Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Industrial e Gestão. Universidade do Porto. Faculdade de Engenharia. 2011

Bakgrund: Leverantörer har en allt viktigare roll för verksamheter. Med en strävan om att kunna minska lagernivåer krävs det en kontinuerlig påfyllning av lager. För att kunna uppnå det behöver leverantörerna vara flexibla och kunna möta ändringar på kort sikt. Företag vill även försäkra sig om att leverantören kan förse deras behov även i framtiden. Detta gör att företag vill skapa sig en förståelse av hur väl leverantörerna presterar och kunna vidta åtgärder för att förebygga problem, något som kan göras genom prestationsmätning av leverantörer. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att kartlägga Carlsberg Sverige´s process för prestationsmätning av sina leverantörer samt finna brister som påverkar processen. Studien syftar även till att rangordna Carlsberg Sverige’s leverantörers prestationer. Slutligen ska studien ge förbättringsförslag till prestationsmätningsprocessen utifrån funna brister samt undersöka vad Carlsberg Sverige’s kan göra för att vidare utveckla rangordningen av leverantörer. Metod: Studien har genomförts via ostrukturerade intervjuer, semi-strukturerade intervjuer, observationer samt insamling av data från affärssystemet SAP och Supplier Performance. I början av studien genomfördes en processkartläggningen för att identifiera brister som påverkar processen för prestationsmätning av leverantörer. Vidare gjordes en rangordning av Carlsberg Sverige´s leverantörer utifrån deras prestationer. Slutligen presenteras en åtgärdsplan för hur Carlsberg Sverige ska kunna gå vidare med bristerna samt att vidare utveckla rangordningen för deras leverantörer. Slutsats: Författarna av studien har identifierat brister som påverkar Carlsberg Sverige´s process för prestationsmätning av leverantörer och givit förslag på åtgärdsplaner hur man ska gå tillväga för att komma till bukt med bristerna. Brister som 4 identifierats är bland annat att företaget har ett svårhanterligt verktyg för prestationsmätning av leverantörer samt att det saknas incitament att rapportera i verktyget. Det har även funnits brister i arbete med prognoser, produktionsplanering och operativt inköp som påverkar prestationsmätningen. Därefter har också en rangordning av företagets tio viktigaste leverantörer av förpackningsmaterial samt rangordning för de tio viktigaste råvaruleverantörer genomförts. Det har även givits förslag på hur rangordningen av leverantörer kan förbättras i framtiden. / Background: Suppliers nowadays play a large part for producing companies. These companies strive for less inventory and therefore there is a need for continuous replenishment of stocks. To achieve this, the suppliers need to be flexible and able to meet changes in short time demand. Companies also want to ensure that the suppliers can meet their demand of material in the future. It is therefore of great interest for the companies to understand how well the suppliers are performing, which can be done using performance measurements. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to map out Carlsberg Sverige’s process for performance measurement of their suppliers and identify problems affecting the process. The study also aims to find a way to rank Carlsberg Sverige’s suppliers. Finally, the identified problems in the process will be given suggestions of improvements. Likewise, the way of ranking will be given suggestions of improvements. Method: The data for this study has been collected using unstructured interviews. semistructured interviews, but also through observations and data from SAP and Carlsberg Sverige’s developed tool for performance measurement. To identify problems in the process, mapping out the process was essential. After that a ranking was made of the suppliers’ performances. Lastly the suggestions for improvement of the process and the ranking was made. Conclusion: The authors of this study has identified problems in Carlsberg Sverige’s process of performance measurements of suppliers and have created plans for improvement. The problems of the process is for instance that the tool for performance measurements of suppliers is not user friendly and that the users of the tool lack 6 incentives to report deviations. There has also been identified problems in forecasting, production planning and operative purchasing that are affecting the process. Carlsberg Sverige’s ten most important suppliers of packaging materials as well as the ten most important suppliers of raw materials have been ranked depening on their performances. The study also gives suggestions of further developement of the ranking.

