Title: Study of inbound logistics supply chain of an automobile manufacturing company

Authors: Soumyanath Chatterjee; R.P. Mohanty

Addresses: Sikhsha O Anushandhan (Deemed) University, J-15, Khandagiri Marg, Dharam Vihar, Jagamara, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India ' Sikhsha O Anushandhan (Deemed) University, J-15, Khandagiri Marg, Dharam Vihar, Jagamara, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India

Abstract: This is an application research paper where we discuss how the performance of an in-bound logistics supply chain of a large automobile company is improved by using process reengineering, time-varying waiting-line theory, and simulation approaches. The problem is generic because of the increasing demand for heavy vehicles leading to increasing production capacity and thereby huge requirements for incoming materials received through inbound logistics operations. In this case study, we discuss how the process was reengineered and shift-wise staff allocation optimised for the arrival process of incoming materials that follows a time-dependent varying queue. By using principles, such as eliminate, change, combine, and simplify, the existing operating system is redesigned and was modelled mathematically to derive optimum staffing level; and through a simulation approach, the efficacy of the system is established. Implementations of the findings resulted in significant improvements in throughput time without any additional staff to cater to the increasing workload.

Keywords: supply chain; inbound logistics; reengineering; waiting line theory; manpower planning; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2024.137321

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2024 Vol.41 No.3, pp.337 - 367

Received: 24 Mar 2022
Accepted: 09 Apr 2022
Published online: 12 Mar 2024 *

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