A Case Study in Comparing Overseas Shipping Alternatives via Simulation Available to Purchase

Physical distribution managers are being increasingly challenged in today's global economy by the complexities of international distribution. In this activity, a particular need exists in co‐ordinating the roles of marketing, production and distribution so that adequate support is given to allow the achievement‐of sales goals in the most efficient manner. Generally, very significant time lags exist between the time a customer need is identified and the project is made available, in the case of consumer products, on the retailer's shelf. If a US firm manufactures products overseas for import to US markets, for example, such time lags are three months or more, thus making the planning process very critical in attaining the objective of adequate product availability at the lowest cost.