Ways to Improve Supply Chain Efficiency in Distribution Operations

For food service and janitorial distributors, efficiency is the difference between a profitable line and a warehouse full of slow movers. These practical steps help tighten your supply chain without major technology investments.

Rationalize your SKUs

Review sales by item. Many distributors carry several near-identical sizes or brands that split demand. Consolidating to the sizes customers actually reorder — for example, a core range of PET cups that share lid sizes — reduces inventory, simplifies picking and improves turns.

Set data-based reorder points

Use average weekly sales and supplier lead time to set reorder points and safety stock for each item. Review them quarterly and before seasonal peaks such as summer beverage season or the holidays.

Consolidate inbound freight

Mixed pallets and full truckloads from fewer suppliers lower freight cost per case and reduce receiving labor. Choose suppliers who can ship across categories — cups, containers, foil, paper and gloves — on the same load.

Keep a reliable second source

Single-source dependence is a risk. A domestic second supplier with inventory on hand can cover gaps when a primary shipment is delayed. Evaluate second sources on fill rate and consistency, not only price.

Demand accurate product data

Case packs, carton dimensions, Ti × Hi and cases per pallet determine how you slot, store and ship each item. Suppliers who publish this data up front — as we do on every product page — make planning far easier.

Improve communication

Share forecasts with key suppliers before large customer programs start, and ask suppliers for advance notice of changes. A short monthly check-in prevents most surprises.

Measure what matters

• Fill rate by supplier
• Inventory turns by category
• Freight cost per case
• Stockout days on top-selling items

AR Unlimited Supply works with distributors as a Houston-based source for full pallets and mixed loads. Learn about distributor programs or start a partnership conversation.