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Academic Year
This course is an introduction to the physical distribution aspects of supply chain management. The course examines the different modes of transportation: truck, rail, ocean, air, pipeline and intermodal, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. It provides an overview of distribution centre operations including the main activities performed: receiving, storage, order filling and shipping. Effective methods of evaluating and selecting different transportation or warehousing options are covered. Material handling technology, packaging, racking, safety, quality, labour efficiency, and layout and design of warehouses are explored. The course also examines emerging technologies such as radio-frequency identification (RFID), electronic product code (EPC) and voice directed activities. More advanced topics in distribution are covered in the second semester course SCM 510 - Distribution 2