A Case Study of an Office Supplies Company in Bangkok, Westgate Branch: Enhancing Inventory Storage Efficiency through Visual Control and ABC Analysis

Abstract

This research aims to improve the efficiency of warehouse inventory management using the ABC Analysis and Visual Control theories. This study focuses on an office supplies company located at the Westgate branch in Bangkok. We used the Fishbone Diagram and the 3M 1E principle to analyze the company's inventory arrangement problems. By identifying the root causes of inefficiencies, the study will propose targeted strategies to enhance inventory organization and streamline operations. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more effective system that minimizes waste and maximizes productivity within the warehouse environment. The ABC Analysis theory was employed to categorize products by value to enhance convenience and efficiency in product management, dividing them into groups A, B, and C based on their value. The use of Visual Control theory helps employees understand work procedures and detect abnormalities easily and quickly by using symbols, colors, or signs for clear communication. From the problem analysis using the Fishbone Diagram and the 3M 1E principle, it was found that the issue of product mixing caused prolonged search times and frequent picking errors. The improvement by categorizing products based on value and using colors for differentiation (A: yellow, B: blue, C: pink) has made the picking process in the warehouse more efficient. All employees have spent less time on average picking products. For example, Employee 1 reduced their time by 5.19 minutes (25.95%), and Employee 5 reduced their time by 5.42 minutes (27.1%).