samirsaci/queing-theory

Supply Chain Process Design using the Queueing Theory

Supply Chain Process Design using the Queueing Theory 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Apply several principles of the Queueing Theory with Python to design a parcel packing process for an e-commerce fulfilment centre

Supply Chain can be defined as a network of processes and stock locations built to deliver services and goods to customers.

This network usually supports the business strategy of your company; its objectives can be diverse such as delivering the best quality products, the lowest cost or the most customized service or product in the market.

As a Supply Chain Engineer, your objective is to design the most efficient processes to ensure a good service level for your customers and profitability.

Youtube Video

Find in the link below a short animated explained video to understand the concept behind this solution

Article

In this Article, we will apply principles from the Queueing Theory with Python to design a process for parcel packing in an E-Commerce Fulfilment Centre.

Scenario

You are the Outbound Manager of a multinational clothing retail company known for its fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers, and children. A major problem you’re facing is outbound productivity; after picking up your orders, they are waiting too long to be shipped. Based on on-site observations and In the productivity analysis, you understood that the packing process was the bottleneck.

1. Warehouse Pickers bring the parcels on a trolley and put them on the conveyor

2. Packing Operator Take the parcels from the conveyor and performs quantity check and packing (put filling material, close the box)

Objective

You got the approval from your management for investing in a second packing station, and you’re wondering how you should design the layout.

Solution 1: keep a single line with two parallel stations

Solution 2: add a second line with a dedicated station

What is the most efficient (Packing Productivity) solution?

Code

This repository code you will find all the code used to explain the concepts presented in the article.

About me 🤓

Senior Supply Chain Engineer with an international experience working on Logistics and Transportation operations.
Have a look at my portfolio: Data Science for Supply Chain Portfolio
Data Science for Warehousing📦, Transportation 🚚 and Demand Forecasting 📈