Högre krav ställs på effektivitet och optimering av flödet hos distribuerande företag för att kunna möta det ökade antalet varor som hanteras. För att möta detta krav krävs ledtidsreducering i form av att minska icke värdeskapande tid samt att fokusera på arbetsmiljö för medarbetarna, i form av ergonomi. Ett stort fokus ligger även på att tillfredsställa kund i form av att leverera rätt kvalitet i rätt tid. Syftet med arbetet är att få en förståelse för effektiviseringsmöjligheter inom lagerhantering på ett distribuerande företag och utveckla ett arbetssätt som minskar ledtiden och förbättrar arbetsmiljön med fokus på ergonomi. Målet med studien är att ta fram ett effektivare arbetssätt i form av minskad ledtid och bättre arbetsmiljö, där fokus är ergonomi. Frågeställningar som tagits fram för att uppnå syftet berör hur ett distribuerande företag kan hantera lager på ett effektivare sätt i form av minskad ledtid samt hur lagerhanteringen kan förbättras med avseende på arbetsmiljön och dess ergonomiska aspekter. En värdeflödesanalys har tagits fram baserat på observationer och mätningar. I värdeflödesanalysen framgick det att processerna för inregistrering av paket och plock av paket hade förbättringsmöjligheter. Tester har utförts för att undersöka om olika förbättringsförslag medfört minskad ledtid och förbättrad arbetsmiljö i form av ergonomi. Resultatet visar att ett nytt arbetssätt tillsammans med en ny layout minskar ledtiden samtidigt som arbetsmiljön förbättras då personalen rör sig mindre. Slutsatsen är att ett effektivare och mer ergonomiskt arbetssätt gynnar företaget, medarbetare och kunder. / Higher demands are placed on efficiency and optimization of the flow of distribution centers due to the higher amount of products they are handling. To meet this requirement, lead time reduction is required to reduce non-value-adding time and focus on the work environment for a better ergonomics. Another important thing is to satisfy the customer in order to deliver the right quality on the right time. The purpose of the work is to gain an understanding of efficiency opportunities in warehouse management at a distributing company and to develop a working method that reduces lead time and improves the work environment with a focus on ergonomics. The aim of the study is to develop a more efficient way of working to reduce lead time and develop a better work environment, where the focus is on ergonomics. Issues that were developed to achieve the purpose of this case study concern how a distribution company can handle inventory in a more efficient way in the form of reduced lead time and how inventory management can be improved regarding work environment and ergonomic aspects. A value flow analysis was created based on observations and measurements. The value flow analysis showed that two different processes had opportunities for improvement. Tests have been performed to investigate if different improvements could reduce lead time and improve the work environment. The results showed that a new way of working together with a new layout reduced lead time. The conclusion shows that a more efficient and ergonomic way of working benefits the company, the employees, and the customer.

Ericsson has recently experienced difficulties to meet the customer demand, which has led to lost market shares. This is mainly due to the long and unpredictable lead times within their supply chains. Therefore, Ericsson seeks to increase their ability to meet the customer demand by reducing the customer order lead time. A shorter lead time would imply a greater responsiveness and improved service level towards the customers. A directive from the company was to base the study on the supply chain for the customer Algeria Telecom Mobile. The purpose of the study is to give recommendations for improvements that reduce the total lead time in a supply chain perspective in order to improve the customer service level.  To be able to fulfill the purpose, four objectives were distinguished and supported with existing frameworks for analyzing supply chains. The first step was to create a current state map, which was achieved by conducting 24 interviews with people working within the supply chain. The second step was to identify potentials for lead time reduction. This was done by categorizing the supply chain parts and the problems that were gathered during the current state mapping into meaningful groups, and thereafter prioritize the categories with the greatest potential. The third step was to generate alternative solutions by conducting a second literature review based on the potentials that was identified during the prior step. The general solutions were later modified in order to fit the current supply chain. It resulted in eight Ericsson specific solutions. The fourth step was to evaluate these solutions in combination, which led to a recommended combination of solutions that provided the greatest lead time reduction. Also the requirements for implementing these solutions were presented in this step.  The recommendation for Ericsson is to rearrange their current supply chain for the studied customer and use two different supply chains; the Regional supply chain and the Alternative supply chain. The two arrangements will both be based on the implementation of a supply hub, which implies a movement of the customer order decoupling point closer to the customer. The Regional supply chain will cover the main flow and be used when the customer orders products from a product portfolio that has been agreed within the region. The Alternative supply chain will act as a complement and cover the flow of products outside the regional product portfolio.   The estimated customer order lead time for the Regional supply chain is 17 days, which is a reduction of 80 % in the normal case for the studied supply chain. The lead time for the Alternative supply chain is more difficult to estimate precisely, but it will be reduced in comparison with the current situation. Moreover, the service level towards the customer will be increased for both the Regional and the Alternative supply chain. To summarize the recommendations that are forwarded to Ericsson, they are listed below:  <li data-listid="34" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1">Implement a regional supply hub  <li data-listid="34" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1">Agree on a regional product portfolio  <li data-listid="34" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1">Implement time slots for inbound flows  <li data-listid="34" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1">Use BPO as a payment method instead of Letter of Credit  <li data-listid="34" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1">Use a CIP, DAP or DAT Incoterm  <li data-listid="34" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1">Implement a product configurator and let the customer place orders on commercial descriptions or a solution id.  <li data-listid="34" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1">Integrate processes and activities throughout the supply chain and establish a greater information exchange.