Purpose – The purpose with the study is to get an understanding of how a low-power retailer can incentivize their high-power supplier(s) to improve their supplier on-time delivery performance. The purpose was fulfilled by answering the two research questions: How does power asymmetry influence supplier on-time delivery performance in a low-power retailer and high-power supplier context? How can low-power retailers work with high-power suppliers to increase their supplier on-time delivery performance? Method – To answer the research questions, both theoretical and empirical data was required. A literature study was conducted to gather relevant theories about on-time delivery performance and supplier relations. To get the required empirical data, a case study was conducted at a case company that suited the subject. The case study consisted of multiple interviews and document studies. This enabled for an analysis in the form of pattern matching in order to answer the research questions and thereby fulfill the purpose. Findings – The power asymmetry between a supplier and a retailer influences the supplier on-time delivery performance in several ways. The low-power retailer can experience difficulties with setting the demands they need. Having to deal with high-power suppliers while being a low-power retailer has its challenges when a satisfying level of supplier on-time delivery performance is needed. The study found four appropriate ways for low-power retailers to work with high-power suppliers to get improved supplier on-time delivery performance. Improvement and changes can be done, these could be major and minor, internal and external. Implications – Both practical and theoretical implications have been provided. The practical implications are that the low-power retailer needs to know their power position in the dyadic relation and act accordingly to enable for a satisfying level of supplier on-time delivery performance.The theoretical implications are that this study has filled a knowledge gap regarding improvement of supplier on-time delivery performance. The knowledge gap would be the power asymmetry subject from a low-power retailers’ perspective. Not much attention has been devoted into this subject.Limitations – The limitation with this study was conducting a case study. The results are limited to this type of telecommunication retailing company. The case study was the choice of method as it gave a deeper understanding for the subject. Keywords – On-time delivery performance, supplier relations, power asymmetry, dyadic relationships

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This diploma thesis deals with the system of monitoring and evaluation of suppliers at the company RayService, a.s.. The aim is the implementation of an integrated procedural approach within the office work with suppliers. Assortment and quantity of suppliers is now so wide that the existing non-systemic solutions prevent more effective manufacturing and overall development of the company. Everything must be consistent with possible sources of the company, for example IS Helios. The basic condition is availability of data and by this also easy work with them. The main measurement of suppliers at the company RayService is the OTD (on time delivery) of suppliers, which value is 93% today. This work should set up a system of monitoring and evaluation of suppliers at the company so that the growing trend of OTD (from the current 63% to target 93%) can start.

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand which significantparameters affect OTD within an ATO company, and furthermore develop a model which wouldenhance proactive work in order to achieve a higher OTD.Design/methodology/approach - The data is primarily of qualitative nature, employing semistructuredinterviews and workshop, with backup from quantitative production data. Anabductive approach was applied by iterating and aligning findings with relevant literature andtheory. These mixed methodologies created a triangulation of data, which through our analysishelp with the validation of our conclusions.Findings - Through our findings we can conclude that significant parameters which lowers OTDfor an ATO company can be found all through the supply chain. For this thesis and its model,parameters were chosen based on their ability to be quantified. For ABB GA Products, we found36 significant parameters as well as a systematic approach for an ATO company to iteratively gothrough them to investigate which orders are affected by which flags. Through this approach anATO company should be able to work more proactively towards higher OTD.Research limitations/implications - This thesis is conducted through a case study at ABB GAProducts only, which should be considered when using the results for further research.Practical implications - Specifies a logical scheme to classify risk of delayed orders.Originality/value - Advances theory in production and operations management regardingperformance measurement, towards a more proactive approach of measuring reactive KPI’s

