Production, Operations and Supply Chain Management
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Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Beantwortung der Frage, ob das Gesetz über unternehmerische Sorgfaltspflichten in der Lieferkette (LkSG) in der deutschen Automobilindustrie am Beispiel der Mercedes-Benz Group AG umgesetzt werden kann. Dabei werden die folgenden Forschungsfragen gestellt: Welche Risiken für deutsche Automobilunternehmen sind mit den gesetzlichen Vorgaben des LkSG verbunden?Wie kann eine nachhaltige Lieferkette im Sinne der Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) etabliert und umgesetzt werden? Welche Auswirkungen hat das Lieferkettengesetz auf die Lieferketten deutscher Automobilunternehmen und insbesondere auf die der Mercedes-Benz Group AG?Zur Beantwortung der Forschungsfragen wurde eine quantitative Studie zur Umsetzbarkeit des Lieferkettengesetzes auf Basis der deutschsprachigen Bevölkerung durchgeführt. Des Weiteren wurde im Rahmen der qualitativen Forschung eine Befragung durchgeführt. Die quantitative Studie hat gezeigt, dass Nachhaltigkeit im Zusammenhang mit Menschenrechten und Umweltstandards eine wichtige Rolle spielt. Die Befragten sprachen sich für mehr Nachhaltigkeit im Zusammenhang mit den Menschenrechten aus. Vor allem mehr Transparenz entlang der Wertschöpfungskette würde durch die Gesetzgebung und den Druck der Verbraucher erreicht werden. Die Befragung ergab, dass die einzige Möglichkeit, rentabel zu sein, darin besteht, die Umwelt zu schützen. Außerdem würden sich die Unternehmen jetzt mehr mit Fragen der Lieferkette befassen. Die Hauptrisiken liegen im Finanzsektor und in der Reputation; das Gesetz über die Lieferkette birgt einige Menschenrechts- und Umweltrisiken. Die Lieferkette scheint zu komplex zu sein. Daraus ergeben sich Risiken wie Kontrollverlust, mangelnde Transparenz und fehlende Informationen über Entscheidungen. Die Unternehmen müssen jedoch die Bestimmungen des Lieferkettengesetzes einhalten, das sie zu einem angemessenen Risikomanagement mit Analyse verpflichtet. Zu diesem Zweck wurden in den Unternehmen bereits einige Compliance-Lösungen eingeführt, wie z. B. Lieferanten-Screenings und CSR-Audits. Das Lieferkettengesetz wirkt sich positiv auf den Ruf der Automobilunternehmen aus und verringert die Risiken entlang der Lieferkette. Die Unternehmen profitieren von weniger Lieferausfällen, mehr Transparenz und widerstandsfähigeren Lieferketten.
Even though the idea of nearshoring is not new, it has attracted a lot of attention lately. This strategy entails moving corporate activities, such as IT services or manufacturing, to nearby countries in order to take advantage of a variety of competitive benefits. Nearshoring is a phenomenon that is intimately related to trade wars, regional trade agreements, and changing global economic dynamics. The objective of this research is to investigate the development of nearshoring, the forces that drive it, and the effects it has on various industries, economies, and geopolitical ties. The study is specifically focused on the automotive and semiconductor sectors. The study takes a broad approach, including case studies, economic strategies, and historical patterns. It examines the growth of nearshoring in different areas, such as the USA and Europe, and analyses its effects on global trade and economic stability. In accordance to the study, nearshoring has a number of advantages, including lower costs, less risk, and easier access to trained labour. But it also brings with it difficulties like disparities in culture and regulations as well as worries about data security. Nearshoring trends have had a substantial impact on the automotive and semiconductor sectors, leading to notable changes in supply chain strategy and production processes. In response to the requirement for operational flexibility and the pressures in the global economy, nearshoring has become a popular option for these two industries. The approach emphasizes the necessity for flexible and resilient company strategies in a constantly shifting economic environment and helps to reshape the dynamics of global commerce.
Sustainable sourcing strategies to prevent environmental and human rights risks
along the supply chain have become increasingly relevant for global operating
companies. The aim of this thesis is to provide the theoretical framework and
practical implementation of a sustainable sourcing risk management system
anchored in the German supply chain law and based on defined criteria. These
criteria include requirements in the area of Natural Capital and Materials that are important for the company Kendrion N.V. In total, three research questions have been defined: What are the required criteria of Natural Capital and Materials the suppliers should comply with? How should these be implemented for Kendrion and its supply chain? And what are the remaining challenges?
In detail, the requirement criteria contain the topics of renewable energy, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, reuse and recycling, as well as current regulations of the European Union.
The practical implementation demonstrates the implementation at Kendrion N.V. To assess risks along the supply chain, a questionnaire is developed that serves as a basis for the evaluation process. In addition, this thesis includes the concept creation of a Power BI report that can be used as a methodology for the risk management analysis. The Power BI system presented at the end of this thesis will be used as a template for Kendrion to evaluate the results of the supplier questionnaire as part of the risk management system. However, some challenges need to be addressed: The proportion of suppliers who have signed the Code of Conduct, the reliability of the supplier data provided, and the verification of supplier contacts.
The aim of this research is to investigate the unique factors that affect the
adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in Greek
companies, with a specific focus on how they align with the overall business
strategy and performance. To achieve this objective, a "bottom-up" approach
is utilized, which involves conducting case studies to assess the status of
GSCM implementation in Greece. Additionally, the research seeks to identify
the key barriers that must be overcome for successful integration of GSCM in
Greek businesses.
A primary purpose of the study is to advance the field of Green Supply Chain
Management (GSCM) research by providing new and valuable insights on
the implementation of GSCM in a context that has received relatively minor
or even no attention in previous studies. The findings of this study have
practical implications for businesses operating in Greece and beyond, as
they offer recommendations, solutions and strategies for companies seeking
to implement GSCM practices. Eventually, this research aims to contribute to
the overall development and understanding of GSCM, as well as to promote
sustainable business practices in the region.
Keywords: Green supply chain management, Greece, business strategy,
implementation, barriers, case studies, bottom-up approach
Automated ERP process for the provision of materials and semi-finished goods between two companies
(2023)
Competitive pricing policies in the industry are causing a surge of companies to explore ways to improve the efficiency of various processes. With the implementation of automated procurement and production processes in an enterprise resource planning system, a company could save cost and diminish time-consuming processes and therefore gain a competitive advantage. Data management is a key factor to be considered and analyzed before an implementation can be initiated.
In this thesis, current literature and concepts are used to create an automated procurement and production process between two companies which can be implemented in an enterprise resource planning system. These automated processes have been developed specifically for a medium-sized company operating in the insole and shoe care industry.
Advantest Company ("the company") is the world’s leading manufacturer of automatic test and measurement equipment used in the design and manufacturing of semiconductors. Because of the complexity of technologies and the supply chain of the semiconductor business segment, the company depends on both internal and external suppliers to manage some aspects of the supply chain of its main product, the System on Chip (“SoC”) test system. As a result, it is of ongoing interest to the company to have tools to continually strive for increased quality, reliability, capacity, and speed. Above all, these tools must enhance the relationships with the suppliers, and ensure the profitability and the company's position in the future.
The goal of this thesis is to understand the supply chain procedure at Advantest Company’s current state from the data-driven perspective by using the process mining technique. This technique is an emerging discipline, providing a comprehensive set of tools to provide fact-based insights and support process improvement. This new discipline is built on process model-driven approaches and data mining.
In this thesis, we discuss opportunities for process mining with an approach to analyse the process and how it can help the company enhance the procedure. This approach, which consists of data extraction from both third-party and internal software solutions, provides better visibility and faster disruptive event notification of the supply chain at the company.
Cost Optimization is a persistent discipline to adjust expenses and reduce costs while maximizing business value, and it has proven to be one of the most influential strategies to generate profits and stay competitive in the market. In this study, technical and strategic solutions that can lead to manufacturing cost optimization were considered. For this purpose, a test environment was created according to the DFMA methodology using the DFMA Concurrent Costing V4.1 software developed by Boothroyd Dewhurst Inc. and the production expenses of a JED029M3 aluminum bushing product from WABCO Group were analyzed.
Results revealed that these charges can be assigned to five main cost drivers Material, Machine Setup, Process, Scrap and Tools, of which Tooling was the most influential driver at lower volumes, while Material and Process remained two of the considerably substantial drivers across all ranges of volumes produced. Furthermore, among the optimization alternatives, the right choice for machine and raw material shape demonstrated to have a relative effects of less than 5% in reduction of manufacturing cost for 1,000 pieces, while outsourcing to China and transitioning toward economies of scale lowered could impact the total costs by -40% and -70%, respectively.
In today's fast-paced business environment, customers expect more than just high-quality products or services. They also demand excellent customer support that is both efficient and personalized. With the growth of businesses and the increasing complexity of products and services, providing efficient customer support has become a critical component of any successful business strategy to fulfill customers and user’s expectations. The present study investigates the need for a technical support helpdesk solution within the business unit Industrial Hydraulics of Bosch Rexroth, a global leader in drive and control technology. The primary objective of this thesis is to assess the current state of the support processes, identify areas of weakness, and leverage these insights to optimize and enhance them. The focus will be on finding a way to enhance transparency of customer data.
Based on the theory to process optimization, a current state analysis was conducted, and expert interviews were carried out to identify weaknesses and potential solutions for improving customer support. The research question "How can the Industrial Hydraulics Services of Bosch Rexroth deliver more effective and efficient customer support?" is addressed through the findings that a central platform is necessary to handle customer inquiries more efficiently, given the diverse communication channels and varying modes of operation within the business unit. The use of the existing SAP CRM ticketing system Robin is suggested as an efficient solution path, which should be optimized for future use based on the identified optimization approaches. The results underscore the importance of a unified approach to working, which is vital for the success of the business unit, resulting in increased efficiency, quality, collaboration, scalability, and customer orientation.
Unternehmen stehen in der heutigen Zeit mehr und mehr unter Druck, Verantwortung für ethische Lieferketten zu übernehmen. Dabei scheitert der Ansatz an die pure Moral und das Gewissen der Wirtschaftsakteure zu appellieren. Durch psychologische Einflussfaktoren, verhalten sich Personen oft nicht so ethisch, wie sie von sich denken. Auch können Unternehmen bei der Umsetzbarkeit an ihre Grenzen kommen, da Moral und Werte der unterschiedlichen Unternehmen oft nicht direkt miteinander kompatibel ist. Fokalen Unternehmen kommt die große Aufgabe zu, ihre Werte an ihre Lieferanten weiterzugeben und somit die Ethik in der Lieferkette zu gewährleisten. Da die freiwillige Verpflichtung zur Übernahme der Verantwortung nicht funktioniert, tritt ab 01.01.2023 ein Gesetz in Kraft, was Unternehmen in Deutschland zur Implementierung spezieller Maßnahmen zur Förderung der Ethik, zwingt. Die Frage, ob Ethik und Ökonomie überhaupt zeitglich in der Lieferkette existieren können, kann mit „ja“ beantwortet werden.
