Facilities Layout

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LOG 302

Module 4 – Case

Facilities Layout

Case Assignment

Warehouses of the Future

Read the Required articles as specified in the Background Page.

Then answer the questions below in a 3-4 page paper:

1.    What are the major design issues that should be considered in building a warehouse and/or distribution center that will accommodate future trends in logistics?

2.    Discuss why it is important to consider the location of the warehouse network in the design of warehousing and distribution center facilities?

3.    Are the changes Kroger implemented in its grocery distribution system compatible with design layouts that attempt to optimize technological convergence, material flow, and automation? (Explain)

Submit your assignment for grading by the end of this module.

Assignment Expectations

Demonstrating an understanding of the roles of technology, location, and facility layout play in supporting an effective logistics management effort is the major expectation for the fourth module case study assignment. It is expected that the paper demonstrate critical thinking skills, depth of understanding of key concepts, and logic in evaluating, synthesizing, and integrating recent innovations in automation and information technology when applied to the optimal design and layout of facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

Module 4 – Background   (CASE)

Facilities Layout

The following information will give you a good overview of the importance facility layout and design play in contemporary warehousing and distribution centers.

Use the following process to find and review the articles below in ProQuest:

Required Materials

Harrington, Lisa, (2007 May) Designing the Perfect Warehouse, Inboundlogistics.com, retreived May 4, 2012. NOTE this is a direct link to the article on the Internet.

Abstract:

Designing the perfect warehouse is an area where even angels can fear to tread. The devil is in managing myriad details, complicated by the fact that a design made in heaven is never the same for any two facilities-even within the same organization. While the process is exhaustively detail-laden, fortunately it can be broken down into two phases – location and design – and managed by a team hand-picked to address pertinent issues. Here’s a sinfully in-depth look.

Bob Trebilcock, (2008, Jan) The Multi-Modal Warehouse, Modern Materials Handling (Warehousing Management Edition) Boston: Vol. 63, Iss. 1, pg 40, 1 pgs.

Abstract:

Anyone who’s bought a cell phone lately understands the idea of convergence. Where we once made calls on a phone, listened to tunes on a portable disc player, snapped pictures with a camera, and surfed the Web on a laptop, we can now do it all on one device. Something similar is beginning to happen in the warehouse and DC. Bar codes no longer rule the day. End users now have a variety of technologies to choose from to execute the processes managed by a warehouse management system (WMS), including voice, RFID and camera-based imaging. For the most part, different devices and software interfaces are required to manage these technologies. But ADC technologies are beginning to converge onto one multi-modal device that can handle them all. Just as importantly, the next generation of WMS is being written to include core functionality to manage those technologies without middleware.

David Drickhamer, (2006, Feb) Changing Venue, Material Handling Management, Cleveland Vol. 61, Iss.2; pg 40, 3 pgs

Abstract:

For Denver-based ProLogis, a provider of distribution facilities and services that added 17 million-sq-ft of industrial space through the first nine months of last year, the average size of a new building six or seven years ago was around 150,000 sq ft. Today the average building size is 375,000 sq ft. The average clear height used to be around 28 ft. Now the average height ranges from 32 to 36 ft. Other new facility design trends include more parking for trailers, more dock doors, improved sprinkler systems, and better lighting and floors. As more manufacturing has moved overseas, companies are importing more products into ports on the east and west coasts. They need larger facilities to handle high volumes of product coming in by the container load. As the working height of facilities increases, flat floors become more important for rack stability and the accurate and safe operation of very-narrow-aisle configuration as well as for automated storage and retrieval systems. Market forces are expanding the four walls (and the ceiling) of new warehouses and distribution centers.

Chua, Sophia, (2007, Feb.) Warehousing: It’s All in the Design, Manufacturers Monthly, Sydney, pg. 60.

Abstract:

If companies don’t get these located properly from the start, they will have a less optimal warehouse (Andrew Newby).

Trebilcock, Bob (2009, May) Kroger Changes the Game, Modern Materials Handling (Warehousing Management Edition), Boston: Vol. 64, Iss. 5; pg 16.

Abstract:

For some leading grocers, those days are history. The same industry that led the way in the adoption of warehouse management and labor management systems, wireless bar code scanning and voice technology is now adopting automated materials handling in a big way. The Kroger Co is one of those industry leaders. About eight years ago, it began working with a systems integrator to create a new design to automate its grocery distribution centers. The end result was a system that can receive and putaway full pallets, then break them down and rebuild them into store-ready mixed pallets according to how they will be put away on the shelves in a store aisle. It all happens with almost no human intervention. In all, Kroger processes about 110,000 cases per day with a peak capacity of 160,000 cases in the first facility built with the new design in Arizona. The grocery industry, however, is incredibly competitive, operating on razor-thin margins. Any reductions in operating costs in warehousing, order fulfillment and transportation go right to the bottom line. For that reason, Kroger set out to re-engineer the way it distributes product to its stores, creating a distribution system for the 21st century.

