In a distribution network there is usually a lack of information regarding the points of sale. Therefore, when planning diffusion, there are questions such as:

• How can we satisfy demand efficiently?
• Is it better to have security stocks or to have flexibility in transport? Or would it be better to have a mixed solution?
• Which should be our stock policy?
• What distribution policy should we follow?
• How can I manage a concrete distribution policy with my network?
• How can I monitor my distribution network?

Having these elements in mind, AIS has developed systems that manage distribution networks optimizing the whole production chain, from the manufacture to the point of sale, thinking always on the product characteristics, the storing points, the distribution routes, the lead time, the demand in every point of sale, etc.

AIS solution is totally scalable. It is composed by a transactional system that allows to optimize the different commands by point of sale or by sort of product; and by a system which supports the decision-making regarding the election of a concrete policy and how this policy would affect the products to be distributed.

There are two intrinsic problems when talking about distribution. On one hand, the management of the network; on the other hand, the risk in the decision-making process. Sometimes, these two objectives are completely divergent, because if we adjusted distribution in excess to reduce returns, this could cause running out of stock and losing sales, apart of damaging the company image.

AIS has developed demand forecasting systems that optimize the quality of service for several kind of products based on historical data, always respecting the company’s distribution policy, distribution and sold-out costs, special events and other internal and external factors that affect the product consumption. Concretely, AIS has created systems to forecast the demand of cash for ATMs and bank offices and of periodic publications for kiosks (newspapers, magazines, etc).