科研之友
微信
新浪微博
Facebook
分享链接
摘要
Purpose - The aim of this paper is to evaluate current operational status of fresh produce distribution centres in the UK and to identify the nature and magnitude of the main logistical problems within them.
Design/methodology/approach - A critical evaluation of space and time utilisation efficiency was achieved by on-site studying operations in a multiple produce handling and short-term storage facility in Kent, UK. The objective was to measure operational performance of distribution centres for agricultural perishables in terms of throughput and space utilisation.
Findings - The inefficient utilisation of storage space within cold rooms is identified and quantified accurately, whilst the quality control task is recognised as the most time-consuming task and a critical cause for hindering the product flow.
Research limitations/implications - Despite their importance, distribution centres for fresh fruit and vegetables have received little attention in the distribution and performance management literature. Given the lack of robust performance measurement systems reported, the measurement of operational performance in distribution centres for agricultural products was a challenge.
Practical implications - The measurement and improvement of the operational performance in each linkage of the fresh produce supply chain, such is the distribution centre can lead to achieving higher levels of service at substantially reduced costs.
Originality/value - A small number of publications are found in the literature providing information on physical distribution of agricultural perishables, and how the key features of perishability and voluminosity of the produce affect the distribution efficiency. The paper provides a step towards the improvement of the fresh produce distribution industry operational performance by evaluating the current operational status of a leading multiple produce distribution centre in the UK.
- 出版日期2010
