Retail Logistic System: A Case Study of a Building Material Enterprise in Itabuna BA Brazil

Abstract

Current research was based on the project by BITEC Program, 2009, a joint venture organized by the Institute Euvaldo Lodi, SENAI, SEBRAE and CNPq. An optimization plan in logistics system was developed for a retail building material company at Itabuna BA, Brazil, to achieve quick and high impact on customers’ perception. Understanding the company´s logistics activities and knowledge of its main management techniques applicable to the context described were required to detect any delays or improvement factors in the company's logistics system. A qualitative and descriptive research was undertaken with the following technical procedures: bibliographic and documentary research and survey and active research. The latter comprised an administrative investigation. The mapping of logistics activities revealed that the company has two warehouses, two delivery trucks but lacked a formal routing plan. A routing and scheduling formal delivery plan was thus developed. Results show that planning decisions contributed towards the development of competitive advantages which were immediately noticed by the customers.