Simulation and analysis of physical distribution of a service company

Abstract

The design of the installations of a company refers to the organization of its physical facilities in order to promote the efficient use of resources applied to production. Thus it is achieved to minimize costs, optimize production quality and worker safety. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution facilities of a service company for the purpose of proposing an improvement regarding the best use of resources. These improvements are related to the minimization of distance, kicks and cross traffic. It was also considered the presence of the customer in the process and its effect on the importance of proximity between departments. The SPL model (Systematic Layout Planning) involves a comprehensive survey of the various products, processes and resources and the model was adapted to a service company applies. As a result a new distribution was raised. The Promodel® software was used to simulate the processes in the current distribution and the proposal. The parameters resulting from the simulation with the proposed distribution indicated improvement over the distances and cross traffic and additionally an increased level of customer service.