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Improving the process of restocking sanitary appliances using the internet of things

DENEKAMP, H. J. (2017) Improving the process of restocking sanitary appliances using the internet of things.

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Abstract:This research aims to improve the process of restocking sanitary appliances using the Internet of Things (IoT). Two sub-processes are identified: cleaning personnel restocking sanitary appliances and the vendor restocking the inventory of clean towels and soap flacons. Two problems for each of these sub-processes are identified. First, restocking sanitary appliances is infrequent, which often results in full trash bins, empty soap dispensers and empty towel dispensers. Second, because signals from cleaners on the inventory levels are unreliable, it can result in empty or excessive inventories. To address the problems, three IoT prototypes are made. For towel dispensers, soap dispensers and trash bins. The result is an application on which cleaners can see the state of the sanitary appliances and anticipate when they need to be restocked, reducing the risk of empty appliances. The application can recognize when an appliance is replaced, updating inventory levels in the order management system, so that replacement orders can be based on real-time usage. The last step is the redesign of the two sub-processes, for which a number of advantages are identified, compared to the current process: vendor-managed inventory can take place without the involvement of the customer; no more excessive inventories (which are costly); no more empty inventories (thus no empty towel and soap dispensers); enable pay for usage instead of fixed price; smaller inventory is needed to achieve same service level.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:85 business administration, organizational science
Programme:International Business Administration BSc (50952)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/72873
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