My experience on a company visit

Tell us about the company visit - where did you go and what did you do?

The Management School organised a visit to the B&Q Distribution Centre, a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and home improvement retail company and one of the largest home and garden centre retailers in the UK and Europe. As part of the visit, we had a chance to tour the Distribution Centre and learn more about the company’s future plans and strategies. 

The visit began with a short presentation from the General Manager about the company, what their goals are and the distribution process. This included how and when they replenish stock, optimising daily operations efficiency, balancing human resources and machine utilisation and how they integrate sustainability into their operations. Then, we had a Distribution Centre tour with the company employees, who explained the day-to-day operations that take place. We observed various stages of the operations, from receiving goods to allocating them based on market demand using advanced technology. We also learned about order packing, distinguishing best-selling and slow-selling products and their impact on allocation, waste minimisation, and the technology used in operations.They also showed us different zones of the Distribution Centre and its functions, such as the recycling centre. It was great to see how it all operated practically and the different tasks that employees had. 

Miras: The best thing that I took away with me is a deeper understanding of Distribution Centre processes and how they are connected to each other. Now, I know why some activities should be performed in the way they are performed.  

Madeline: One of the most valuable insights I gained from the visit was how goods are allocated based on demand with the help of advanced technology. For example, if product A is a high-selling item, the system would strategically place it in an easily accessible location. This ensures that order picking and packing processes are faster and more efficient, reducing unnecessary movement and improving overall workflow. By optimising product placement in this way, the company enhances operational efficiency, minimises delays, and maximises productivity in the warehouse.

Did you find the visit helpful?

Miras: The visit was really beneficial for us, especially since we covered a lot of material about the retail industry’s supply chains that I could apply to my studies. During the tour, I noticed a lot of things that we were learning in our classes, for example, the zoning of Distribution Centres and the strategic location of certain facilities.I am planning my career in supply chain management, so it was certainly useful for my professional background. Understanding and physical interaction with the working environment is always useful for students. 

Madeline: This visit was highly beneficial as it helped me understand how the different modules in my course are interconnected. It was not just relevant to the Logistics System module, where I learned about planning and creating efficient warehouse systems, but also the integration of technology for optimising operations and incorporating sustainability to promote environmental awareness. Before this visit, I struggled to see the connections between the modules I study and how to apply them in my future career. I used to view each module as a separate entity with little relation to the others. However, this visit provided me with a clearer understanding of how they all work together in the real-world logistics and supply chain industry. I have always wanted to combine data analysis with supply chain management for my future career and, even though I knew what I wanted, I wasn’t sure if such a role actually existed within a company. However, through this visit, I realised that logistics and supply chain management is not just about receiving and delivering goods, it also involves analysing these processes and providing insights as well as recommendations to develop strategic plans. 

Would you recommend taking part in a company visit to future students?

Miras: Without a doubt! I’d recommend that prospective students should take part in a company visit because it is an opportunity to see real-world logistic processes and to speak to current specialists. I believe it will help them to understand the field better. Moreover, it could assist students in determining the direction of their future career development.

Madeline: Yes, I believe it is essential not only to learn various theories and concepts in class but also to understand how to apply them in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, for postgraduate students who aim to secure a job after graduation, gaining insights into how logistics and supply chain operations function in a company is important. This ensures they are better prepared for the workplace and reduces the likelihood of being overwhelmed when they start working.