Diploma thesis is focused on implementation of logistics system Milk Run for automotive lines in selected manufacturing company, which allows to deliver raw material for production effectively and on time. The theoretical part deals with the logistics principles, which are supporting lean manufacturing. The practical part is focused mainly on description of new supplying process and steps needed for implementation of Milk Run system in the company. The thesis is concluded with evaluation of project’s expected benefits.

Diploma thesis presents project about improving transportation of input material for assembly workplaces within the production department. Theoretical part is focused on the definition of production and logistics processes in general. Practical part is first devoted to analysis of original way of supplying materials. Then there is presented a lean supplying concept with Milk run followed by conclusions about the project benefits. At the end, there is also presented a way of improvement of informational flows by using informational technologies.

Com o processo de globalização das economias em curso, as empresas, em geral, vêm sofrendo crescente concorrência na busca e manutenção de clientes. Qualquer oportunidade que represente vantagem competitiva tem sido analisada e frequentemente adotada pelas mais diversas empresas. Nesse contexto, a cadeia de suprimentos de uma organização pode se constituir em um diferencial competitivo, na medida em que favorece a redução de custos e a melhoria da qualidade dos recursos de produção adquiridos. Por outro lado, atrasos e/ou faltas de insumos na cadeia produtiva, geram perdas de recursos e pode prejudicar a imagem da empresa perante o mercado. Dentro dessa perspectiva foi estudada a cadeia de suprimentos de uma empresa multinacional, fabricante de máquinas e equipamentos, situada no Vale do Paraíba, no Estado de São Paulo. O desenvolvimento do trabalho teve como objetivo identificar os atrasos e faltas de insumos provenientes da cadeia de suprimentos, bem como do processo de compras e da coleta de peças para o sistema de produção até então vigente na empresa. Para reverter esse quadro, optou-se por um novo sistema de compras e de coleta de peças que pudesse contribuir para a eliminação ou a redução de perdas. Para isso, em um processo decisório compartilhado, adotaram os fundamentos do Comakership e da Gestão por Indicadores, visando alcançar os objetivos propostos. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram a relevância estratégica da integração da cadeia de suprimentos, utilizando-se fornecedores parceiros. A identificação das perdas e a adoção de um novo sistema de suprimentos e de coleta de peças, aplicando-se o processo Milk Run, foram responsáveis pela redução dos custos provenientes de atrasos e faltas de peças que impactavam a produção da empresa, entre outros benefícios. As soluções encontradas geraram uma relação mais estável e duradoura com os fornecedores, além de ampliar a competitividade e as condições de sobrevivência da própria organização. / The current process of economic globalization has brought a growing competitiveness for the maintenance and persuit of customers among the companies. Each opportunity that represents competitive advantage has been analyzed and often adopted by several companies. In this context, the suppliers network of the companies may imply a competitive differential as it favors the reduction of costs and the improvement of quality in the acquired production resources. On the other side, delays and/or missing resources in the production chain generate losses of resources and may damage the image of the company in the market. With that aim a study was carried out in the supply chain of a multinational company which makes equipments and machinery in Vale do Paraíba in the state of São Paulo. The development of this work began with the identification of delays and lacks of the resources that come from the supplying chain, as well as, from the process of purchasing and collecting equipment pieces for the system of production then present in the company. In order to reverse the situation, a new purchasing and collecting system that could contribute for the elimination or reduction of those losses was chosen. For that a shared decisive process in the principles of Comakership aligned to the indicative management aiming were adopted. The obtained results have shown the strategic relevance of the integration of the supplying chain. The partnership with suppliers, identification of losses and adoption of a new supplying and collecting system using the Milk Run process, were responsible for the reduction of costs caused by the delays and lack of equipment pieces that used to get the company production stuck among other benefits. The solutions found generated a more stable and lasting relationship with suppliers besides amplifying the competitiveness and survival conditions of the company itself.

