vcc.ca
OPMT 3230: Distribution Network Design, Fulfillment Strategy & E-Commerce Logistics
Effective date
January 2027
Department
Global Supply Chain Management
School
Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
Description
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of warehousing, distribution operations, and distribution network design within modern supply chains. Students examine the essential aspects of warehouse logistics and operational management, including warehouse types, layout principles, material handling equipment, safety protocols, and space utilization strategies. Core operational processes—such as order picking, packing, cross-docking, transshipment, and shipment consolidation—are analyzed to support efficient distribution centre performance.
The course also addresses the growing importance of e-commerce logistics, including high-volume order fulfillment, last-mile distribution, returns management, and the integration of online retail channels with warehouse and transportation operations. Students explore the role of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and related digital technologies in supporting both traditional distribution and e-commerce fulfillment. Emphasis is placed on safety, process optimization, and effective operational management to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and service levels in modern distribution and fulfillment environments.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain warehouse fundamentals, types, and layout principles for efficient operations
- Apply effective inventory management and order fulfillment strategies.
- Evaluate the efficiency of material handling equipment, safety protocols, and space optimization
- Apply strategies for order picking, packing, cross-docking, transshipment, and shipment consolidation
- Use Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) software to promote and maintain efficient operations
- Analyze, design, and optimize warehouse and distribution center processes
- Explain safety measures for material handling and warehousing operations
- Demonstrate proficiency in managing distribution center logistics to maximize operational efficiency.
- Apply green warehouse practices and implement sustainable packaging and materials handling practices
- Analyze the operational requirements of e-commerce logistics, including order fulfillment, last-mile delivery, and returns management
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, Group work, case studies.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Midterm Exam |
10-20 |
|
|
Final Exam |
20-30 |
|
|
Assignments |
20-30 |
Individual and group assignments. Includes a warehouse and distribution center processes design project |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
Two or more quizzes |
|
Participation |
10 |
|
Course topics
- Warehousing Basics: Introduction to warehousing concepts and functions, Types of warehouses (e.g., public, private, automated), and Warehouse design and layout. Inventory Management in Warehouses Material Handling: Equipment and technologies for material handling (e.g., forklifts, conveyor systems, automation), Safety protocols and best practices, and Warehouse space optimization. Distribution Center Operations: Order fulfillment, picking and packing strategies, Cross-docking and transshipment, and Shipment consolidation and routing, and Distribution Network Design and Optimization. Warehouse Management Systems: Introduction to WMS software, WMS features and benefits, Implementation and integration of WMS. Environmental sustainability in warehousing: Green warehouse practice, reverse logistics, energy-efficient warehouse design, and sustainable packaging.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.