The Application of Geographic Information Systems to Determine Distribution Strategies Among Soft Drink Companies in Kenya

Abstract

Utilizing a Geographic Information System to your advantage when deciding which path to travel in next is essential to your overall success. The availability of correct, timely, and accurate data is essential to maintaining rationality while following directives. In the modern world, a geographic information system is essential for either making choices on a day-to-day basis or doing strategic planning for an organization. This study was conducted with the goals of determining the degree to which firms that produce soft drinks have used geographic information systems services and determining the effect that geographic information systems have on distribution methods employed by companies that produce soft drinks that are based in Kenya. The research was based on three different theories: Rodgers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory, The Agency Theory, and Disruptive Innovation Theory. The research used a design known as descriptive cross-sectional. The participants in this research came from 65 different beverage manufacturing companies in Nairobi. According to the findings of the research, Geographic information systems are very important to the distribution tactics that firms that make soft drinks use in Kenya. The corporations that manufacture soft drinks have recently begun to use geographic information systems (GIS) into their distribution networks. The application of geographic information systems was carried out to a reasonable degree. Distribution method was adopted to a significant degree by enterprises producing soft drinks in Kenya. According to the findings of the research, businesses use geographic information systems in order to determine the level of physical accessibility associated with retail site analysis. There is little doubt that beverage manufacturers in Nairobi County, Kenya, have implemented successful distribution tactics as a direct result of the GIS update for their products. Better outcomes in terms of distribution methods would be achieved as a consequence of an increase in the deployment of geographic information systems. According to the findings of the research, businesses should exercise extreme caution before making financial investments in distribution tactics. This is due to the fact that some tactics may be applicable while others may not be applicable at all. Increasing the growth of the company and making sure that they have a distribution network that is more extensive are both things that might be accomplished with the assistance of GIS. The authors of the research suggest that the companies should also vary the distribution tactics that they use. By way of illustration, franchising provides the firms with the guarantee of efficient distribution of their goods. This is because when they collaborate, they are able to accomplish goals that they could not do as a single company.