts to trucks on the other end of the distribution center to be loaded and cent to the stores, (considered customers). Most products are out of the distribution centers in less then a day, and on the shelves with in 24 hours. Trucks arrive at the stores to be unloaded at 12am 2am and 4am. Wal-Marts transportation cost account for 3% of there cost verses 5% for there competitors. They use barcodes and scanners to keep track of goods and find out what it is, were it is going, and how long it has been there. Some items are moved by pallet and others are in reusable boxes. Each distribution center has a place to shower, eat and sleep for the drivers. But only the Wal-Mart drivers.

Every thing can be tracked by a satellite system. Wal-Mart can see real time the bank as the merchandise leaves the store and the numbers move. This product movement is shared with the suppliers so that they can replenish the supplies as needed. if there is a breakdown or a problem with the system, the executives can go to the TV studio and get a message out immediately. Each employee has access to the inventory and a tool referred to as the magic wand (probably a telzon). This device can be used to track inventory and order inventory if needed. Wal-Mart uses this technology to get the items on the shelf that the customer wants in the shortest amount of time.

Wal-Mart works