The e-commerce revolution has brought about the need for more efficient order fulfillment. Guidelines are needed to determine the order fulfillment system design, and whether a manual or automated system should be implemented. A spreadsheet-based descriptive model has been developed based on demand levels, labor rates, and order sizes. We propose to combine the descriptive model with simulation output to demonstrate reactions of the system to fluctuations in demand, labor rates, and order sizes. The ultimate research goal is to provide a design aid to companies engaged in order fulfillment systems, emphasizing the decision of whether or not to automate the sorting process. / Master of Science

Logistics play a vital role in the prosperity of today’s cities, but current urban logistics delivery practices have proven problematic and to be causing various negative effects in cities. This study proposes an alternative method for delivering cargo with the leasing of a network of logistics hubs within urban areas for designated daily time intervals and handcart last-mile deliveries. The objective of the study is the development of a mathematical programming model for identifying the optimal number and locations of hubs for serving demand with the minimum cost, as well as the optimal times during the day for leasing the facilities, while also allocating hubs to customers. The problem is effectively solved by applying a Lagrangian relaxation and subgradient optimization approach. Numerical examples and a sensitivity analysis provide evidence of the robustness of the model and its ability to be effectively applied to address real problems. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Exchange is at the core of public space. Whether trading products or sharing information, exchange between people produces social interactions and spatialized hubs of activity. Without exchange public spaces fail. Today, the Internet threatens older methods of spatialized exchange as people communicate through email, pay bills electronically, and shop online. These despatialized forms of exchange are having a damaging impact on previously functioning public spaces such as the post office and retail stores. Distribution centers, meanwhile, are thriving as product exchange points but they remain completely invisible and inaccessible to the customer. With the United States Postal Service in rapid decline, once monumental buildings will soon be abandoned. Taking advantage of the existing infrastructure of post offices, I am proposing a centrally located public distribution center; giving online companies a physical presence in the city, monumentalizing the currently despatialized market, and reintroducing the public to the exchange process.

For a graph G=(V,E) and a set S⊆V, the boundary of S is the set of vertices in V∖S that have a neighbor in S. A non-empty set S⊆V is a distribution center if for every vertex v in the boundary of S, v is adjacent to a vertex in S, say u, where u has at least as many neighbors in S as v has in V∖S. The distribution center number of a graph G is the minimum cardinality of a distribution center of G. We introduce distribution centers as graph models for supply–demand type distribution. We determine the distribution center number for selected families of graphs and give bounds on the distribution center number for general graphs. Although not necessarily true for general graphs, we show that for trees the domination number and the maximum degree are upper bounds on the distribution center number.

