Resilienter Fachgroßhandel: Handlungsempfehlung zur Sicherung der Endverbraucherversorgung

Abstract

Wholesale distribution companies are increasingly confronted with significant challenges in a world characterized by uncertainty and volatility. Global economic shifts and complex supply chains demand frequent and sometimes drastic adjustments to business practices. The risks of disruption are exacerbated not only by natural disasters, political tensions, and disruptive technologies but also by the growing opacity of international supply chains, leading to vulnerabilities such as supply shortages. Additionally, an unstable market economy and rising prices contribute to fluctuating demand. Wholesalers often respond to demand uncertainties by maintaining high inventory levels due to the absence of viable alternative strategies. As a result, the ability to anticipate demand fluctuations and adapt processes is becoming crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market. Building supply chain resilience is not merely a reaction to crises; it is a strategic approach essential for ensuring the continuity of supply to end consumers. This study examines the specific challenges that wholesale distributors face in securing end consumer supply and investigates the resilience strategies they implement to address these challenges. The study concludes with actionable and practical recommendations for enhancing resilience. To address the research questions, the study begins by developing a theoretical framework. This involves defining key concepts and foundations related to wholesale distribution companies and supply chain resilience, ensuring a common understanding. The study then focuses on four selected resilience strategies aimed at securing end consumer supply and strengthening overall resilience. A qualitative research approach, including guided expert interviews, is employed to assess the current situation and challenges faced by wholesale distributors. The insights gained from the theoretical and empirical analyses are synthesized to answer the research questions and to formulate practical recommendations. The findings reveal that wholesalers are facing significant supply chain challenges due to global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, as well as the impact of political decisions and economic developments like inflation and rising interest rates. These challenges have led to supply shortages, demand volatility, and ultimately threaten the security of supply to end consumers. Key strategies identified for enhancing resilience include strengthening customer-supplier relationships with a focus on inventory management and information sharing, synchronizing vertical planning processes, and integrating supply chain risk management. Improvements in data quality, synchronization of sales and procurement planning, and the adoption of advanced technologies are among the specific list of measures recommended, forming the core of the action plan presented in this study

Date of Award	2024
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Sylvia Völker (Supervisor)