Distribution Centers. Distribution centers and their locations The role of distribution centers

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​​​​​​​​​Distribution centers​

X5 Retail Group manages distribution centers in the Central, Northwestern, Urals, Volga, Volga-Vyatka, Central Chernozemny, Southern and other regions of the company's presence in Russia.

Deliveries of goods through distribution centers provide X5 partners with a number of advantages:

  • Reduced transport costs.
  • Expansion of the range of products in retail chain stores.
  • Reduced paperwork within X5 and associated costs.
  • Reduced labor costs for the preparation of accompanying documentation for the goods (certificates, etc.).
  • Growth in sales, including through wholesale trade.

In order to supply goods through distribution centers, partners must comply with the following conditions:

  • Deliver goods in strict accordance with the order in terms of assortment, quantity, delivery date.
  • Goods must be on EURO-standard pallets (dimensions 800 x 1200 x 150 mm), no more than one item on each pallet.
  • The stacking height of the goods should not exceed a total height of 1350 mm.
    • In the case of placing one or two layers of goods on pallets, it is allowed to place a pallet on a pallet, if this does not lead to a loss of consumer qualities of the goods.

In order for the packing of the goods to be complete, it is necessary to use:

  • Goods stacking system (packaging).
  • Bundle of goods with a pallet (slinging).
  • Packing goods on a pallet with shrink film (thickness from 0.15 mm) or tape to fix the goods on the pallet.

If the conditions for the delivery of goods are violated, employees of distribution centers are forced to transfer the goods on their own, therefore, in such cases, the company is not responsible for the delay in unloading the goods and idle vehicles.

To deliver orders, suppliers can contact distribution center and receive a returnable container - EURO-pallets. The exchange of pallets takes place on the day of delivery of goods in an amount equal to the last delivery.

X5 recommends that suppliers indicate on shipping documents (waybills) the coding of the goods used in their information systems. This will allow you to quickly identify the goods at the time of ordering and speed up the acceptance of goods in the distribution center and in store warehouses.

Distribution (distribution) center is a warehouse complex that receives goods from manufacturing enterprises or wholesalers (for example, located in other regions of the country or abroad) and distributes them in smaller batches to customers (small wholesale and retail) through their distribution network or theirs.

Let's consider the general and what distinguishes the distribution center from the usual composition, with which it is very often identified.

The role and place of the distribution center in the warehouse system is shown in fig. 10.4.

Rice. 10.4. The role and place of the distribution center in the warehouse system

Clifford F. Lynch substantiated that: proposal additional services, technology orientation, customer orientation and conscious relationships are the features that distinguish the distribution center from the composition (Fig. 10.5).

Rice. 10.5. Distinctive features distribution center compared to the composition

The difference between a distribution center and a logistics center comes from their functionality. The most complete understanding of the logistics center is the definition of the Polish scientist I. Fechner, Whereby logistics center- this is a spatial object of the outlined functionality with the appropriate infrastructure and organization of activities, with the help of which logistics services are implemented related to the receipt, storage, distribution and dispatch of goods, as well as related services provided by economic entities independent of the sender or recipient. That is, in their activities, logistics centers cover a much wider range of functional properties than distribution centers.

Feature Comparison organizational work distribution and logistics centers according to the relevant factor characteristics, makes it possible to see a number of qualitative differences in their work (Table 10.6).

In their activities, distribution centers cover a smaller area of ​​functionality compared to a logistics center, but at the same time they have more opportunities than conventional trains. A feature of the work of a modern distribution center is a focus on meeting the needs of consumers, which is manifested in the provision of a wide range of additional services by them.

Table 10.6. The difference in the organization of the work of the logistics and distribution centers

Example 10.1. The Yagotinsky logistics complex of the Roshen corporation is located at the intersection of traffic flows from Kyiv, Vinnitsa, Mariupol and Kremenchug, where production capacity confectionery company. New transport interchanges were created around the logistics center, three railway lines and eight railway entrances were brought up. This allows the accumulation and distribution of commodity flows from confectionery factories, processing up to three tons of products per day. Except finished products raw materials are also stored in the center. Therefore, transport brings finished product from confectionery factories, comes back loaded with food ingredients (confectionery fats, cocoa, juices, etc.) and packing materials for factories. The center is equipped latest system management of commodity flows WMS (Warehouse Management System), which optimizes logistics processes arising from the moment of acceptance and before the shipment of goods from the warehouse. By the time the car arrives at the warehouse, the documentation for its filling has already been transferred, accounted for and processed. This makes it possible to pre-order, so the total time of stay freight transport on the territory of the center does not exceed one hour. Another priority is the development of our own automobile enterprise with a fleet of one hundred and twenty trucks, so that the transportation of products is carried out under optimal conditions. For the flawless functioning of the logistics complex, a complex software and operates innovative transport warehouse equipment.

