The Lean Advantage: Transforming E-Commerce Warehouse Operations for Competitive Success
This study investigates the transformation of e-commerce warehouse operations by integrating Lean Six Sigma tools to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Beginning with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to identify inefficiencies, followed by a Hoshin Kanri plan to align improvement initiatives with stra...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Logistics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/8/4/129 |
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| author | Mohammad Anwar Rahman E. Daniel Kirby |
| author_facet | Mohammad Anwar Rahman E. Daniel Kirby |
| author_sort | Mohammad Anwar Rahman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study investigates the transformation of e-commerce warehouse operations by integrating Lean Six Sigma tools to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Beginning with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to identify inefficiencies, followed by a Hoshin Kanri plan to align improvement initiatives with strategic objectives, the study implemented measures such as pallet pooling, process standardization, automation in inspection and picking, layout optimization, and Kanban systems for continuous improvement. A case study of a local e-commerce warehouse specializing in medical devices and healthcare products identified 29 activities across receiving, inspection, storing, picking, packing, and shipping, highlighting inefficiencies addressed through Lean-driven initiatives. These efforts resulted in a 23% reduction in total lead time, doubled value-added time, and significant improvements in inspection, picking, packing, and automation, reducing delays, lowering costs, and enhancing workflow. The study fills a gap in the literature by integrating multiple Lean tools and utilizing the Critical to Quality (CTQ) matrix to ensure sustainable improvements in e-commerce warehousing, emphasizing the strategic value of Lean Six Sigma in creating efficient, customer-focused operations. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-28c8d1349754413e9e52fe323b14d1de |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2305-6290 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Logistics |
| spelling | doaj-art-28c8d1349754413e9e52fe323b14d1de2025-08-20T03:28:28ZengMDPI AGLogistics2305-62902024-12-018412910.3390/logistics8040129The Lean Advantage: Transforming E-Commerce Warehouse Operations for Competitive SuccessMohammad Anwar Rahman0E. Daniel Kirby1Faculty of Manufacturing and Construction Management, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT 06050, USAFaculty of Manufacturing and Construction Management, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT 06050, USAThis study investigates the transformation of e-commerce warehouse operations by integrating Lean Six Sigma tools to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Beginning with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to identify inefficiencies, followed by a Hoshin Kanri plan to align improvement initiatives with strategic objectives, the study implemented measures such as pallet pooling, process standardization, automation in inspection and picking, layout optimization, and Kanban systems for continuous improvement. A case study of a local e-commerce warehouse specializing in medical devices and healthcare products identified 29 activities across receiving, inspection, storing, picking, packing, and shipping, highlighting inefficiencies addressed through Lean-driven initiatives. These efforts resulted in a 23% reduction in total lead time, doubled value-added time, and significant improvements in inspection, picking, packing, and automation, reducing delays, lowering costs, and enhancing workflow. The study fills a gap in the literature by integrating multiple Lean tools and utilizing the Critical to Quality (CTQ) matrix to ensure sustainable improvements in e-commerce warehousing, emphasizing the strategic value of Lean Six Sigma in creating efficient, customer-focused operations.https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/8/4/129Lean Six SigmaValue Stream MappingCritical to Qualityprocess standardization |
| spellingShingle | Mohammad Anwar Rahman E. Daniel Kirby The Lean Advantage: Transforming E-Commerce Warehouse Operations for Competitive Success Logistics Lean Six Sigma Value Stream Mapping Critical to Quality process standardization |
| title | The Lean Advantage: Transforming E-Commerce Warehouse Operations for Competitive Success |
| title_full | The Lean Advantage: Transforming E-Commerce Warehouse Operations for Competitive Success |
| title_fullStr | The Lean Advantage: Transforming E-Commerce Warehouse Operations for Competitive Success |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Lean Advantage: Transforming E-Commerce Warehouse Operations for Competitive Success |
| title_short | The Lean Advantage: Transforming E-Commerce Warehouse Operations for Competitive Success |
| title_sort | lean advantage transforming e commerce warehouse operations for competitive success |
| topic | Lean Six Sigma Value Stream Mapping Critical to Quality process standardization |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/8/4/129 |
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