Problem – Companies and supply chains, such as those in the grocery industry, continuously face stricter requirements in the form of customer satisfaction, quality, profit margins, as well as information sharing in order to stay competitive. One specific technology that may be used in dealing with increasing competitive demands is the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. A wide body of research recognizes the positive impacts from RFID, yet even so, doubts and uncertainty have been present among different supply chain members in industries striving to put the RFID technology to use. Nevertheless, many actors in the Norwegian grocery industry are replacing traditional wood pallets with plastic pallets, and these pallets are integrated with RFID tags. Purpose – The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how plastic pallets with integrated RFID tags can contribute to improve supply chain efficiency in the grocery industry. Also, the managerial perception on the pallets and their accompanying technology will be compared to the existing literature, to identify if the managerial opinion supports the literature, and if not, where the gaps exist. Method – The thesis combines an exploratory and an explanatory qualitative study of the managerial perception of RFID pallets in the Norwegian grocery industry, and investigates whether the perception supports the literature. The empirical material is gathered through telephone interviews with logistics and warehouse managers in the various companies. Conclusions – Physical implications: The managerial perceptions’ support towards the addressed implications of the reviewed literature is mixed. RFID pallets improve automatic operation processes through reduction in downtime and eases physical handling of pallets. Additionally, sorting of pallets becomes less labor demanding. Regarding holding of goods, the managerial perceptions do not seem to view RFID pallets as an important factor for efficiency improvement. Information related/RFID aspects’ implications: The managerial perceptions in these concerns were based on plans and thoughts, since the technology had not been put to use. There is a difference in producers’ and wholesalers’ perception of whether efficiency in receiving of goods can be improved through utilizing RFID pallets. Concerning dispatching of shipments, the managerial perceptions support the literature in that information-related activities can be automated, and thus improve efficiency and reduce risk of human errors. In regards to information sharing, the managerial perception supports the literature, but highlights that the information’s nature determines whether sharing is considered. Further research could include the retail store level to get a more complete supply chain picture, and also apply the research methods to a larger area in order to investigate the transferability to other industries and countries.

近年來由於資訊科技的發達與通訊網路的開放，國內流通業者逐漸意識到資訊科技的可得性與重要性，尤其是電子資料交換(EDI) 近來在國內更是方興未艾，成為業者因應通路革命的一大競爭武器。本研究主要是探討行銷通路與 EDI的互動關係，分析 EDI應用對通路體系效益的影響以及個別通路成員所分配到的成本效益，並說明第三者機構 (如政府單位與加值網路業者) 在推動 EDI 交易的角色定位。本研究屬於探索性研究，主要是藉由實地訪談國內食品飲料業的上中下游廠商，參考國外相關文獻，以探討通路成員目標、政府機構、組織特質對 EDI應用策略的影響，進一步分析 EDI交易對通路結構、通路關係、及通路效益的衝擊。經由理論與實務之觸發印證，本研究發現在通路系統中，由於零售商與供應商的通路地位不同，不但引進 EDI的動機有所差異，由電子連線交易中所獲致的效益亦有層次之分。此外，在建立 EDI系統初期，政府機構的介入有其必要性，而加值網路業者在通路系統中的角色亦將益形重要。最後，必須強調的是 EDI系統雖然對後勤活動的助益最顯而亦見，但是與 POS系統相結合應 用之後，將可幫助通路成員在行銷活動上發揮更大的效益。 EDI 對通路成員的長期涵義仍未十分明確，與交易對象建立電子連線也可能對組織造成複雜的管理問題，然而，EDI 將逐漸成為企業經營的必要方式，其對競爭態勢的衝擊值得吾人重視。

