Something that is often used in both industry and trade is inventory. In this work, a study has been conducted as to whether the industrial method The Visual Workplace can be adapted for use in retail trade industry. This might be extra interesting for businesses that conduct online commerce or trade behind the counter as these types of companies are most similar to the example in this work. The company that represents the trade industry in this work is Kronans apotek AB. This pharmacy is currently experiencing deficiencies in their inventory management, which results in lack of quality assurance. Consequences of this are that the staff cannot know for sure if the product sought is found in the notified storage area which impairs efficiency and productivity. The Visual Workplace aims to visualize work standards and routines. In this way, activities that do not add any value are eliminated while at the same time problems and deviations are immediately visible. This study will explore how this industrial method can be adapted to Kronan's pharmacy. / Något som ofta används inom både industri och handel är lager. I detta arbete har en undersökning gjorts som om huruvida den industriella metoden Den visuella arbetsplatsen kan anpassas för användning inom handeln. Extra intressant kan detta vara för verksamheter som bedriver näthandel eller handel bakom disk då dessa typer av bolag mest liknar exemplet i detta arbete. Företaget som representerar handeln i detta arbete är Kronans apotek AB. Detta apotek upplever idag brister inom deras lagerhantering som resulterar i bristande kvalitetssäkring. Konsekvenser av detta är att personalen inte med säkerhet kan veta om eftersökt vara återfinns på aviserad lagerplats vilket försämrar effektivitet och produktivitet. Den visuella arbetsplatsen syftar till att visualisera arbetsstandarder och rutiner. På så sätt elimineras aktiviteter som inte tillför något värde samtidigt som att problem och avvikelser direkt blir synliga. Genom arbetets gång undersöks hur denna industriella metod kan anpassas till att bli applicerbar till Kronans apotek.

[pt] A utilização do modelo para ressuprimento automático de estoque pelo fornecedor (Vendor Management Inventory) é um dos fatores importantes para as empresas promoverem um equilíbrio entre o nível de serviço acordado com o cliente e o custo logístico inerente à operação de gestão de estoques. Devido à importância do tema, e com a oportunidade da autora participar da implementação do programa VMI em uma empresa no ramo de distribuição de combustíveis para gestão de estoques de postos de combustíveis, o objetivo desta dissertação foi avaliar o quão efetivo é a metodologia VMI desenvolvida e adotada na melhoria dos indicadores de desempenho. Para tal, foram feitas análises de seis indicadores para cinco clientes envolvidos nesta operação e, realizada a comparação entre os programas VMI em duas empresas distintas, buscando avaliar os fatores críticos, as melhores práticas e vantagens competitivas. A metodologia utilizada para a elaboração desta dissertação contempla pesquisas bibliográficas, dados de fontes primárias extraídos de sistemas de informação da empresa, entrevistas com funcionários envolvidos neste processo, e visitas in loco para observação direta. Os resultados desta dissertação foram a análise da efetividade do programa VMI para a melhoria dos indicadores de desempenho, os motivos que contribuíram para estes resultados e a proposta de melhoria do programa VMI baseada na comparação da aplicação do programa em empresas no mesmo segmento. / [en] The use of an efficient model for inventory replenishment by the supplier, VMI (Vendor Management Inventory) is one of the most important factors for companies to promote a balanced trade-off between the service level offered to the customer and the logistics costs inherent in the operation of inventory management. Due to the importance of this subject, and the opportunity of the author to take part in the implementation of the VMI program in a company of the fuel distribution sector for inventory management of gas stations, the objective of this master’s thesis is to evaluate how effective the VMI methodology is to improve performance indicators. To this end, the six indicators for five customers involved in this operation were analyzed and a comparison made among the VMI programs between two different companies, to evaluate the critical success factors, best practices and competitive advantages. The methodology used to prepare this dissertation includes bibliographic research, extracted data from primary sources of information system of the company, interviews with employees involved in this process, as well as in situ visits for direct observation. The results of this thesis were to analysis the effectiveness of the VMI program for the improvement of the performance indicators, the reasons that contributed to these results and the proposal of improvement actions for the VMI program based on the comparison of the program in two different companies of the same segment.