Solved by verified expert :Module 4 – Case
FACILITIES LAYOUT/PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Assignment Overview
For this final case, read the
article below concerning improving transportation and review the Background
Readings.
Gilmore, D. (2002, November).
Achieving transportation excellence.World Trade,13(11), 36-38. Retrieved
on December 12, 2014, from ProQuest in the Trident Online Library.
Abstract:
Companies across every industry
segment are striving to become supply chain management (SCM) leaders. SCM
leaders achieve this status by reducing cycle times and operating costs,
increasing supply chain velocity, and enhancing top line revenue growth through
improved customer satisfaction. There is a growing recognition of the role that
transportation and logistics excellence plays in achieving a world-class supply
chain. Transportation costs represent a substantial component of overall supply
chain and corporate spend for many companies. Transportation management
solutions (TMS) can enable companies to take back control of their
transportation processes and drive out transportation related costs. TMS can
deliver these savings through: 1. process improvement, 2. shipment
optimization, 3. continuous moves, and 4. carrier.
Read the following article and
review the background readings:
Graham, D.D., (2003), Warehouse
of the Future,Frontline Solutions;
Duluth; Apr 2003.
Abstract:
Software will choreograph
tomorrow’s warehouse work The warehouse of the future will not be
technology-dependent but technology enhanced-a blend of technology, machine,
and manpower. Supply chain software, already a critical element today, will
actually the work of this new highly automated warehouse, trimming fat, dumping
waste, and eliminating redundancy wherever it is found. Workers will be fewer,
but more qualified, better trained, and more motivated. What has everyone
involved in material handling and warehouse management salivating are radio
frequency identification technology systems that are made up of three
components – an antenna or coil, a transceiver and a transponder, usually in
the form of a tag. Future warehouse management technologies will perform
functions impossible today, including finite scheduling and the process
sequencing of orders, allowing the operation to take advantage of its
capacities while managing its constraints. Those constraints will include
labor, physical space, yard capacity, order mix and value added processing, a
factor that will loom large in warehouses to come.
Case Assignment
Then in a5- to 6-page paper, answer the
following questions:
1.
How can flexibility be built into warehouse planning and design
to accommodate change for the future? What would it require? What are the
trade-offs with respect to allocating resources up front or into the future?
2.
How is process improvement important to achieving transportation
excellence? How might process improvement be extended to other areas of
logistics planning?
Assignment Expectations
Research the topic with
information from the background readings as well as any other resources you
find on your own. The paper should be5–6
pages in lengthand have a
cover sheet and a reference page. Clarity of presentation is important, as well
as your ability to cover the topic in a succinct, organized manner with
research to back up your points. Use at least 3 different sources of
information and annotate your sources of information appropriately on your
references page and within the text as necessary. You will be assessed on how
well you develop your points and demonstrate your knowledge of process
improvement as it relates to logistics planning. Submit your assignment for
grading by the end of this module.Module 4 – SLPFACILITIES LAYOUT/PROCESS IMPROVEMENTWelcome to the Module 4 SL. For this module take a look at the logistics structure of your organization; then in a3- to 4-page paperanswer the following questions:How can the logistics processes be improved in your organization? What, if anything, have you learned in this course that might help that improvement effort?SLP Assignment ExpectationsResearch the organization with information you can find on the internet or other resources you find on your own. The paper should be3–4 pagesin length and have a cover sheet and a reference page. Clarity of presentation is important, as well as your ability to apply the topics to the logistics area of your selected firm. Use at least 3 different sources of information and annotate your sources of information appropriately on your references page and within the text as necessary. You will be assessed on how well you demonstrate your knowledge of the topic as it applies to your selected firm. Submit your assignment for grading by the end of this module.