Managing distribution is hard enough at any time within a normal business cycle. It becomes increasingly challenging over the holiday season when there’s a major peak in demand for many products and services. 

Last year, almost half of shoppers experience out-of-stock. To avoid this, here are four aspects to focus on: 

1. Improve customer experience with self-ordering 

When stocks are running low, instead of waiting for a salesman’s visit, shop owners can order products directly through the self service ordering app. This software also allows companies to speed up the ordering process without hiring more staff.

2. Ensure on time delivery

As a customer, there’s nothing more frustrating than late deliveries. Making sure this never happens will require the help of a delivery planning system that will ensure all deliveries are on schedule, and rerouting needs due to broken car tires or bad weather are quickly addressed. 

3. Assure adequate stocks for anticipating demand increase

Warehousing and deliveries go hand in hand, if the picking process takes too long, the delivery team needs to work extra hard to make sure it doesn’t get delayed. Warehouse management system helps companies record accurate stock levels, recommend pick up location , to even changing the warehouse layout by recommending  more popular products storage near the loading area.  

4. Expand your store coverage in an area

Providing the product in more locations, especially in rural locations, will increase consumer awareness and brand awareness. Route optimization makes it easier for management to expand coverage by increasing the number of staff visits per day.