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze possible strategies that can be used to improve the efficiency of the spare parts safety stock management in a multinational company which operates in the electronic industry. Research question: “Which safety stock dimensioning strategies are most suitable in an after-sales business environment, characterized by high level customer service and unpredictable demand?” Method: The theoretical framework illuminated the study’s phenomenon which was mainly based on peer-reviewed scientific articles but also academic books. Furthermore, the empirical data collection in this study was conducted through a mixed research approach, where the qualitative data was collected through three semi-structured interviews and several unstructured interviews, while the quantitative data consisted of calculations using numerical variables provided by the case company. Conclusion: The study concluded that the so called estimated safety stock method as well as the probabilistic demand based on history method are the most suitable safety stock dimensioning strategies to utilize in business environments where firms that offer products with unpredictable demand are facing challenges related to finding a balance between providing a high service level and keeping their costs as low as possible. / Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att analysera möjliga strategier som kan användas för att förbättra säkerhetslagerhanteringen av reservdelar hos ett globalt företag inom elektronikindustrin. Frågeställning: “Vilka dimensioneringsstrategier för säkerhetslager är mest lämpliga i en eftermarknadsverksamhet, kännetecknad av hög servicenivå och oförutsägbar efterfrågan?” Metod: Det teoretiska ramverket belyste studiens fenomen som var baserad på främst expertgranskade vetenskapliga artiklar men även böcker. Vidare genomfördes den empiriska datainsamlingen i denna studie genom en mixad forskningsmetod, där den kvalitativa datan var i form av fyra semistrukturerade intervjuer samt flera ostrukturerade intervjuer, medan den kvantitativa datan bestod av beräkningar med hjälp av numeriska variabler tillhandahållna av fallföretaget. Slutsats: Studiens slutsatser visade att den så kallade manuellt bedömt säkerhetslager metoden samt probabilistisk efterfrågan baserad på historisk data metoden är de mest lämpliga dimensioneringsstrategier för säkerhetslager att använda i affärsmiljöer där företag som erbjuder produkter med oförutsägbar efterfrågan står inför utmaningar relaterade till att hitta en balans mellan att tillhandahålla en hög servicenivå och att ha så låga kostnader som möjligt.

[pt] Este estudo tem como foco evidenciar que há meios para melhorar a competitividade da Petrobras utilizando-se de processos potencializados pelas novas tecnologias associadas aos conceitos de controle preexistentes como os indicadores de desempenho e a difusão destes dados por toda Companhia. Com uma gestão planejada, focada na otimização de recursos e apoiada em dados mostra-se a possibilidade de apoiar as decisões na gestão da cadeia de suprimentos (Supply Chain Management) que passa a ter um papel determinante na integração de processos, desde os fornecedores iniciais até os consumidores finais, em um modelo de negócio harmônico e de alto desempenho. Seu objetivo é agregar o maior valor possível ao consumidor. Neste estudo utiliza-se o estudo da logística de estoques de materiais focado no balanceamento do Trade off (perdas compensatórias): Nível de serviço versus capital de giro, otimizando recursos financeiros e potencializando ao máximo o nível de serviço. Trata-se de um estudo de caso apoiado pelo método de Painel de Consenso, focada na opinião de especialistas, apoiada em sistemas informatizados, sem o qual não seria possível chegar às conclusões indicadas. / [en] This study focuses on evidence that there are ways to improve the competitiveness of Petrobras using processes augmented by new technologies associated with the concepts of control as pre-existing performance indicators and dissemination of such information throughout Cia With a planned management, focused on resource optimization and supported by data showing the possibility of supporting the decisions in supply chain management – SCM which is replaced by a decisive role in the integration process, from initial suppliers to final consumers, business model in a harmonic and high performance. His goal is to add the most value to the consumer. This study uses the study of logistics inventory of materials focused on balancing the Trade off (loss allowances): Service Level versus working capital, optimizing and leveraging financial resources to the maximum level of service. This is a case study method supported by Consensus Panel, focused on expert opinion, supported by computerized systems, without which it would be possible to reach the conclusions stated.