Example 10.2. The Ukrainian Distribution Center (UDC) in Skopje (Macedonia) began its work in May 2012, the purpose of which is to strengthen the Ukrainian economic presence in the Balkans. The UDC was created on the basis of the Macedonian company ST Trade, which has almost 20 years of experience working with Ukrainian business partners and has its office in Kyiv. UDC in Skopje is: customs-licensed warehouse; 14.0 thousand sq. m of production, storage and office space with everyone necessary conditions and amenities for economic activity(security, power supply, water supply, technological transport, telephone installation, Internet, etc.). Ukrainian enterprises that are interested in exporting to Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Kosovo can use a wide range of UDC services for packing, repacking, packaging and installation of products; certification and homologation of Ukrainian products on the Balkan market; preparation of qualified tender applications for participation in tenders that are announced in the Balkans; study of market conditions; services for the promotion of Ukrainian products on the Balkan market; search and verification of the reliability of Balkan partners; organizing and conducting business negotiations, taking into account the specifics of doing business in the Balkans; official and unofficial translation from Balkan and Balkan languages; selection of qualified personnel; the possibility of co-financing new projects and programs initiated by Ukrainian enterprises in the Balkans.

The presence of several consumers of the material flow in the service area of ​​the distribution center actualizes the issue choice best option its placement. For this:

1. the market conditions are studied and a forecast of the value of the material flow passing through the logistics system is developed;

2. a system for supplying goods to consumers is being developed;

3. distribution schemes are drawn up material flows within the logistics system;

4. The choice of the distribution center placement option is carried out according to the criterion of minimum reduced costs.

The given costs are determined by the formula:

where Sp - reduced costs for the option;

Vekspl - annual operating costs of the center; Tue - annual transport costs;

K - capital investments in the construction of a distribution center; Current is the payback period for capital investments.

I received a letter from a colleague from the Caucasus with a question regarding supplies to retail chains. The thing is, I didn't quite understand the question. Therefore, I will try not just to answer it, but to comment on the situation in general.

Dear Pavel Evgenievich,
Before I ask a question, I will briefly state the essence of the problem:
I am the commercial director of a company engaged in the production and sale of drinking water (Three SKUs in total). My vision of sales development is direct work with networks, with all the ensuing consequences (agreement, delivery to the distribution center, development of marketing and financial policy, merchandising, bonus programs etc.)
The vision of investors is to work through a distributor who will solve the problem of entering the network. But then promotion, marketing, financial matters etc. we have to deal with.
I ask you to express your opinion on how we should enter the market after all.
Sincerely, ****


The thing is, I didn't quite understand the question. Therefore, I will try not just to answer it, but to comment on the situation in general.

Distributor - a logistics partner who, in relation to a network retailer, performs the functions of a retailer that is absent or not used for distribution to stores in the network of a logistics center (distribution center - DC).

A look at the DC and the distributor from the side of the network retail lag. Sometimes the supplier is offered the services of a DC, sometimes the services of a DC are imposed. Sometimes it is persistently offered to use the services of a distributor - a lure, affiliated operator, through which ... how to say ... benefits are derived by one or more managers of the network retailer. Up to a heap, a network retailer can impose services marketing company, which is engaged in merchandising, booking and other things.

A look at the distribution center and the distributor from the side of the supplier. If delivery through the distribution center often causes nothing but a headache (all suppliers of your product group and the retailers themselves complain about the work of the distribution center), then it is quite logical that it is worth finding a competent and professional distributor who will do a little more for the supplier than the distribution center . Well, let's say, a distributor, in addition to the network, will be able to supply goods to non-system retail.

In addition, a distributor can introduce goods into several networks. Listing for direct entry and supply to the network can be more complicated and more expensive than through a distributor, in which part of the duties and costs are distributed to all supplied brands, which means that listing will be a little cheaper and easier for the supplier.

