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A step-by-step guide to assist logistics managers in defining efficient re-shelving solutions for retail store deliveries

Guillem Sanz (Bebitus, Barcelona, Spain)
Rafael Pastor (Industrial Engineering and Logistics Group, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech, Barcelona, Spain)
Bruno Domenech (Industrial Engineering and Logistics Group, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech, Barcelona, Spain)

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

ISSN: 0960-0035

Article publication date: 2 July 2018

Issue publication date: 27 September 2018

688

Abstract

Purpose

City logistics is a challenge in many cities. Literature works focus on the analysis of large or local-scale solutions to increase the efficiency of freight transport. However, store deliveries from the perspective of practitioners, particularly retail stores, are still an issue. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to propose a decision framework to assist logistics managers in defining efficient re-shelving solutions for store deliveries, according to the emplacement characteristics, city administration constraints and social issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An iterative step-by-step decision framework is developed, which allows taking decisions in a clear and structured way, including the preferences of key stakeholders. Moreover, a “what if” procedure is proposed, aiming to modify some initial conditions of the target store to achieve more efficient solutions.

Findings

The proposed decision framework is applicable in practice and helps users (mainly logistics managers) to identify solutions for efficient re-shelving in urban settings.

Research limitations/implications

The decision framework is applied by the logistics manager of two Spanish food retail stores, but it could be used in different logistics sectors and cities/regions, although adapting the decisions taken at each phase.

Practical implications

Logistics managers have a support tool when addressing re-shelving solutions for store deliveries.

Social implications

A balance can be found between company interests (minimise costs) and citizens quality of life (less contamination, noise, traffic, etc.).

Originality/value

This study simultaneously deals with large- and local-scale decisions faced by logistics managers in their day-to-day activity, considering details about the store location, its surroundings and the company it belongs.

Keywords

Citation

Sanz, G., Pastor, R. and Domenech, B. (2018), "A step-by-step guide to assist logistics managers in defining efficient re-shelving solutions for retail store deliveries", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 48 No. 9, pp. 952-972. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-09-2017-0286

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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