Due to the necessity of knowing the stocks in an increasingly accurate way in order to plan sales and production with the dynamics required by the market, more and more companies have been searching for stock control tools such as computerized systems, aiming at highly accurate and reliable results. The uncertainty about the positive results in this kind of investment, especially for the small metallurgical industries, is an unknown, since the financial and staff resources are sparse. Thus, the present paper aims at analyzing what issues are connected with the failure in the investments in computerized stock control tools, and also which are the most commonly used tools by this type of organization in Brazil. For that, we have researched works on the success analysis in investments and stock control theories, besides analyzing which tools are being adopted. It was also developed a case study in a metallurgical industry within the state of Rio Grande do Sul with the purpose of quantify this type of investment and the reasons why the stocks management involving computerization in small metallurgical industries have no been obtaining positive results. Starting from the negatives, we developed the scope for the accomplishment of a replanning, and subsequently, we made a new analysis of the situation with satisfactory results being already observed, as shown. / Com a necessidade de conhecer os estoques de forma cada vez mais precisa, a fim de planejar as vendas e a produção com o dinamismo que o mercado exige, mais empresas têm buscado ferramentas de controle de estoque, como sistemas informatizados, almejando resultados com alta precisão e confiabilidade. A incerteza de resultados positivos, nesse tipo de investimento, especialmente para metalúrgicas de pequeno porte, é uma incógnita, já que os recursos de pessoal e financeiro são limitados. Dessa forma, esse trabalho visa a analisar quais os problemas vinculados com insucessos nos investimentos em sistemas informatizados de controle de estoque, bem como quais são as ferramentas mais utilizados atualmente, no Brasil, por esse tipo de organização. Para tal, foram pesquisados trabalhos sobre análise de sucesso nos investimentos e teorias de controle de estoque, além de terem sido analisadas quais ferramentas estão sendo adotadas. Também foi feito um estudo de caso em uma metalúrgica no interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, com o propósito de quantificar um investimento desse tipo e os motivos pelos quais o gerenciamento de estoques envolvendo informatização, em indústrias metalúrgicas de pequeno porte, não tem obtido resultados positivos. Através dos pontos negativos, desenvolveu-se o escopo para realizar um replanejamento e, posteriormente, analisou-se mais uma vez a situação. Hoje, já são percebidos resultados satisfatórios, conforme será demonstrado.

[pt] Esta dissertação teve como objetivo propor o desenvolvimento e estabelecimento de um método de gerenciamento de estoque de peças de uniformes a ser implantado através de uma solução de TI que possa vir a ser utilizado por todos os Gerentes dos PDU´s (Postos de Distribuição de Uniformes) e pelo Gerente de Fardamento da Marinha. Com esse fulcro, foram apresentadas técnicas de segmentação de materiais, de previsão de demanda de curto prazo, de gerenciamento de estoque (método de ponto de pedido e método de revisão periódica) e técnicas de cálculo de estoque de segurança para determinado nível de serviço. Adicionalmente, com o intuito de possibilitar a comparação entre políticas de estoques distintas, foram estudados três importantes classes gerais de custos que são: os custos de pedido, de manutenção do inventário e de falta de estoques. Como resultado, foram apresentadas algumas reformulações necessárias a serem implementadas na atual ferramenta de TI utilizada pela Marinha para gerenciar o estoque. Uma vez implantada, essa ferramenta irá permitir aos Gerentes, conhecedores das nuances do mercado, melhores condições para a tomada de decisões relativas aos seus estoques. / [en] The objective of this dissertation is to develop and establish an inventory management method for uniforms through IT solutions that can be used by all inventory managers at uniform distribution points. With this in mind, studies were conducted on techniques for material classification, short term demand forecasting, inventory management (continuous review method and periodic review method) as well as techniques for calculating safety stock to achieve the desired the service level. Additionally, this proposal allows us to compare and contrast different inventory policies on the basis of three principal cost criteria. Those criterion are: acquisition cost, inventory maintenance, and inventory loss. As a result, recalculations were proposed to the IT solution that is currently being used by the Brazilian Navy to effectively manage stock levels. Once implemented, these tools will allow inventory managers, the technical experts of the navy, to make the best decisions with the best information possible.

