Design of a centralized warehouse layout and operation flow for the automotive industry: A simulation approach

Nowadays, world dynamics and the competition between companies are becoming more aggressive, such as the automotive industry, so their industrial and business models need to be transformed as well to compete. More products with high complexity lead to an End to End Logistics model design, but the
implementation becomes tough and difficult. The main purpose of this project was to elevate the performance execution of the materials storage strategy, designing and simulating the operation flow of a centralized warehouse, in order to reduce missing critical materials and controlling the supply of the
materials at the assembly lines. The designed model is supported by lean techniques and warehouse design and management techniques, integrating different tools to identify non-value adding activities and, therefore, to design a lean material flow, distribution, and operation of the new flexible and integrated
storage center facility. The supply chain also become redesigned improving the KPI’s performance at the assembly lines. Previous lean manufacturing studies and its effects were mostly applied to production systems, whereas lean studies in warehouse are scarce. This document provides a substantial contribution
for the design of material supply systems using lean principles improving performance of the centralized storage operations and the supply to the shop floor according to the simulation results.