This thesis analyses the logistics process of Medspa, an Italian company in the premium cosmetics sector that produces the Miamo brand, with the aim of optimising the distribution network and reducing shipment fragmentation. The project stems from the need to improve the efficiency of the B2B outbound channel, as two separate shipments are often made for the same customer order: one for the products and another for the display material. This phenomenon has led to a 32% increase in the number of annual shipments compared to the ideal volume, resulting in additional costs, greater operational complexity and a lower level of customer service. Based on this evidence, a structured process was launched to understand the causes of the fragmentation of flows and identify solutions to streamline the process. The project was based on the A3 Problem-Solving methodology, consistent with the principles of Lean Philosophy, which guided the phases of problem definition, data analysis, root cause identification, countermeasure design and results verification. The approach combined qualitative and quantitative tools: collection and validation of company data, process mapping, interviews with logistics and sales representatives and use of Power BI for historical data analysis and economic impact assessment. The analysis revealed the main determinants of fragmentation, from which targeted countermeasures were developed, simulated in Power BI to assess their effectiveness, and then implemented in the field. The results show that the package of countermeasures significantly reduces distribution costs (with an estimated saving of up to 10% per annum) and the number of shipments of display stands alone (–71% on an annual basis), thus achieving the must have target. At the same time, the standardisation of operating procedures has consolidated a replicable working model, laying the foundations for the extension of the modus operandi to other flows and markets. The project has also fostered an analytical and continuous improvement mindset, promoting periodic review of processes and increasingly data-driven decision making. In conclusion, the Medspa case demonstrates how the integration of Lean methodologies and data analysis tools supports strategic decisions in logistics and promotes a path of continuous improvement, generating concrete benefits in terms of efficiency, sustainability and customer value.
La tesi analizza il processo logistico di Medspa, azienda italiana del settore cosmetico premium produttrice del brand Miamo, con l’obiettivo di ottimizzare la rete distributiva e ridurre la frammentazione delle spedizioni. Il progetto nasce dall’esigenza di migliorare l’efficienza del canale outbound B2B, poiché per uno stesso ordine cliente vengono spesso effettuate due spedizioni separate: una per i prodotti e un’altra per il materiale espositivo. Questo fenomeno ha generato un incremento del 32% nel numero di spedizioni annue rispetto al volume ideale, con conseguenti costi aggiuntivi, maggiore complessità operativa e un minor livello di servizio al cliente. A partire da questa evidenza, è stato avviato un percorso strutturato per comprendere le cause della frammentazione dei flussi e individuare soluzioni per razionalizzare il processo. Il progetto si è basato sulla metodologia A3 Problem-Solving, coerente con i principi della Lean Philosophy, che ha guidato le fasi di definizione del problema, analisi dei dati, individuazione delle cause radice, progettazione delle contromisure e verifica dei risultati. L’approccio ha combinato strumenti qualitativi e quantitativi: raccolta e validazione dei dati aziendali, mappatura dei processi, interviste con i referenti logistici e commerciali e utilizzo di Power BI per l’analisi dei dati storici e la valutazione degli impatti economici. Dall’analisi sono emerse le principali determinanti della frammentazione, da cui sono state sviluppate contromisure mirate, simulate in Power BI per valutarne l’efficacia e poi implementate sul campo. I risultati mostrano che il pacchetto di contromisure consente di ridurre sensibilmente i costi di distribuzione (con un risparmio stimato fino al 10% annuo) e il numero di spedizioni di soli espositori (–71% su base annua), raggiungendo così il target must have. Parallelamente, la standardizzazione delle procedure operative ha consolidato un modello di lavoro replicabile, ponendo le basi per l’estensione dei modus operandi ad altri flussi e mercati. Il progetto ha inoltre diffuso una mentalità analitica e orientata al miglioramento continuo, promuovendo una revisione periodica dei processi e decisioni sempre più guidate dai dati. In conclusione, il caso Medspa dimostra come l’integrazione di metodologie Lean e strumenti di analisi dati supporti decisioni strategiche in ambito logistico e favorisca un percorso di miglioramento continuo, generando benefici concreti in termini di efficienza, sostenibilità e valore per il cliente.
Application of A3 problem-solving and lean principles to optimize the B2B logistics network: the Medspa case study
Di Ghionno, Ylenia
2024/2025
Abstract
This thesis analyses the logistics process of Medspa, an Italian company in the premium cosmetics sector that produces the Miamo brand, with the aim of optimising the distribution network and reducing shipment fragmentation. The project stems from the need to improve the efficiency of the B2B outbound channel, as two separate shipments are often made for the same customer order: one for the products and another for the display material. This phenomenon has led to a 32% increase in the number of annual shipments compared to the ideal volume, resulting in additional costs, greater operational complexity and a lower level of customer service. Based on this evidence, a structured process was launched to understand the causes of the fragmentation of flows and identify solutions to streamline the process. The project was based on the A3 Problem-Solving methodology, consistent with the principles of Lean Philosophy, which guided the phases of problem definition, data analysis, root cause identification, countermeasure design and results verification. The approach combined qualitative and quantitative tools: collection and validation of company data, process mapping, interviews with logistics and sales representatives and use of Power BI for historical data analysis and economic impact assessment. The analysis revealed the main determinants of fragmentation, from which targeted countermeasures were developed, simulated in Power BI to assess their effectiveness, and then implemented in the field. The results show that the package of countermeasures significantly reduces distribution costs (with an estimated saving of up to 10% per annum) and the number of shipments of display stands alone (–71% on an annual basis), thus achieving the must have target. At the same time, the standardisation of operating procedures has consolidated a replicable working model, laying the foundations for the extension of the modus operandi to other flows and markets. The project has also fostered an analytical and continuous improvement mindset, promoting periodic review of processes and increasingly data-driven decision making. In conclusion, the Medspa case demonstrates how the integration of Lean methodologies and data analysis tools supports strategic decisions in logistics and promotes a path of continuous improvement, generating concrete benefits in terms of efficiency, sustainability and customer value.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/10589/247130