Magister Pharmaceuticae - MPharm / South Africa is faced with a high number of people living with HIV/AIDS, and subsequently a great need to access quality medicines for improving patient therapeutic outcomes. Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) require rigid, efficient and effective management, due to their valuable efficacy in prolonging the survival of HIV/AIDS patients, and the limited possibility of substitution. Managing their flow is vital to ensure an uninterrupted supply. Problematic inventory management was experienced by some healthcare facilities in South Africa where in recent years it resulted in stock outs and stock losses through thefts. These factors present obstacles to the availability of quality medicines, which ultimately leads to treatment failure and deterioration of the health status of patients. The aim of this study was to characterise the inventory management practices and medicine store maintenance of ARVs in community health centres (CHCs) in the Cape Metropole, Western Cape, in order to identify specific problems associated with ARV stock management. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional study design to examine ARV records and to highlight associated discrepancies between recorded iii quantities on logistics tools used and physical counts, to assess the store maintenance, to measure the supply rate and identify factors contributing to poor stock management. The sample comprised 15 CHCs under the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG) accredited to provide ARV treatment. A checklist developed by Management Sciences for Health was adapted and was used to gather quantitative information (e.g. physical stock count). Some qualitative data was collected from responsible personnel for ARV drug management at each site. 86.7% of CHCs utilised a logistics tool (either manual or electronic) to manage ARVs. The average number of adult ARV drugs with a logistics tool available in all CHCs was 82.7% of which 21.9% met the criteria for accuracy. Only 32.9% of all logistics tools had records that were up to date. The average percentage of total variation between stock records and physical counts for the ARV drugs assessed was 51.6%. No historical data on stock outs and monthly usage (monthly consumption) could be retrieved in any of the CHCs, although there were no actual stock outs on the day of the fieldwork. The order fill rate was 91.9%. Since ordering is done more often that it should, stock availability did not appear to be problematic. Standard appropriate physical dimensions were not met by 20% of the CHCs and only 66.7% of the CHCs had appropriate labeling of the shelves in the dispensary and in the storeroom. This study demonstrated poor inventory management with respect to the general quality of record keeping, space allocation and general organisation of the medicine storeroom. Making timely entries and recording issues on logistics tools are recommended to keep up to date inventory records and management information system. Frequent monitoring of stock status is suggested, to avoid discrepancies and to keep it to adequate levels iv which will minimise multiple ordering. Regular supervision by the district pharmacist is needed to identify training and other needs. A study on general cost and delivery costs associated with poor record keeping should be carried out.

Master thesis is dealing with the application of particular statistical methods for a description of pharmacy Helios operation. The attention is primarily focused on stock management within the scope of independent demand model, where the related performance indicators of weekly revenues, daily revenues and expenditures per customer are subsequently exposed to thorough analysis. In addition, one of the main goals of this thesis can be identified as the intention to create an application for continuous monitoring of available stock, where their depletion below the specified level would be reported. This thesis should also provide a certain guidelines how the aforementioned application could be integrated within the existing information system in order to automate the process of orders processing.

