WERC’s 2026 DC Measures Report Delivers Benchmarks

Why It Matters

The data give distribution operators a rare, industry‑wide yardstick to align cost‑centric strategies with digital transformation goals, sharpening competitive advantage in a tightening supply‑chain market.

Key Takeaways

• WERC's 2026 DC Measures adds 17.2% international respondents.
• Top metrics include on-time shipments and dock-to-stock cycle time.
• Report free for corporate members; individual copy $200, non‑member $550.
• Updated Online Benchmarking Tool offers decade‑long data for custom analysis.
• Benchmarking helps firms align strategy with cost‑first digital transformation.

Pulse Analysis

Warehousing leaders rely on benchmark studies to translate high‑level strategy into day‑to‑day operational gains. WERC’s 2026 DC Measures Report arrives at a pivotal moment, as cost‑first imperatives clash with the promise of digital tools that can do more with less labor. By surveying a cross‑section of manufacturers, retailers, third‑party logistics providers and life‑science distributors, the report paints a granular picture of how the sector is coping with rising performance expectations and tighter margins.

The report’s focus on 36 key performance indicators—especially on‑time shipments, dock‑to‑stock cycle time, and capacity utilization—offers practitioners a concrete framework for measuring efficiency. Companies can now compare their own KPIs against a global data set, identifying gaps in inventory turnover or bottlenecks in inbound processing. The inclusion of backorder percentages further underscores the growing pressure to meet customer service standards while trimming operating costs, a balance that digital transformation initiatives aim to resolve.

Beyond the static report, WERC’s refreshed Online Benchmarking Tool turns a decade of historical data into an interactive decision‑support platform. The tool’s customizable dashboards let 3PLs, consultants and internal analysts model scenario‑based outcomes, accelerating strategic planning cycles. While corporate members receive complimentary access, the tiered pricing for individuals and non‑members reflects the value placed on actionable insights. As supply‑chain volatility persists, firms that embed these benchmarks into continuous improvement programs will be better positioned to navigate cost pressures and leverage technology for sustainable growth.