Affärsnytta i användandet av simulering - En fallstudie av Holmen skog

Sammanfattning: Problem discussion: The process of paper production includes numerous steps from that a customer order is received to that a finished product is delivered to the customer. A desire exists at Holmen Paper to be able to ease and improve the complex operational methods through the use of computer-aided simulation. Based on the reasoning above the problem to solve in this master thesis is to resolve whether or not the use of computer-aided simulation is an appropriate tool for the Holmen organization, with a starting-point at Holmen Paper’s paper mill in Braviken: Within which area would the greatest profitability be able to be gained, by the use of a computer-aided simulation? How is the true business advantage proven from the use of a computer-aided simulation? Purpose: The purpose with this master thesis is to decide if, and in that case where, a computer-aided simulation can be used in the range between customer order to customer-deliverance at Holmen Paper to add value and/or minimize costs. Subsequently the main target can be described in the two parts: Clarify the business advantage by the use of computer-aided simulation in the Holmen Paper organization and with an intention to come more absorbed in a specific area. Through an implementation with a general character on the chosen area illustrate how a simulation-tool can be designed and from the outcome of that the contingent business advantage. Methodology: During the initial part of the project, regarding the walk through of the enterprise in Braviken, the writers used an explorative with elements of an explaining study-methodology; this was made to ensure that enough information was collected. This information mostly consisted of primary data, obtained through interviews and observations. During the second phase a normative with elements of explaining approach were used. The case-study method was chosen as the methodology of study, for this part of the thesis, as we carried out a case-study of the supply chain of Holmen Skog. The collected information during this process consisted of both primary, but mostly secondary data, for the simulation model. The scientific approach, in which the studies were conducted, had through the entire thesis their take-off point in the systematic view. Conclusions: The initial process-mapping of the organization of Holmen Paper resulted in eight projects with the potential for improvement, in which all would use a simulation tool to increase profitability. Based on a qualitative evaluation, strongly connected to theory and benchmarking studies, the projects were ranked between themselves to determine which of them has the greatest effect on the financial result of the Holmen corporate group. Three projects were chosen from the 8 which were produced. The first one consisted of coordinate and organizes the logistics of finished products for Holmen Paper, to improve profitability. The goal with the second project was optimize and coordinate the production which hopefully would result in a more even production curve. It was finally decided to do the more thorough case-study within the supply chain of logs and by developing a systematic method for the way to work, the authors were able to prove the business advantage for the use of computer-aided simulation in this case-study. Based upon a reasoning concerning the logistic target-mix, a decision was made to make the distribution of logs more efficient. Both with respect to the cost of logistics and at the same time try to keep the high service-level of deliverance, towards their main customer, Holmen Paper. The changes were made in the distributions-network of Holmen Paper by creating a new transportation structure, in the simulation software Extend. The result of this simulation shows a minimization of the cost of logistics with up to 18.8 million Skr, according to the data of the produced logs-volume during the year 2006. This resulted in an improvement of the profitability, of Holmen Skog’s enterprise, with 0.2% and a pay-back time of 15 weeks for an estimated project. It should be pointed out that the model and the scenario created are both neglecting some parameters and the result is therefore not suitable to base any real decisions of changes on. The focus of the study was consequently not to result in a real distribution pattern. The aim was instead to illustrate the possibilities in using a computer-aided simulation tool.