Sponsor:

Red River Army Depot

Research Team:

Earnest W. Fant, Brian Smith, Bharath Parlapalli

Universities Involved:

University of Arkansas

Start Date:

06/01/08

End Date:

05/31/09

Summary:

This project develops a numerical descriptive/graphical model that evaluates change in personnel and equipment activities for a specified time period within an automated warehouse facility. This model describes the interactions of the logistics system for the various assembly lines and central automated warehouse. A method of forecasting average daily number pick orders by business cycle which determines the number of personnel require to operate the warehouse operation was also considered.
During the past year the research project was to search and determine the proper technique and its methodology which could describe in a meaningful manner the activity of personnel and supporting equipment within an automated warehouse facility (Bldg 321). The technique used electronically collected data as to the daily total counts of discrete events occurring that describes the movement of kits and components to/from and within the Bldg. 321, and also included the shipping to assembly, in a timely manner, when requested. The methodology of this technique summarized collected data into charts that displayed chronically the events and were reviewed monthly for trends that depicts increases/decreases or remained steady in movement or activity for the logistics system (into, within and from the facility).

Project Motivation
To continue development of time series charting of indicators until the logistics system for assembly and warehousing (Bldg321) can be described by monthly reviews of charts describing the trends in the vital movements or activities of personnel, inventory status or material handling equipment.

Research Objective:
Determine what collection of daily counts of discrete events will be necessary to obtain an overall viewpoint of the logistics system for assembly and warehousing and to be alerted when trends in charts describe problems that have begun to appear within the system.
The descriptive/graphical model for each activity was incorporated into a PowerPoint slide to identify the results of policy changes in logistics as to their effectiveness over time. Several time series charts to detect change as to process improvement were described graphically. The validation process of the balanced score card was to address the proper interpretation of each chart’s meaning, review for importance and acceptance as stated, modified and reconsidered again, or eliminated as not being valid. Quarterly reviews as to the forecasted number of daily picks during the yearly business cycle were developed to aid in the determination of the number of personnel required to receive, make kits, store and retrieve components and subassemblies in an automated warehouse. Models found in final report.