Implementierung eines international gültigen Managementsystems mit Fokus auf Prozessreifegradmodelle
(2023)
In den letzten Jahren hat die steigende Zahl von Cyberangriffen auf Fahrzeuge gezeigt, wie wichtig es ist, Sicherheitslösungen im Automobilbereich zu implementieren. Die in den Fahrzeugen enthaltene Software muss aktualisiert werden, um neue Funktionen zu ermöglichen oder Fehler zu beheben. Um das Risiko zu verringern, dass ein Fahrzeug oder seine Komponenten angegriffen und kompromittiert werden, wurden zwei neue Regularien für die Cybersicherheit veröffentlicht: UNECE WP.291 R155 und R156. Im März 2021 veröffentlichte die Wirtschaftskommission der Vereinten Nationen für Europa die Verordnungen, die in einigen Ländern ab Juli 2022 verbindlich ist, um die Cybersicherheit von Fahrzeugen zu homologieren.
Als Reaktion auf diese Entwicklung gilt es für die Automobil- sowie für die Nutzfahrzeughersteller zu handeln. Aus diesem Grund führt der Nutzfahrzeughersteller MAN Truck & Bus ein Managementsystem unter Verwendung eines sog. Reifegradmodells ein. Die vorliegende Arbeit fokussiert sich auf die Verwendung von Reifegradmodellen. Als Teilbereich der strategischen Planung für das Projektmanagement bieten Reifegradmodelle ein Mittel zur Identifizierung der wichtigsten Schritte, der zu erledigenden Aufgaben und der Abfolge von Ereignissen, die erforderlich sind, um sinnvolle und messbare Ergebnisse zu erzielen. Grundsätzlich besteht der Zweck des Reifegradmodells darin, einen Rahmen für die Verbesserung des Geschäftsergebnisses einer Organisation zu schaffen, indem die Stärken und Schwächen des Projektmanagements der Organisation bewertet werden, Vergleiche mit ähnlichen Organisationen ermöglicht werden und ein Maß für die Korrelation zwischen dem Projektmanagementniveau einer Organisation und der tatsächlichen Projektleistung geschaffen wird.
The present research work investigates the potential of combining Lean Production and Industry 4.0 explicitly by IoT solutions as well as digital twins at manufacturing companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. First, elementary concepts of lean management and Industry 4.0 are discussed. The paper then focuses on the content of IoT solutions and digital twins. For this purpose, five small and medium-sized manufacturing companies are used, which are examined by means of qualitative, semi-structured guideline interviews, in order to provide valuable results regarding the current state, effects, potentials as well as challenges of both technologies. The results show that IoT solutions and digital twins are already partly under establishment and further development. The consequences are numerous advantages, which enable a more efficient way of working. However, due to a lack of regulations and limited financial resources, small and medium-sized enterprises tend to be hesitant regarding the implementation of new technologies. This work provides valuable insights into the day-to-day work of manufacturing companies in the DACH region, which are currently facing the challenges, seeking the potential and seeing initial successes with the help of IoT and digital twin.
This bachelor thesis examines the topic of global collaboration. The work was done in cooperation with the Marquardt Group, to work on an internal analysis within their Factory Planning department. The goal is to define recommendations for the improvement of the governance structure within this department. This thesis answers the following two main questions: Why does the Factory Planning need improvement in their governance structure? How can they improve their collaboration on a global level? In order to answer these questions, the following work looks at different factors within the department. The work starts with a theoretical overview about the topics of collaboration, communication and corporate governance. After learning more about these topics, the next part explains the analysis of the current state within the department. For this, the usage of two different types of models happens. First, the usage of a Target Operating Model to gain an overview about the internal state within the headquarter. The second analysis is a survey, in the form of a questionnaire that addresses three different groups globally. Therefore, the generation of three different views happens. Based on these analyses, the thesis states the gaps in the global collaboration. Following is the definition of recommendations to try to improve the structure. With the help of this thesis the company can than work on the gaps, to move toward their desired state of collaboration.
Bedingt durch sich verändernde Anforderungen des Marktes, der Produkte sowie der Produktionsbedingungen entsteht für produzierende Unternehmen ein Handlungsbedarf zur Anpassung ihrer Fabrikstrukturen. Die Fabrikplanung hat in diesem Zusammenhang die Aufgabe, Fabriken gleichzeitig wirtschaftlich und attraktiv für Mitarbeiter zu gestalten, als auch strategische Handlungsspielräume durch Flexibilität und Wandlungsfähigkeit der Strukturen zu gewährleisten. Die genannten Veränderungen führen zu Herausforderungen und Potenzialen auf der Ebene der Werkstrukturplanung. Für zukünftige Werkstrukturen stellen sich neue Herausforderungen bei den Layouts und der Infrastruktur. Durch die bei Realisierung eintretende Fixierung der flächenmäßigen Aufteilung und Anordnung der Gebäude auf dem Fabrikgelände haben Entscheidungen mittel- und langfristige Auswirkungen.
In der Arbeit wird zunächst der Stand der Technik aktueller Werkstrukturen der Automobilindustrie erarbeitet. Nachhaltigkeits-, Digitalisierungs- und Elektrifizierungs-trends fordern die Hersteller zur Anpassung ihrer Werkstrukturen. Um die angesprochenen Herausforderungen zu bewältigen und Potenziale zu nutzen, wird in der Arbeit ein Konzept zur Weiterentwicklung einer standardisierten Werkstruktur entwickelt. Das Konzept dient als methodischer Leitfaden zur Überarbeitung einer standardisierten Werkstruktur. Es unterteilt sich in vier Teilbereiche. Die Prämissen der Werkstruktur bilden die Basis in dem sie die Anforderungen und das Zielbild der Fabrik definieren sowie Gestaltungsprinzipien und den Werkstyp bestimmen. Die Updates aus den Fertigungsbereichen sammeln alle prozessualen Veränderungen mit Layoutauswirkung und beschreiben die Ausprägungsformen der Gebäude. Im dritten Schritt werden Innovationen analysiert. Darunter fallen die vertikale Integration, Nachhaltigkeit sowie weitere Entwicklungstrends, welche Auswirkungen auf die Werkstruktur haben. Im vierten und letzten Schritt werden alle vorherigen Veränderungen aus den Teilbereichen aggregiert und zu einem Werkslayout zusammengeführt. Hierbei wird die Anordnung der Fertigungsbereiche nach Flussprinzip bestimmt, Erweiterungsflächen und Sekundärfunktionen werden verortet und das Verkehrskonzept wird definiert. Als Weiterentwicklung resultiert eine standardisierte Werkstruktur.
The sector of supply chain risk management has been expanding for several years now, with the goal to not only prepare organizations to recover after supply-chain disruptions but also mitigate risks to reduce losses.
One of the most remarkable techniques in the field is the Artificial Intelligence technology, which owing to its effectiveness and efficiency, allows humans to develop new solutions to predict or prevent a great variety of supply-chain disruptions.
This paper aims to forecast the future state of the Artificial Intelligence technology in Europe by 2035 with the use of the INKA 4 scenario manager software. A total of four areas of influence –– i.e., technological, financial, legal, and social –– were identified.
From those, 11 descriptors were created based on relevant scientific literature and were inserted in the INKA software to develop the scenarios. This process resulted in three clearly differentiated scenarios that exhibit high probabilities and positive outlook for the Artificial Intelligence technology to be widely integrated in supply chain risk management systems in Europe by 2035.
Abstract
The large-scale impact of the climate change on all regions and industries of the world underlines the need for action in the logistics sector. Despite literature in this field has matured fast since the last 5 years, it neglects the consideration of digital tools or measures to introduce sustainability in the sector. Consequently, precise recommendations on how to manage digital disruptions in order to reach sustainability goals in Logistics are lacking.
The objective of this thesis is to develop those recommendations and to facilitate their implementation for practitioners in the truck container transportation sector. To do so, the impact as well as the evolution of digitalization must be determined. Besides, factors for managing digital change successfully and measuring their impact in this sector shall be ascertained. Finally, a holistic framework to support the implementation process for becoming more sustainable by using digitalization should be presented.
A single-case study at the Logistics Start-Up “driveMybox” intends to fill the identified gap in knowledge. Particularly, it is studied how the organization manages to use digital tools to offer CO2-neutral truck container transports on their platform. Thereby, the different approaches are being looked at. Besides, data is gathered through qualitative interviews and other internal documents.
The first outcome of the thesis is an overview that illustrates the role of digitalization in Logistics. It increases the awareness of the digital impact and helps practitioners to take useful actions. Furthermore, a clear set of success factors to forward sustainability in the transportation sector was developed. Finally, a holistic result depicts which steps can lead to a more sustainable transportation process. Summarising, the thesis contributes to extant literature by combining digitalization with approaches to sustainability. The given recommendations consider the particularities of Start-Ups and support practitioners in this field with valuable guidelines and a holistic framework.
Since the occurrence of cybercrime rises every year, it has become increasingly important for companies to further secure their data and important information. It is not enough to just secure the data inside of the company, by now companies must go one step further.
This thesis focuses on a way to develop tools and methods to determine whether company data is secure in the hands of third-parties as well. To do so it is important to understand what different methods are available and reliable enough for the everyday usage.
The aim of this thesis is to present an evidence-based methodology to identify third-party risks. To achieve this goal, an analysis of international standards of technology knowledge is conducted. The market is searched for already existing service providers with the intend to find already existing information and templates on the topic. By conducting interviews information and expert knowledge is gathered.
The analysis and interviews contribute to the development of a generalized questionnaire which can be used to evaluate third-party risks. A generalized questionnaire that is fit for every third-party working with company data, that can be adjusted if necessary.
Moving places in cars impacts human activity daily. Therefore, living in a world without cars is inconceivable. While demand for cars exists, supply experiences shortcomings. Customers receive their vehicles with only one key or must deal with long delivery times. There is a correlation between the car industry, supply shortfalls and the current state of the world regarding COVID-19. The objectives of this research are examining how the semiconductor chip shortage affected sales and production of German car manufacturers and what strategic conclusions can be drawn for the future. To reach the objectives a quantitative theory analysis of existing literature was applied. The chosen car manufacturers are Audi AG, BMW AG, and Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The results show that all objects to the research topic experienced a decline in production and sales. Further, that the semiconductor shortage, mainly anticipated by the pandemic, revealed the fragility of supply networks of the automotive industry. Different strategic attempts may cure supply chain management issues as such; however, it depends on the evaluation of the automotive industry whether this crisis carries a sustainable effect with its presence or not.
In Anbetracht der anthropogen verursachten Veränderung des Klimas seit Beginn der Industrialisierung werden Unternehmen zur Verantwortung gerufen. Das Treibhausgas Kohlenstoffdioxid und seine Erfassung dienen Firmen als Werkzeug, ihre umweltschädigenden Praktiken zu messen und Reduktionsmaßnahmen durchzuführen. Dies ist besonders für energieintensive Sektoren, wie der deutschen Automobilindustrie, von Bedeutung. Viele Unternehmen konzentrieren sich auf Reduktionen des CO2-Ausstoßes innerhalb der eigenen Produktion, jedoch werden diese innerhalb der Lieferkette Experten zufolge nicht genügend ausgeschöpft. In diesem Zusammenhang wird in dieser Bachelorarbeit der Status Quo bei Automobilherstellern und Maßnahmen zur Reduzierung der CO2 Ausstöße entlang der Lieferkette betrachtet.
