Effects of distribution planning systems on the cost of delivery in unique make-to-order manufacturing

Hermann, Uwe (2010) Effects of distribution planning systems on the cost of delivery in unique make-to-order manufacturing. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis investigates the effects of simulation through the use of a distribution planning system (DPS) on distribution costs in the setting of unique make-to-order manufacturers (UMTO). In doing so, the German kitchen furniture industry (GKFI) serves as an example and supplier of primary data. On the basis of a detailed market analysis this thesis will demonstrate that this industry, which mostly works with its own vehicles for transport, is in urgent need of innovative logistics strategies. Within the scope of an investigation into the current practical and theoretical use of DPS, it will become apparent that most known DPS are based on the application of given or set delivery tour constraints. Those constraints are often not questioned in practice and in theory nor even attempted to be omitted, but are accepted in day-to-day operation.
This paper applies a different approach. In the context of this research, a practically applied DPS is used supportively for the removal of time window constraints (TWC) in UMTO delivery. The same DPS is used in ceteris paribus condition for the re-routing of deliveries and hereby supports the findings regarding the costliness of TWC. From this experiment emerges an overall cost saving of 50.9% and a 43.5% reduction of kilometres travelled. The applied experimental research methodology and the significance of the resulting savings deliver the opportunity to analyse the removal of delivery time window restrictions as one of many constraints in distribution logistics. The economic results of this thesis may become the basis of discussion for further research based on the applied methodology. From a practical point of view, the contributions to new knowledge are the cost savings versus the change of demand for the setting of TWC between the receiver of goods and the UMTO supplier. On the side of theoretical knowledge, this thesis contributes to filling the gap on the production – distribution problem from a UMTO perspective. Further contributions to knowledge are delivered through the experimental methodology with the application of a DPS for research in logistics simulation.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Time Windows, Simulation, Make-to-Order, Distribution Planning, Kitchen Furniture, Logistics, Freight Transport Externalities, Ecologic Considerations, CO2 Reduction
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications; H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Supervisor's Name: Wilson, Dr. James, M.
• Date of Award: 2010
• Depositing User: Ph.D. Uwe Hermann
• Unique ID: glathesis:2010-1719
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 13 Apr 2010
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 13:45
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/1719