Lean facility layout selection in a post service to enhance operational performance: a graph theory model

What is it about?

The process operations carried out in India post service as its heterogeneity of articles, and intangible measures of production are the significant challenge to keenly analyze the layout design through lean service principles. Hence, this paper attempts to analyze the overall effectiveness of Lean System (LS) based India post facility layout design selection using a mathematical model known as Graph Theory (GT) method. We have grouped all LSS elements into three different categories Lean Technical Practices (LTP), Lean Workplace Environment Practices (LWEP), and Lean Ergonomic Practices (LEP) based on literature support and field surveys in the Indian postal service. From the GT approach, interactions were identified through LS tools represented through the digraph, matrix model approach. This study was directed in the National Sorting Hub (NSH) in Mysuru, Karnataka State, and the Southern part of India. A number of insights were given in the GT area where facility layout design is possible to evaluate. The results showed that Layout five has the highest value followed by Layout one from the graph theory approach. The relative relevance and effect values are given as inputs to the permanent function in the digraph technique, and an evaluation index is obtained as an output. When solving any optimization issue with a high number of attributes, the digraph and matrix technique is successful. The layouts that have been identified have yielded valuable insights into how to enhance critical decision-making processes, which are necessary to accomplish company strategic objectives like growing postal business services.

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