Zunächst wird der Nachhaltigkeitsbegriff und seine politischen Rahmenbedingungen vorgestellt, um die Komplexität und die Multilateralität des Begriffs festzulegen. Anschließend wird die deutsche Automobilindustrie, ihr CO2-Fußabdruck und Möglichkeiten, ihn zu reduzieren, näher betrachtet. Als Fazit kann festgehalten werden, dass zahlreiche Maßnahmen zur Messung und Reduktion der Emissionen existieren, es jedoch der Branche, Experten zufolge, noch einer gewissen Einheitlichkeit bezüglich der Berechnungs- und Erfassungsmethoden bedarf.
Außerdem müssen Potenziale zu CO2-Reduktionen innerhalb der Lieferkette noch weiter ausgeschöpft werden. Bedeutende Hindernisse sind jedoch die massiven Investitionen, die Zulieferer zur Einhaltung von CO2-Grenzwerten tätigen müssen.
Ferner stellt das praktische Fallbeispiel Maßnahmen und Ambitionen des Automobilherstellers Daimler vor und vergleicht diese mit dem Konkurrenten BMW. Die Maßnahmen der beiden Hersteller zeigen Gemeinsamkeiten auf, jedoch unterscheiden sich die Strategien hauptsächlich in den unmittelbaren Hauptschwerpunkten und den Planungshorizonten. Außerdem kritisieren Experten besonders die widersprüchlichen Ziele und ihre Auswirkungen, wie beispielsweise der stets wachsende Materialverbrauch.
In der Gesamtbetrachtung lässt sich folgendes Fazit ziehen: Unternehmen sind sich ihrer Verantwortung bewusst, der Erfolg der Maßnahmen wird sich jedoch erst in Zukunft zeigen. In Anbetracht potenziell strenger werdender Richtlinien und weiter fortschreitenden Megatrends befindet sich die Zukunft der automobilen Lieferkette in einem spannenden Umbruch.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life and is considered a matter of course by many people. Since it can be assumed that artificial intelligence will play an increasingly central role in business in the future, this paper aims to investigate the intersection between AI and Digital Sales Technologies through a systematic literature review. This thesis identified 32 relevant articles through an extensive literature search in the databases Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. Through the detailed analysis of these 32 articles, the following four topic clusters could be identified: “Application Layer, Social Layer, Challenges, and Futuristic Layer”. Based on these layers, the developed research questions were answered successfully, and the following conclusions were drawn: AI is already being used in Digital Sales Technologies in numerous ways, for instance through voice assistants like Alexa. In addition, various changes for consumers and salespeople were identified, that accompany the adoption of AI in Digital Sales Technologies. Furthermore, this thesis provides an answer to which challenges this integration brings and how AI will influence Digital Sales Technologies in the future. Finally, research gaps for future research are identified based on the collected findings from the literature review.
Die Fast-Fashion-Industrie ist Vorwürfen der mangelhaften Umsetzung von Nachhaltigkeitsstandards ausgesetzt. Die einzelnen externen Stakeholder fordern deshalb, nachhaltige Unternehmensstrategien konsequenter umzusetzen. Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit ist es, die Fortschritte innerhalb der nachhaltigen Entwicklung der Textilwirtschaft zu durchleuchten sowie den Istzustand anhand zweier repräsentativer Unternehmen festzustellen. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf den sozialen und ökologischen Aspekten des Sustainable Supply Chain Managements. Eine Betrachtung der aktuellen Entwicklungsfortschritte in der nachhaltigen Baumwollgewinnung, der umweltfreundlichen Verpackungsherstellung sowie der Reversen Logistik bildet dabei den Schwerpunkt der Analyse, da diese Faktoren bisher nur unzureichend in der Literatur untersucht wurden.
Anhand der beiden Firmen H&M Group und Inditex wird aufgezeigt, inwieweit diese nachhaltigen Praktiken in den beiden Großkonzernen bereits aktiv gelebt werden. Die abschließende Betrachtung zeigt auf, dass insbesondere in der ökologischen Dimension der Textilwirtschaft erste Fortschritte vorhanden sind. Im Hinblick auf geplante gesetzliche Lieferkettenbestimmungen ist es künftig entscheidend, auf die praktische Umsetzung der sozialen Dimension einzugehen, um über die Gesetzgeberseite positive Impulse auszulösen.
Currently, a digital transformation is taking place in logistics and manufacturing environments of the Robert Bosch GmbH. This digital transformation consists of several central initiatives, resulting in big impacts on the organizations of the business units. This paper aims to provide an overview of these organizational changes with regard to the role of change management. After identifying the organizational setting at Bosch, the ongoing digital transformation at the business unit Powertrain Solutions is analyzed by focusing on the future collaboration strategy between logistics and manufacturing as well as the organizational transformation along the Value Stream Integrated Processes and IT program. The complexity of the ongoing transformation is narrowed down to the changes in processes and IT-landscapes before elaborating the future interaction between the landscape documentation tools “scout.it” and “Lean IX”. The readiness of plants in preparation for the Bosch Manufacturing and Logistics Platform is determined by creating a dashboard using Microsoft Power BI.
Ahead of the analytical work, the paper considers theoretical insights about the current state of research in terms of the digital development and change management to ensure successful planning, implementation and preservation of future organizational changes at Bosch.
The recent launch of the app MeasureOn by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, which focuses on the connection of measuring tools to smartphone or tablet, floor planning and photo functions has raised new challenges and questions within the company. The app, which targets pro and ‘do-it-yourself’ users of Bosch PT will soon receive additional features and is set to be divided into a free (no cost) version and a pro (paid) version.
Intention of the thesis is to provide its reader with a classification of the current basic plan and potential as well as missing functions of MeasureOn with respect to its predecessors, competitors, and customer feedback.
Furthermore, recommendations for the classification of planned functions as well as the identification of functions whose misclassification could prove critical, will be provided.
In a last step, a strategy, which will serve as a guide for how to find out which future features should be included in the free plan, and which should be included in the pro plan will be presented.
The results of the thesis are based on the consolidation of data regarding former apps and app concepts offered by Bosch PT, data concerning MeasureOn and insights, which can be derived when comparing MeasureOn to competitor apps.
It is concluded that the currently defined free functions primarily cover the needs of the users. However, the function of exporting projects and exporting workspaces is considered difficult to classify, as risks and potentials are indicated in equal measure. Furthermore, the sales potential is identified, especially with 3D functionality and export, and a template for a survey is created to assess the ambiguities about the export functions as well as functions planned but not yet defined.
Durch eine ständig wandelnde Unternehmensumwelt sowie der Komplexität der Globalisierung sehen sich immer mehr Unternehmen gefordert systematisches, effektives und effizientes Risikomanagement zu betreiben. Vor allem Rohstoffmärkte sind durch weltweite Wechselbeziehungen sehr undurchschaubar. Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der praktischen Anwendbarkeit eines beschaffungsseitigen idealtypischen Frühaufklärungssystems am Beispiel der Unternehmensgruppe bott herangezogen, welches die Preisentwicklung der Beschaffung von Aluminiumstrangpressprofilen in den Fokus stellt. Zudem wird analysiert welche Faktoren für die Treffgenauigkeit des Systems zu beachten sind. Die Forschung erfolgt anhand von Literaturarbeit sowie semistrukturierten Leitfrageninterviews.
Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das modellhafte Frühaufklärungssystem ein großes Potenzial hat die Unternehmensgruppe bei der Beschaffung von Aluminiumstrangpressprofilen zu unterstützen, jedoch eine Kombinationslösung mit verwandten Systemen zielführender sein kann. Ebenfalls riefen manche theoretische Erfolgsfaktoren des Systems praktische Hinterfragungen hervor.
Advancements in digital technologies, such as the Industrial Internet of Things, enabled machinery manufacturers to develop software products that complement and enhance existing products, such as production systems. Some of these software products aim to improve industrial production by assisting users, primarily machine operators, with their work. Although it is essential for a successful market launch that the software product meets users' needs, some manufacturers have difficulties identifying them. This situation is because the interface of their software products to users, especially user input mechanisms, encounters shortcomings. Typically, user input mechanisms enable user input, such as feature requests, to occur, which ultimately can assist in identifying users' needs.
This thesis investigates Syntegon Packaging Systems AG and their software product myShopfloor as an exemplary machinery manufacturer within a case study. The case study's findings exemplify that the contextual conditions in the business-to-business domain, particularly the food industry, and internal shortcomings present challenges in gathering user input to identify and meet users' needs. Therefore, this case study proposed and conducted a solution for improving the interface of myShopfloor.
The solution started by conducting market research to identify user input mechanisms and tools used in the software industry. Afterward, the identified user input mechanisms were evaluated in a survey with Syntegon Packaging Systems AG employees based on their usefulness for myShopfloor. The evaluation of the survey resulted in selecting user input mechanisms rated as very useful by these employees. In contrast, a subsequent evaluation of the identified tools resulted in an appropriate combination of tools covering the selected user input mechanisms.
Finally, an implementation strategy for myShopfloor was outlined as the last part of the solution. First, use cases resulting from each user input mechanism were described to illustrate how specific user flows could lead to user input.
Afterward, an adjustment of the Scrum software development process of myShopfloor suggested how to handle and convert the emerging user input into implementable product backlog items. Thereby, this thesis exemplified how to improve the interface of software products by investigating and recommending a solution to myShopfloor. This example was then used for generalizing the results for other companies.
The paper deals with the German Supply Chain Act ("Lieferkettengesetz") and the impact it will have on the retail sector - in particular the textile industry. To illustrate this development, the historical predecessors are first discussed, which are decisive for the further development of national plans and legislation. Other national legislations are also discussed, which have the same goal of a sustainable, decent working situation and the protection of the environment.
Since the German law was passed only a few months ago, statements on its effectiveness as well as on possible problems associated with it can only be made with extreme caution, but a comparison is nevertheless possible to a certain extent and the voluntary commitments that existed previously are also included in further consideration.
It can be seen that the Supply Chain Act is not without criticism, and in this context, numerous problems are attested, as is already the case with the international equivalents, which have already been in existence for a few years.
The paper examines these connections and concludes that the Supply Chain Act is an important decision in the right direction to ensure humane conditions along the entire supply chain and to consistently prosecute human rights violations. However, this will require an enormous effort by companies at the current time. Nonetheless, these efforts must be made and it seems that this is also where future competitive advantages can be gained.
It remains to be seen what resistance the Supply Chain Act will still have to face before it is seen as an established standard for German companies and is implemented consistently.
With increasing globalization, the importance of logistics services within companies is also growing. In the automotive industry, logistics is equally important with the aim of achieving optimum logistics performance in terms of vehicle transports. To optimize logistics performance in vehicle logistics, there must be a balance or trade-off between logistics service and logistics costs. Even though vehicle transportation has a significant role in enterprise logistics, there has been little research in this area. This thesis aims to close this research gap by comparing three transport concepts with the actual situation in the test and technology center of Mercedes Benz AG in Immendingen. Four expert interviews were conducted at Mercedes Benz AG, in which the individual concepts were compared with the actual status in terms of logistics performance and evaluated. The extent to which the concepts are applicable to the site in Immendingen was evaluated. In addition, opportunities and risks of the concepts and the current status were identified. It was determined that there is no single correct concept, but that a mixture of concepts is most effective.
Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es zu prüfen, inwiefern der Entwurf des deutschen Sorgfaltspflichtengesetzes für den Schutz der Menschenrechte und Umweltstandards wirksam und notwendig ist. Das Forschungsthema wurde anhand der Textilindustrie beleuchtet. Es wurden internationale Standards, Richtlinien und Vereinbarungen näher betrachtet. Des Weiteren wurden die menschenrechtlichen Sorgfaltspflichten und die Inhalte des Entwurfes für ein allgemeines Grundverständnis evaluiert. Die Arbeit analysierte die Lieferkettengesetze im Ausland und alternative Maßnahmen. Durch Experteninterviews mit Unternehmen aus der Textilbranche wurden neue Erkenntnisse gewonnen. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit zeigten, dass freiwillige Maßnahmen nur eine eingeschränkte Wirksamkeit haben, da nicht alle Unternehmen verpflichtet werden und die Maßnahmen nicht rechtsbindend sind. Jedoch helfen freiwillige Maßnahmen in der Regel dabei, die menschenrechtliche Sorgfaltspflicht und den Entwurf des deutschen Sorgfaltspflichtengesetzes einzuhalten. Grundsätzlich hängt die Wirksamkeit eines Lieferkettengesetzes von der inhaltlichen Ausgestaltung ab. Viele der Auswirkungen des deutschen Sorgfaltspflichtengesetzes sind weitestgehend ungeklärt und werden sich erst nach der Einführung des Gesetzes zeigen. Es wurde festgestellt, dass Lieferkettengesetze mit Sanktionen, wie Geldstrafen und Klagemöglichkeiten meist verstärkt eingehalten werden.
Die kontinuierliche Optimierung innerbetrieblicher Logistikprozesse ist eine notwendige Maßnahme, um den Einfluss fehleranfälliger Prozesse zu reduzieren und die Prozessqualität zu sichern. IT-gestützte Systeme sind dafür ein vielversprechender Ansatz. In der Cockpit Vormontage, Halle 56, im BMW Werk Regensburg, sind Fehler bei der Behälterbereitstellung am Durchlaufregal aufgetreten. Um diesem Problem entgegenzuwirken, umfasst die vorliegende Arbeit die Erarbeitung eines prozess- und softwarebezogenen Konzepts für die Unterstützung der Behälterbereitstellung im Rahmen der Kommissionierung am Durchlaufregal und baut auf den Projekten der „Papierlosen Logistik“ der BMW Group auf. Dabei wird ein IT-gestütztes „Put-to-Light“ Kommissioniersystem mittels der Integration digitaler Displays (ePapers) mit visueller Blinkfunktion konzipiert.
Das Ziel ist, mit möglichst geringem Einsatz von Ressourcen die aktuellen Schwachstellen zu beseitigen, um nach dem „Poka Yoke“ Prinzip die Fehler im Ist Prozess zu reduzieren. Im Rahmen dieser Bachelorarbeit erfolgt dazu zuerst eine Analyse des Wertstroms in Halle 56. Daran orientierend werden das Optimierungspotenzial, die Konzeptidee sowie die Anforderungen an die Funktionalität des IT-gestützten „Put-to-Light“ Kommissioniersystems identifiziert und beschrieben. Darauf aufbauend werden die prozessseitige Umsetzung und die softwareseitigen Maßnahmen erläutert. Das Potenzial der Konzeption wird mithilfe unterschiedlicher Bewertungskriterien verifiziert. Neben der Analyse von Risiken wird nach dem MTM-System die Veränderung der Prozesszeit beurteilt. Zusätzlich werden auf Basis qualifizierter Abschätzungen sowie Erfahrungswerten die fehlerhaften Behälterbereitstellungen im Ist-Prozess quantifiziert. Die Wirtschaftlichkeit wird mittels der Kapitalwertmethode bewertet. Um einen werks- und unternehmensübergreifenden Nutzen zu erzielen, werden abschließend Rahmenbedingungen für die Skalierbarkeit definiert. Unter den aktuell gegebenen Rahmenbedingungen ist der Kapitalwert allerdings negativ und somit eine Investition nicht angebracht. Im Hinblick auf die prozessseitige Fehlerreduzierung wird ein „schwaches“ „Poka Yoke“ erreicht. Bei geänderten
Rahmenbedingungen, zum Beispiel der unternehmensübergreifenden Einführung einer eindeutigen Behälteridentifikation, ist das Konzept neu zu bewerten.
Today, digitalization, and the possibility of being cost-effectively networked worldwide, have a significant impact on many businesses. It is no longer unusual for companies to offer their customer service through a variety of communication channels. Due to increasing customer demand and competition, it is even more important to act strategically to meet all customer needs, including the employees' needs. This thesis aims to determine how Lean Management can contribute to increased workforce efficiency and employee satisfaction in the service sector. Therefore, the current situation in customer service on behalf of the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center is analysed. This thesis first examines the current internal market situation regarding processes and the well-being of the employees. Based on the surveys conducted, it can be said that Lean Management utilised in bundles can potentially contribute to Customer Service Representatives motivation and increase efficiency. The results show that 50% of the employees do not prefer working on the phone and reveals the current customer service challenges during home office and how they can be counteracted. Additionally, it becomes clear that the employees themselves are the most important, and their satisfaction contributes to the company's overall success. Nevertheless, this thesis is based more on assumptions through theory and the interpretation of the empirical data. It serves more as a recommendation for future action in a leaner way.
New product development is essential for a company to grow and sustain itself. Usability testing is a crucial part of the new product development process, and it helps reduce product uncertainty and market failure. There are many methods available and they vary depending on the product development phase. This thesis focuses on methods used in the deployment phase, which is the final stage before mass production. The methods used differ subjecting to different customers.
A number of studies have suggested that marketing and sales should vary when the nature of customer differs. However, only a few studies focus on how the nature of customer influences new product testing. This research compares the involvement of B2B and B2C customers during the product innovation testing phase.
The comparison has been subcategorised into four smaller hypotheses. First, the methodologies used, such as virtual prototype testing, field testing, lab usability testing, and more, are discussed whether companies use them differently according to customers' nature. Second, the process of identifying and recruiting testers is examined. Third, testers' qualification is analysed, whether participants are ordinary users or professionals or companies prefer a mixture of both. Last, the sample size, which is simply the amount of testers who participated in the usability test.
The management of the company Brasch Feinkost is striving for a digital process, which is particularly necessary and examined in incoming goods.
The change from analog to digital processes cannot be implemented without further planning in advance, which is why a concept must be developed that includes different steps. The introduction of warehouse management software in particular requires basic steps that are part of a clear concept. The representation of the actual processes in the incoming goods department at Brasch Feinkost are not only necessary for a specification sheet, but should also show comparisons between analog and digital processes by creating the target processes. With the identified weaknesses and approaches for improvement, the necessity of the digital way of working is shown by means of different analyzes and external benchmarking. The market research is ultimately intended to find a suitable provider of digitally supporting software based on the specified optional and mandatory requirements.
Innovative and successful food waste management solutions often happened to have either an economic, ecological, or social positive impact. There are different types of food waste that are wasted at different stages of the supply chain and sustainable management treat this issue in its entirety.
A resource-efficiency handling of food creates and saves value in the food industry, helps reduce climate change and brings food security. Quantitative evidence from financial and nonfinancial benefits from business cases of countries such as the United Kingdom, proved that avoiding food wasting build a win-win situation for companies and consumers. Processes will be exposed to accelerate the implementation of food waste reduction policies at every stage of the supply chain and at every organization level.
This paper is aimed to measure the global degree of food waste and loss with trustworthy instruments and to provide a range of the most efficient and adapted ways to prevent it.
Some focus will be made in certain parts of the world because of the data’s availability and reliability. It also interests us to know what percentage of waste occurs, at which stage of the supply chain, what are the current existing solutions to avoid food waste and
loss and how is sustainable management playing the most efficient role.
Food wasting will be distinguished into two categories: organizations of entities (as countries, governments, cities, and companies) and individuals. Providing guidelines to be able to manage a sustainable production up till consumption will be the core concern of this paper.
In the light of incremental environmental degradation, social awareness and resource depletion along with high and volatile resource prices, food packaging manufacturers in Germany increasingly perceive pressure towards the implementation of circular business models. However, there does not exist any data neither about the current deployment of circular business models nor about the active efforts dedicated by manufacturers in the German food packaging industry while in many cases there is lacking expertise of how to implement circular business models. This thesis is going to close this gap by conducting a systematic observation of 41 food packaging manufacturers’ product portfolio and company policy in order to identify the current state of deployment and active efforts dedicated to the implementation. Moreover, the most applicable measures will be analysed in order to capture the level of circularity in the focal industry, while providing a step-by-step guidance of how to implement circular business models. There was found that the German food packaging industry is characterised by an open-loop approach since manufacturers focus on circular inputs but neglect the reuse and recycling of packaging materials. Besides, there could be identified six highly applicable metrics, which measure a range of different fundamental aspects of the circular economy. Finally, there was found that the process of implementing circular business models can be structured into four phases, whereas a set of key enablers permits food packaging manufacturers to overcome certain barriers and facilitates the implementation of circular business models. The conclusion was drawn that food packaging manufacturers in Germany still show noticeable potential for enhancement in order to increase circularity, especially by launching circular product designs, the reuse of certain types of food packaging and implementing a more holistic approach of circular business models.
All the companies need to plan and budget for future. For planning they need sale forecasting so that accordingly they can manage their supply chain efficiently. Companies do have historical data which can be used for forecasting sale. However, the accuracy of the predictive model depends on the quality of data which is being fed to the model. Poor data quality may result in poor forecasting. Hence, there is need to work on data quality management and to formulate some generic approach for ensuring data quality. Besides, it is also required to detect abnormal sale from the past data, get the reason for those abnormal sale records and remove them from the data. Subsequently, cleaned data can be used to work on predictive modelling which will forecast sales with the most likelihood of near to accurate results. These historical data can be analyzed as a time series data by using as simple time series analysis as ARIMA or by using complicated neural network. Evaluation of these predictive models will help in making a decision of selecting a best fitted model for future forecasting. The thesis aims to work on data quality management of raw data and then analyze time series data to determine predictive model for forecasting. Besides, thesis also aims to understand how data is collected and how organization performs sales processes. This would not only facilitate in finding and bridging the gaps in the business processes but also in preparing the organization for the state-of-the-art technologies to enhance their business for future.
The aim of this paper is to show different possible solutions by using a practical example, which lead to cost reduction in the logistics area. The thesis was examined whether a consolidation of external warehouses would lead to synergy effects which would result in cost reduction. For this purpose, target sizes were identified from the historical data of the company MS Powertrain Technologie GmbH and a growth forecast and a warehousing concept was developed on the basis of these target sizes.
The thesis was confirmed in the course of the work and different variants for cost reduction could be developed. After evaluating the possible solutions, a recommendation for action was drawn up for MS Powertrain Technolgie GmbH. This can be divided into operational interim solutions and a strategic concept.
