The physical distribution as strategic resource for consumer goods manufacturers aiming at achieving competitive advantage

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to identify the various aspects involved in the physical distribution which can turn it into a source of competitive advantage for consumer goods manufacturers. Therefore the distribution has been focused on the relationship between consumer goods manufacturers and retailers because the latter are in contact with customers and are able to assess their satisfaction with the products. It is based on the resource-based view (RBV) of which the concepts of value, strategic resources, competitive advantage and competitive strategies were used, as well as the concepts of physical distribution and logistics concepts of authors of these areas. The research was exploratory and descriptive with the application of qualitative methodology that showed the most suitable for the purpose of the study. Eight executives were interviewed, three from retail companies and five from manufacturers through standard script with open questions. Data were processed and analyzed based on the techniques of content analysis. As a result it was found that to achieve the competitive advantage for the consumer goods manufacturers it is essential the creation of shared value with the retailer, intellectual capital and culture of productive services, collaboration among the participants in the distribution chain, and be adopted the strategy of hybrid model.