Abstract
The purpose of this study is to discover what sort of similar and different problems textile companies face in physical distribution process and provide suggestions. The research includes only six textile companies operating in the Thrace region, Tekirdag province, Çorlu and Çerkezköy districts. This research is an exploratory study. The interview guide used in the paper includes open-ended questions focusing on certain issues. The data are coded systematically and direct quotations were provided in the descriptive analysis. The participants' own words were the units for analysis. Data triangulation and a chain of evidence can be mentioned in this regard. These points ensure the reliability and construct validity of the research. Findings indicate that companies make mistakes and errors in product stacking, product codification, and product description. In addition, storage spaces of companies are insufficient; warehouses cannot be managed well. Companies face many problems such as the imbalance arising from working on minimum-maximum stock, faulty orders, and packaging materials.
TopIntroduction
Concepts such as supply chain, and logistics, physical distribution have turned into areas of expertise in the recent years. In particular, physical distribution offers a myriad of benefits to companies and customers if the system formed in itself is well managed; on the other hand, it has a structure that gives rise to serious distress when planning, implementation, and control cannot be performed well. Since marketing promises goods and services to buyers/customers; it benefits from logistical support services in order to achieve this (Tek & Özgül, 2008, p.532).
The national body of literature contains studies that have been conducted on physical distribution. For example, Çevik and Gülcan (2011) investigated the environmental sustainability of logistics operations; Yavuz (2006) investigated logistic design and optimization in physical distribution companies; Kılıç (2013) examined the network design in physical distribution; Karpuzlar (2005) investigated the benefits of supply chain actions in regard to physical distribution; and Arlı (2009) looked into the impacts of owning a warehouseon company performance in international physical distribution. In the international body of literature, Lusch,Vargo and Fisher (2014) worked on expanding the limits of physical distribution and logistics management; Rao,Rabinovich and Raju(2014)studied the role of physical distribution services as an indicator of product returns in online retailing; Hyunwoo and Narushige(2011) investigated the impact of online shopping demand in the physical distribution network; Xing,Grant, McKinnon and Fernie (2010) studied physical distribution service quality in online retailing; and Quak and Duin (2010) investigated the impact of road pricing on physical distribution in urban areas. Moreover, Antun,Lozano,Alarcón, GranadosandGuarneros(2010) conducted studies on the physical distribution of goods in mega cities. Zinn and Bowersox (1988) investigated physical distribution planning with the retardation principle; Williamson (1981, 1979) studied the physical distribution costs; Blanding (1982) researched the physical distribution planning and operations; Perreault and Russ (1976) studied the physical distribution service in industrial purchasing decisions; Lun Laiand Lu(2009) investigated transport logistics and physical distribution; Eilon and Samuel (1977) examined physical distribution from an company’s perspective.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Transport System: Transport mode is determined according to the transport style of processed or unprocessed materials.
Order Processing and Information Technologies: Lay emphasis on time for customer orders till the delivery of the goods. Information technology helps delivering of products, at the right time, right place with accurate information by providing quality information transfer.
Packaging Label: The flow of undamaged goods to the customer through product distribution channel. Packaging gives the information required by the regulations.
Storage: A large volume depots that are convenient to store and preservation of goods and fast, frequent and comprehensive delivery according to customer orders.
Material Handling: Unloading goods, handling, stacking, sorting, grading, collecting, curing, loading and distributing.
Stock Management: Sellers want to maintain amount of storage to meet their customers' orders promptly.
Tekirdag: The most important city in the industrial and agricultural sectors located in the Thrace region.