Internal transportation is one of the key elements in manufacturing operations, and there is a constant need to optimize this process (Antoniuk, 2021). The case company has a very large industrial are covering 3 km2, which poses significant challenges for the internal transportation. The company has too many parcel stations, lacks clear requirements for new parcel stations and documentation for the parcel stations, and faces route planning issues as a result. The purpose of this case study was to identify obstacles and problems to optimize the company’s parcel transport in terms of route planning, placement of parcel stations and the number of parcel stations. The project aimed to develop a general working model for how a parcel transport can be optimized without relying on the Industrial Internet of Things (Sinsinni et al., 2018) and digital technology. The study focused on the company’s internal and external parcel transport routes within and outside the industrial area. Observations and interviews were conducted at the case company, revealing that customers needs include receiving deliveries twice a day and ensuring correct parcel deliveries. The drivers require unchanged or reduced workload, easier training, fewer parcel stations, properly equipped parcel stations, and improved route planning. The transport manager needs a standardised work approach, fewer parcel stations, documentation of parcel stations, and an expanded requirements list. To optimize the case company’s transport, the number and placement of parcel stations, and simultaneously meet these needs, several improvement suggestions were developed. It was found that implementing a scanning system could enhance the accuracy of the parcel deliveries, but this option was not recommended due to it being expensive and gives no guarantee of correct deliveries, among other things. Instead, it is recommended that the company implements a milk run system to achieve JIT (Just-in-time) deliveries for customers and a standardized work approach standardized work approach for drivers. Additionally, a proposal for a digital map was presented to improve documentation and facilitate training, along with a suggestion to merge parcel stations to reduce workload and enhance route planning. Lastly, expanding the requirements list was suggested to ensure properly equipped parcel stations and provide clearer specifications for parcel stations. A general conceptual work model for this optimization process is outlined as follows: 1.       Observe current delivery routes and stations. 2.       Interview stakeholders (such as customers and drivers). 3.       Identify and compile requirements. 4.       Map out stations on a digital map. 5.       Apply a heuristic selection process.  a.       Examine clusters of stations of the digital map.  b.       Evaluate stations based on collected data.  c.       Assess the activity level; if multiple stations have high activity, make an individual assessment.  d.       Merge the stations.  e.       Apply the 250-meter rule to the remaining selection without available data. 6.       Create an optimal route using the selected stations. / Interna transporter är ett av de viktigaste elementen i en tillverkningsverksamhet och det finns ett konstant behov att optimera denna process (Antoniuk, 2021). Fallföretaget har ett mycket stort industriområde som omfattar 3 km2 vilket ställer stora krav på de interna transporterna. Företaget har för många paketstationer, saknar en tydlig kravbild av nya paketstationer och dokumentation över paketstationerna, och har på grund av detta ett ruttplaneringsproblem. Syftet med denna fallstudie var att identifiera hinder och problem för att kunna optimera företagets pakettransport med avseende på ruttplanering, paketstationers placering och antal paketstationer. Målet med projektet var att ta fram en generell arbetsmodell för hur en pakettransport kan optimeras utan Industrial Internet of Things och digital teknologi (Sinsinni et al., 2018). Studien avgränsades till företagets interna och externa pakettransportrutt, innanför och utanför industriområdet. Det utfördes observationer och intervjuer på fallföretaget som visade att kundernas behov är att få leverans två gånger per dag och att paketen levereras rätt. Chaufförerna har behov av oförändrad eller minskad arbetsbelastning, lättare upplärning, färre paketstationer, korrekt utrustade paketstationer och bättre ruttplanering. Transportchefen har behov av ett standardiserat arbetssätt, färre paketstationer, dokumentation över paketstationer och en utökad kravlista. För att optimera fallföretagets transporter, antalet paketstationer och placeringen och samtidigt uppfylla dessa behov tog vi fram flera förbättringsförslag. Vi kom fram till att ett skanningssystem kan öka möjligheten att kundernas paket inte kommer fel men rekommenderar inte detta då det bland annat är kostsamt och inte garanterar att paketen levereras rätt. Vi rekommenderar i stället att företaget implementerar en milk run som skapar JIT (Just-in-time) leverans för kunderna och ett standardiserat arbetssätt för chaufförerna. Det har också tagits fram ett förslag på en digital karta för ökad dokumentation och lättare upplärning, samt ett förslag på sammanslagning av paketstationer och därigenom en minskning. Detta för att minska arbetsbelastningen och skapa en förbättrad ruttplanering. Till sist ger vi även förslaget att de utökar sin kravlista för att uppfylla behovet av korrekt utrustade paketstationer och ge dem en tydligare kravbild. En generell och konceptuell arbetsmodell för denna optimering ser ut som följande: 1.       Observera nuvarande leveransrutter och stationer. 2.       Intervjua intressenter (såsom kunder och chaufförer). 3.       Identifiera och sammanställ krav. 4.       Kartlägg stationer på en digital karta. 5.       Heuristisk urvalsprocess.  a.       Undersöka kluster av stationer på digital karta.  b.       Granska stationerna utefter insamlade data.  c.       Bedöm aktiviteten, om fler stationer har hög aktivitet gör en individuell bedömning.  d.       Slå ihop stationerna.  e.       Resterande urval som inte har någon data utförs med 250 meters-regeln. 6.       Skapa optimal rutt med de valda stationerna.