Title: The disappearing crate Context: Return logistics is an often forgotten but essential part of a company’s supply chain. As growing supply chains become increasingly complex, increased demands are placed on efficient logistics to create a competitive advantage over other parties on the market. ICA Sweden is currently using returnable packaging containers (RPCs) from Svenska Retursystem for transporting goods to their stores. The goods are sent via pallets and returnable packaging containers from a central warehouse or an external supplier. Empty packaging are then sent back to Svenska Retursystem. Each time a RPC changes hands, a debit fee is charged. When the RPC changes process owners, they transfer the debit fee to the next operator in the flow. If there is a loss of returnable packaging containers between two operators, a cost is incurred on this operator. The stores are charged through a so-called logistics cost, which can amount to about 0.7-0.9% of the stores' annual turnover. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to map the logistics process between the central warehouse and the stores and identify deficiencies in the process. Furthermore, the purpose of the study is to develop improvement proposals to reduce the negative balance of returnable packaging containers and reduce logistics costs for the stores. Method: The study has a comparative design of qualitative nature that adopts a critical realism approach. The research approach is deductive with a theoretical frame of reference as a starting point for the empirical material. Furthermore, the empirical material has been analyzed using pattern comparison. Results: The study has identified a number of different reasons why there may be a negative balance of returnable packaging containers at many ICA stores. Broadly speaking, we concluded that the problem stems from returnable packaging containers not being traceable. Human error throughout the process can also cause a mismatch of the administrative and physical flows. Improvement measures such as working with Lean, 5S, introducing RFID technology and investing in own trucks are discussed. / Titel: Returlådan som försvann Bakgrund och problemdiskussion: Returlogistik är en ofta glömd men likväl en viktig del av ett företags försörjningskedja. I takt med att växande försörjningskedjor blir alltmer komplexa ställs också ökade krav på en effektiv logistik för att skapa en konkurrensfördel gentemot andra aktörer på marknaden. ICA Sverige använder sig i dagsläget av returlådor från Svenska Retursystem för transport av varor till sina butiker. Varorna skickas bland annat via pall och returlådor till butikerna från ett centrallager eller en extern leverantör. Tomgods och tomemballage skickas sedan tillbaka till Svenska Retursystem. Hos varje aktör i ledet av de som använder returlådan debiteras en pantavgift. När returlådan byter processägare debiterar de nästa aktör i flödet. Sker ett bortfall av returlådor mellan två aktörer, uppstår en kostnad för denna aktören. Butikerna debiteras genom en så kallad logistikkostnad som kan uppgå till ca 0,7-0,9% av butikernas årliga omsättning. I dagsläget upplever många ICA butiker detta problem. Syfte: Syftet med denna studien är att kartlägga logistikprocessen mellan centrallager och butik samt identifiera brister i processen. Vidare är syftet med studien är att ta fram förbättringsförslag för att minska felsaldon och reducera logistikkostnader för butikerna. Metod: Studien har en jämförande design av kvalitativ art som antar ett kritiskt realism synsätt. Forskningsansatsen är deduktiv med en teoretisk referensram som utgångspunkt till det empiriska materialet. Datan för det empiriska materialet grundar sig på primärdata insamlat via semi-strukturerade intervjuer. Vidare har det empiriska materialet analyserats med hjälp av mönsterjämförelse. Slutsats: Studien har identifierat ett antal olika anledningar till varför det kan uppstå ett negativt saldo av returlådor hos många ICA butiker. I stora drag handlar det om att returlådorna inte kan spåras. Orsaker som mänskliga fel genom processen kan orsaka att det administrativa och fysiska flödet inte stämmer överens med varandra. Förbättringsåtgärder som att arbeta med 5S, införa RFID teknologi och investering i egna lastbilar diskuteras.