Optional (Non-Required) Materials

While I am not requiring the following, I believe you will find them interesting and relevant to the case study and SLP assignments:

Anonymous, (2008, Mar. 24) Innovative Warehouse Design Concept Implemented by Wisconsin Generator Manufacturer, US Fed News Service, Including US State News, Washington

Abstract:

An innovative, alternative warehouse-design concept developed by a University of Arkansas researcher and his colleague at Auburn University has been implemented by a Wisconsin generator manufacturer. In its newly designed warehouse in Whitewater, Wis., Generac Power Systems built a non-traditional aisle and rack system based on concepts created by Russell Meller, professor of industrial engineering, and Kevin Gue, engineering professor at Auburn.’

Graham, D. D., (2003 September). Warehouse of the future. Aftermarket Business, Cleveland, Vol 113, Iss. 9, pg. 50

Abstract:

While lower priced RFID tags will significantly affect warehouse operation in the near future, [John Pulling] foresees a more phased introduction of RFID than some of the proponents of this technology. “The management of inbound and outbound inventory will be positively affected by the wider use of RFID because, with RFID tags, products identify themselves,” he says. “Not only will this make accounting for inventory much easier, it will substantially reduce operator error (in shipping and receiving)…

Cutler, Thomas R. (2007, Dec) Dynamic Warehousing, World Trade, Troy: Vol. 20, Iss. 12, pg. 63, 3pgs.

Abstract:

In today’s economy, distribution centers need to be more dynamic to meet the ever changing demands of the global economy. They must constantly re-invent themselves, whether it is simply expanding an existing footprint, adding new operational processes such as value added services, or finding better ways to fulfill orders quicker. The ability of a warehouse to be dynamic depends on the configurability and scalability of the warehouse control systems. Some solutions offer that the key to the optimization of material flow by warehouse automation is tracking key performance indicators such as the current and anticipated workloads at workstations in order to make key material routing decisions; inbound and outbound order tasks to make key material release decisions. Ultimately, finding methodologies and technology tools to implement powerful and accessible frameworks to reduce inventory levels, increase productivity, and process flow are most critical. A demand driven supply chain is best characterized by a cost-effective digital supply replenishment network.

 

 

nurs 6051 Week 6 discussion question

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Successful Implementation of Electronic Health Information Technology

Since the inception of the HITECH Act, health organizations have faced increased pressure to update their health information technology (HIT) resources. As discussed last week, many believe that the increased use of electronic health records and the quick and efficient communication afforded by HIT can lead to improved quality of patient care. Yet there are significant costs associated with implementing such systems. What can organizations do to ensure that the correct system is selected and that the system will be appropriate for those required to use it? Who should be involved in those decisions?

This week introduces the systems development life cycle and discusses how it can guide an organization through the complexities of adopting a new HIT system. In this Discussion, you are asked to consider the role of nurses in the SDLC process.

To prepare:

·        Review the steps of the systems development life cycle.

·        Think about your own organization, or one with which you are familiar, and the steps the organization goes through when purchasing and implementing a new HIT system.

·        Consider what a nurse could contribute to decisions made at each stage when planning for new health information technology. What might be the consequences of not involving nurses?

·        Reflect on your own experiences with your organization selecting and implementing new technology. As an end user, do you feel you had any input in the selection or and planning of the new HIT system?

Post on or before Day

1.      an analysis of the ramifications of an organization not involving nurses in each stage of the systems development life cycle (Feasibility, Analysis, Design, Implement, Test, & Maintain) when purchasing and implementing a new HIT system.

2.      Give specific examples of potential issues at each stage and how the inclusion of nurses could help avoid such issues.

3.      Use 2 course resources as references and 1 additional scholarly reference

 

Course Resources

·        McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2012). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.

o   Chapter 12, “Systems Development Life Cycle: NI and Organizational Decision Making”

This chapter explains the systems development life cycle and explores various methods of applying it. The chapter also examines the importance of interoperability in implementing HITECH.

o   Chapter 13, “Administrative Information Systems”

This chapter provides an overview of agency-based health information systems. The text also details how administrators can use core business systems in their practice.

·        Boswell, R. A. (2011). A physician group’s movement toward electronic health records: A case study using the transtheoretical model for organizational change. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 63(2), 138–148. 

