An Evaluation of Inbound Logistics within a Steel Fabrication Environment (Genrec Engineering)

Introduction

In the moving business, there are many opportunities and threats that the organization should recognize. However, through the use of the global strategies and traditional yet, systematic approaches, the business can still survive for next coming years. In the event where the development of the business should take place, the cross-functional marketing, logistics, manufacturing, and engineering teams seems to be important in order to recognize the good services as a significant source of competitive advantage.

Background of the Study and Problem Statement

With the idea of the combination of the operations in marketing channels in which it is concerned with the ownership transfers, and the logistical channel in which there is a physical possession transfer, has recognized the potential benefits (Sautter, Maltz, and Boberg, 1999). Most of the suppliers see the business development failed in terms of sales much more on the incorporate logistics, marketing, finance, and other functions (Kumar, 2005). This trend obviously affects the entire industry and the main reason that the suppliers is pointing out is the fabrication of the materials and substandard process. In order to provide better support to their loyal clients and add competitiveness, the steel fabrication companies should provide additional services in design and engineering support as well as the optimization of structural steel components. This is possible in the development of the expertise where there is an available technology and integrated with the commercial software (Mora, 2003).

Research Aim and Objectives

The aim of the study is to investigate in the growing concerns regarding the effectiveness of the inbound logistics in the process or operation within the steel fabrication environment. In order to satisfy this aim, there are four objectives that need to be considered:

1. To recognize the technical and technological support in inbound logistics used in the organization

2. To investigate the changes that appeared in the process of logistics that might affect its effectiveness

3. To define the roles and responsibilities of workforce in ensuring the effectiveness of logistics in the steel fabrication as well as the workforce’s training and development factors

4. To measure the productivity of inbound logistics in answering the needs/demands in the environment

Research Questions

1. What are current or recent technological and technical supports received by the inbound logistics?
2. What are the significant changes in the process of logistics and how did the organization handle those changes?
3. What are the roles and responsibilities of the workforce in ensuring the effectiveness of inbound logistics in terms of time, cost, and accuracy?
4. What are the significant features or factors that is unique in inbound logistics that may affect its productivity?

Problem Statement

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the inbound logistics in terms of the changes in the environment, advanced technologies, and its importance in steel fabrication to answer the effectively both the problems that may occur in the organization and in delivering the quality of services and profitability of the organization.

Works Cited:

Kumar, N., (2005) “Cover Story: The Global Retail Challenge”, Business Strategy Review, Spring 2005.

Mora, R., (2003) “A Global Solution for a Global Corporation: Canam Steel Corporation Seeks to Integrate the Entire Steelwork Chain”. Accessed 27 July 2010, from http://www.ctn.etsmtl.ca/hrivard/ITCaseStudies/M2-CanamManac.pdf

Sautter, E., Maltz, A., & Boberg, K., (1999) “A Customer Service Course: Bringing Marketing and Logistics Together”, Journal of Marketing Education, Vol. 21, No. 2.