O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar e analisar um novo sistema de abastecimento de suprimentos que está sendo adotado por diversas indústrias automobilísticas nacionais, denominado Milk Run. Este sistema consiste na coleta programada de peças junto aos fornecedores das montadoras, e diferentemente do sistema de abastecimento denominado Convencional, no qual o fornecedor entrega suas peças na planta da montadora. A análise visa estudar se existirá redução de estoque na cadeia de suprimentos com o novo sistema implantado, quais os custos pertinentes a esta nova técnica, qual o papel do fornecedor, da montadora e do operador logístico (transportadora) no novo processo e suas vantagens em relação ao sistema Convencional. Para levantamento do problema em estudo, a adoção do sistema Milk Run, foram realizadas visitas nas indústrias automobilísticas nacionais. Alguns fornecedores, que participam deste sistema, também foram visitados para compreender como, na prática, é realizada a coleta programada, suas vantagens e desvantagens. Operadores logísticos, que executam a operação de transporte para as montadoras também foram visitado. Esta dissertação visa relatar que o sistema Milk Run adota uma concepção de trabalho com enorme ênfase na filosofia Just-in-Time, e procura seguir alguns de seus princípios como: redução do estoque de materiais, maior freqüência de abastecimento de suprimentos e maior integração entre as partes que compõem o sistema, montadora e fornecedor. A contribuição deste trabalho está em caracterizar e analisar o novo sistema, Milk Run, e propor uma comparação dos custos da nova abordagem, com os custos pertinentes ao sistema Convencional (no qual os fornecedores entregam suas peças diretamente na planta da montadora). Esta comparação baseia-se nos custos definidos pelas literaturas em função do tamanho do lote de aquisição de peças e uma análise de Trade-offs entre as variáveis destes sistemas em função da flutuação da demanda anual. No sistema Milk Run em estudo será utilizado o Kanban como ferramenta de gerenciamento de requisição de peças. / The objective of this dissertation is to feature and analyse the new systems of procurement in Brazilian vehicle industry called Milk Run. This study compares Milk Run, which is a scheduled pick up automobile parts program, picking up automobile parts from several suppliers and returning the reusable containers to suppliers, to Conventional system of procurement (each supplier delivery its automobile parts in the vehicle assembly plant). The analysis is to study the inventory cost in both cases Milk Run and Conventional systems. Another analysis is to understand the role of the supplier, automaker and the logistic provider in Milk Run system and its advantages. Many visits have been necessary to the automakers, suppliers and logistics providers to understand this new situation in Brazil. This dissertation shows that Milk Run system is very close to Just-in-Time system and adopt the same philosophy as: reduction of inventory, increase frequency supply and increase integration between both parts, automaker and supplier. This dissertation tries to contribute to understand the costs included in both system and propose a modeling to compare the costs inherent in Milk Run and Conventional system. This modeling uses the costs defined in the literature about inventory and transportation system depending on the shipment size and one analysis of the Trade-offs in both systems.