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit erforscht die Wichtigkeit von Produktrücknahmekonzepten in der Textilindustrie. Aufgrund der bestehenden Umweltproblematik, steigt das Bewusstsein für Nachhaltigkeit der Konsumenten und somit auch die Handlungsnotwendigkeit aus Unternehmenssicht. Eine Methode, um die Umweltauswirkungen der gesamten Branche zu reduzieren, ist die Einführung von Produktrücknahmeprozessen. In dieser Arbeit sollen spezielle Handlungsempfehlungen für das Produktrücknahmekonzept des schwedischen Unternehmens, Hennes & Mauritz, entwickelt werden. Hierfür werden entscheidende Anforderungen aus Konsumentensicht untersucht, die eine erhöhte Bereitschaft der Teilnahme am Textilrecycling fördern. Durch eine umfangreiche und kritische Analyse des gesamten Produktrücknahmeprozesses des Unternehmens, kann dieses von Grund auf bewertet werden, damit geeignete Strategien erarbeitet werden können.
Diese Arbeit untersucht den Bullwhip-Effekt und dessen Einfluss auf die Supply Chain und der jeweiligen Teilnehmer. Da Unternehmen stetig nach Wachstum streben, ist ein reibungsloser Materialfluss entlang der Lieferkette Grundvoraussetzung. Aufgrund von globalen und immer komplexeren Lieferketten, ist die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Unternehmen nicht immer einfach und optimal. Fehlerhafte Bestellpolitik und das Treffen von irrationalen Entscheidungen stellen für die Unternehmen Probleme dar. Genau diese Probleme spiegelt der Bullwhip-Effekt wider, indem durch mangelnde Kooperation letztendlich Entscheidungen, bezüglich des Bestellvorgangs autonom getroffen werden und diesen Effekt somit bestärken. Diese Arbeit untersucht die Entstehung und den Einfluss des Bullwhip-Effekts auf die Supply Chain. Des Weiteren werden Methoden, die den Bullwhip-Effekt reduzieren bzw. beseitigen können erläutert. Auf Grundlage dieser Erkenntnisse werden die theoretischen Ansätze anhand eines Simulationsbeispiels gestützt und erklärt.
The automotive industry is undergoing substantial structural changes. New forms of powertrains and players are emerging. Manufacturers, due to internal as well as external drivers, are building their cars on platforms. By making use of modular design approaches, they hope to satisfy customer needs best and stay competitive. When designing global platforms, local variations are to be avoided. The presented paper offers an approach to rank components of an electric vehicle according to their likeliness of a local design adaption. To verify the results of the value chain- based analysis, the variant indicator analysis, interviews were carried out. The analysis shows that the battery is most likely subject to design changes. Also, variant drivers in the value chain bear the highest potential for local redesigns.
In this work we will study this field with a very concrete example, which is the large American multinational Amazon. We will talk more particularly about customer centric supply chain, which is still different from supply chain management. While analyzing this special form of supply chain management, we will also look at its potential impact on today's society with the international distribution market. First, we will define the main aspects of the work such as supply chain management, Amazon, e-commerce and customer experience. Then we will analyze the company's customer centric supply chain. Finally, we will study the possible consequences of the company on the international distribution market.
Due to the recent political and economic events of the so called U.S.-China Trade War, the media broadcasted extensively about both parties placing tariffs on each other. This situation impacts heavily on global value chains and brings an increasing focus on GVCs in terms of an economic upgrading in China. A re-examination of the bilateral trade relationships of China and its value added on export products becomes an interesting topic which deserves to be analyzed. In order to understand how GVCs function in international trade and their impact on public and private sectors, an overview of GVCs is presented. Using one of the successful examples of GVCs, this paper focuses on China’s high-tech industry and aims to evaluate its role in GVCs. By reviewing the transformation and development of high-tech industry in China, this paper provides insights into the change of industrial structure and current challenges during the transitional phase. By analyzing statistical data from Input-Output Table for China’s most advanced sectors – computer, electronic and optical products – this paper found out that China’s role of GVCs has changed overtime. More precisely, there is a trend of moving towards knowledge- and service-intensive sectors.
In einem ständig schneller werdenden Arbeitsumfeld, gewinnt heutzutage ein gutes Prozessmanagement immer mehr an Bedeutung um reibungslose, effiziente und schnelle Abläufe zu garantieren. Viele Unternehmen sind dazu angehalten, ihre Supply Chain und die dazugehörigen Prozesse zu optimieren um in den stark konkurrierenden Märkten eine gute Wettbewerbsposition zu besetzen (Becker, 2018).
Die Bacherlorthesis wurde bei der CeramTec GmbH, einem führenden Unternehmen in der Hochleistungskeramik, durchgeführt. Das Unternehmen konnte 2018 einen Umsatz von 600 Mio. Euro vorweisen und ist momentan stark interessiert daran, seine Prozesse an den unterschiedlichen Standorten zu standardisieren.
Im Zuge dessen wurde im Rahmen dieser Arbeit der Wareneingangs- und Versandprozess an vier Standorten zunächst analysiert und sowohl textuell, als auch graphisch in einem funktionsübergreifenden Flussdiagramm transparent dargestellt. Hierbei wurde bereits die unterschiedliche Handhabung sowie die nicht einheitliche Verantwortungsverteilung deutlich.
Nachfolgend wurden eine Schwachstellenanalyse und eine Gegenüberstellung der verschiedenen Standorte vollzogen. Dies dient der Übersicht und bietet die Grundlage für die Ableitung der Verbesserungspotenziale und der Erarbeitung von Handlungsempfehlungen.
Neben dem Prozesslebenszyklus bildet der PDCA-Zyklus, das Toyota Produktionssystem und das dazugehörige 3M – Modell die Basis der Prozessanalyse sowie der Prozessoptimierung.
Angesichts der Modellierung und der Gegenüberstellung konnten Ergebnisse generiert werden, die seitens des Unternehmens als Grundlage genutzt werden können, Maßnahmen in Richtung Standardisierung und Optimierung einzuleiten.
Die vorliegende Bachelorthesis „Geschäftsprozessanalyse des Order-to-Cash-Prozesses eines Automobilzulieferers“ befasst sich mit der Thematik der Prozessoptimierung bei der ElringKlinger AG. Die Optimierung von Geschäftsprozessen gewinnt aufgrund einer sich ständig verändernden Geschäftswelt mit steigenden Anforderungen mehr und mehr an Bedeutung. Dementsprechend müssen Unternehmensprozesse regelmäßig analysiert werden, um Optimierungspotenziale nutzen und Fehler innerhalb des Prozesses beseitigen zu können.
Die in dieser Bachelorthesis vorgestellte Prozessanalyse des Order-to-Cash-Prozesses stellt sich der Aufgabe Fehler innerhalb dieses Prozesses, welche sich in fehlerhaft ausgestellten Rechnungen äußern, zu analysieren und Maßnahmen zur Vermeidung zu erarbeiten. In einer umfangreichen IST-Analyse zum Thema Order-to-Cash-Prozess wird der Grundstein für das Auffinden von Fehlergründen gelegt. Die theoretische Aufarbeitung des Themas wird aus der Fachliteratur des Prozessmanagements und des Projektmanagements gebildet. Des Weiteren werden wichtige Grundsätze für das Erstellen und Durchführen von leitfadengestützten Experteninterviews beschrieben. Ausgehend von diesen gewonnenen Informationen werden im Rahmen der IST-Analyse zunächst Auswertungen aus dem Datenbestand von SAP durchgeführt. Anschließend erfolgt die Durchführung von Experteninterviews, welche als Basis der Ursachenfindung dienen.
Die Generierung von Maßnahmen zur Fehlervermeidung bildet den Abschluss der vorliegenden Bachelorthesis. In einer Handlungsempfehlung wird ein Ausblick geboten, welche Maßnahmen im Rahmen des Order-to-Cash-Prozesses implementiert werden könnten.
The automotive after-sales business’ emphasis is on customer retention which it accomplishes by providing services such as maintenance, reparation and spare parts supply. However, not only the rapid supply of spare parts impacts customer satisfaction, but also the service of providing customers with an accurate delivery date. In this context, the Critical Parts Management department at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center plays a crucial role because their scope of responsibility is the management of parts bottlenecks in the Mercedes-Benz after-sales logistics chain for wholesalers and retailers located worldwide. This thesis aims on establishing a rating of improvement recommendations whose implementation can positively influence the delivery date accuracy. Hence, the scope of the analysis comprises an initial assessment of the current situation and the main driving factors that impact the delivery date accuracy. This study relies on qualitative and quantitative data collection via primary research. The examination of the collected data reveals that deliveries usually occur within the scheduled week but most often not on the scheduled day. The noncompliance of involved departments to target specifications and department internal factors were identified as sources of inaccurate delivery dates. Consequently, the analysis concludes with both, external and internal improvement recommendations which are ranked according to their feasibility and possible impact considering a customer and a business centric perspective. A conceptual design of improvements identifies the composition of a reporting team to be very beneficial for both, Critical Parts Management and its customers. This term paper creates value to the department by offering a foundation to a process optimization approach. If further recommendations are implemented and continuously tracked, an increased customer satisfaction and a reduction of waste of time and money is expected to be accomplished.
Cultural considerations for Germans working with Japanese in virtual teams for project management
(2019)
In today’s globalized and multinational working world, being part of a team that uses technology in order to cross distance, time zones and even organizations, a so-called virtual team is becoming increasingly common. While extensive research on this topic is available, most of the current research is very theoretical and only in part useful for a member of a virtual team in order to enhance performance. A clear guideline on how to effectively work in an intercultural virtual team is not existent at this point.
This research, aims to produce a clear guideline for Germans working in virtual teams with Japanese in the style of the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide. Identifying the key challenges of virtual teams and the specific cultural differences of Germans and Japanese, based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model are the starting point for this research. Due to the specificity and the novelty of this research a grounded theory approach has been taken and in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 Japanese employees, who regularly work in virtual teams with Germans. Grounded in the experiences and challenges of the participants, the findings help construct a guideline for Germans working with Japanese in virtual teams.
Results are structured according to 4 of the key challenges virtual teams face: trust, communication, leadership and technology/knowledge sharing. The guideline addresses the different communication styles of Japanese and Germans, differences in hierarchical thinking as well as the more collectivistic point of view of many Japanese. The guideline, that has been produced, is intended as a quick guide including recommendations for Germans to enhance their virtual team work with Japanese.
With the fourth industrial revolution, advanced technological products play a key role in the development of all countries around the world. In recent years, there has been a drastic increase in the demand for high-tech merchandises in ASEAN nations. The purpose of this thesis is to identify the trends, opportunities and challenges that German high-tech producers may come across when they want to enter ASEAN markets. In addition to that recommendations on some strategies that could be used by German enterprise (SMEs) to ease entry into this market shall be discussed. The research analysis secondary data from TrendEconomy to determine the trade trends of German high-tech goods in ASEAN area, and then to implement SWOT and five Porter’s force analysis to identify the potential ASEAN markets. The result of this research is that Vietnam is seen as an attractive market for German high-tech products such as aerospace, computer-office machine, pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments and chemistry. Furthermore, Philippines is a potential place for German computer-office machine and electronics-telecommunications, Singapore is a good destination for scientific instruments and armament. In addition to that, Thailand and Malaysia are ideal nations for pharmaceuticals and machinery, respectively.
