Introduction
The current technological advancement has influenced every aspect of transaction in the business environment. Starting from research, production, storage, distribution and delivery in the modern business all these stages have undergone almost complete revolution. The increasing pressure on business to reduce operational costs, achieve competitive advantage and establish sustainable performance has resulted into high degree of automation in the business industry. (Hakikur 2008, p402)
In the modern economic world enterprises have become identical with technology. Every business opportunity is viewed in terms of competitive strategy, how well the business can implement the idea to help in positioning itself. This is only possible when a firm has adequate knowledge base that can be trusted with such works. The purpose of this topic is to analyze the impact of technology specifically on business storage and distribution. As we have discussed the modern distribution and storage activities in business have undergone reformation and are highly characterized by automation. (Allan 2009, p198)
This has led to increased efficiencies and effectiveness. Most businesses now go online in order to attract large public perception. Technology in distribution process has ensured that goods reach customers quickly; this has been achieved through equitable access to a variety of resources. In the retail business most managers prefer creating up distribution centers with such capacities of handling large volumes of goods. This is highly used by large retail organizations like Tesco, Asda and Pro-Tech in the European countries. (Hakikur 2008, p402)
Information technology has also ensured that customers access goods of an organization at their homes without the need to travel to the physical premises and make relevant orders. Managers also keep records of potential suppliers in their database for screening so that they can be able to make contacts at their own convenience. (Allan 2009, p198)
Storage
Storage refers to keeping of goods awaiting sale. It may also include keeping raw materials for future production. The modern technology has changed the manner in which core storage activities are carried out. This can be seen as follows;
The traditional inventory control systems have been completely abolished and their place taken by computerized inventory system. Most modern day managers are cost conscious and would want to be efficient at every aspect of business.
The traditional and rudimental inventory control procedures were found to be ineffective and costly especially in the contemporary society. Computerization of storage has leveraged entrepreneurs and contributed to transparency in stock movement. (Allan 2009, p198)
The modern warehouses are also fitted with technological equipment that provides efficiency in the overall warehouse. These include handling, off loading and loading facilities like cranes and lifters. The traditional warehouses lacked adequate storage facilities that could be used to preserve perishable goods like fruits, milk, bakeries. Technology has ensured that entrepreneurs can store perishable goods for future market demand through use of facilities like fridges and coolers. (Martin & Kiyoshi 2006, p178)
Warehouses located areas which are susceptible to weather conditions are fitted with equipments that change according to pattern of weather and therefore do not cause damages to inventory eventually saving entrepreneurs a lot of money. Technology has also helped beef up security in the modern storage and distribution. Warehouses are fitted with very powerful security gadgets that can detect any contempt or action that may appear to breach security procedures. (Hakikur 2008, p402)
A computerized warehousing also provides ease of access to inventory thereby reducing costs associated with long delays of searching particular items in the inventory. Accountability and record keeping also become easy. It can allow proper verification and adoption of current international accounting conventions and standards regarding inventory controls i.e. FIFO, LIFO, and WAC. (Martin & Kiyoshi 2006, p178)
Success of quality logistics management and operation staff
Quality is a value that is hard to be ignored in logistics management, the current modern world is characterized by fierce competition. Domestic as well as international clients have become quality sensitive that any business that fails to recognize this is doomed. Quality logistics management refers to instituting and adopting quality in all levels of the overall logistics process including, offloading, transport, loading and auxiliary process that transform these activities into a reality. This can only be achieved if the organization is well equipped in terms of human resource through employing technically and professionally qualified staff that will be of value to every business process. (Anderson 2006, p 235)
Conclusion
Technology has reshaped the future of storage and distribution. Business can now be able to trade in perishables, store and convert them into forms readily accepted by the final consumers while awaiting their demand. This has eliminated tremendous losses associated with traditional storage methods. Ease of access to a variety of goods has also provided efficiency as well as effectiveness in warehousing.
References
Allan, A 2009, Strategic Innovation, Taylor & Francis, pp.178-482
Anderson, C 2006. The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is selling less of more. Gramedia Pustaka Utama, New York, pp.98-238
Hakikur, R 2008, Selected Readings on Global Information Technology, Idea Group Inc, pp.91-481
Martin, C &Kiyoshi, N 2006, Digital Broadcasting, Edward Elgar Publishing, pp.120-290