Production optimization for short shelf-life products

Abstract

We have been working with a UK dairy manufacturer on a two-year project which aims to understand and improve their forecasting and production planning systems. We employed Value Stream Mapping, identifying several issues, including: highly variable forecasts, inappropriate settings within production planning algorithm, and long production cycles. In implementation stage, we first piloted our recommendations on nine products. We were then given supervision of a complete factory with 55 products. We have seen significant improvement including improved fill-rate, reduced number of rush orders, reduction of obsolete stock. We are currently working on implementation for another factory that produces 400 products.

Publication
Quarterly Forecast Forum, Cardiff Business School, 12th April, Cardiff, UK