BUT if the supplier wants not only to enter the network, but also to be sold in the network, you need to understand and spit some things:
1. What the retailer strongly recommends is not always what the supplier wants can only be accepted. If your group of goods, according to the retailer's practice, is supplied only through the distribution center, or if delivery not through the distribution center is really difficult for the retailer, you should not do what is beneficial only to you. Think, communicate with other suppliers, a lot of pitfalls will definitely open. Do it the way you like it!

2. If a distributor can introduce you to several networks, then what is important for you: to enter or sell to them? The point is that the distributor often uses your product only as a bargaining chip in the competition for the segment, for the shelves. In this case, the entry will be easier, but you will not have sales. Maybe ease of entry, logic is not so important against the background of unmanaged or missing sales by you?

3. Retailer is important system management. It’s bad if one of the suppliers, as best he can, is crooked and askew in marketing and logistics. From such inept work, only problems! It is better if the promotions in retail are planned, they are held regularly, if the booking of competitors does not overlap, if a single distribution center provides all the internal logistics of the retail "exactly and on time"

4. The admission of certain intermediaries - distributors to ensure the activities of the retailer and persistent recommendations to "work through it" (logistics, layout, marketing) - this is a feeder for someone from the top management of the retailer.

5. In this regard, "bulling" (and often just choosing the best one) to the supplier and insisting on delivery through a distributor or directly, against the insistent desire of the retailer, is "ss pissing against the wind." In this case, whatever the opinion of the founders or the opinion of the supplier's management, it does not matter if you want to not only stand, but also be sold from the shelves.

Reference, for those who don't know
Delivery in the network through a distributor is carried out under the contract transport expedition consignments of goods (cross-docking). The client receives:

  • delivery of cargo to the trading network on the appointed day and at a certain time,
  • possibility feedback with the forwarder directly upon the transfer of the goods,
  • return of original documents,
  • the possibility of returning the unaccepted goods to our distribution center in the region and subsequent shipment to the customer,
  • on-line tracking of the delivery of goods to the network through Personal Area on our website, including viewing scans of documents confirming the delivery of goods to the network the next day after its delivery,
  • a full range of warehouse services at our terminals,
  • Possibility of integration with customer accounting systems.
Distributors known to me - network retail operators:
LLC "ITS Air"

Typical RC "Crossroads"

Photo report from the largest warehouseX5 Retail Group

March 23 X5 Retail Group in the Sofyino logopark in the Ramensky district of the Moscow region has launched a new distribution center. This is the first distribution center of the company, from which only Perekrestok supermarkets will be served. Items will not be shipped to other stores from this warehouse. According to Denis Shulga, Logistics Director of the Karusel, Perekrestok, X5 Retail Group retail chains, this is a typical warehouse complex that contains all the modern logistics technologies used by the company - X5 will open such warehouses in the future.

So, what technologies the company uses and why many of the suppliers who were present at the opening (and there were more than 50 companies here) wanted to transfer from other DCs to a new one - read the photo report on the site.

The decision to build the DC was made in September 2015. Modern technologies construction allow you to build a "box" in 8-10 months. Warehouse area 65 thousand square meters. m. - this is the largest in the X5 Retail Group, it will take 17 minutes to get around it around the perimeter. By the way, the first warehouse of the company, located in Odintsovo, was only 7 thousand square meters. m.


The developer of the project in Sofyino, at the 32nd kilometer from the Moscow Ring Road along Novoryazanskoye Highway, is AT Real Estate. Investments in the construction of the DC amounted to more than 2.5 billion rubles. Own investments of the tenant - X5 Retail Group in equipment: shelving, Wi-Fi, video surveillance, etc. - about 180 million rubles.

The distribution center ships goods only to Perekrestok stores - 484 supermarkets throughout Russia. The warehouse processes 1.5 thousand tons of products daily. At the moment, there is only a “dry” warehouse here, perishable goods, including fresh products, fruits and vegetables, and freezing, are located at other distribution centers.

This palette contains the whole warehouse concept. The order from the store is collected on one pallet in order to further simplify the acceptance in the supermarket. Cigarettes and small goods for the checkout area are packed separately to avoid theft. This approach allows you to reduce the delivery time from production to the store. Goods are delivered to the supermarket as requested, every other day or twice a week.

16 thousand items of products are stored here. Which cell is desired item, no one can remember. Pickers are helped to collect goods by a voice system that reports the coordinates of the desired cell, the number of boxes that must be selected to form a pallet. Each picker, upon receiving the terminal, utters the commands himself. The system can detect 24 dialects and even understands the Tajik language.