[pt] Esta dissertação apresenta dois estudos de caso de Plantas Industriais que atualmente utilizam Óleo Combustível e/ou Carvão como fontes de energia para seus processos. Dada a grande relevância destes combustíveis em seus custos de manufatura e seu caráter estratégico para a estabilidade das operações, torna-se extremamente pertinente a busca contínua por alternativas mais econômicas, com garantia de oferta no longo prazo e atendimento aos requisitos ambientais cada vez mais restritivos. Uma particularidade importante para as duas plantas é a sua localização em regiões brasileiras sem oferta de Gás Natural (GN) canalizado. Neste contexto, o Gás Natural Liquefeito (GNL) é a alternativa logística estudada neste trabalho para suprimento de GN para as plantas estudadas. Ainda não ocorrem no Brasil importações de GNL, entretanto a primeira descarga do combustível deve ocorrer em breve e pode passar a ser fonte regular de energia para diversos consumidores. Exatamente por ser tão recente enquanto alternativa de suprimento de energia para o mercado brasileiro, busca- se conhecer suas características logísticas e, considerando o valor de investimento necessário, avaliar a viabilidade econômica de sua implementação. / [en] This dissertation presents two case studies of Industrial Plants that currently use Fuel Oil and/or Coal as source of energy for its processes. Given the great importance of these fuels in the manufacturing costs and its strategic role to the stability of the operations, it is extremely relevant the continuous search for most economic alternatives, with long term supply security and alignment with more and more restrict environmental standards. An important particularity of these two plants is its location in Brazilian areas without availability of Natural Gas (NG) in pipelines. Therefore, the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is the logistic alternative to supply the NG to the plants under analysis. Still Brazil does not import LNG, however the first unloading of this fuel shall happen very soon and may become a regular source of energy to many consumers. Exactly for being such a recent energy supply alternative to the Brazilian market, it is so important to understand its logistic and, considering the value of needed investments, evaluate its economic viability of implementation.

El presente trabajo de investigación está orientado al estudio de los procesos de gestión de existencias de la farmacia de la Clínica Chiclayo S.A, teniendo como finalidad mejorar y hacer que la empresa cuente con un eficiente abastecimiento bajo una previa evaluación orientado al estudio de los procesos existentes de gestión. La empresa se dedica a la venta de medicamentos para la salud humana y sus principales consumidores son los propios doctores, pacientes y personas particulares. El proyecto de tesis tiene como objetivo general la evaluación de gestión de existencias en el área de farmacia de la Clínica Chiclayo S.A para un eficiente abastecimiento. La tesis se refuerza mediante la investigación que a su vez tiene un enfoque mixto, es de tipo aplicada con un nivel explicativo y descriptivo; tiene un diseño no experimental y transversal. Se consideró como población a la farmacia de la empresa Clínica Chiclayo S.A. y se utilizó como muestra igual que la población de estudio. Se usó la técnica de observación y una pequeña entrevista al contador de la Clínica, obteniéndose como resultado que la Clínica contaba con un mal manejo de sus existencias lo cual ocasionaba que la farmacia tenga un deficiente abastecimiento, no cubriendo en muchos casos la demanda. Por lo tanto, en el presente proyecto, es importante indicar que, a través del uso de formatos, tal como Kardex se utilizó para el buen manejo y control de entradas y salidas de mercancía. Se establecieron mejoras de gestión para el proceso de existencias, se crearon documentos, flujogramas, diagramas de Ishikawa que ayudó a evaluar las deficiencias, y a través del petitorio establecido por la empresa se creó un plan anual de adquisiciones (PAA), para mejoras en su gestión. / This research work is aimed at the study of the stock management processes of the Clínica Chiclayo S.A. pharmacy, with the purpose of improving and ensuring that the company has an efficient supply under a prior evaluation aimed at the study of the existing processes. management. The company is dedicated to the sale of medicines for human health and its main consumers are doctors, patients and individuals themselves. The general objective of the thesis project is the evaluation of stock management in the pharmacy area of Clínica Chiclayo S.A for efficient supply. The thesis is reinforced through research that in turn has a mixed approach, it is applied with an explanatory and descriptive level; It has a non-experimental and transversal design. The pharmacy of the Clínica Chiclayo S.A. company was considered as the population. and it was used as a sample the same as the study population. The observation technique and a short interview with the Clinic's accountant were used, resulting in the Clinic having poor management of its stock, which caused the pharmacy to have a deficient supply, not covering demand in many cases. Therefore, in this project, it is important to indicate that, through the use of formats, such as Kardex, it was used for the proper management and control of merchandise entries and exits. Management improvements were established for the stock process, documents, flowcharts, and Ishikawa diagrams were created that helped evaluate deficiencies, and through the request established by the company, an annual procurement plan (PAA) was created for improvements in its management.