State the four major components of physical distribution.
Ans.
The four major components of physical distribution are:
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Transportation:
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Transportation involves the movement of goods from the point of production to the point of consumption or distribution.
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It includes various modes such as road, rail, air, water, and pipeline transportation, depending on factors like distance, urgency, and nature of the goods.
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Warehousing:
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Warehousing refers to the storage of goods in facilities known as warehouses.
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Warehouses serve as points of consolidation, distribution, and storage, allowing for the efficient handling of inventory and facilitating order fulfillment.
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Inventory Control:
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Inventory control involves managing the levels and flow of inventory within the supply chain.
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It includes activities such as forecasting demand, replenishing stock, optimizing reorder points, and minimizing carrying costs to ensure that adequate inventory is available to meet customer demand.
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Packaging and Materials Handling:
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Packaging involves the design and preparation of products for shipment or storage, ensuring they are protected, preserved, and presented appropriately.
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Materials handling encompasses the physical movement and manipulation of goods within facilities, including loading, unloading, sorting, and transporting items using equipment like forklifts, conveyors, and pallet jacks.
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