A proposta do presente estudo é contribuir na discussão sobre gestão da cadeia de suprimentos em ambientes integrados verticalmente. Diante deste cenário, foi sugerida a investigação da cadeia do frango brasileira para análise das vantagens, das desvantagens, dos fatores a considerar na integração vertical e na indicação de um alinhamento estratégico entre os elos. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso explanatório cujo método propõe adaptar um modelo de análise de canais de distribuição para o caso de uma cadeia de suprimentos integrada verticalmente com foco em custos. Detectou-se que a sinergia existente entre os elos de uma cadeia integrada facilita o desenvolvimento de trabalhos conjuntos na cadeia de valor, assim como a visão integrada da divisão de custos. O principal elo da cadeia do frango é o fabricante, pois além de ser o que mais agrega custo (em torno de 51%) é o gestor e centralizador que toma quase todas as decisões estratégicas. Este fato contribui expressivamente para que também acumule diversos custos da cadeia, dificilmente mensuráveis, como os custos de transação. Os resultados obtidos e as análises realizadas permitem concluir que a cadeia do frango pode ser gerenciada segundo uma estratégia híbrida: a da eficiência das operações entre os elos à jusante do fabricante e a da agilidade à montante do mesmo, oferecendo ganhos de custo e de aumento do nível de serviço. / The purpose of this work is to contribute to the discussion about supply chain management concepts for vertical integrated environments. The investigation of the Brazilian poultry chain was proposed in order to analyze the advantages, the disadvantages, the factors to be considered in the vertical integration and the indication of a supply chain strategy alignment. An explanatory case study was conducted. The method suggests to adapt a distribution chain model to a vertical integrated supply chain model, focusing on costs. It was detected that the synergy between the players of an integrated chain contributes to the development of common issues in the value chain and in the integrated cost division. The producer is the main player of the poultry chain, with approximately 51% of the total costs and is the centralizer of almost all strategic decisions. This fact contributes for the accumulating of some cost of this chain to its structure, hardly measurable, like the transaction costs. The results obtained and the analysis done allow concluding that this chain can be managed within a hybrid strategy: the efficiency of the operations in the downstream players from the producer and the agility upstream from it, offering gains from costs and high service level simultaneously.

A proposta do presente estudo é contribuir na discussão sobre gestão da cadeia de suprimentos em ambientes integrados verticalmente. Diante deste cenário, foi sugerida a investigação da cadeia do frango brasileira para análise das vantagens, das desvantagens, dos fatores a considerar na integração vertical e na indicação de um alinhamento estratégico entre os elos. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso explanatório cujo método propõe adaptar um modelo de análise de canais de distribuição para o caso de uma cadeia de suprimentos integrada verticalmente com foco em custos. Detectou-se que a sinergia existente entre os elos de uma cadeia integrada facilita o desenvolvimento de trabalhos conjuntos na cadeia de valor, assim como a visão integrada da divisão de custos. O principal elo da cadeia do frango é o fabricante, pois além de ser o que mais agrega custo (em torno de 51%) é o gestor e centralizador que toma quase todas as decisões estratégicas. Este fato contribui expressivamente para que também acumule diversos custos da cadeia, dificilmente mensuráveis, como os custos de transação. Os resultados obtidos e as análises realizadas permitem concluir que a cadeia do frango pode ser gerenciada segundo uma estratégia híbrida: a da eficiência das operações entre os elos à jusante do fabricante e a da agilidade à montante do mesmo, oferecendo ganhos de custo e de aumento do nível de serviço. / The purpose of this work is to contribute to the discussion about supply chain management concepts for vertical integrated environments. The investigation of the Brazilian poultry chain was proposed in order to analyze the advantages, the disadvantages, the factors to be considered in the vertical integration and the indication of a supply chain strategy alignment. An explanatory case study was conducted. The method suggests to adapt a distribution chain model to a vertical integrated supply chain model, focusing on costs. It was detected that the synergy between the players of an integrated chain contributes to the development of common issues in the value chain and in the integrated cost division. The producer is the main player of the poultry chain, with approximately 51% of the total costs and is the centralizer of almost all strategic decisions. This fact contributes for the accumulating of some cost of this chain to its structure, hardly measurable, like the transaction costs. The results obtained and the analysis done allow concluding that this chain can be managed within a hybrid strategy: the efficiency of the operations in the downstream players from the producer and the agility upstream from it, offering gains from costs and high service level simultaneously.