What characteristic distinguishes fulfillment centers from direct distribution?

The characteristic that distinguishes fulfillment centers from direct distribution is that warehousing is a primary role. Fulfillment centers primarily function as storage and order processing facilities. They receive, store, and manage inventory on behalf of other businesses, and play a crucial role in the logistical aspects of fulfilling online orders.

In direct distribution, products move directly from the manufacturer to the consumer without the intermediate storage or order handling services provided by fulfillment centers. Therefore, fulfillment centers focus heavily on warehousing and logistics, which involves managing inventory levels, processing orders, and ensuring products are shipped efficiently to customers. This structural role is essential for handling bulk inventory, processing returns, and accommodating various shipping methods, which may not be a focus in direct distribution models. The emphasis on warehousing makes fulfillment centers distinct from traditional direct distribution methods that do not prioritize such functions.