From Functions to Processes - Creating Added Value to Customers by Enhanced MTL-chain : Case Outokumpu Tornio Works
Tuoma, Pertti (2010)
Tuoma, Pertti
Kemi-Tornion ammattikorkeakoulu Lapin ammattikorkeakoulu
2010
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2010112615788
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2010112615788
Tiivistelmä
The focus of this thesis is on investigating the collaboration in the order-supply process at the Outokumpu Tornio Works stainless steel factory. This process is commonly and officially called the MTL-chain (Myynti for commercial department, Tuotannonsuunnttelu for production planning department and Logistiset palvelut for logistics services; henceforth MTL-chain). The aim is to find out the possible bottlenecks in the collaboration between the three different functions in order to gain better delivery reliability and added value to the customer.
This research is a qualitative work and it studies a present day situation in the case company. To find out the main issues in the collaboration between the MTL-chain functions, the research was conducted by interviewing the persons who work in these functions. The interviews were conducted as semi structured face-to-face interviews. The theoretical framework draws from the literature that supports the subject and from the previous research made for Outokumpu Tornio works.
Despite the present functionality of MTL-chain, there is still place for improvement. Due to the traditional structure of the organization, with independent functions, the respond times become lengthened inevitably. Information flow does not work seamlessly. Due to the character of the research problem, a comprehensive solution cannot be found exactly. One solution is to minimize the non-value added activities and bring the key people together. There is a clear connection with delivery reliability and improved cross-functional collaboration. However, if the products do not come on time from the production, delivery reliability cannot be increased.
This research is a qualitative work and it studies a present day situation in the case company. To find out the main issues in the collaboration between the MTL-chain functions, the research was conducted by interviewing the persons who work in these functions. The interviews were conducted as semi structured face-to-face interviews. The theoretical framework draws from the literature that supports the subject and from the previous research made for Outokumpu Tornio works.
Despite the present functionality of MTL-chain, there is still place for improvement. Due to the traditional structure of the organization, with independent functions, the respond times become lengthened inevitably. Information flow does not work seamlessly. Due to the character of the research problem, a comprehensive solution cannot be found exactly. One solution is to minimize the non-value added activities and bring the key people together. There is a clear connection with delivery reliability and improved cross-functional collaboration. However, if the products do not come on time from the production, delivery reliability cannot be increased.