Lean Management wird heutzutage von vielen Unternehmen in verschiedensten Sektoren angewendet und entwickelt sich stetig weiter. Doch neben wirtschaftlichen Aspekten gewinnt das Thema Nachhaltigkeit immer mehr an Relevanz. Durch den wachsenden Druck der Gesellschaft und der Regierungen, sind Unternehmen mehr und mehr dazu geneigt, Nachhaltigkeit in das Management zu integrieren. So entstand der Bedarf für Green Management.
In dieser Arbeit wird die Beziehung zwischen Lean Management und Green Management analysiert und überprüft, ob beide Konzepte in einem Unternehmen gleichzeitig angewendet werden können. Dazu werden zunächst die theoretischen Grundlagen der beiden Managementsysteme durch die Analyse verschiedener Fachliteratur erörtert. Anschließend wird auf Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede hinsichtlich ihrer Ursprünge, Fokusse, Prinzipien und Methoden, sowie die Rolle der Führungsebene, Mitarbeiter und Lieferanten untersucht. Des Weiteren werden anhand des Unternehmens BMW besagte Aspekte der beiden Konzepte hinsichtlich ihrer praktischen Vereinbarkeit analysiert. Obwohl Unterschiede in verschiedenen Bereichen festgestellt werden können, zeigt sich, dass BMW die Umsetzung beider Managementsysteme gelingt. Das lässt sich durch die gleiche Gewichtung der Kundenorientierung des Lean Managements und der Umweltorientierung des Green Managements begründen.
Within the 21st century data are the new raw material, is what Ms. Angela Merkel said at the CEBIT conference in 2016. Digitization, what means data-analysis in real-time as well as fast and steady changes in the technological environment, is a key factor nowadays. New processes, new daily tasks and new know-how are needed to survive in a steadily changing world. In succession, companies and private households need to adapt. Otherwise, these will be selected according to Darwin’s theory of evolution. “Survival of the smartest” – as the mantra of today. While some companies are already familiar with the changes introduced by industry 4.0, others are still challenged with catching up industry 3.0. In a smart world it is important to know in which digital maturity status the company is staying and where the company sees itself in the future. But especially for smaller companies the obstacles of realizing industry 4.0 or digitization are defined by high investment costs, a lack of human resources and high requirements in data protection. Therefore, the following thesis is handling this topic specifically within procurement and gives answers to the following questions: What is procurement 4.0? Do the massive changes mean the procurement-endgame? What are the new challenges that procurement has to face and what are the new competencies a purchaser has to adopt? On the basis of a survey the procurement department of the Sto SE & Co. KGaA is classifying the own digital Status quo in the digital capability maturity model. On the basis of the current project “Implementing a Supplier-Relationship-Management and Collaboration system (SRM)” the thesis is answering to the research question: “What approach is suitable to introduce an SRM-and Collaboration tool and how to implement this tool specifically in procurement?”
Matured markets and rising global competition lead to new challenges for the
manufacturing industry. Lean Production provides an approach to meet those challenges,
even more, to gain competitive advantage by improving the efficiency of processes. As
implementation of Lean Production is associated with high investments in form of time
and money, there is a high demand to measure these improvements. But standardized
Balanced Scorecards (BSCs) and classical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not
designed to show those occurring changes.
This thesis reviews current literature researches and elaborates possible indicators to make
Lean efforts measurable. This approach is further analyzed based on the example of the
implementation of Shop Floor Management in a medium-sized, international automotive
supplier. The thesis results in a proposal of a concrete set of indicators.
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit schafft einen Überblick über das Thema Prozessmanagement und Qualitätssicherung in der Abteilung der Produktion der Firma Camfil APC in Tuttlingen. Durch eine erhöhte Rückmeldung an Reklamationen seitens eines bedeutenden OEM-Kunden, ist die Notwendigkeit zur Verbesserung vorhandener Prozesse gegeben. Vor diesem Kontext soll die Frage beantwortet werden, welche Maßnahmen zur Verbesserungen von bestehenden Prozessen ergriffen werden können, um qualitativ hochwertige Prozessergebnisse zu garantieren und zu sichern. Dabei werden Prozessmanagementmethoden wie das, von dem Unternehmen verwendete, Lean Management und weiterführende Methoden des Qualitätsmanagements bei der Analyse der Fertigungsvorgänge in der Serienfertigung und Standplatzmontage für den OEM-Kunden eingesetzt. Durch die im Rahmen der Observation aufgedeckten Potentiale werden spezifische Verbesserungsansätze für die Fertigungsebene generiert.
This thesis analyzes reverse logistics exemplified by Kärcher, a manufacturer of cleaning devices, and elaborates a conceptual framework for developing a business model for reverse logistics. A literature review is undertaken for theoretical infor-mation; expert interviews and a quantitative study are carried out. The aim of the lit-erature research is to investigate the importance of reverse logistics and its future viability. Reverse logistics can be divided into two parts, the entry channel and the value-adding part, whereas this thesis focuses on the value adding part. Previous studies mention that reverse logistics is ignored and underestimated by companies; nevertheless it is important for a functioning returns process as return quantities are increasing in the future inter alia because of online retailing. Furthermore, the re-verse logistics process of Kärcher is compared to the industry-wide standards. For understanding the process at Kärcher, exploratory interviews with several SDCs and a census are conducted. To compare the Kärcher reverse logistics process with the industry, a benchmark is performed. The benchmark is carried out with competitors based on short expert interviews and two international companies are analyzed from the literature. The outcome of the benchmark is that until now, there are no industry-wide standards to be found and therefore Kärcher cannot adhere to standards. Last-ly the business model concept Canvas is investigated in theory and applied to the reverse logistics process at Kärcher with the objective to explore, to what extent Canvas can be implemented. In addition, the Canvas is used to define a conceptual framework for further elaboration with the aim to possibly regain value from returns in the future. Finally a recommended course of action for Kärcher concerning reverse logistics is derived.
Optimization of an omni-channel strategy in fashion retail – the case of Hunkemöller International
(2018)
In fashion retail, omni-channel management has become an important strategy to offer the customer a seamless shopping experience across various channels. Customers want to shop from anywhere and at any time. Therefore, retailers integrate their operations among all channels and manage them simultaneously. The customer´s interaction with the brand along various touchpoints is thereby an important factor, since the number of touchpoints along a customer´s journey is increasing. This work analyzes a fashion retailer that is already executing an omni-channel strategy, to find challenges that the company is facing and thus an approach for optimization. This is done for the example of Hunkemöller International B.V., a Dutch lingerie retailer, which is dedicated to consistently improve its omni-channel strategy.
The following work examines current literature of omni-channel management in fashion retail and sets up a framework of success factors. These are compared to the current state of the company´s omni-channel strategy through qualitative research in form of an expert interview. This research is followed by more inter-views, which give insights to the challenges that stores are facing while execut-ing omni-channel activities. In addition, the work focuses on the purchasing phase of a customer´s journey and builds a framework to investigate customer touchpoints in the respective phase. Quantitative research is carried out through an in-store customer survey that gives insights on challenges from customer´s side and on customer´s attitude towards omni-channel. Thereby a customer touchpoint analysis is conducted. The conclusion presents recommendations for Hunkemöller on how to face the challenges and optimize the current omni-channel strategy. Limitations of the research and points for future research are discussed in the end.
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the impact of Intelligent Automation on individuals, organizations and economy and how organizations can adapt. Within the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the use of new technologies is on the rise and rapidly developing and the world is becoming more and more digital.
Organizations in financial services like banks and insurance companies are reevaluating their processes, however, automation has not been applied yet and their back office processes still contain a huge amount of paper and many repetitive tasks, which make the processes inefficient. In processes like this, there is a huge potential for Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence, which allow organizations to automate end-to-end processes with humans only handling exceptions and doing small configurations. The results are higher quality and speed at lower cost.
Despite the fact that the implementation of Intelligent Automation can be done fast and simple, companies have to involve the right people, analyze which processes are actually automatable and follow necessary steps in the implementation process in order to successfully implement Intelligent Automation.
In der vorliegenden Bachelorarbeit soll der interne Prozess für Kaufteile, von der Stammdatenanlage bis zur Inaktivierung, bei dem Unternehmen Sick AG analysiert werden. Mittels Fachbücher wurde die Theorie für die Thesis erarbeitet und stellt den theoretischen Hintergrund für die Praxis dar. Durch diesen theoretischen Hintergrund wurden erste Einblicke in das Thema ermöglicht. In Kooperation mit dem weltweit führenden Hersteller von intelligenten Sensoren und Sensorlösungen Sick AG, wurde die Aufgabenstellung sehr praxisorientiert analysiert und bearbeitet. Um die Optimierungspotentiale von der Stammdatenanlage bis hin zur Inaktivierung zu analysieren, wurde mit den verschiedenen und zuständigen Abteilungen zusammengearbeitet. Auf Basis dieser Prozessanalyse, stellten sich nun Vorschläge zur Optimierung der Prozessabläufe dar. Ziel dieser Prozessanalyse ist, Arbeitsprozesse zu vereinfachen, Fehler und Kosten für den jeweiligen Arbeitsschritt zu vermeiden bzw. zu verringern.
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit gibt eine Übersicht über die Gründe, Chancen, Risiken und den potentiellen Mehrwert des Mehrkanalvertriebs in der 3D Druck- und Scanindustrie. Dabei wurden die aktuellen Vertriebsstrategien einiger Hersteller analysiert. Durch ein Experteninterview wurde ein theoretisches Modell des Mehrkanalvertriebs für Shining3D entwickelt und untersucht. Mit Hilfe einer SWOT-Analyse wurden die aktuellen Schwächen ermittelt und der Mehrwert des Mehrkanalvertriebs, im Vergleich zum aktuellen Vertriebssystem, genau beschrieben. Die Ergebnisse der theoretischen Untersuchung zeigen, dass der Mehrkanalvertrieb die Schwächen in einem Vertrieb minimieren oder eliminieren kann. Durch das Dazugewinnen des direkten Vertriebs kann der Hersteller näher am Markt agieren und sich besser um zukünftige Innovationen und deren Einführung kümmern. Der Mehrkanalvertrieb verbessert durch das Erreichen neuer Kanäle nicht nur die Wirtschaftlichkeit, sondern bietet auch ein Risikoausgleich durch Bildung eines Absatzkanalportfolios. Sollte ein Kanal schwächeln, so kann er durch die anderen aufgefangen werden. Abschließend werden mögliche Konfliktfelder analysiert und Lösungsansätze für deren Beseitigung beschreiben.
Durch eine gesunkene Wertschöpfungstiefe und schlankes Lagern entsteht eine gewisse Abhängigkeit produzierender Unternehmen von ihren Lieferanten. Daraus ergibt sich im Falle einer Engpasssituation ein erhöhtes Risiko für alle Beteiligten. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Auswirkungen einer Verknappung am Beispiel der DBK EMS GmbH & Co. KG zu erörtern und Maßnahmen zu entwickeln, die das Unternehmen künftig vor der Problemsituation bewahren oder deren Folgen eindämmen.
