

	Sedlak associate: "Recently a client had to make a presentation to his superiors about updated changes his team decided to make to the original design. I talked him through the entire project including, of course, the design changes. The next day his email said, 'My superiors were very impressed. Thanks for making me look good.'

	"The first thing that comes to mind with Sedlak is focus. They keep you, your company and everybody involved with the project focused on what it is you're trying to do and when things need to be done. They will keep you focused. They will make you make the decisions that have to be made and do everything they can to keep the project moving ahead. They have done this so many times that they know all the red flags that potentially cause a project to get delayed or stalled. They know how to keep your schedule on track. they did the same thing for us. They let us know what was happening and if we didn't meet certain deadlines, how other things on the schedule would be impacted. They were very good at keeping the project rolling." Dave Abeloe Distribution Center Director Patagonia, Inc.

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Distribution Network Optimization

Is your current distribution network costing you in areas of transportation, inventory and general operating costs?

What is it... Modeling your supply chain components to give you a view of multiple perspectives and the opportunity to compare what you see to what you expect. It helps you understand the impact of changing systems, processes, facility locations and capacities, operations and strategies before implementation. Given fixed or variable inputs, including product demand the model can process events and/or calculations to produce the same or similar output as that which is being experienced. This process creates a baseline model to which alternative scenarios can be compared.

Key points... Detailing your business forecast and understanding current capacity is the initial step. Predictive analysis is then used to determine future infrastructure requirements, and what if analysis is used to show the tradeoffs of various demand levels with different network configurations. this knowledge enables the supply chain team to develop alternative supply chain networks focused on minimizing costs, and maintaining service levels. Once thee supply chain strategy is defined, then tactical plans are developed and implemented to achieve the optimal network configuration within the prescribed timeframe.

Sample question representing network modeling project goals...

What does the optimal distribution network look like that maintains or improves customer service while lowering overall distribution costs?
How can I lower inbound and outbound transportation costs? Inventory and inventory carrying costs? Fixed and variable costs?
How many distribution centers do I need and where should they be located?
What size and configuration should they be?
How are shipping and freight costs expected to change over the next five years?

We utilize leading analytical software in combination with out deep domain knowledge of operations, inventory and transportation to your network configuration challenges. We have conducted dozens of strategic network analyses, resulting in millions of dollars saved for our clients. Click here to read a few examples. Our goal is to present you with alternatives that help you meet you immediate and long range goals.