The warehouse operates around the clock, it is served by 480 people. average salary employees, excluding leadership positions, according to the company, is 35 thousand rubles. Some of the employees are residents of the Moscow region, some are residents of neighboring regions, and a corporate bus brings them to the beginning of the shift.

Waltz of stackers - the crown number of drivers-pickers, performed in honor of the opening of the warehouse. In the finale, a stacker who danced around presented champagne to the guests, including the Minister of Consumer Market and Services Vladimir Posazhennikov, the management of Perekrestok, suppliers and the press.

Employees are provided with free meals during the work shift in the corporate canteen, where there is not even a cash desk.

Suppliers often complain about the tough demands of retailers. X5, in order to maintain efficiency, cannot work differently and try to educate their partners. For example, the specified time for the arrival of a car with goods from a supplier is 15 minutes. If the car is late, it has to stand in the general queue.

The main shipment of goods for the Moscow "Perekrestki" occurs at night - until 7 am, while there are no traffic jams in the city. Delivery to the regions can be carried out at a later time.

Previously, goods had to be transported to stores from different places, which increased the time of delivery and acceptance. Now all products, except for perishables, are located at the distribution center in Sofyino. Here about 90% of goods - Russian production. 20% - issued in the Moscow region. Residents always trust local products more.

In total, the company has 35 distribution centers, of which 7 are located in the Moscow region. In 2015, X5 became the leader among retail chains by the number of launched distribution centers, opening six new warehouses with a total area of ​​142 thousand sq. m. m - in Kaluga, Voronezh, Chelyabinsk regions, in Moscow and the Republic of Tatarstan. In 2016, in addition to the distribution center in Sofyino, at least one more distribution center will be launched, working for Perekrestok and Karusel.

The opening of new warehouses and the centralization of supplies help to reduce the time of delivery from the manufacturer to the supplier, the share of local suppliers in the total volume of X5 increases. At points of sale, time and labor costs for goods acceptance are reduced.

Strengthening logistics not only improves the efficiency of the company as a whole, but also serves as a springboard for further expansion of the network and the opening of new stores.

Olga Krykova, especially for

"Crossroads"

"Crossroads" - the largest Russian network supermarkets operated by X5 Retail Group. The network was founded in 1995, the first supermarket was opened in Moscow. In 2002, Perekrestok began opening stores in other Russian regions. In 2003–2004, Perekrestok acquired several regional chains: Spar Middle Volga in Nizhny Novgorod...

A distribution center is a warehouse that receives goods from manufacturers or wholesalers through any distribution network. Then from here the goods go to other storage firms.

The distribution center performs the following functions: repacking, packing, stickering, customs clearance, cargo certification.

Location of distribution centers

There are three main strategies for locating distribution complexes:

  • near the sales market;
  • close to production
  • intermediate location between the market and the enterprise.

The structure of these warehouses and their location significantly affect the costs that arise during the delivery of goods to the customer, and, accordingly, the final price of the product being sold.

When choosing the location of distribution centers, you need to pay attention to such important factors as:

  • transportation cost;
  • the price of warehouse processing of goods;
  • their content;
  • registration of orders and formation of a management system;
  • customer service level.

The best shopping and distribution centers are those that will provide high quality services to consumers at the lowest possible cost.

Sometimes retail chains or some large chains stores do without distribution centers, relying on supplies directly from distributors.

But in the event of interruptions in the provision of products, the normal functioning of the enterprise is jeopardized. However, in the presence of such systems, the control of suppliers is more effective, and the correct delivery of goods to the store shelves is also ensured.

In addition, a big plus of distribution centers is the fact that contracts for the receipt of products can be concluded directly with the manufacturer, without the participation of intermediaries. This will avoid markups, overpayments, and will also provide an opportunity to receive large wholesale discounts.

Role of distribution centers

As it turned out, about 30% of all agricultural products that are produced in Russian Federation, deteriorates before reaching the buyer. The main reason for this is that the existing vegetable stores and warehouses have long been outdated. The creation of new premises for the storage of products will help to solve this situation.

Modern logistics distribution centers provide a guarantee of proper storage of goods due to the availability of relevant regulatory documents.

These warehouses collect different products. And when suppliers fail to supply goods, the distribution center is the so-called buffer that insures the volume inventory production, increasing its supply.

