Operations & Supply Chain

Distribution Network Design

The number and location of warehouses and distribution routes shape cost and service for years. This course teaches distribution network design: analysing current networks, demand and cost data, service requirements, scenario modelling, total landed cost, trade-offs between inventory and transport, and implementing network changes.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Networks designed years ago rarely fit today’s customers and costs. You will learn to evaluate and redesign distribution networks with data.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Network modelling exercises, scenario analysis, case studies and implementation planning.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse current distribution networks
Define service and cost objectives
Model network scenarios
Evaluate total landed cost trade-offs
Select warehouse locations and flows
Plan network implementation

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Supply chain and logistics managers
Network planners
Operations directors
Business analysts
Consultants

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Network analysis
Scenario modelling
Cost trade-offs
Location selection
Implementation planning

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Network Fundamentals

09:00–10:08Network components
10:08–11:00Service versus cost
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Service versus cost (continued)
11:45–12:53Current state analysis
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Data

09:00–10:08Demand and order profiles
10:08–11:00Cost data
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Cost data (continued)
11:45–12:53Service requirements
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Modelling

09:00–10:08Scenario modelling
10:08–11:00Optimisation concepts
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Optimisation concepts (continued)
11:45–12:53Sensitivity
12:53–14:00Hands-on

Day 4Trade-Offs

09:00–10:08Inventory versus transport
10:08–11:00Centralisation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Centralisation (continued)
11:45–12:53Risk and resilience
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Implementation

09:00–10:08Business case
10:08–11:00Transition plan
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Transition plan (continued)
11:45–12:53Risks
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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