Maturity analysis method of storage process in distribution centers from Fortaleza-CE’s supermarkets: a multicase study

Abstract

Logistics and processes, especially storage, are presented as one of the ways the company has to reduce costs and add value to stakeholders. This article aims to develop a method for analyzing maturity to evaluate the storage process at Distribution Centers (DC) in Fortaleza / CE. Maturity is defined as how involved the DC is in a particular area or process. Through this analysis, the distribution center can leverage strengths and resolve or mitigate weaknesses. To this end, attributes, dimensions and practices for infrastructure organization, people and technology, as well as internal and external interfaces were established. The instrument was also developed for diagnosing the DC. For elaborating the method, library research and validation were performed with professional logistics. The tool was applied to distribution centers and the heterogeneity of the maturity of Fortaleza DCs was observed.