An Analysis and Evaluation of Data Base Requirements for Physical Distribution Studies

The purpose of this monograph is to examine the types of data that are required in the design and analysis of physical distribution systems, and to establish a method for obtaining such data to successfully accomplish the objectives of a distribution study. The development of the data base includes determining: (1) data specification; (2) data collection; (3) data analysis; and (4) data validation. All of these stages in data base construction are analysed and evaluated in this paper. This discussion will probably be of most importance to those managers contemplating a computer‐oriented study; an attempt has been made in the monograph to provide a managerial as opposed to a technical overview of data base requirements.