Less Researched Areas in Procurement and Supply Chain Management

As a former Supply Chain Solution Designer for an International Logistics company, I often feel frustrated by the limited focus on warehousing operations. These operations, which encompass processes like goods receiving, put-away, stock picking, and packing, involve complex combinations of various processes, often under strict time and cost constraints.

However, with the potential for significant optimization through improvements in warehouse layout, workforce planning, picking routing, and order batching, there is a wealth of untapped opportunities to cut operational costs, improve productivity, and reduce environmental impacts. In this article, we explore several under-researched areas in procurement and supply chain management, with a special emphasis on warehousing operations.

Warehouse Layouts and Design

Why is it less researched? While numerous articles focus on inventory management, transportation, and supplier partnerships, there is a significant lack of research on optimizing warehouse layouts. This is a critical aspect of supply chain efficiency, yet it often remains an underdeveloped area.

What can we do? Effectively designing a warehouse layout can lead to substantial improvements in storage efficiency, access, and inventory turnover. For instance, implementing a back-less design can reduce travel distances, improving both speed and accuracy. Similarly, using ergonomic concepts in shelving design can enhance operator well-being and productivity. However, these insights are not widely documented or shared in the academic and industry discourse.

Workforce Planning and Training

Why is it less researched? Although workforce planning is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and meeting demand, it is often overlooked in academic research and industry publications. The majority of studies focus on automation and technology over human resources.

What can we do? Optimizing warehouse workforce planning involves not only aligning labor supply with demand but also improving the training and development of staff. This includes the adoption of cross-training programs to improve operational flexibility and resilience. Furthermore, implementing performance metrics and continuous improvement techniques can enhance workforce efficiency.

Picking Routing and Order Batching

Why is it less researched? These processes are fundamental to warehouse operations, yet they receive less attention in research and practice. Automation and technology tend to dominate the discourse, while manual processes and human decision-making are often taken for granted.

What can we do? Efficient picking routing and order batching can significantly impact throughput and accuracy. Techniques such as zone picking, put-to-light systems, and wave/batch picking can streamline these processes. Research could focus on how these techniques can be integrated with workforce planning and layout design to create a cohesive system that maximizes efficiency.

Supply Chain Optimization through Technology

Why is it less researched? Although technology plays a crucial role in supply chain management, there is often an overemphasis on software and hardware solutions without adequate focus on the underlying processes and human factors.

What can we do? To truly optimize supply chains, there needs to be a balanced approach that combines advanced technology with a deep understanding of the broader operational context. This includes implementing predictive analytics for better demand forecasting, using cognitive computing to inform labor scheduling, and leveraging IoT to improve asset tracking and maintenance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in various aspects of supply chain management, warehousing operations remain a largely unexplored field. By addressing the less researched areas such as warehouse layouts, workforce planning, picking routing, and order batching, organizations can achieve a more efficient and sustainable logistics network. This requires a concerted effort to integrate technology with human-centric design solutions, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and reduced operational costs.

Key Takeaways: Warehouse Layouts and Design Workforce Planning and Training Picking Routing and Order Batching Supply Chain Optimization through Technology

Continued Research Opportunities: Integration of human and machine intelligence in supply chain processes Designing more sustainable warehouse layouts Improving workforce engagement and motivation in logistics operations Developing more sophisticated algorithms for order batching and routing