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:50:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 3520.pdf: 2416853 bytes, checksum: 440e192e9b7986c17526e5ea7efd70e1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-29 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / Demand management is an emerging topic in supply chain management. It is focused on a fast and adequate integration of supplier needs in order to balance and strategically align demand with operational capability in the supply chain. The lack of demand alignment deals with problems in supply chain, which leads to inefficient customer service, poor stock rotation, and high obsolescence rate aggravated by the wide diversity of products. The objective of this thesis was to develop a framework for demand management in the supply chain of grocery products considering the dyadic relationship between the supplier and the wholesale. The research revealed that the framework can be divided into 1) determining factors for the implementation of demand management between the wholesale and supplier and 2) the implementation process of the demand management between these firms. The determining factors involve strategic intent; internal alignment of the strategic policies; supplier segmentation; customer segmentation; reward, expertise, legitimate power and collaborative supply chain orientation. The implementation of this process can be divided into three phases: 1) joint alignment of strategic policies, 2) formulation of business plan and 3) implementation and monitoring of the business plan. Moreover, this process has four elements that permeate it: top management involvement, inter and intra-firm interactions, challenges and benefits of demand management. The benefits reflect on a reduction of the effect of the demand amplification, profitability by improving efficiency and effectiveness, as well as knowledge sharing and learning. / A gestão da demanda é um tema emergente no campo de conhecimento da gestão da cadeia de suprimentos. O que se busca com a gestão da demanda é a rápida e adequada integração das necessidades originadas do mercado na direção dos fornecedores, de modo a balancear e alinhar estrategicamente a demanda com a capacidade operacional ao longo da cadeia de suprimentos. Esse alinhamento da demanda na cadeia de suprimentos enfrenta dificuldades provocando ineficiência no atendimento a clientes, redução do giro de estoque e alto índice de obsolescência agravada pela grande diversidade de produtos. O objetivo desta tese foi desenvolver um modelo para a gestão da demanda na cadeia de suprimentos de produtos de mercearia básica considerando os elos fornecedor e atacadista distribuidor. Para tal, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa por meio da revisão sistemática da literatura e de estudo de caso na empresa Martins e em nove fornecedores desta empresa. A pesquisa revelou que o modelo de gestão da demanda pode ser dividido em 1) fatores condicionantes para a implantação da gestão da demanda entre os elos atacadista distribuidor e fornecedor e 2) processo de implantação da gestão da demanda entre estes elos. Os fatores condicionantes envolvem intenção estratégica; alinhamento interno das diretrizes estratégicas; segmentação de fornecedores; segmentação de clientes; poder de recompensa, de especialização e legítimo; orientação para a colaboração na cadeia de suprimentos. O processo de implantação pode ser dividido em três fases: 1) alinhamento conjunto das diretrizes estratégicas das empresas; 2) formulação do plano de negócios e 3) execução e acompanhamento do plano de negócios. Além disso, este processo apresenta quatro elementos que o permeiam: envolvimento da alta gerência, interações inter e intraempresas, desafios e benefícios da gestão da demanda. Estes benefícios compreendem a diminuição do efeito da amplificação da demanda, o aumento da rentabilidade por meio da melhoria da eficiência e eficácia, como também o compartilhamento de conhecimento e aprendizado pelas empresas.

Endimensionell kod ska fasas ut som informationsbärare i dagligvarubranschen och ersättas med tvådimensionell kod, något som anses kunna leda till ett paradigmskifte enligt GS1. Syftet med studien är att analysera den potentiella påverkan ersättandet av endimensionell kod till tvådimensionell kod kommer ha på orderhanteringsprocessen i dagligvarubutiker. Förändringen antas i sin tur påverka andra processer i butik samt den direkta försörjningskedjan. Studien hade en induktiv ansats och information från GS1 har legat till grund för teorivalen. En digital intervju utfördes för att diskutera aktiviteter som sker i en orderhanteringsprocess. Resultatet från studien visade på att QR-koden i sig inte kommer skapa ett paradigmskifte, mycket kommer att bero på hur QR-koden implementeras och på vilket sätt organisationer drar nytta av informationen som blir tillgänglig. QR-kod (typ 3) kommer inte påverka de nuvarande aktiviteterna i orderhanteringsprocessen nämnvärt, men QR-koden har desto större potential att påverka aktiviteter som indirekt har kopplingar till orderhanteringen. Eftersom den tvådimensionella koden har kapacitet för mer information kan det potentiellt bidra till att varuflöden effektiviseras och att samtliga medlemmar i försörjningskedjan får tillgång till information som skapar affärsnyttor för både leverantör, butik och kund. / One-dimensional code will be phased out in the grocery industry and replaced with two-dimensional code, something that is considered to lead to a paradigm shift according to GS1. The purpose of the study is to analyze the potential impact the replacement of one-dimensional code to two-dimensional code will have on the order fulfillment process in grocery stores. The change is in turn assumed to affect other processes in the store as well as the direct supply chain. The study had an inductive approach, information from GS1 has been the basis for the theories chosen. A digital interview was conducted to discuss activities that take place in an order fulfillment process. The results from the study showed that the QR code itself will not create a paradigm shift, much will depend on what way organizations benefit from the information that becomes available. QR code will not significantly affect the current activities in the order fulfillment process, the QR code has greater potential to affect activities that are indirectly linked to order fulfillment. Two-dimensional code has the capacity for more information, it can potentially contribute to streamlining of product flows and contribute to business benefits for the members of the supply chain.