Syfte – Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur BIM kan användas för att förbättra leveransprecisionen av materialleveranser till byggarbetsplatsen gällande nybyggnationer. För att besvara studiens syfte har två frågeställningar formulerats. Första frågeställningen utgör en grund för att sedan kunna besvara andra frågeställningen. - Vilka faktorer påverkar leveransprecisionen av materialleveranser till byggarbetsplatsen? - Hur kan leveransprecisionen av materialleveranser till byggarbetsplatsen förbättras med hjälp av BIM? Metod – För att uppnå studiens syfte och frågeställningar genomfördes en fallstudie i form av intervju och dokumentstudie på två olika företag inom byggindustrin. En litteraturstudie genomfördes med syfte att forma det teoretiska ramverket som sedan varit en grund för att besvara studiens syfte och frågeställningar. Resultat – Studien har identifierat faktorer som påverkar leveransprecisionen av materialleveranser till byggarbetsplatsen och kategoriserat in dem i två huvudfaktorer, samordning och planering. För ett effektivare arbete i byggprocessen är BIM ett verktyg som bland annat underlättar samordning och planering. Detta kan resultera i att leveransprecisionen av materialleveranser till byggarbetsplatsen kan förbättras med hjälp av BIM. Implikationer – Studien utgår från befintliga teorier som sedan jämförs med verkligheten. Studien belyser ingen ny teori men illustrerar nya synvinklar till ett redan befintligt problem. Svårigheten har varit i att hitta teorier om hur BIM kan påverka leveransprecisionen av materialleveranser. Teorier har därför tolkats och analyserats för att hitta möjliga förbättringar. Begränsningar – Studien omfattar leveransprecisionen av materialleveranser till nybyggnationer och tar enbart hänsyn till leveransprecisionen från leverantören till byggarbetsplatsen. Inom BIM omfattar studien 3D- och 4D BIM och utesluter 5D- och 6D BIM. / Purpose – The purpose of the study is to investigate how BIM can improve the ontime delivery of material to construction sites for new constructions. To answer the purpose of the study, two research questions have been formulated. - Which factors effect on-time delivery of material to the construction site? - How can on-time delivery of material to the construction site be improved by using BIM? Method – In order to achieve the purpose and research questions of the study, a case study was conducted at two different companies in the construction industry. The empirical data from the case study were collected through interviews and document studies. A literature study was conducted with the purpose of formulating the theoretical framework that subsequently been used to answer the purpose and research questions. Findings – The study has identified factors that effect on-time delivery of material to the construction site and categorized them into two main factors, coordination and planning. BIM is a tool, among other thing, for a more efficient work in the construction process that facilitates coordination and planning. Using BIM can result in that on-time delivery of material to the construction site can be improved. Implications – The study is based on existing theories that compares to reality. The study does not develop new theory, but it illustrates new perspectives on an already existing problem. It has been difficult to find theories about how BIM may effect ontime delivery of materials. Theories have therefore been interpreted and analysed to find possible improvements. Limitations – The study covers the on-time delivery of materials to new constructions. The study also covers the on-time delivery from supplier to the construction site. Within BIM, the study covers 3D- and 4D BIM and excludes 5D- and 6D BIM.

Abstract  Purpose – The purpose of the study is to investigate how distribution centers can prevent delays to achieve higher on-time delivery.  To fulfill the purpose of the study three study questions have been conducted:  • What factors causes delays in distribution centers?  • Why do delays occur in distribution centers?  • How can distribution centers prevent delays to achieve higher on-time delivery?  Method – A qualitative approach has been used throughout the study to enable fulfilment of the study´s purpose. The study has implemented a case study at a distribution center to investigate what factors causes delays. A theoretical framework that attends the research areas of on-time delivery, distribution centers function, operational problems and classification of factors was used to conduct suggestions addressing how businesses can prevent delays.  Findings – The study emphasizes that all delays that effect on-time delivery could be classified as individual- or system dependent. The study suggests that businesses should focus on preventing delays classified as system dependent, since they may also prevent individual dependent delays. By improving education and prioritize development of education and standards businesses should be able to improve their on-time delivery.  Implications – The study maps factors that causes delays in distribution centers. Categorization and classification could be used to identify where factors occur and explain their dependencies. This study focuses on how on-time delivery is affected by distribution centers performance. The study indicates the possibility to applicate already presented theories in this context but also that categorization and classification of factors is possible. Furthermore, the study has identified problems due to non-used standards, even though they are available for the user.  Limitations – The delimitations of the study mark the study’s focus to stocked goods in distribution centers and do not attend economic aspects of on-time delivery.  Key words: On-time delivery, distribution centers, delays, individual dependent, system dependent / Sammanfattning  Syfte – Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur distributionscentraler kan förhindra förseningar för att uppnå högre leveransprecision.  För att uppfylla syftet har tre frågeställningar utformats:  • Vilka faktorer orsakar förseningar i distributionscentraler?  • Varför uppstår förseningar i distributionscentraler?  • Hur kan distributionscentraler förhindra förseningar för att uppnå högre leverans-precision?  Metod – För att uppnå syftet har studien använt en kvalitativ ansats där en fallstudie har genomförts på en distributionscentral i syfte att undersöka vilka faktorer som kan orsaka förseningar. Ett teoretiskt ramverk som behandlar leveransprecision, distributionscentralers funktion, verksamhetsproblem och klassificering av faktorer har använts för att ta fram förslag på hur distributionscentraler kan förhindra faktorer som orsakar förseningar.  Resultat – Studien indikerar att alla identifierade faktorer som orsakar förseningar och därmed påverkar leveransprecision kan vara antingen individ- eller systemberoende. Studien föreslår att verksamheter bör fokusera på att förhindra systemberoende faktorer som orsakar förseningar eftersom de även kan förhindra individberoende förseningar. Studien föreslår; genom att förbättra utbildning samt prioritera utveckling av utbildning och standarder skulle verksamheters leveransprecision kunna öka.  Implikationer – Det har kartlagts faktorer som kan orsaka förseningar i distributions-centraler. Kategoriseringen tillsammans med klassificering kan användas för att identifiera var faktorer uppstår och vad de beror på. Kategoriseringen tillsammans med klassificering kan användas för att identifiera var faktorer uppstår och vad de beror på. Vidare identifierar studien problem på grund av att standarder inte används, trots att de finns tillgängliga för användare.  Begränsningar – Studien är avgränsad till att endast studera produkter som lagerförs i distributionscentraler och tar inte hänsyn till ekonomiska aspekter kopplat till leverans-precision.  Nyckelord: Leveransprecision, distributionscentraler, förseningar, individberoende, systemberoende.

