Business Distribution Channel

Read chapter 15 and answer the following question. I expect you to reference the concepts in the chapter.
1 Which entity (not including transportation or shipping companies) in the distribution channel is most important today and why? What changes are happening to companies in that area?
1 Perhaps the most entity in a distribution channel are the production facilities. This is because even before a business is allowed to operate and tend to the needs of their clients, businesses should first be able to produce the different products in order to meet the potential and actual demand. Accordingly, however, some business models (i.e., drop shipping) have lessened the importance of production facilities as compared to marketing facilities. This is because of the fact that drop shipping companies only have to meet or fulfil their customers demands after they know the demand for each of the product (i.e., after ordering).
Watch chapter 15 video and answer the following question.
1 What are marketing intermediaries and why do companies use them?
1 Marketing intermediaries are also commonly known as ‘Middlemen’ by both laymen and business professionals. This includes every entity that helps businesses to reach their clients and vice versa by assisting in the flow of goods and money between them. Accordingly, one of the main reasons why companies use them is due to these intermediaries’ specialties, which saves time and money for these companies.
2 Why would companies choose to use an intermediary like FedEx instead of taking on distribution responsibilities themselves?
2 Companies prefer to use distribution companies like FedEx since the latter has an established supply chain and delivery processes that significantly reduces the time, effort, and resources needed in order to perform their functions as compared to doing it themselves.