In the growing digitalization of the grocery industry, it is necessary for traditional grocery retailers to adapt their business models to the new digital era. Augmented reality (AR) and other digital tools have proven to have the ability to transform the grocery business, and it is crucial for traditional grocers to act in order to remain competitive. AR technology has been used in a number of different retail industries, such as the clothing industry and the furniture industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the implementation of AR can affectthe business model of a traditional grocery retailer. A case study has been conducted with a food company in Sweden, at the request of our commissioner working in the field of digitalization of different industries. Furthermore, the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas, has been used as a tool to identify the current business model, and to give suggestions on how the future business model can look like, after an implementation of AR. The results show a change on the canvas of the three different sustainability factors, but also an identification of the different challenges a grocery retailer can face. The results show an increased collaboration with external partners and the implementation of new activities for the case company. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the impact on distribution and suppliers, as well as the social consequences. Preparation for the technology is further presented in the study.  The study contributes to increased knowledge of business model change in the grocery industry. Previous research on the impact of AR on the grocery industry has been confirmed, and this paper contributes new research investigating the impact of technological innovations on the business model of traditional grocery retailers. This study also adds knowledge on theuse of the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas as an analytical tool for sustainability and business model change. / I den växande digitaliseringen av livsmedelsbranschen är det nödvändigt för traditionella livsmedelshandlare att anpassa sina affärsmodeller till den nya digitala eran. Förstärkt verklighet (AR) och andra digitala verktyg har visat sig ha förmågan att omvälva livsmedelshandeln, och det är avgörande för traditionella livsmedelshandlare att agera för att behålla sin konkurrenskraft. AR-tekniken har använts inom ett flertal olika industrier inom detaljhandeln, såsom klädindustrin och möbelindustrin. Den här uppsatsens syfte är att undersöka hur implementeringen av AR kan påverka en traditionell livsmedelshandlarnas affärsmodell. En fallstudie har gjorts på ett livsmedelsföretag i Sverige, på begäran av vår kommissarie som arbetar inom digitalisering av olika branscher. Vidare har Triple Layered Business Model Canvas använts som ett verktyg för att identifiera den nuvarande affärsmodellen, och för att ge förslag på hur den framtida affärsmodellen kan se ut, efter en implementering av förstärkt verklighet (AR). Resultaten visar en förändring av canvasen med tre olika hållbarhetsfaktorerna, men även en identifiering över de olika utmaningarna en livsmedelshandlare kan stå inför. Resultatet visar ett ökat samarbete med externa partners samt implementering av nya aktiviteter för fallföretaget. Dessutom belyses påverkan på distribution och leverantörer, samt de sociala konsekvenserna. Vidare i studien presenteras även olika relevanta och betydelsefulla förberedelser för en implementation av AR tekniken. Studien bidrar till ökad kunskap inom förändring av affärsmodeller inom livsmedelsindustrin. Tidigare forskning om förstärkt verklighets påverkan på livsmedelsbranschen har bekräftats, och denna uppsats bidrar med ny forskning som undersöker effekten av teknologiska innovationer på affärsmodellen för traditionella livsmedelshandlare. Denna studie tillför även kunskap om användningen av Triple Layered Business Model Canvas som analysverktyg för hållbarhet och förändring av affärsmodeller.