Optimizing supply planning and third-party operations in the adhesives industry: a case study at Henkel
This thesis examines the operational integration of a third-party manufacturer (3PM), Truvant, located in Poland, into Henkel’s European supply planning framework for consumer adhesives. The main objective was to transform previously reactive and unstructured coordination into a standardized set of...
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| Tipo de recurso: | tesis de maestría |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/444805 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/444805 |
| Access Level: | acceso embargado |
| Palabra clave: | Business logistics Adhesives industry Logística (Indústria) Adhesius--Indústria i comerç Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Economia i organització d'empreses |
| Sumario: | This thesis examines the operational integration of a third-party manufacturer (3PM), Truvant, located in Poland, into Henkel’s European supply planning framework for consumer adhesives. The main objective was to transform previously reactive and unstructured coordination into a standardized set of processes capable of ensuring high service levels, efficient use of resources, and reduced risk of shortages or obsolete stock. The methodological approach follows a process-based implementation, where each critical activity is redefined through structured tools, communication routines, and escalation mechanisms. Each process was analyzed in terms of its “before” situation, the implemented solution, and the subsequent impact. Supporting tools, mostly Excel-based and complemented by Power BI dashboards, were co-developed with the supplier to guarantee transparency and accountability. Results over a one-year period (June 2024 – June 2025) confirm a clear improvement in several key performance indicators (KPIs). Product availability (PA) increased despite external disruptions such as supplier shortages. Inventory coverage was stabilized and obsolete and slow-moving inventory (OSMIs) was reduced over the same period, though variability across months highlighted the need for continuous monitoring. Capacity utilization improved, with smoother allocation of shifts across blistering lines and fewer backlog situations, supported by the Rough-Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) tool. Furthermore, the Ocean project, which replaced plastic blisters with carton-based packaging for 185 items, was successfully managed through a structured phase-in/phase- out process that ensured continuity of supply while minimizing scrap. The conclusions highlight that, although external market dynamics and supplier constraints remain uncontrollable, the maturity of Henkel’s operations with Truvant has significantly increased. The implemented processes not only improved KPI performance but also simplified daily collaboration, provided visibility to all stakeholders, and created a foundation for further digitalization, such as future EDI connections. Overall, the work demonstrates how structured process integration with an external supplier can directly contribute to service reliability, cost control, and sustainability goals. The approach and results provide a replicable framework for similar supply chain integrations in the consumer goods industry. |
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