Die betrieblichen Auswirkungen eines Versorgungsrisikos werden abteilungsspezifisch analysiert und dargestellt. Hierzu werden verschiedene Kennzahlen, Prozesse und Kalkulationen einem Soll/Ist-Vergleich unterzogen.
Anhand der Ergebnisse werden Maßnahmen konzipiert die eine Verknappung mithilfe eines Tools zur Früherkennung verhindern sollen. Zusätzlich wird ein Leitfaden erstellt der die strukturierte Erarbeitung eines Lösungsplanes beim Eintreten einer Verknappung erleichtern soll.
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit beschreibt die Einführung der Kollaborationsplattform Microsoft SharePoint im Projekteinkauf der Firma Marquardt. Das Ziel ist es auf dieser Plattform alle Projekteinkäufer, die teilweise in unterschiedlichen Ländern bzw. Kontinenten arbeiten, zu vernetzen. Ein besonderes Augenmerk wird dabei auf die Arbeit mit Projekten gelegt. Es sollen in dieser Abschlussarbeit gemeinsame Standards bei der täglichen Arbeit mit Projekten geschaffen werden.
Die Bachelorthesis wird in einen theoretischen Teil und einen praktischen Teil aufgeteilt. Mit Hilfe des theoretischen Teils sollen wesentliche Grundlagen für das Verständnis der praktischen Arbeit aufgezeigt werden. Die praktische Arbeit dieser Abschlussarbeit dokumentiert die Vorgehensweise sowohl bei der Erstellung als auch bei der Implementierung der globalen Kollaborationsplattform Microsoft SharePoint. Ebenfalls umfasst sie eine Analyse des Mehrwerts durch den selbst erstellten, virtuellen Raum sowie eine Kritik der derzeitigen Funktionsweise SharePoints im Projekteinkauf Marquardts.
Products and services do not have infinite lives. At some point, objects are not accepted by consumers anymore.
In order to hold up to ever increasing competition, many companies aim to introduce innovative technologies and products in ever decreasing intervals. However, companies cannot possess an infinite number of products in their product portfolio. Therefore, old products need to be eliminated to release capacity for newer ones. However, for many companies, phasing-out products does not count to core competencies and is perceived as unattractive. It is a common belief that only new product introductions have direct influence on turnover and profitability of a company. So at first, it seems reasonable to invest more resources in products that aim to make profits in the future rather than spending on outdated products. However, uncoordinated product phase-outs can as well have major negative impacts on the overall success of a company. Especially excess inventory and lack of communication during the whole process are seen as major issues. Literature conveys serious need of action concerning the subject.
The primary aim of this thesis is the evaluation and elaboration of the current state of the phase-out process of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, detect weaknesses and improvement potentials, and give improvement recommendations. These improvement recommendations aim to eliminate the detected weaknesses and realize unused potential.
The weaknesses and potentials are identified through face-to-face and telephone/Skype interviews and workshops. These interviews and workshops are conducted with a sample of employees from different departments, who are involved in the process.
Diese Bachelor Thesis befasst sich mit dem Prozess der Erstellung von Absatzprognosen für den Vertriebskanal Original Equipment Services des Automotive Aftermarkets der Robert Bosch GmbH in der Vertriebsregion Europa.
Die Bedarfsplanung im Ersatzteilmarkt ist durch zwei unternehmerische Ziele geprägt, die nur schwer zu vereinen sind: Die Erreichung eines optimalen Service Levels und die Reduzierung der Bestandskosten auf ein Minimum. Um diesen beiden Zielen gerecht zu werden und dem Kunden die benötigen Ersatzteile so schnell wie möglich zur Verfügung stellen zu können, werden Prognosen eingesetzt. Es gibt verschiedene Prognoseverfahren, die alle dazu dienen die zukünftigen Absatzmengen so genau wie möglich vorherzusagen.
Anhand von Interviews, Schulungsunterlagen, internen Dokumenten sowie Kennzahlen wird der Zustand des Prognoseprozesses ermittelt. Durch die Ist-Analyse sowie die Durchführung eines internen Benchmarkings mit zwei weiteren Vertriebskanälen, werden Optimierungspotentiale am derzeitigen Prognoseprozess aufgedeckt und erläutert. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es auf Basis der gewonnenen Erkenntnisse einen standardisierten und optimierten Prognoseprozess zu ermitteln, der zu einer Verbesserung der Planungsgüte, der Kundenzufriedenheit und der Bestandssituation führt.
Business-to-business services make up an increasing share of the total economy. Due to growing specialization companies are more and more outsourcing non-core services. The aim of this thesis is to examine the market trends, the competitive landscape and success factors for proving IT supply chain services.
IT supply chain services are service provisions that encompass the procurement of equipment, the staging and personalization, as well as the logistics of end-user devices. This thesis explores the business case of Computacenter, a European IT-service provider. Given the complexity of IT supply chain service provisions and the distinct characteristics of services, major contracts in this area are examined in order to derive good and best practices. Two research questions are addressed. The first one examines how Computacenter performs against major trends in the IT service market by reflecting customer demand and competitors’ strategies. The second research questions aims at identifying in which areas and how Computacenter could improve the delivery of its IT supply chain services.
The applied research methods include secondary data, such as competitors’ websites or industry reports, primary data like surveys or observation, as well as descriptive and comparative methods. The research is divided into three sections. First, the theoretical fundamentals of IT service management and the Service Supply Chain Management are outlined, focusing on reference models and methods used by the respective company. Second, the company itself and the market environment including competition and customer aspects are examined. Third, an empirical study conducted in the form of a survey on selected projects assesses Computacenter’s best practices. In the final part of this thesis practical recommendations are given including all investigated aspects.
This bachelor thesis focusses on the elaboration of a list of requirements for external warehousing including IT services (installation, repair and disposal) in the direct proximity of key customers of Bechtle.
In order to consider all relevant aspects, five affiliates of Bechtle AG based in Germany have been taken into account. Different scientific approaches have been used for the current state analysis and the elaboration of the list of requirements. The product of this thesis is a decision template for Bechtle Logistik & Service GmbH Management whether the concept is to be developed further, or if the approach of a standardized concept contradicts the company’s character. In any case, the taken decision will have significant impact on the company’s strategy as it will send clear signals to all stakeholders. Under the consideration of all findings a recommendation for action is presented.
Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit gibt praktische Übungsvorschläge zum Thema Lean Production. Dabei werden zu den Bereichen Wertstrom, Standard, Wertstromanalyse, Wertstromdesign und Rüsten jeweils eine praktische Übung vorgestellt, das Ergebnis erläutert und die Relevanz für Studenten und die Industrie analysiert. Die Übungen simulieren reale Abläufe und Situationen, wie zum Beispiel durch eine Produktionsnachbildung mit einfachsten Mitteln in Form von Legosteinen. Ziel ist es, fertige Trainingsmodule zur Anwendungen in Workshops oder Vorlesungen für Lehrende bereitzustellen. Auf spielerische Art und Weise werden theoretische Inhalte vermittelt und können zu schnellerem Festigen und Verstehen der Theorie beitragen. Die Übungsteilnehmer erarbeiten sich eigenständig Lösungsvorschläge in allen oben genannten Bereichen zum Thema Lean Production.
The importance of lean management in indirect areas has drastically increased in recent years, as it allows companies to remain competitive. At Bosch Gasoline Systems, lean management has been practiced in indirect areas for some two years now, but the project team responsible still attempts to improve tools and processes wherever possible.
This bachelor’s thesis therefore provides an overview of the possible improvements that might be made to the Lean Management System (LMS) in order to facilitate its introduction in the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the US, Japan and Korea.
After an extensive literature review, an “ideal” lean culture profile is developed, which is then compared to the cultural profiles of the countries of interest. The basis of the “ideal” lean culture profile is derived from the study of Liker (2014) and Zollondz (2013) where they present 14 lean principles and then the significance of these principles is analysed using Hofstede’s cultural model.
Thereafter, interviews are conducted with experts from the lean team as well as with locals from the various countries of interest in order to find out about the cultural differences between the countries of interest and Germany, as well as to find out about the applicability of the current version of the lean management system in these countries.
Since there are differences between the developed “ideal” lean culture profile and those of the other countries discussed in this thesis, these differences are then analysed. The conclusions drawn, which are also supported by statements from the interviewees, are used to derive countermeasures and possible ideas for facilitating the introduction of the LMS abroad.
In the conclusion, limitations and further research questions are discussed.
This bachelor thesis aims at pointing out the importance of sustainability in the apparel industry. Furthermore it contains tools which help companies to implement, improve and monitor social and ecological behaviour within the supply chain of the apparel industry.
The three tools examined are the following:
- conducting audits at the suppliers’ production facilities, - obtaining certifications and - recycling of used textiles.
They mainly refer to improving the suppliers’ ability to act in a sustainable way. The third tool, recycling, aims at building a cycle of resources. After a theoretical presentation, the companies Hess Natur Textilien GmbH and Hennes & Mauritz AG are analysed regarding to their sustainability strategies in their supply chains. Hessnatur is seen as pioneer in the market for natural textiles and H&M is offering low-price clothing.
The results show, that the apparel industry is highly affected by unsustainable behaviour. Manufacturing clothes is labour-intensive, it is consuming many resources and therefore has consequences for people and the environment.
Audits and certification proved to be important tools for implementing sustainability in supply chains. Both companies use them, but they have different approaches. The idea of sustainability is characteristic for the whole business policy of Hessnatur, while H&M added this concept to its existing policy some years ago. Due to those different starting points, Hessnatur was able to build closer relationships with their suppliers than H&M. To sum up, there is not one perfect strategy for sustainability, but every company has to engage in increasing sustainability within the supply chain according to individual circumstances and to the firm’s individual character.
Die immer schneller werdende Bekleidungsindustrie verlangt von Modeunternehmen eine sehr hohe Flexibilität und schnelle Reaktionszeiten auf neue Trends. Dies setzt eine reibungslose Lieferkette in allen Bereichen voraus. Die hier fokussierte Warenbereitstellung mit Zutaten für die Konfektionsbetriebe bildet einen wichtigen Bereich dieser Lieferkette. Folglich wird untersucht welche Voraussetzungen und Vorbereitungen getroffen werden müssen um den Materialfluss im Zutatenlager der Marc Cain GmbH anhand eines automatisierten Kleinteilelagers zu optimieren. Nachdem eine theoretische Vertiefung in den Fachbereich der Logistik und explizit in die Lagerhaltung und Kommissionierung durchgeführt wurde, konnten anhand einer Wertstromanalyse Optimierungspotenziale für das Zutatenlager ermittelt werden, welche folglich die Einführung eines automatisierten Kleinteilelagers als Ergebnis hatte. Mit einer Nutzwertanalyse konnten in Zusammenarbeit mit unterschiedlichen Lagersystemherstellern verschiedene automatische Lagersysteme verglichen und abgegrenzt werden. Als Ergebnis stellte sich das AutoStore System als geeignetes Lagersystem heraus. Durch die Einblicke in alle gängigen automatischen Lagersysteme werden sowohl klare Grenzen der Systeme als auch unterschiedliche Kriterien für die Lagersystembewertung dargestellt. Das AutoStore System der Firma Hatteland bietet demnach die besten Voraussetzungen für eine optimierte Lagerlösung im Zutatenlager der Marc Cain GmbH. Die Voraussetzungen und Vorbereitungen sowie der finanzielle Aspekt der Amortisationszeit, wurden dementsprechend am AutoStore Lagersystem analysiert. Daraus resultieren sowohl einige prozessorientierte als auch technische Anpassungen die für eine Implementierung erforderlich sind.
