Operations System And Brand Within A Specific Industry

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Choose a specific operations system and brand within a specific industry (Retail and Walmart)

1) Describe all the main processes and activities of this operations system. Identify the nature of these processes and draw a flowchart of these processes indicating all the main activities, processes and resources involved

2) Describe the lay-out or the physical space distribution of all these processes, tasks and inputs within the operations system and identify which typology of lay-out it is as well as its weaknesses

3) Calculate different ratios of productivity of this operations system that measure the efficiency of this system and identify the main drivers or factors that determine the performance of this system

4) Propose different measures and actions to take to enhance the productivity and the quality of this system. Justify your answer

 

Sample Solution

Main Processes and Activities

Walmart’s operations system is complex and involves a wide range of processes and activities. Some of the main processes and activities include:

  • Sourcing and procurement: Walmart sources and procures goods from a global network of suppliers. The company has a sophisticated supply chain management system that helps to ensure that goods are delivered to stores on time and at a competitive price.
  • Warehousing and distribution: Walmart operates a network of distribution centers that distribute goods to stores throughout the United States and around the world. The company’s distribution centers are highly efficient and use state-of-the-art technology to pick, pack, and ship goods quickly and accurately.
  • Store operations: Walmart’s stores are the heart of its operations system. Stores are responsible for receiving and stocking goods, merchandising shelves, providing customer service, and processing payments.
  • Information technology (IT): IT plays a vital role in Walmart’s operations system. The company uses IT to manage its supply chain, inventory, sales, and other key business processes.

Flowchart of Processes

The following flowchart provides a simplified overview of Walmart’s operations system:

[Start]

-> Sourcing and procurement

-> Warehousing and distribution

-> Store operations

-> IT

-> [End]

Nature of Processes

The processes involved in Walmart’s operations system are all interrelated and interdependent. For example, the sourcing and procurement process must be coordinated with the warehousing and distribution process to ensure that goods are delivered to stores on time. The store operations process must be coordinated with the IT process to ensure that accurate sales data is captured and analyzed.

Layout of Processes, Tasks, and Inputs

Walmart’s stores are typically laid out in a grid pattern, with aisles running perpendicular to each other. Each aisle is dedicated to a specific type of product, such as groceries, electronics, or clothing. The store’s layout is designed to make it easy for customers to find the products they are looking for.

The layout of Walmart’s distribution centers is more complex. Distribution centers are typically divided into different zones, such as a receiving zone, a picking zone, a packing zone, and a shipping zone. Goods are received in the receiving zone and then moved to the picking zone, where they are picked and packed for shipment to stores. The packed goods are then moved to the shipping zone, where they are loaded onto trucks and shipped to stores.

Typology of Layout

Walmart’s store layout is a type of product layout. In a product layout, products are grouped together by type. This type of layout is often used in retail stores because it makes it easy for customers to find the products they are looking for.

Walmart’s distribution center layout is a type of process layout. In a process layout, equipment and workstations are arranged in the order that the product flows through the production process. This type of layout is often used in manufacturing facilities because it is efficient and reduces the amount of time and effort required to produce goods.

Weaknesses of Layout

One of the weaknesses of Walmart’s store layout is that it can be difficult for customers to navigate. The store’s large size and wide aisles can be overwhelming for some customers. Additionally, the store’s layout can change frequently as new products are added and existing products are moved.

One of the weaknesses of Walmart’s distribution center layout is that it can be inefficient if the product flow is not well-designed. Additionally, the layout can be difficult to change if the company’s product mix changes.

Conclusion

Walmart’s operations system is complex and involves a wide range of processes and activities. The company’s store and distribution center layouts are designed to be efficient and to make it easy for customers to find the products they are looking for. However, both layouts have some weaknesses that the company must be aware of.

 

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