Explain the major activites involved in physical distribution of goods.

Explanation

Physical distribution The physical handling and movement of goods from place of production to the place of distribution, is called physical distribution. It covers all the activities required to physically move the goods from the manufacturers to the customers.
Components of physical distribution The main components of the process of physical distribution are :
`(i)` Order processing A good physical distribution system should provide for an accurate and speedy processing of orders. In the absence of this, goods would reach the customers in wrong quality or quantity, resulting in dissatisfaction of customers.
`(ii)` Transportation It means carrying raw materials and finished goods from one place to another. It helps in creating 'place utility', by making available the goods where they are required.
`(iii)` Warehousing It refers to the act of storing and assorting produces in order to create 'time utility'. It helps in proper placement of goods and providing facilities to store them, so that they can be made available as and when demanded by the market.
`(iv)` Inventory control An important decision in physical distribution is deciding about the level of inventory. Higher the level of inventory, higher will be level of service and cost of carrying the inventory and vice-versa. Various factors which are considered for determining inventory levels are :
`(i)` Firm's policy regarding level of customer service.
`(ii)` Degree of accuracy of sales forecast.
`(iii)` Responsiveness of distribution system.
`(iv)` Cost of holding inventory.
A good inventory decision aims at timely fulfillment of demand at minimum cost.