What distinguishes a fulfillment center from a distribution center?

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Prepare for UCF MAR3023 Exam 4. Study effectively with quizzes and flashcards. Enhance understanding with multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Be confident and exam-ready!

A fulfillment center and a distribution center serve distinct purposes in the supply chain. The correct answer highlights that fulfillment centers do not need to make merchandise floor-ready, which signifies that they focus more on processing customer orders and shipping them directly to consumers rather than preparing products for retail display.

In a fulfillment center, the primary function is to pick, pack, and ship products to end customers in an efficient manner. This often involves direct-to-consumer shipping rather than preparing goods for retail environments where products need final touches to be ready for sale. Therefore, the emphasis on order fulfillment over retail readiness is a key characteristic that differentiates fulfillment centers from distribution centers.

Distribution centers, on the other hand, are generally responsible for storing goods from various manufacturers and distributing them to retailers, often requiring merchandise to be floor-ready. They may also handle bulk shipments and large inventories, intending to supply stores rather than individual customers.

The other options present various misconceptions about the roles and operations of fulfillment centers and distribution centers. They do not accurately reflect the primary differences and functions of each type of center within the logistics framework.