Minska slöserier med hjälp av verktyg inom Lean : Fallstudie på Omlastningscentralen i Eskilstuna

Sammanfattning: The purpose of the thesis is to investigate how a distribution center can implement Lean methods to minimize wastes and how the employees can be motivated before Lean implementation.  The following research questions have been constructed to fulfill the purpose:  • How can wastes be reduced with the help of Lean methods in a distribution center?  • How can employees be motivated to implement Lean?  The choice of method was a case study, conducted at a distribution center. The collected primary data consists of observations and interviews of both employees and customers. Secondary data have been collected from scientific articles and books, which made it possible to connect the theoretical framework with the empirical data.  At the case company there were four waste identified: waiting, unnecessary movement, unnecessary transport and unused knowledge. The studied process has looked the same for about 25 years which makes it outdated and ineffective. A majority of the respondents have difficulties seeing improvement possibilities for the process, but a few of them could see streamlining possibilities.  The conclusions that can be drawn from the study are how a few examples of Lean methods can reduce wastes that can occur in distribution centers and how the employees can be motivated before a change. By using 7+1 wastes, the wastes are first identified and then 5S, JIT and 5 why’s are implemented to minimize these. The employees are motivated before a change with the help of a committed and well-prepared management. The unfreezing phase in a change process is important to avoid resistance from the employees.  Keywords: Lean, logistics, distribution center, motivation.