Strategic Network Planning for a Retail Client

A rapidly expanding retail organization needed a flexible and forward-looking approach to its distribution network planning. As the company entered new geographic markets, its existing network design no longer offered the adaptability needed to respond to shifting demand patterns or evolving service requirements. With each market expansion, the selection and timing of new distribution center locations became increasingly complex. The client maintained a dynamic data environment but lacked the capability to quickly model “what-if” scenarios or assess the long-term cost and service implications of various growth trajectories.

Miebach Consulting stepped in to design a robust and dynamic strategic planning framework that would enable the client to simulate and select optimal future network configurations. This began with building a comprehensive, end-to-end data foundation using historical transaction records across all product categories and locations. The team validated and enriched this dataset with transport cost parameters, service levels, and site constraints.

Leveraging Log-hub’s “Network Optimization Plus” tool, Miebach ran scenario-based simulations to evaluate future market entry points, expansion triggers, and cost-service trade-offs under multiple conditions.

The client was equipped with a visual interface to compare strategies side-by-side, and Miebach delivered a tailored roadmap for embedding scenario planning into the organization’s regular business cadence. In parallel, Miebach provided training to enable internal teams to conduct future analyses independently.

The client gained full transparency into optimal network configurations extending through 2030 and beyond. Simulations revealed actionable pathways to achieve up to 98% service levels while reducing overall network costs by 3%. The side-by-side comparison tools proved especially valuable, empowering senior leadership to make strategic infrastructure investments with confidence. By embedding continuous scenario planning into the company’s planning cycle, the organization enhanced its responsiveness and competitiveness in a rapidly changing market environment. Miebach’s enablement approach ensured the client could carry forward this capability in-house, sustaining agility and data-driven decision-making long after project completion.