Developing a methodology to analyse despatch bay performance

As companies look to integrate their internal and external operations more fully, the role of the despatch bay is increasingly being recognised as a key interface with transport operations. However, it can also be a source of delays in the flow of materials, incurring additional costs to the company while reducing customer service levels. The aim of this paper is to develop a robust methodology that identifies the causes of delays within the despatch process, provides recommendations for improvements and enables these to be tested before implementation. As well as developing the methodology, the paper demonstrates its application to a manufacturer of steel products. By using this methodology, it should be possible to improve delivery performance and reduce transport costs by minimising the waiting times for vehicles.