INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR REDUCING OVERALL WAREHOUSE AND PIPELINE INVENTORY

摘要

A computer system for use in reducing overall pipeline inventory within a distribution network that includes a central warehouse that is: (1) adjacent a transportation hub; and (2) configured to store sufficient component parts to provide a regular stream of parts to each of a plurality of manufacturing facilities. The computer system is preferably configured for coordinating the transportation of a regular stream of parts to each of the manufacturing facilities by transporting component parts from the central warehouse to the manufacturing facilities primarily via an expedited delivery service performed using the transportation hub. The expedited delivery service may include, for example, guaranteed delivery within one or two days. This reduces the overall pipeline and warehouse inventory within the distribution network by reducing the average transit time for each part, and by reducing the amount of safety stock that is needed to support the operations of the manufacturing facilities.