Leveraging complementary distribution channels for an effective, efficient global supply chain
By: Eric Peltz, Marc Robbins.
Contributors: Robbins, Marc L., 1954-; Arroyo Center.; Rand Corporation.; United States. Army.
Series: Documented briefing
Publisher: RAND
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Santa Monica, CA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 53
ISBN-13: 9780833041340
Subjects: United States -- Armed Forces -- Supplies and stores.; United States. -- Army -- Inventory control.; Logistics -- Management.; Transportation, Military -- United States.
Description: DoD makes use of five different distribution channels to sustain U.S. military forces overseas. Three are air delivery channels and two are by sea. These channels offer varying speeds of delivery and have different costs. In addition to these variables, there are certain practical constraints that must be taken into account in making choices among channels, and for surface transportation, the marginal cost of additional inventory must also be considered. In this briefing, we analyze the implications of all these factors for how the channels should be used--which transportation modes should be chosen and where materiel should be stocked--to provide effective support as efficiently as possible. We describe the distribution choices for some illustrative units in Iraq and compare them with the ideal model resulting from our analysis. We find that, through gradual evolution, the sustainment structure for Iraq is beginning to match the model. We offer several guidelines for improving sustainment in the near term by bringing current practices closer to the ideal.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 53).
Table of contents: title: Leveraging complementary distribution channels; title: Major distribution channels; title: Capability and cost tradeoffs; title: Ideal distribution channel roles; title: Current support structure design: A unit view; title: Routes to improvement: unit view; title: Current support structure design: an item view; title: Improvements and future needs.