O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar e analisar um novo sistema de abastecimento de suprimentos que está sendo adotado por diversas indústrias automobilísticas nacionais, denominado Milk Run. Este sistema consiste na coleta programada de peças junto aos fornecedores das montadoras, e diferentemente do sistema de abastecimento denominado Convencional, no qual o fornecedor entrega suas peças na planta da montadora. A análise visa estudar se existirá redução de estoque na cadeia de suprimentos com o novo sistema implantado, quais os custos pertinentes a esta nova técnica, qual o papel do fornecedor, da montadora e do operador logístico (transportadora) no novo processo e suas vantagens em relação ao sistema Convencional. Para levantamento do problema em estudo, a adoção do sistema Milk Run, foram realizadas visitas nas indústrias automobilísticas nacionais. Alguns fornecedores, que participam deste sistema, também foram visitados para compreender como, na prática, é realizada a coleta programada, suas vantagens e desvantagens. Operadores logísticos, que executam a operação de transporte para as montadoras também foram visitado. Esta dissertação visa relatar que o sistema Milk Run adota uma concepção de trabalho com enorme ênfase na filosofia Just-in-Time, e procura seguir alguns de seus princípios como: redução do estoque de materiais, maior freqüência de abastecimento de suprimentos e maior integração entre as partes que compõem o sistema, montadora e fornecedor. A contribuição deste trabalho está em caracterizar e analisar o novo sistema, Milk Run, e propor uma comparação dos custos da nova abordagem, com os custos pertinentes ao sistema Convencional (no qual os fornecedores entregam suas peças diretamente na planta da montadora). Esta comparação baseia-se nos custos definidos pelas literaturas em função do tamanho do lote de aquisição de peças e uma análise de Trade-offs entre as variáveis destes sistemas em função da flutuação da demanda anual. No sistema Milk Run em estudo será utilizado o Kanban como ferramenta de gerenciamento de requisição de peças. / The objective of this dissertation is to feature and analyse the new systems of procurement in Brazilian vehicle industry called Milk Run. This study compares Milk Run, which is a scheduled pick up automobile parts program, picking up automobile parts from several suppliers and returning the reusable containers to suppliers, to Conventional system of procurement (each supplier delivery its automobile parts in the vehicle assembly plant). The analysis is to study the inventory cost in both cases Milk Run and Conventional systems. Another analysis is to understand the role of the supplier, automaker and the logistic provider in Milk Run system and its advantages. Many visits have been necessary to the automakers, suppliers and logistics providers to understand this new situation in Brazil. This dissertation shows that Milk Run system is very close to Just-in-Time system and adopt the same philosophy as: reduction of inventory, increase frequency supply and increase integration between both parts, automaker and supplier. This dissertation tries to contribute to understand the costs included in both system and propose a modeling to compare the costs inherent in Milk Run and Conventional system. This modeling uses the costs defined in the literature about inventory and transportation system depending on the shipment size and one analysis of the Trade-offs in both systems.

In today's world the challenge of logistics becomes more and more important for all companies, which consequently contributes to the need of an integrated system of in-house logistics. Goods must flow easily between stations and departments in order to achieve the best utilization of transportation as well as maintaining a good distribution structure to handle these processes in an efficient and effective way to enhance business performance and competitiveness. This report aims to provide research on how to strategically organize, plan and structure the flow of internal logistics within an organization. The research in this study originates from 3 main methods, a theoretical review, a case study and a benchmark. The main idea of the thesis was to contribute with scientific knowledge of improvements that can be achieved within internal logistics targeting companies operating within the service sector. In order to understand the scope of the problem the current state at the case Tropical Islands was analysed and served to identify areas where possible improvements could be achieved. Further on, in combination with the theory and empirical findings the main conclusions of the thesis was the need to strategically organize the flow of internal logistics to improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness. It was made evident that planning is essential in order to successfully implement the milk runs. Other tools could be utilized to further eliminate drawbacks that might occur.

