EFFEKTIVARE UTLASTNING FÖR LAGER UNDER HÖGSÄSONG PÅ HUSQVARNA AB
Husqvarna AB operates two warehouses located in the area of Jönköping. The most important task is to manage the large volume fluctuations during the peak season. DHL Exel Supply Chain (DESC) run the warehouses and the domestic transportations is outsourced to DHL Express. A number of forwarder agents are responsible for distributing the export gods. In the present situation a bottleneck occurs at the warehouse loading section, and the consequence is fulfill the time of delivery for all customer orders. The underlying bottleneck cause is also the key question for the thesis. The purpose of the thesis is to investigate the reason why the areas of out loading during peak season becomes a bottleneck in the material flow, and provide relevant solutions for the problem. The thesis study has progressed during normal season, and interviews are the main source of information, with support from observations and statistic data, The order- and material flow process is included for a basic understanding of the situation. The study indicates that the problem is not always related to the physical flow. Instead the critical factor for a third party?s performance is more related to the sharing of information between all divisions. A contribution to the problem is the large volume fluctuations during the year. A more detailed analysis indicates that the warehouse has a problem to handle the volume peaks that occur some of the days. The consequence becomes a difficulty to deliver all orders to the customers at given time. The result of delayed transportation pickups is orders with intention to leave the warehouse, but instead blocking the out loading areas, The transportation companies hired to distribute Husqvarna´s products does not always fulfill the requirements for picking up the orders. The consequence is irregular pick up times, which obstruct the warehouse planning. Another contribution to the bottleneck is traditional booking routines that exist for both domestic and international shipments. The lack of communication and pore statistical data is also connected to the problem. This prevents the opportunity to improve the distribution process. From the problem analysis has a couple of improvements suggestions been discovered. To realize the potential of implementation an activity plan has been created for each suggestion. One of the activities is to create a smoother volume allocation for the flow. Modified routines of booking for pre seasonal orders can generate a better level of volume. An alternative for the problem is to disconnect goods from the areas of loading with help from extra trailer units. The solution will generate a better platform for planning of goods and personnel. Measurements and evaluation of transporters who indicates a defect performance will hopefully lead to a better quality. The future object is that every transport collects goods at the right day and time. To actualize all improvements a working communication will be important between all sections in the supply chain. Regular meetings with a recurring agenda should be held continuously related to the bottle neck.When all suggestions are implemented hopefully all Husqvarna´s order will be able to leave the loading area at the given time, regardless day of the year.