Abstract:
DHL Supply Chain is a logistics company with various specialities. One of these specialities
is in the manufacturing automotive sector. Ford Motor Company South Africa is one of
the manufacturing companies making use of the DHL Supply Chain logistical expertise.
DHL Supply Chain managers have identi ed areas needing improvement within the Ford
Motor Company South Africa waste supply chain. This supply chain is divided into two
processes in this report - the rst process being the recyclable waste supply chain process
and the second the returnable TrenStar bin waste supply chain process.
The packaging waste restricts the
ow of the assembly process and any other movement
in the facility. There is a need to improve the
ow of the waste materials through the
facility as well as to ensure that the waste is not on the
oor for extended periods of
time. Managing the waste currently requires more resources than necessary. The aim of
this project is therefore to optimize the
ow of the packaging waste materials through the
facility to save resources and increase space.
Each process was individually analysed using process
ow mapping, and the prob-
lematic process steps identi ed. Using the 5W1H method, the root causes of the problem
areas were pinpointed. The problem areas as well as the root causes were used to establish
possible solutions.
In the literature review, industrial engineering areas such as quantifying measure-
ments, material handling, supplier relationships and 5s were researched. Each engineering
area has relevant techniques and tools to establish solutions for the identi ed problems.
These techniques and tools were used to develop a research approach which was followed
throughout the solution determination process.
A quanti cation model was developed to quantify the waste generation amount. From
there the material
ow solutions with regards to the facility layout and material handling
equipment were narrowed down. Possible solutions for each problematic process step
were constructed within the chosen sections. The solutions were categorized according to
the industrial engineering areas and the techniques used to establish the solution. The
solutions were then compared to determine the optimal interim corrective actions as well
as the permanent corrective actions.
Ten corrective actions have been recommended in the conclusion to expedite the
ow
of the waste materials through the facility as well as to decrease the resources required
to handle the waste materials. The recommendations would also decrease the time waste
packaging materials would spend obstructing horizontal space.
