sap-se-sap-erp-sap-business-one-sap-hana-png-favpng-YFekjnBUshpDjqh8VwNLHrHzK.jpg

Network Design and Optimization

Covers the strategic design of distribution networks, including facility location, network modeling, and optimization techniques. Course Overview: This course focuses on the strategic planning and optimization of supply chain and distribution networks. Participants will learn to design efficient, cost effective, and responsive networks by considering factors such as facility location, customer service levels, cost trade offs, and risk mitigation.Through real world case studies and modeling exercises, participants will understand how to evaluate network performance, select optimal distribution strategies, and use software tools and analytics to enhance network decision making. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand the strategic role of network design in supply chain performance Evaluate location, transportation, and inventory trade offs in network planning Use optimization models and scenario analysis to assess network decisions Design robust, scalable, and cost effective distribution networks Align network structure with service levels, sustainability, and growth strategies.

Training Outlines

Module 1: Introduction to Network Design
• The role of network design in supply chain strategy
• Components of a supply chain network (plants, warehouses, customers, suppliers)
• Cost, service, and risk trade-offs
• Case examples of network decisions in global companies

Module 2: Facility Location Strategy
• Factors influencing site selection (market, labor, infrastructure, risk)
• Center of gravity and location allocation models
• Greenfield analysis and brownfield optimization
• Regional, national, and global facility footprint planning

Module 3: Network Modeling and Optimization Tools
• Overview of modeling approaches (heuristics, linear programming, simulation)
• Excel-based modeling techniques
• Introduction to network design tools (Llamasoft, AnyLogic, Supply Chain Guru, etc.)
• Scenario development: baseline, expansion, cost reduction, resilience

Module 4: Multi-Echelon Inventory and Flow Optimization
• Balancing inventory across nodes in the network
• Deciding between centralized vs. decentralized networks
• Inventory positioning for responsiveness and risk
• Product flow paths and cost-to-serve optimization

Module 5: Sensitivity, Risk, and Resilience Planning
• Conducting sensitivity analysis on demand, cost, and capacity
• Stress testing the network under disruption scenarios
• Designing redundancy and flexibility into networks
• Strategies for agile and resilient network structures

Module 6: Sustainability and Future-Proofing the Network
• Incorporating ESG goals and carbon footprint reduction
• Reverse logistics and closed-loop network considerations
• Adapting the network for omnichannel and digital demands
• Continuous network design and real-time adaptation

Tell us about your enquiry today

Why 4D?

At The Fourth Dimension Training & Consultancy, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Each course we offer is carefully tailored to meet the unique goals, industry challenges, and team dynamics of your organization. Our expert trainers bring decades of hands-on experience and guide participants using real-world case studies, practical tools, and interactive methods. This ensures not only theoretical understanding but also direct relevance to the day-to-day work of your employees. We collaborate closely with your team to adjust content, language, and examples so that the training resonates deeply and delivers lasting impact.

Frequently asked questions

Trainings FAQs

We provide a tailor-made offer for each requirement. For example, if you're a company wanting to train multiple people, we provide a special offer per person and might charge per day rather than per person for large numbers, which would be more beneficial for you. If you are an NGO with a big number of participants, we can also significantly reduce the price per person. If you want the training in a specific venue (like a hotel or event space), we take that into consideration and would be responsible for all arrangements. Rest assured, our prices are among the most competitive in the market and we never like to lose a client. Register your interest and our team will be in contact within 24 hours.

Absolutely! We strongly recommend and provide pre and post-training assessments to ensure the tangible impact and effectiveness of our programs. For instance, we can deploy a mystery shopper experience both before and after a training initiative. This allows us to gather objective data on how the training has influenced real-world performance, customer interaction, and overall skill application within your team. This direct comparison provides invaluable insights into the return on your training investment and helps fine-tune future development strategies.

Our tailor-made trainings are designed to ensure direct applicability to your daily work. We achieve this by incorporating examples, interactive games, practical exercises, and relevant case studies that truly resonate with the trainees. This approach helps them bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Our consultants don't just present information; they draw from their extensive experience, and crucially, from yours, to develop and apply customized solutions that truly work.

The duration of our 4D's programs is finely tuned to their specific objectives. For training designed to culminate in an international certification from a recognized entity, we adhere to the protocols and timeframes mandated by the certifying body. However, for our bespoke, tailor-made solutions aimed directly at enhancing performance and organizational capabilities, the duration is highly flexible, ranging from intensive one-day workshops to comprehensive two-week programs, all designed to deliver optimal impact and tangible results.