Utilização da ferramenta Milk Run em uma empresa do segmento automotivo

Abstract

This study aims to show how important it is for a company to improve its logistics management to reduce costs and gain competitive advantage within an increasingly demanding and complex market. A study case was carried out to investigate the use of the Milk Run system in an automaker that adopts the Just in Time philosophy and is aiming to develop scheduled collection of inputs as a means of continuous improvement in its logistics processes. With a view to assessing the effectiveness of a logistics management system, the Milk Run, this study compares the scenarios before and after the implementation of the system. Interviews and non-participant observation were carried out focusing on those subjects who were accountable for implementing the system in the automaker. The study explores the concepts of logistics, supply chain, partnerships, road transportation, inventories, logistics costs, Just in Time, Milk Run, and Production Planning and Control (PPC) as reported in the literature to contend for the importance of logistics management. The results point to the efficiency of the Milk Run system to improve the automakers logistics processes and thus ensure competitive advantage against competitors. However, the company has faced some challenges, particularly related to the need of instructing supplier, as the Just in Time philosophy requires systemic focus on the whole supply chain. A strategic alliance among those involved in the logistics process is crucial for a successful implementation of the Milk Run system, as the automaker now collects inputs in supplier and needs clear and objective information in the supply chain in order to avoid delays in input fabrication. The results show that the automaker implanted the Milk Run system because it is seen as an effective process to educate the supplier and therefore gain more control over the supply chain (with the support of information technology), reduce logistics costs, and promote excellence in catering for the clients needs.