SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage distribution, inventory and warehousing 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252300  Manage distribution, inventory and warehousing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner credited with this unit standard is able to evaluate the objectives and scope of stores and distribution in the supply chain and be able to argue how the activity can meet its service and cost obligations while adding value and then to report the factors that strategically affect the design and organisation of a stores and distribution network. The learner will also be able to compare different transport modes, and decide whether to outsource transport or manage the activity in-house and to report on the methodology needed for evaluating the cost and service requirements when designing the layout of stores and warehouses.

The learner will also be able to evaluate the various types of storage and handling equipment, coding systems and returns procedure required in modern stores and warehouses and to compare and evaluate various methods for controlling the activity in terms of security and achieving stated performance criteria and then to evaluate and report on major legal areas of concern to stores and distribution. Finally they will be able to report on how and why Information Communication Technology (ICT) can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the activity.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Developing the objectives and scope of stores and distribution.
  • Evaluating distribution strategies.
  • Manage the warehousing and storage of goods.
  • Controlling stores and distribution.
  • Evaluating the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in stores and distribution. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will be assumed competent in:
  • Communication at Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Communication at NQF Level 3 or equivalent in Second Language. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Develop the objectives and scope of stores and distribution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The scope and objectives are determined for the stores and distribution function of an organisation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Scope and objectives may include but are not limited to the objectives of the activity, the role of stores and distribution in the organisation's business environment, the network of relationships required for the activity to function effectively.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Connections between distribution and stores and the supply chain are examined in terms of optimising total cost. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Total cost may include but is not limited to the total cost concept and the idea of sub optimisation, the total cost concept and why it is relevant, the major areas that need to be evaluated in order to arrive at an optimal solution and the cross-functional team-working skills that need to be developed to avoid sub-optimisation problems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Measurable service standards are developed for stores and distribution. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Service standards may include but are not limited to the concept of the term customer in stores and distribution environments, methods that could be used to improve the internal and external customer interface, how to develop appropriate action plans to improve customer service the various measures of customer performance internally and externally and the problems of cost of service levels versus benefits.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The concept of adding value is assessed in the stores and distribution environment with appropriate illustration. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The concept of adding value may include but is not limited to the role of other functions internally and externally in helping to add value to the activity and appropriate measurement criteria in this area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An appropriate method is developed to appraise problems associated with service to cost trade-offs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The area of service to cost trade offs may include but are not limited to the major cost and service parameters that need to be evaluated in the stores and distribution area, environmental factors that could have an impact in this area, quantifying costs and service in this area.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Evaluate distribution strategies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The strategic factors are assessed which affect the choice of a storage and distribution network. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Strategic factors may include but are not limited to macro level factors affecting the choice of a storage and distribution network, major methods of storage, distribution network and current methodologies that could be used in this area to provide an optimal solution.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role of third party contractors and logistic service providers is appraised in terms of the organisations logistics requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appraisal may include but not limited to methodology, action plan, Key Performance Indicators, internal-external interfaces and key stakeholders.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different transport modes are appraised for the purpose of developing a distribution network. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appraisal of transport modes may include but are not limited to differentiate between the various transport modes, the characteristics and suitability for different consignments and multi-modal transport systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Transport routing and load planning is assessed in terms of the organisations distribution needs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Transport routing and load planning includes the factors that need to be considered in vehicle routing and load planning, computer generated models and appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The impact of customs controls and risks associated with different Incoterms is assessed in terms of the organisations international trade activities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Impact may include but is not limited to problems associated with controls exercised by customs and other statutory bodies and risks associated with different International commercial terms (Incoterms).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manage the warehousing and storage of goods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role and effects of warehousing and storage of goods is assessed in terms of the organisation's efficiency and effectiveness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The role and effects of warehousing and storage of goods includes appropriate methodologies for evaluating the cost and service requirements when designing the internal layout of a stores or warehouse, major principles to be evaluated in the warehouse or stores, different types of design and their associated advantages or disadvantages and single and/or multiple storey buildings and their cost effectiveness in different situations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different types of warehouses and equipment available are assessed in terms of the organisation's storage needs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different types of warehouses and equipment may include but is not limited to manufacturing versus service, push/pull environments, public versus private sector, methods for increasing the use of space in such areas.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cost implications are evaluated by comparing the use of different types of storage and handling equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Stock turn and stock management is analysed using different tools. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools may include but not be limited to the use of Pareto analysis.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Different types of coding systems are evaluated in terms of the organisation's stock identification and tracking requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The different types of coding systems to be found in a stores environment may include but is not limited to Significant and Sequential.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Methods used in the introduction of new items and the handling of obsolete and redundant stock are explained in terms of anticipating problems and suggesting solutions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Anticipating problems and suggesting solutions may include but is not limited to the management of new items, difficulties with obsolescent and redundant stock, communication and management information systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Methods for handling customer returns and reverse logistics are proposed for different operating environments. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods may include but are not limited to handling customer returns and developing reverse logistics Key Performance Indicators (KPls).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Methods for managing packing units are developed to improve organisation profitability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Packing unit may include but are not limited to International Standards Organisation (ISO) containers, Unit Load Devices, unit loads, pallets, roll cages and tote boxes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Control stores and distribution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Methods are examined for improving security in the storage and distribution area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Systems are established for controlling and managing stores and distribution activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Establish performance criteria are established for the stores and distribution function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Performance criteria may include but are not limited to service levels, utilisation, performance ratios, comparative ratios and benchmarking.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Performance criteria are evaluated with internal and external customers in order to define action plans for improvement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Operational research (OR) techniques are assessed in the area of stores and distribution in order to select the appropriate technique in a given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operational research may include but is not limited to network analyses, distribution modelling, simulation and queuing theory.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Health and safety legislation requirements are managed and implemented in a materials handling environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Health and safety legislation may include but are not limited to Occupational Health and Safety Act, Mine Safety Act.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Specialised cargoes are managed within the storage and distribution function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specialised cargoes may include but are not limited to dangerous goods, perishable cargo, valuable cargo, fragile cargo and vulnerable cargo.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in stores and distribution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of Information and Commercial Technology (ICT) is described for the area of stores and distribution. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The role of Information Commercial Technology (ICT) may include but is not limited to the impact on information providers internally and externally, systems to be integrated and the computer in basic stores management.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Major developments in Information Commercial Technology (ICT) are evaluated in terms of their effect on store and distribution. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Major developments may include but are not limited to EDI, EPOS, data capture devices, voice recognition systems, mobile computing, radio frequency technologies and track and trace systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use and impact of the internet is evaluated on the stores and distribution function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is evaluated in terms of its overall value to the organisation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    New developments and concepts are evaluated in the area of stores and distribution in order to report on their likely impact. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    New developments may include but are not limited to globalisation, efficient consumer response (ECR), lean, agile and lateral thinking, fourth party logistics, alternative fuels and the need to outsource the role of stores, transport and logistics.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems pertaining to distribution, inventory and warehousing. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in the process of managing distribution, inventory and warehousing. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information in order to effectively and efficiently manage distribution, inventory and warehousing. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with the reports regarding the management of distribution, inventory and warehousing. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology to manage distribution, inventory and warehousing. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where the proper management of distribution, inventory and warehousing improves the organisations sustainability and profitability. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59304   National Diploma: Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2020-07-30  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.