Theory of Constraints contributions to outbound logistics

This article aims to present the main contributions of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to outbound (distribution) logistics. It presents the thesis defended by TOC, according to which the current ways of managing outbound logistics, based mainly on sales forecasts, batching policies, and indicators that do not privilege the supply chain performance as a whole, lead to difficulties in handling the trade-off between logistics (stock and transportation) costs and stock-outs levels. This conventional logistics management is labeled by TOC as pushed distribution, in contrast with its defended approach called pulled distribution. Considering the few scientific texts existing on the subject, this article claims to present, based on a theoretical research, the technical aspects of the approach suggested by TOC and discuss the assumptions it is based on, in an attempt to contribute to the expansion of outbound logistics knowledge and widen the analysis of supply chain management. Key words: Outbound logistics; distribution; pull system; Theory of Constraints. 1