A Structured Operational Workforce Planning Process Proposal of a Standardized Process for TPL Warehousing

Sammanfattning

Workforce planning is a central component in achieving operational efficiency andflexibility in TPL warehousing. Since labor is the main cost driver in warehouseoperations, it is important that the right number of employees with the right skillsare at the right place at the right time. Therefore, this study aims to develop astandardized operational workforce planning process by answering and identifyingwhat workforce planning process steps should be included, which data is required,and how the process should be performed. This process is tailored specifically tothe characteristics and challenges of TPL warehousing, with a focus on warehousefloor personnel.The study was carried out using an abductive research approach and it is a multiplecase study with four cases of varying size, customer base, and management struc-ture. Data were collected through 12 semi-structured interviews and 5 site visits.The empirical findings were further analyzed together with the existing literature.When sufficient empirical findings and theoretical insights had been collected, re-search questions regarding the proposal of a standardized workforce planning processwere answered.In the final phase of the study, it was established which process steps, what data is re-quired, and how the workforce planning process should be carried out. Subsequently,a proposal for a standardized workforce planning process for TPL warehousing waspresented. The study used artificial intelligence to assist with sentence formulation.