[pt] As grandes redes do varejo revolucionaram seus sistemas logísticos posicionando Centros de Distribuição – CDs – perto aos grandes centros urbanos. Esta estratégia possibilitaria mantê-los próximos aos pontos de venda para um rápido ressuprimento, por proporcionar condições favoráveis para lidarem mais facilmente com os problemas de tráfego crescente, que restringem o acesso dos grandes caminhões aos centros urbanos e, além disso, associado a um amplo espectro de motivos, visava à otimização dos processos logísticos. O presente estudo tem como objetivo mensurar os benefícios econômicos resultantes desta nova estratégia logística implementada por organizações de varejo na adoção de Centros de Distribuição. Estes ganhos estão relacionados com os seguintes fatores: (i) redução nos custos de transporte originados dos fornecedores, (ii) redução de custos operacionais e de estoque, (iii) liberação de espaço nobre nas lojas para a exposição de mercadorias e estacionamento, (iv) redução de mão de obra devido à centralização dos controles dos produtos recebidos, e (v) redução da incidência da falta de produto. Por outro lado, a cadeia de varejo internaliza alguns custos relativos à operação do Centro de Distribuição, como os custos operacionais do CD e os de transporte de mercadorias deste às lojas. Este estudo qualifica esses fatores apoiando-se em literatura científica e quantifica esses custos de maneira empírica. / [en] Large retail chains have revolutionized their logistics systems positioning Distribution Centers - CDs - near large urban centers. This strategy would enable them to stay close to the outlets for a quick resupply, by providing favorable conditions in order to deal more easily with the growing traffic problems, which restrict access of large trucks to urban centers, and furthermore, associated with a wide spectrum of reasons, aimed to the optimization of logistics processes. The present study aims to measure the economic benefits of this new logistics strategy implemented by retail organizations in the adoption of Distribution Centers. These gains are related to the following factors: (i) reduction in transportation costs arising from suppliers, (ii) reduction of inventory and operating costs, (iii) release of prime space in stores for parking and display of goods, (iv)reduction of manpower due to the centralization of control of incoming goods, and (v) reduction of stock-outs. On the other hand, the retail chain internalizes some costs related to the operation of the distribution center, as operating costs, and freight from the CD to the stores. This study describes these factors relying on scientific literature and quantifies these costs empirically.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-05T17:05:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 19 / Nenhuma / O objetivo desta pesquisa é verificar os impactos ocorridos com a implementação de tecnologia logística na atividade de separação de pedidos de produtos acabados em um centro de distribuição de uma empresa comercial gaúcha que trabalha com estoque e uma quantidade elevada de itens. A empresa realizou investimento em tecnologia na separação de pedidos, atividade esta considerada de alta complexidade na área de armazenagem, por impactar diretamente no tempo do ciclo de pedido. Para a realização da pesquisa, foi realizada revisão teórica sobre os conceitos de logística de distribuição, ciclo do pedido e, além disso, verificaram-se as tecnologias logísticas disponíveis na literatura e no mercado aplicáveis à atividade de separação de pedidos. O processo de separação de pedidos da empresa, até o ano de 2005, era realizado de forma manual, ou seja, os pedidos eram separados com papel e alto grau de interferência humana e sem uma gestão adequada dos recursos disponíveis. Foi organizado um grupo focado com especialis / The objective of this research is to examine the impacts that occur with the implementation of logistics technology in the activity of picking the finished product in a distribution center of a commercial gaucho who works with stock and a high amount of items. The company made investments in technology in the separation of applications, activity is considered high complexity in the storage area by directly impact the cycle time of request. To perform the study has theoretical review on the concepts of distribution logistics, order cycle and, moreover, there were logistical technologies available in the literature and the market activity for the picking. The process of picking the company by the year 2005 was done manually, ie, the applications were separated with paper and a high degree of human interference and without proper management of available resources. Organized a focus group with specialists in logistics, in order to identify points to be raised with the company and to prepare a questionnaire that c

Problem: Since there is not much inside information available, the problem that will be handled by this thesis is the coordination of warehousing activities within the logistics centers put to use by the Olympic Summer Games from 2000 to 2008. A special attention is given to certain requirements such as layout, capacity management, ownership and distribution applications. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is based on warehouse requirementsand their specific adjustment to the Olympic Summer Games, further emphasizing on distribution applications influencing the capacityand ownership. Theory: The theoretical section touches upon event logistics, the Olympic Games and more importantly, logistics centers as a generic termfor distribution facilities and warehouses. Further, types of warehouses, capacity management, ownership and distribution applications are examined in order to be able to compare the various Games. Method: The method for this research is based on a case study conducted by semi-structured interviews with several people involved in the logistics organization of the Games. All interviews are conducted over the telephone and analyzed accordingly. However, secondary data was of high importance due to the limited number of interview respondents. Conclusion: All analyzed features of a warehouse facility had to be more efficiently and effectively performed in order to serve the great approach for the Olympic Summer Games. The implementation of distribution applications was not sophisticated enough to benefit capacity savings. The leased ownership situation and outsourcing to third party logistics providers were advantageous, but did not further influence the planning and utilization phase of the Olympic Games.

[pt] Atualmente, uma das estratégias adotadas pelas empresas para reduzir seus custos e se manterem competitivas passa pela Logística Tributária, que vislumbra as oportunidades de redução de impostos na Logística por meio de incentivos fiscais ou financeiros. Como conseqüência do avanço tecnológico, os produtos são cada vez mais equivalentes, no que diz respeito à sua qualidade e funcionalidade e, de uma forma geral, as boas práticas são absorvidas muito rapidamente pelo mercado, restando às organizações a redução da margem de lucro e a minimização dos custos, mais especificamente, do custo logístico. A maioria dos incentivos fiscais e financeiros oferecidos no Brasil se concentra longe dos principais centros consumidores, tornando-se necessário associar o planejamento tributário aos métodos de localização e considerar os trade-offs entre benefícios e custos operacionais. Analisar a infra-estrutura oferecida pelo Estado é outra forma de evitar perdas no nível de serviço logístico, que podem gerar consequências imensuráveis em curto prazo. O presente trabalho é uma análise da influência dos incentivos fiscais sobre a decisão de localização de centros de distribuição e pressupõe o caso de uma empresa fictícia que se instalou no Estado do Espírito Santo, com o objetivo de se beneficiar do Fundap, um incentivo às importações, oferecido por aquele estado. / [en] In the present days, one of the strategies adopted by companies to reduce their costs and hold their competitiveness involves the tributary logistics, which considers the opportunities of taking into account the taxes advantages derived from locating distribution centers in certain areas or states that offer financial incentives. As a consequence of the technology improvement, products tend to be even more equivalents regarding their quality and functionality. In a general way, good practices are very rapidly absorbed by the market, so that the organizations have to face the reduction of the profit margin and the minimization of costs, in particular the logistics costs. The majority of taxes and financial incentives offered in Brazil is concentrated away from the main consumer centers, becoming necessary to associate the tax planning with the location methods, in order to consider the trade-offs between benefits and the operational costs. Analyzing the public infrastructure offered by the government is another way to avoid the losses at the level of logistics services. It may generate immeasurable consequences in the short term. The present work is an analysis of the influence of the tax incentives in the decision of locating distribution centers and assumes the case of a hypothetical company that was installed in the state of Espírito Santo, in order to take advantage of benefits granted by Fundap, the local state agency that offers incentive for imported goods.

