Matching Sales and Service Production Planning : Improving S&OP with Analytics and Visibility
Rinne, Marko (2019)
Rinne, Marko
2019
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201905088301
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201905088301
Tiivistelmä
This study discusses the benefits of systematic S&OP approach to a railway logistics company. The objective of this study is to propose an improved S&OP process for the Raw Wood logistics business at VR Transpoint. The study was regarded as important as the current Transport Planning function cannot provide answers as quickly as needed. In addition, the current situation is more reactive than proactive that is not suitable as the competition on the Finnish railway market is expected to increase during the next years.
This study is conducted using the qualitative Design research approach. First, key stakeholders from the case company were interviewed to do the current state analysis. Second, existing knowledge on the topics of the key findings from the current state analysis was reviewed from literature and best practice. The conceptual framework of this Thesis is based on the selected elements of existing knowledge to address the company challenges. Third, the initial proposal to solve the challenges was built on the conceptual framework and co-created based on the findings from key stakeholder workshops. Finally, the initial proposal was polished based on the final key stakeholder workshop. The final proposal presents a process and points to the tools needed to answer the original business challenge.
This study revealed that the case company cannot process the demand information sufficiently, nor it can analyze the available track capacity. This in turn means that the case company does not have sufficient visibility to the demand and the capacity.
The outcome of this study is a proposal that emphasizes the analytical long-term planning. Additionally, a tool that aids the analysis of the demand was proposed.
Obtaining a clear visibility to the demand and the capacity is a critical factor in the overall performance of the case company. In addition, actions that improve the performance of the railways could improve the appeal of railways.
This study is conducted using the qualitative Design research approach. First, key stakeholders from the case company were interviewed to do the current state analysis. Second, existing knowledge on the topics of the key findings from the current state analysis was reviewed from literature and best practice. The conceptual framework of this Thesis is based on the selected elements of existing knowledge to address the company challenges. Third, the initial proposal to solve the challenges was built on the conceptual framework and co-created based on the findings from key stakeholder workshops. Finally, the initial proposal was polished based on the final key stakeholder workshop. The final proposal presents a process and points to the tools needed to answer the original business challenge.
This study revealed that the case company cannot process the demand information sufficiently, nor it can analyze the available track capacity. This in turn means that the case company does not have sufficient visibility to the demand and the capacity.
The outcome of this study is a proposal that emphasizes the analytical long-term planning. Additionally, a tool that aids the analysis of the demand was proposed.
Obtaining a clear visibility to the demand and the capacity is a critical factor in the overall performance of the case company. In addition, actions that improve the performance of the railways could improve the appeal of railways.