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Configuring the storage and return flow processes of reusable packaging for battery cells: A design science study of a global battery cell manufacturer

Sjöberg, Linnea LU (2023) MTTM05 20231
Engineering Logistics
Abstract
Title: Configuring the storage and return flow processes of reusable packaging for battery cells:
A design science study of a global battery cell manufacturer
Author: Linnea Sjöberg
Supervisor: Joakim Kembro, Division of Engineering Logistics, Faculty of Engineering, Lund
University.
Problem Description: As reusable packaging is becoming increasingly popular, the already
existing warehouses need to adapt their configuration, so they are able to receive the packaging
in an efficient manner. Company Alpha is currently facing the problem of incorporating the
reverse flow of reusable packaging, and there is currently no concept for the return flow of
empty cleaned packaging and where they should be stored internally.
Purpose: The... (More)
Title: Configuring the storage and return flow processes of reusable packaging for battery cells:
A design science study of a global battery cell manufacturer
Author: Linnea Sjöberg
Supervisor: Joakim Kembro, Division of Engineering Logistics, Faculty of Engineering, Lund
University.
Problem Description: As reusable packaging is becoming increasingly popular, the already
existing warehouses need to adapt their configuration, so they are able to receive the packaging
in an efficient manner. Company Alpha is currently facing the problem of incorporating the
reverse flow of reusable packaging, and there is currently no concept for the return flow of
empty cleaned packaging and where they should be stored internally.
Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to design the return flow processes of reusable packaging
from a third-party cleaning facility to Company Alpha and to define how and where the cleaned
packaging should be stored once arrived at Company Alpha.
Objectives: Three research objectives were formulated to fulfil the purpose. The first one was
to “Describe the current layout of the outbound area at Company Alpha and identify the
already existing processes in this area”. The second one was to “Identify what processes that
are of interest in the return flow of the packaging, and the contextual factors that may impact
the configuration of the storage area”. The last one was to “design the return flow processes
when the packaging has arrived from the Third-Party Cleaning Facility at Company Alpha
and the storage of the returned packaging”.
Methodology: The thesis follows a design science research strategy as it aims to solve a
practical problem. An analytical framework was created from a literature review containing
theories within warehouse configuration, warehouse contextual factors and process mapping.
The analytical framework was tested by conducting a single case study at Company Alpha and
their return flow of reusable packaging. Data was collected through interviews, observations,
and secondary company data. The data was analysed with the help of the analytical framework,
and the use of process maps helped to analyse the flows.
Findings: 12 propositions were found, which were used together to formulate the
recommendations for the return flow processes, receive and put-away and storage.
Additionally, the location for storing the empty packaging and how this area should be
configured considering the contextual factors were designed and recommended to the
company. The company is struggling with having enough space and while the
recommendations provided will help, the company needs to investigate further solutions.
Conclusion: The analytical framework created in this thesis was validated by applying it to
Company Alpha, and the proposals it generated were applicable at the company, and they
provided value. The process mapping facilitated the analysis of the flows and processes, and
the analysis of the contextual factors moulded the configuration so the reverse flow could be
incorporated without disturbing the already existing processes at Company Alpha. The
propositions helped to configure the storage for the reusable bins and defined the return flow
processes. Thus, the purpose of the thesis has been fulfilled. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Reusable packaging is becoming increasingly popular and is connected to cost and resource savings benefits. However, to reap the benefits of having reusable packaging, the reverse supply chain that handles the packaging and the included processes must be clearly defined and managed. When adding a return flow to an already up-and-running warehouse, the processes of the return flows must be aligned with the other processes in the warehouse to keep an efficient flow.
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Sjöberg, Linnea LU
supervisor
organization
course
MTTM05 20231
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Reusable Packaging, Warehouse Configuration, Warehouse Contextual Factors, Process Mapping, Design Study
report number
6001
language
English
id
9126637
date added to LUP
2023-06-24 14:46:03
date last changed
2023-06-24 14:46:03
@misc{9126637,
  abstract     = {{Title: Configuring the storage and return flow processes of reusable packaging for battery cells:
A design science study of a global battery cell manufacturer
Author: Linnea Sjöberg
Supervisor: Joakim Kembro, Division of Engineering Logistics, Faculty of Engineering, Lund
University.
Problem Description: As reusable packaging is becoming increasingly popular, the already
existing warehouses need to adapt their configuration, so they are able to receive the packaging
in an efficient manner. Company Alpha is currently facing the problem of incorporating the
reverse flow of reusable packaging, and there is currently no concept for the return flow of
empty cleaned packaging and where they should be stored internally.
Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to design the return flow processes of reusable packaging
from a third-party cleaning facility to Company Alpha and to define how and where the cleaned
packaging should be stored once arrived at Company Alpha.
Objectives: Three research objectives were formulated to fulfil the purpose. The first one was
to “Describe the current layout of the outbound area at Company Alpha and identify the
already existing processes in this area”. The second one was to “Identify what processes that
are of interest in the return flow of the packaging, and the contextual factors that may impact
the configuration of the storage area”. The last one was to “design the return flow processes
when the packaging has arrived from the Third-Party Cleaning Facility at Company Alpha
and the storage of the returned packaging”.
Methodology: The thesis follows a design science research strategy as it aims to solve a
practical problem. An analytical framework was created from a literature review containing
theories within warehouse configuration, warehouse contextual factors and process mapping.
The analytical framework was tested by conducting a single case study at Company Alpha and
their return flow of reusable packaging. Data was collected through interviews, observations,
and secondary company data. The data was analysed with the help of the analytical framework,
and the use of process maps helped to analyse the flows.
Findings: 12 propositions were found, which were used together to formulate the
recommendations for the return flow processes, receive and put-away and storage.
Additionally, the location for storing the empty packaging and how this area should be
configured considering the contextual factors were designed and recommended to the
company. The company is struggling with having enough space and while the
recommendations provided will help, the company needs to investigate further solutions.
Conclusion: The analytical framework created in this thesis was validated by applying it to
Company Alpha, and the proposals it generated were applicable at the company, and they
provided value. The process mapping facilitated the analysis of the flows and processes, and
the analysis of the contextual factors moulded the configuration so the reverse flow could be
incorporated without disturbing the already existing processes at Company Alpha. The
propositions helped to configure the storage for the reusable bins and defined the return flow
processes. Thus, the purpose of the thesis has been fulfilled.}},
  author       = {{Sjöberg, Linnea}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Configuring the storage and return flow processes of reusable packaging for battery cells: A design science study of a global battery cell manufacturer}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}