Does Your Distribution Network Leak Costs?

How to Reduce Distribution Network Costs?

“Guaranteed” – If you’re not delighted with the results, get a full refund!

Most Distribution Networks leak costs!  Because it’s too hard to identify the leaks…

“A picture tells a thousand words”.

In our experience mapping our client’s supply chains uncovers problems and is a good first step in any inventory review.  Using your inventory, sales, purchases and warehouse transfer data, our proprietary analytics software will;

• Map Summarise your material flows inbound, outbound and between warehouses within your network.
• Identify imbalances by warehouse in terms of material flows and inventory holding.
• Analyse your network at three levels of detail: organisational and individual warehouses.

Who is it for? Executives looking to kick off an Inventory Management or Network Review.

What you get? Customised report showing material flows and inventory holding throughout your entire warehouse network, and where to look for improvements.

Do you buy more inventory than you sell?

Are you spending a lot on unnecessary inter-warehouse transfers?

We often work with clients who haven’t seen their supply chain represented like this. We take your inventory, sales, returns, purchase, distribution transactions to create a detailed report showing how inventory moves around your network. A great first step in your Inventory Management or Network Review.

Why not talk to us today to find out more?

“Guaranteed” – If you’re not delighted with the results, get a full refund!

Network Flow Mapping: Visualise & Optimise Your Supply Chain

See Your Supply Chain Like Never Before

Do you truly understand how products, information, and funds flow through your supply chain network? Most organisations struggle to visualise their complex networks, making it nearly impossible to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and optimisation opportunities.

Our Network Flow Mapping service creates a comprehensive visual representation of your entire supply chain—revealing hidden patterns, inefficiencies, and improvement potential that conventional analysis misses.

Beyond Basic Network Diagrams

Traditional network diagrams show static locations and connections. Our Flow Mapping methodology goes deeper, revealing:

🌐 Multi-Dimensional Flows

• Physical product movements
• Information exchanges
• Financial transactions
• Reverse logistics pathways
• Service delivery sequences

📊 Volume-Based Visualisation

• Proportional flow representation
• Seasonal variation patterns
• Growth trajectory impact
• Demand pattern influences
• Bottleneck identification

⏱️ Time-Based Analysis

• Lead time visualisation
• Process cycle mapping
• Dwell time hotspots
• Velocity impediments
• Schedule adherence issues

💰 Cost Transparency

• Transport cost layering
• Handling cost attribution
• Inventory holding impact
• Documentation expense flows
• Total landed cost visibility

Our Proven Mapping Methodology

Our consultants apply a structured approach to create your network flow map:

1. Data Collection & Validation
   We gather detailed data on facilities, transport lanes, volumes, costs, and service requirements.
2. Base Network Configuration
   We establish the physical network structure including all nodes and connections.
3. Flow Pattern Analysis
   We overlay actual product flows, highlighting volumes, frequencies, and patterns.
4. Performance Attribute Integration
   We incorporate key metrics like time, cost, and service quality.
5. Scenario Development
   We create alternative network configurations for comparison.
6. Visualisation & Reporting
   We deliver intuitive visual maps and detailed analysis.

The Network Flow Mapping Difference

“We thought we understood our distribution network until the Flow Mapping exercise. The visual representation immediately revealed three redundant transport legs costing us over $450,000 annually. We implemented changes within weeks.”
— Logistics Director, Manufacturing Company

Multiple Map Types to Address Different Needs

🧩 Strategic Network Maps

Ideal for senior leadership to understand overall network structure and strategic challenges.

📈 Analytical Performance Maps

Perfect for supply chain managers needing to identify specific improvement opportunities.

🔄 Process Flow Maps

Essential for operations teams working on efficiency and cycle time improvements.

📱 Interactive Digital Maps

Dynamic tools that allow teams to test scenarios and visualise impacts in real-time.

From Insight to Optimisation

Network Flow Mapping is often the first step in a broader optimisation journey. The insights gained typically identify immediate opportunities for:

• Distribution centre location optimisation
• Transport lane consolidation
• Inventory placement refinement
• Lead time reduction
• Service territory alignment
• Cross-dock opportunity identification
• Multi-modal transport integration

Typical Client Results

Our clients typically achieve:

• 10-15% reduction in network-wide transport costs
• 5-20% improvement in delivery lead times
• Enhanced visibility across all supply chain functions
• Better cross-functional understanding of network dynamics
• Solid foundation for strategic network planning

Begin Your Network Optimisation Journey

The Network Flow Mapping process typically requires 3-4 weeks and provides immediate tactical opportunities while building the foundation for strategic optimisation.