The assembly process of the coverings of side members is the most defective process at the Plant Consolidation Center in Malsch. The difficulty is the high level of variance, the manual process control and that the components do not have a barcode. Since the labelling with a barcode is out of the question, an innovative process assurance for non system-based components by an automated photo documentation and photo plausibility should be found. The following specific questions have been posed:
1. What are the main sources of error in this process?
2. What innovative possibilities do exist to eliminate these main sources of error?
3. Is the installation of a process assurance technologically possible and economically efficient?
The main sources of error have been identified by an error analysis. These are: Taking out the right colour and variation of the coverings of side members, the assembly of the right or no trim and the right positioning of the components in the carrier of charge. The study concluded that the necessary functions of the innovative process assurance are the recognition of the colour and variation of the coverings of side members and the verification of their positions in the carrier of charge. To find out what innovative possibilities for a new process assurance do exist, the logistics trade fair „Motek“ has been visited and 13 providers has been invited to a viewing appointment. In practice, only one inspection system has achieved reliable process results. In order to that only one out of 13 providers submitted an offer. Since the payback and implementation period exceeds the contract period with the Daimler plant in Rastatt, it is not possible to generate savings within this time period. For that reason, the recommended course of action of this study is that fort he company the inspection system is only economically efficient in case of a contract extension.
This thesis is concerned with the analysis and the improvement design of the Disposal Structure Optimization Process (DSOP) which is used by Global Flow GmbH (GF) within the waste consulting services conducted for its clients. The study is elaborated on behalf of GF that desires formalizing its procedure in order to identify deficiencies and yet unrecognized potentials to be leveraged. Thus, a process analysis according to Harrington was applied to the DSOP, in which the process was first documented through description and visualization and then evaluated in order to eventually come up with suggestions for improvement. The process-related data was drawn from interviews with GF management and evaluated from the author’s perspective. The subsequent design of an advanced DSOP was based on the previous evaluation and focused on the enhancement of the process’ value creation by providing improvement measures concerning knowledge-creation for customers, work organization for consultants and decision-making support for management. Hence, four measures were elaborated for purposeful process improvement and designed into the advanced process model: knowledge management, software support, performance measurement and a process infrastructure of standardized information flows. If implemented, the advanced process could enhance GF’s performance and support proactive consideration of strategic stakes.
Quality Management has attained top priority in many sectors, notably in the airspace industry. A thereby integrated mechanism to ensure the containment and correction of production errors should include a consistent and effective tracking system to maximise business process efficiency on the internal as well as overall company level.
The A350 Doors Program of Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH has identified the need for an improvement project to augment the quality of the associated summary report in terms of time, money and scope. This research aims to document as well as evaluate the effectiveness of this optimisation through the measurement of key indicators.
Through the application of various project and business process management tools this research measures the consumption of financial and time resources as well as the change in the quality of the reported outcome. Thereby it found that the optimisation achieved a radical reduction in scope of the document, thus limiting the amount of time and financial resources consumed. Similarly, previous tracking errors were corrected and the procedure altered, increasing the decision-making quality of the content. These results and their attainment process are to be considered for future company internal optimisation projects.
Global Sourcing - ,,von der Theorie in die Praxis'' - Analyse alternativer Beschaffungsmärkte
(2015)
Steigender Wettbewerbsdruck im Zuge der Globalisierung zwingt Unternehmen dazu, sich noch stärker von der Konkurrenz abzuheben. Wesentlicher Erfolgsfaktor ist neben dem Absatz innovativer Produkte auch zunehmend die Beschaffung der erforderlichen Komponenten zur Herstellung dieser Produkte. In diesem Zusammenhang hat sich in den letzten Jahren der Begriff Global Sourcing in der Beschaffungsabteilung von Unternehmen etabliert. Dabei geht es um die Ausweitung der Beschaffungsaktivitäten auf weltweite Anbietermärkte. Andere Länder können durch unterschiedliche Bedingungen bestimmte Produkte zu besseren Konditionen anbieten als der Heimatmarkt. Um von diesen Vorteilen profitieren zu können muss überprüft werden, ob Alternativen auf internationalen Märkten bestehen und ob diese nachhaltig genutzt werden können. Der Inhalt der vorliegenden Bachelor-Thesis stellt die Analyse internationaler Beschaffungsmärkte dar. Das Unternehmen ARBURG GmbH + Co KG hat diese Potenziale erkannt und ist bestrebt, diese weiter voranzutreiben. Das Ergebnis dieser Arbeit liefert neue Erkenntnisse bezüglich internationaler Lieferantensuche, - bewertung und -auswahl. Dabei wurde überprüft, ob für bestimmte Produktgruppen alternative Lieferanten identifiziert werden können, die ihre Produkte zu besseren Konditionen als bisherige Lieferanten anbieten. Die Ergebnisse wurden als erfolgsversprechend eingestuft, lassen Schlüsse für weitere Beschaffungsaktivitäten zu und können in eine ganzheitliche Strategieableitung des Unternehmens integriert werden. Ausgewählte Methoden und Konzepte wurden dabei angewendet, um eine nachvollziehbare und zukünftig anwendbare Vorgehensweise zu etablieren.
Change management is a very diverse subject which can be found and applied in every department of a big company. One area, where it often could be found is Business Process Management (BPM). BPM links the company’s goals, and also eases the day-to-day workload of the people, and increases the performance of the company by implementing technologies. These technologies range from something really simple to really big-scaled, e.g. a new operational platform. However, when something like that is undertaken change management methodology has to be applied. Since BPM is implementing a new technology in that field, change management methodology has to be applied, IT change management. The theoretical part of this research paper identifies the possible IT change management model. Examples mentioned include BPR, STS and PROGRESS that could be applied in a big scale project. This is the first set of challenges that has to be resolved. The second set of challenges that was identified is namely what role the IT consultant is going to assume - an Expert role, Pair of Hands role or a Collaborative role. Thirdly, it has be seen in theory what are the pre-requests for an IT change management project or a possible check list that has to be taken into account when undergoing an IT change project. The second part of the paper evaluates how the challenges, identified in the theoretical part, are observed in practice. In particular, if they have been experienced in the past or also after Platform B was being implemented in Organization A. The information provided in this research paper is based on primary research with seven interviews of people from Organization A, one survey amongst a particular group in Organization A, and secondary research incorporates literature review on relevant points and also corporate documents of Organization A.
Die Hochschule Furtwangen University sieht für das 7. Semester des Studiengangs International Engineering anlässlich des Abschlusses des Bachelor of Science eine Anfertigung einer wissenschaftlichen Arbeit durch den Studenten vor. Dabei soll der Student mit dem Erlernten aus der Technik und der Wirtschaft während der gesamten Studienphase in einer Thematik mögliche Problemstellungen und relevante Lösungsansätze erkennen und ausarbeiten. Know-how-Transfer ist in der heutigen Welt ein wesentlicher Bestandteil für jedes Unternehmen auf internationaler Ebene. Kooperationen mit ausländischen Partnern, aber auch firmeninterne Expansionen ins Ausland sind der Schlüssel zur Unternehmensstabilisierung. Dabei gelten als Voraussetzung für eine erfolgreiche Transferrealisierung die sprachlichen Kenntnisse und kulturelles Verständnis des jeweiligen Landes. Student Yang Yu hat sich dieser Thematik in seiner Abschlussarbeit "Pad Clip - Know-how-Transfer im Rahmen eines Produktverlagerungsprozesses am Beispiel der Baumann GmbH" gewidmet. Dabei konnte er den kompletten Projektverlauf in einem deutschen Unternehmen, von der Materialbeschaffung bis hin zum Transferprozess nach China begleiten. Die dabei entstandene Problematik wurde analysiert und optimiert. Die herausgearbeiteten Optimierungsvorschläge können zukünftig für deutsche Berufstätige in China als Leitfaden zur Orientierung dienen.
Der steigende Kosten- und Wettbewerbsdruck stellt Unternehmen immer wieder vor neue Herausforderungen bei der Entwicklung und Gestaltung von Produkten. Die Ausweitung der Lean-Philosophie auf die Produktentwicklung bietet ein enormes Potenzial, um in der Produktion anfallende Verschwendung bereits während der Entwicklung zu reduzieren. In dieser wissenschaftlichen Arbeit wird ein Modell entwickelt, durch welches der Wirkzusammenhang zwischen einzelnen Produktgestaltungsrichtlinien und die in der Produktion anfallende Verschwendung bewertet werden kann. Der Fokus dieser Bewertung liegt vor Allem auf den Ursachen, die zu Verschwendung führen.
Shopping-trolleys being available, in working order and ready to use are the three decisive characteristics of successful shopping-trolley-management and accordingly concern the functional areas procurement, maintenance, cleaning (and ultimately disposal). This bachelor-thesis has been written in cooperation with Kaufland and describes the processes and costs of the shopping-trolley-management of Kaufland in the above named areas. Kaufland is a trading firm, which has been founded in Germany, has business operations in Central- and Eastern-Europe and is known especially for its self-service-stores named „Kaufland“. In these stores, with a retail area between 2000-12.000 m², customers can choose from a product range of up to 60.000 goods of the food- and non-food-area. The strategic coordination of the shopping-trolley-management is located in the department Branch-Equipment of the functional area Procurement International, which is responsible for product development, purchasing and standardization of the objects used to equip a store. The thesis is divided into two parts: At first the processes and costs of the shopping-trolley-management of Kaufland in Germany and in the KMO-countries (Kaufland Central- and Eastern-Europe) are presented. To record the processes and costs, face-to-face- and telephone-interviews were conducted and data were gathered in inquiry forms by mail. The results can be reviewed in written process descriptions and the completed inquiry forms. This section of the thesis is based on the theories of life-cycle-costing and concludes with a presentation of the „Best Practices“ of processes and the calculation of the life-cycle-costs of the Kaufland shopping-trolley-stock. The life-cycle-costs are calculated in the form of nominal- and present-values (discounted-values) taking into account the most important life cycle phases (procurement, maintenance, cleaning and disposal).
Next a leasing- and service-offer for the Kaufland shopping-trolley-stock, created by the Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH in cooperation with the Deutschen Leasing, is presented. The leasing part is viewed as an alternative to the current way of procuring shopping-trolleys, the service part is compared with the current service-processes and -costs of the shopping-trolleys. This section of the thesis is based on the leasing-, procurement-theory and economic efficiency calculations and concludes with an assessment of the given offer as well as a compilation and assessment of possible leasing-contract-alternatives. The used and given information originate from the literature reviewed, face-to-face- and telephone-interviews with the contact persons at the Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH and the Deutschen Leasing. The results show that the given leasing- and service-offer is not connected to process improvements and cost savings by Kaufland and should not be accepted, however the application of the described „Best Practices“ in all countries as well as the development of a new, flexible leasing-offer, taking into account the information about processes and costs obtained in this thesis, might very well be economically favorable.