A
distribution center for a set of
products is a
warehouse or other specialized
building, often with
refrigeration or
air conditioning, which is stocked with products (
goods) to be redistributed to
retailers, to
wholesalers, or directly to consumers. A distribution center is a principal part, the
order processing element, of the entire
order fulfillment process. Distribution centers are usually thought of as being
demand driven. A distribution center can also be called a warehouse, a DC, a fulfillment center, a cross-dock facility, a bulk break center, and a package handling center. The name by which the distribution center is known is commonly based on the purpose of the operation. For example, a "retail distribution center" normally distributes goods to retail stores, an "order fulfillment center" commonly distributes goods directly to consumers, and a cross-dock facility stores little or no product but distributes goods to other destinations.