Distribution Quality Issues - A Short List

[Marc]

From: Len Litvan <Litvan@means.net>
Subject: Re: Q: DISTRIBUTION QUALITY /Gordon/Litvan

Lynn Gordon wrote:

> Can any one tell me the quality issues that part distribution businesses
> face on a daily bases?

Wrong parts provided to customer.
Wrong quantity.
Delivered to wrong location.
Improperly packaged/packed (not to customer spec).
Damaged inbound/outbound.
Labels illegible.
Subcontractor (manufacturer/master distributor) provided defective
material.
Did not use shipper specified by customer.
Internal damage to parts (handling/storage).
Stores location errors (part numbers, quantity).
Parts lost.

These are some typical ones in my experience.

Len Litvan
President, Litvan Enterprises
www.nb-chamber.org/Litvan.html

[Marc]

From: Boltman850@aol.com
Subject: Re: Q: DISTRIBUTION QUALITY /Gordon/Litvan/Baxter

Regarding Lynn Gordon's question about quality issues in the parts distribution business Len Litvan made good start with a helpful list. However, he missed a few really significant matters like Fill Rate (what percentage of the total order was shipped first time) and did the shipment arrive On Time.

Warner Baxter
Baxter Associates
http://www.bax1.com
baxter@bax1.com

[Marc]

From: Len Litvan <Litvan@means.net>
Subject: Re: Q: DISTRIBUTION QUALITY /Gordon/Litvan/Baxter/Litvan

Warner Baxter wrote:

...Len Litvan made good start with a helpful list.
> However, he missed a few really significant matters....

I did! I realized after it was sent that I had forgotten several (not old age!):

Fill rate for standard parts
Missed delivery date (non-inventoried items, backorders)
Percent lines filled within X number of minutes, hours, or days
Customer complaints
Vendors late

AND OTHERS.

Len Lit