In today’s Chinese automotive industry, the traditional self-management logistics mode cannot fulfill higher requirement of logistics performance, more and more automotive manufacturers seek to outsource their logistics activities to third-party logistics service providers to optimize supply chain management. Milk run system is a typical example of 3PL mode in automotive industry, which can help firms minimize costs and improve logistics function simultaneously. Given the increasing importance of 3PL, many literatures are concerned about the usage of 3PL; however, few of them discussed 3PL form the perspective of China. Besides, in terms of Milk run system, seldom articles focus on this innovative logistics mode, especially in Chinese automotive industry. Therefore, in this thesis work, authors discuss 3PL from the perspective of Chinese automotive industry, especially focus on the typical 3PL mode—Milk run system, set SGM as case company, aiming at find out the factors that facilitate Chinese automotive manufacturers convert self-management mode to 3PL mode, and then discuss the benefits of professional 3PL services; in addition, authors emphasize on Milk run system and its unique benefits.  The research objectives are solved by combining literature review and empirical findings. Relevant literatures are downloaded from Internet and Library’s database. Empirical findings are gathered by interviews and questionnaires.  Through comparing literature review with findings, both external and internal factors that facilitate automotive manufacturers change logistics mode are summarized. Besides, some professional 3PL services are identified by literature review and validated by questionnaires. According to different categories of 3PL services, their benefits are discussed from two aspects: supply chain integration and core competence improvement. In addition, the benefits of Milk run system are represented by literature review and then through comparing with empirical findings, some unique benefits are summarized. In this thesis work, the main theoretical contribution is the knowledge of Milk run system, which including its features, implementation processes, and its benefits.

The Master's Thesis is focused on optimization of inbound logistics of Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile. The aim of the Master's Thesis is analysis of current status of logistics in TPCA and detailed observation and research of logistic processes and routes with emphasis on the planning system. Factors affecting the decision making during logistics planning and process of information searching were identified with special attention for milk-routes. First chapter describes development of logistics a specifics of logistics in automotive industry. Following chapter analyse current status of logistics, types of logistic routes a system of the planning. Third chapter propose options for logistics planning optimization with help of improved information source obtaining, study the suitability of used logistics routes and test possibilities of utilization of commercial software. Last chapter of thesis is comparing logistics of TPCA and Škoda Auto.

The importance of a satisfactory logistics system is becoming increasingly apparent as a consequence of growing competition and rising customer requirements regarding, amongst others, lead times, flexibility and delivery dependability. The increasing demands reduce profit margins and increase logistics costs, accelerating the  importance of a well-functioning logistics system. A way to meet the increased customer demands is to tailor the logistics solution by segmenting customers according to their unique needs. Segmenting the customers has the potential to reduce a company's logistics costs, partly because delivery service can be bespoke to the customers' different requirements, instead of offering all customers the best possible performance. When making changes to a logistics system, it is therefore also important to take customer satisfaction into account, as reduced customer satisfaction otherwise risks leading to lost sales. A company that faces challenges with increased customer demands regarding the logistics solution in parallel with a quest for reduced logistics costs is ASSA ABLOY, a company that manufactures and sells security solutions and security systems worldwide. Based on the above situation, the research purpose of the study is to \textit{through customer segmentation develop strategy proposals to reduce the total cost of ASSA ABLOY's logistics solution, taking customer satisfaction into account}. To create an understanding of the building blocks of the research purpose: logistical change, total cost analysis, customer segments and customer satisfaction, literature was examined in the mentioned areas. To link the study to ASSA ABLOY's unique situation, multiple unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with people at, among others, ASSA ABLOY with good insight into the logistics solution. Based on the interview outcomes, a list of six strategy proposals for customer segmentation was produced. Based on additional interviews as well as the study's frame of reference, the list of strategic proposals was shortened to three strategies based on implementability. The total cost of the strategy proposals and the customer satisfaction impact were analyzed using empirical data in the form of data from interviews as well as order and cost data for 2021. During the analysis, constant discussions were held with supervisors at ASSA ABLOY to ensure the analysis' connection to reality. The results of the study were summarized into three strategy proposals that through data analysis could be demonstrated to lead to potential cost savings. The customer segmentation option \textit{accepted lead time} showed the by far largest potential cost saving, followed by \textit{geographical position} which also showed great savings potential. For both alternatives, customer satisfaction was estimated to slightly be improved. The third analyzed strategy proposal, customer segmentation based on \textit{average order value} indicated the lowest cost-saving and with a slight deterioration in customer satisfaction, which is why it was considered to be the worse of the three analysed strategic alternatives.