Purpose: Lean Six Sigma has been playing a vital role in numerous organizations to enhance the productivity of the Supply Chain by reducing “waste and variance”. During Lean Six Sigma implementation, a change is introduced in the organization, the purpose is to understand the organizational change in this context in order not to end up failing in the implementation of this technique. Different factors affect organizational change, such as communication, successful implementation of ideas, training, empowerment of employees, the impact of unions, and support from the management. However, out of these factors, from the workforce perspective, which ones act as facilitators, and which ones act as barriers? Method: The approach that has been followed is the abductive approach as an interchange between theory and method, by combining deduction and induction. In the abductive research method, the research process starts with surprising facts or puzzling situations, and the research process is dedicated to their explanation. Findings: The study has identified if communication, successful implementation of ideas, developmental training of the workforce, empowerment of employees, management support, and employee unions act either as a barrier or a facilitator during the implementations of lean six sigma methods. Implications: By studying how these factors are acting (barriers or facilitators) there would be a certain help for the organizations in understanding the perspective of the employees in adapting to the change. This will ease the process, which would, in turn, help the organizations in an efficient implementation of Lean Six Sigma methods. Furthermore, it was found that the inclusion of Employees in decision making from an early stage will lead to efficiency in the implementation. Another implication that was found is that informal communication is as important as formal during the implementation of lean six sigma methods. Limitations: This study is based on one company.

[pt] A logística é tida como ferramenta capaz de gerenciar de forma global e otimizada o fluxo de movimentos e informações, da origem ao ponto final de processo, visando atender satisfatoriamente o cliente final com um produto de elevado nível de qualidade e competitividade. A partir disso, é que propõe-se nessa dissertação, uma análise acerca da logística de distribuição da Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos com o estudo de caso de localização de um centro de distribuição na cidade do Salvador. Nesse estudo será levado em consideração a determinação do ponto ideal para localização de Centro de Distribuição, tendo como referência a logística, com vistas a viabilizar a distribuição de objetos expressos dos Correios, de forma a maximizar o nível de serviços e minimizar os custos. A metodologia utilizada nessa dissertação partiu da análise qualitativa utilizando pesquisa bibliográfica e estudo de caso, como delineamento mais adequado para a investigação da viabilidade de localização de um centro de distribuição dentro do contexto real da logística de distribuição no âmbito da cidade do Salvador. Destarte, vale ressaltar a temática desse estudo, a qual delineia o perfil das empresas que estão aptas a participar no dinâmico mercado das encomendas expressas, a exemplo dos Correios, e que fazem utilizam de uma sofisticada logística para se destacar em suas prioridades competitivas. / [en] The logistic is known as a tool capable to manage in a global form and optimize the flow of moviments and informations from the origin to the end of the process, aiming to attend satifactority the final client with a high quality and competitiveness product. Then, this paper s propose is a analysis about the logistic in the distribution of the Mailing and Telegraphing Brazilian Enterprise with a case study of a centers location of distribution in Salvador. In this study, the determination of Distribution Center s ideal point will be considerated, having as a reference point the logistic, aiming to viabilize the Correios s express objects distribution, in a way to maximize the services level and to minimize the costs. The methodology used in this paper come from the quality analyse using a bibliography research and a study case, as a outline more sutable for the viability s investigation of the distribution center within a real distribution logistic s context in the city of Salvador. However, the theme of this study must be emphosized, in which outline the enterprises profile who are capable of participating of the dynamic economy of the express mailings, as an example of Correios, and utilize a sofisticated logistic, in a way to stand itself out in them competitives priorities.