·        Hsiao, J., Chang, H., & Chen, R. (2011).A study of factors affecting acceptance of hospital information systems: A nursing perspective. Journal of Nursing Research, 19(2), 150–160.

·        Kelley, T. F., Brandon, D. H., & Docherty, S. L. (2011). Electronic nursing documentation as a strategy to improve quality of patient care. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 43(2), 154–162. 

·        Nurse leaders discuss the nurse’s role in driving technology decisions. (2010). Virginia Nurses Today, 18(1), 8–9..

·        Page, D. (2011). Turning nurses into health IT superusers. Hospitals & Health Networks, 85(4), 27–28. 

·        Swab, J., & Ciotti, V. (2010). What to consider when purchasing an EHR system. hfm(Healthcare Financial Management), 64(5), 38–41. 

 

 

 

Planning for Data Collection

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Planning for Data Collection

Data collection is an important part of both quantitative and qualitative research. Although the actual approach to gathering information may vary, for either research design, researchers need to plan in advance how the data will be gathered, reported, and stored, and they need to ensure that their methods are both reliable and valid. As nurses review research when considering a new evidence-based practice, it is important to be familiar with sound collection practices in order to ascertain the credibility of the data presented.

Consider the following scenario:

Nurses and other health care professionals are often interested in assessing patient satisfaction with health care services. Imagine that you are a nurse working in a suburban primary care setting that serves 10,000 patients annually. Your organization is very interested in understanding the patient’s point of view to help determine areas of care that can be improved. With this focus in mind, consider how you would create a survey to assess patient satisfaction with the services your organization provides. You may wish to consider variables such as the ease of accessing care, patient wait time, friendliness of the staff, or the likelihood that a patient would recommend your organization to others.

For this Discussion, you generate questions and an overall plan for data collection that would be appropriate for a patient satisfaction survey in relation to the above scenario.

To prepare:

·         Consider the guidelines for generating questions presented in this week’s Learning Resources.

·         Review the scenario and formulate at least five questions that you could use to evaluate patient satisfaction.

·         Reflect on the different methods or instruments that can be used for gathering data described in Chapter 13 and Chapter 22 of the course text. Which methods or instruments would work well for the scenario?

·         Determine an appropriate sample size for the scenario.

Please answer these as your outline for my assignment:

1.   The questions that you created for gathering information about patient satisfaction based on the above scenario.

2.   Explain which method or instrument you would use to gather data.

3.    Describe the sample size appropriate for the population and how you would select participants.

4.    Provide a rationale for your choices, and explain how you can ensure high standard of reliability and validity.

All articles/references must be from the period of 2011 to 2016. Make 2-3 pages… Thank you.

*This is for Masters of Science in Nursing.

 

Required Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Readings

·         Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012).  Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

o    Chapter 12, “Sampling in Quantitative Research”

This chapter introduces key concepts concerning sampling in quantitative research. This includes such concepts as a description of populations, different types of sampling and their uses, and how to determine a manageable, yet sufficient number to be included in a sample. The chapter also includes suggestions for implementing a sampling plan.

o    Chapter 13, “Data Collection in Quantitative Research”

Once a sampling design is complete, the next step is to collect the data, and this is the focus of Chapter 13. The chapter describes how to develop a data collection plan, and provides information about the different types of instruments that can be used, such as structured observation and biophysiologic measures.

o    Chapter 21, “Sampling in Qualitative Research”

The focus of this chapter is on the sampling process in qualitative research. The chapter describes the different types of sampling and when they are commonly used. Sampling techniques in the three main qualitative traditions (ethnography, phenomenological studies and grounded theory studies) are highlighted.

o    Chapter 22, “Data Collection in Qualitative Research”

This chapter examines the process of data collection in qualitative research as well as key issues surrounding data collection. This includes such methods as self-reporting, surveys, interviews, and personal journal keeping. The chapter also highlights important considerations when utilizing unstructured observations to gather data and how to record field notes.

·         Keough, V. A., & Tanabe, P. (2011). Survey research: An effective design for conducting nursing research. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 1(4), 37–44.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This text emphasizes the advantages of survey research. The authors describe the nuances of survey research projects, including their design, methods, analysis, and limitations.

·         Walden University. (n.d.a). Paper templates. Retrieved July 23, 2012, fromhttp://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/57.htm

This website provides you access to the School of Nursing Sample Paper, which will serve as a template for formatting your papers.

Media

 

·         Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012b). Data collection. Baltimore, MD: Author.  

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.

Dr. Kristen Mauk discusses how she collected data for her DNP project in this video. She describes the details of her pre- and post-tests used to track nurses’ knowledge in a rehabilitation unit.