Time based strategy in distribution logistics : gaining competitive advantages in IKEA

Abstract: Distribution logistics plays a critical role in international companies that want to have more competence in the complex and global market. Today, most customers care more about whether the products can be in hand of them within expected time instead of how company delivery the products. Hence, time can be significant measurable indictor in distribution logistics. This thesis is to describe the effects of time based strategy in distribution logistics and how IKEA can gain competitive advantages by the utilization of time based strategy. The authors identify key elements in distribution logistics and find competitive advantages through researching the single case study-IKEA, and they are: speed, dependability and flexibility. Besides, the authors would provide some proposals to IKEA in order to optimize time-based strategy and gain competitive advantages.