A variety of technological activities and processes take place at these complexes:

  • acceptance of goods to the warehouse;
  • placement and replenishment of selection zones;
  • order picking for retail chains;
  • their shipment.

Secondary processes include inventory of the warehouse, work with marriages and defects, returns and other services.

Distribution centers benefit not only major manufacturers but also newcomers. Such complexes consist of many structural parts: international certification and laboratory control zones, storage rooms, including freezers.

The centers also have transport companies transporting goods, customs, free trade zone, consulting and review departments, banks and the like. Due to the availability of such large storage areas, significant food losses can be avoided.

Examples of distribution centers in the world and Russia

Due to their unique properties and functions, wholesale distribution centers are very popular in many countries around the world.

The most famous of them:

  • "Kverneland Group";
  • Mercasa;
  • "Walmart";
  • "ALDI";
  • X5 Retail Group.

There are also quite a lot of such complexes in the Russian Federation. For example, "Dixie", "Ermak", "Four Seasons" and so on.

Notable Moscow distribution centers:"Magnet", "OK", "Pyaterochka", "X5". Basically, these are warehouses. big stores and hypermarkets.

In addition, the state is actively forming large interregional distribution centers, which, according to experts, by 2020 there should be about 10-15 pieces. In the near future, the construction of warehouses in Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Tyumen, Rostov, the Moscow region and the Crimea will begin.

Distribution centers work and cooperate with networkers, farmers, restaurateurs and end consumers. They are trading platform, commodity exchange, which produces the average cost of production. Such warehouses will improve the competitiveness of products not only in the domestic, but also in the world market. As a result, manufacturers receive a decent payment for their product, and the final price of the product remains affordable.

Distribution centers in Russia today perform the following tasks:

  • storage of commodity stocks;

  • preservation of their quality;

  • improving the functionality of production;

  • increasing the competent use of the territory of the premises;

  • reduction of transportation costs;

  • creation of new jobs;

  • effective sales organization;

  • timely and regular delivery of goods to the consumer.

Representatives of distribution centers at the exhibition

"Prodexpo"- this is international exhibition food products, which takes place annually on the territory of the Expocentre Fairgrounds. This exposition is an important event in the field of food and beverages. For more than 20 years, the event has determined the vector of development of the national Food Industry and economy.

"Prodexpo" promotes high-quality products to the national market, thereby contributing to the implementation of government projects aimed at improving the quality of life of Russian consumers.

The exhibition is, in fact, a distribution center where various products are provided in bulk. Here you can buy goods for offices, shops or other businesses.

The pavilion of the Expocentre Fairgrounds is divided into many salons:

  • meat and meat products;
  • dairy products and cheeses;
  • groceries, spices and pasta;
  • vegetable fats;
  • semi-finished products and frozen products;
  • confectionery, nuts and dried fruits;
  • Coffee and tea;
  • Fish and seafood;
  • preserves and sauces;
  • gastronomy and products for restaurants;
  • trading houses;
  • wholesale distribution centers;
  • alcoholic drinks;
  • glass containers;
  • beverage production;
  • packaging solutions;
  • equipment and services;
  • expositions of Russian regions;
  • foreign national exhibitions;
  • delicacies;
  • EcoBioSalon;
  • honey and bee products;
  • pet food.

Distribution centers featured on "Prodexpo", offer to purchase products in bulk directly from the manufacturer. The exhibition is annually attended not only by domestic suppliers, but also by manufacturing companies from other countries of the world.

An even larger contingent of participants is expected every year. Numerous products will be presented by such countries as France, Spain, Austria, Italy and so on. However, the most extensive is the Russian exposition. Leading companies will demonstrate the results of the domestic food industry.

During the exhibition "Prodexpo" exhibitors and visitors will have the opportunity to get acquainted with new samples of products of well-known trademarks, as well as learn more about newcomers to the international food market.

Here you can also find a supplier or customer, conclude successful contracts, start fruitful cooperation, get comprehensive information about different manufacturers, and also learn a lot of new information about the latest technologies and inventions.

The business program of the exposition includes a variety of useful discussions, seminars, presentations and conferences. There will also be workshops round tables, study tours, competitions and so on.

The products presented at this food exhibition have all quality certificates, and the excellent characteristics of the products are proven by laboratory analysis.

"Prodexpo" is a warehouse complex where first-class food and beverages are presented in bulk from manufacturing companies from around the world. Here, everyone has the opportunity to purchase products directly from the supplier, and be sure of their high quality.