In light of widespread digitization endeavors and ever-growing textual data generation, developing efficient academic Natural Language Processing (NLP) infrastructures, which can deal with large amounts of data, is of particular importance. Novel computation technologies allow tools that support big data and heavy computation while performing timely and cost-effective data processing. This development has led researchers to demand that knowledge be extracted from ever-increasing textual data before it is outdated. Cluster computation is a modern technology for handling big data efficiently. It provides distribution of computing and data over a number of machines in a cluster, as well as efficient use of resources, which are key requirements to process big data in a timely manner. It also assures applications’ high availability and fault tolerance, which are fundamental concerns when dealing with vast amounts of data. In addition, it provides load balancing of data during the execution of tasks, which results in optimal use of resources and enhances efficiency. Data-oriented parallelization is an effective solution to enable the currently available academic NLP infrastructures to process big data. This approach offers a solution to parallelize the NLP tools which comprise identical non-complicated tasks without the expense of changing NLP algorithms. This thesis presents the adaption of cluster computation technology to academic NLP infrastructures to address the notable features that are essential to process vast quantities of text materials efficiently, in terms of both resources and time. Apache Spark on top of Apache Hadoop and its ecosystem have been utilized to develop a set of NLP tools that provide a distributed environment to execute the NLP tasks. Many experiments were conducted to assess the functionality of the designated strategy. This thesis shows that using cluster computation technology and data-oriented parallelization enables academic NLP infrastructures to execute large amounts of textual data in a timely manner while improving the performance of the NLP tools. Moreover, these experiments provide information that brings a more realistic and transparent estimation of workflows’ costs (required hardware resources) and execution time, along with the fastest, optimum, or feasible resource configuration for each individual workflow. This knowledge can be employed by users to trade-off between run-time, size of data, and hardware, and it enables them to design a strategy for data storage, duration of data retention, and delivery time. This has the potential to enhance researchers’ satisfaction when using academic NLP infrastructures. The thesis also shows that a cluster computation approach provides the capacity to adapt NLP services with JIT delivery systems. The proposed strategy assures the reliability and predictability of the services, which are the main characteristics of the services in JIT delivery systems. Defining the relevant parameters, recording the behavior of the services, and analyzing the generated data resulted in the provision of knowledge that can be utilized to create a service catalog—a fundamental requirement for the services in JIT delivery systems—for each service offered. This knowledge also helps to generate the performance profiles for each item mentioned in the service catalog and to update them continuously to cover new experiments and improve service quality.