Nowadays, in addition to these traditional logistics activities, many high-value activities are performed in most distribution centers in the Netherlands. These additional activities can be divided into Value Added Logistics (VAL) and Value Added Services (VAL).

VAL refers to activities that directly add value to the final product. From a logistics point of view, most companies want to minimize stock, while at the same time maximizing the variety of products they can offer to the market. By storing parts, or sub-assemblies, in the distribution center, a company can customize its products after a sales order comes in and assemble the product quickly according to individual customer specifications. Examples of VAL activities include:

• (re)packing
• attaching labels to shipments
• adding documentation or software in the language of the country where the final customer is located
• repair
• assembly
• quality checks

 VAS activities add value to the supply chain in a more general sense, e.g., in financing, organization, or marketing. In order to focus more on their core activities, many companies outsource non-core activities to specialized external service providers. Examples of VAS activities include:

• stock management
• order management
• handling of customs transactions
• VAT administration
• Invoicing
• customer services like helpdesks and handling guarantee claims
• office space rental