Characterizing the non-value-added relocation of non-bulk components on storage yards

In order to improve the effectiveness of an uncertain process—the outcomes of which cannot be predicted, key players need to unfold the variables that hide behind it and measure their impact on the process. Currently, the process of relocating non-bulk materials on storage yards mostly falls under this uncertainty domain. While the fact that pre-fabricated items need to be repositioned for purposes other than those strictly productive is widely assumed by industry organizations, there is a lack of detailed research to understand these non-value-added relocations. This research relies on a case study to analyze and to quantify the non-value-added relocation of steel components. The analysis of their daily position coordinates coupled with the characteristics of these steel components is used to characterize their relocations on a typical yard. Preliminary results indicate that the percentage of components unnecessarily repositioned is much larger than actually perceived by industry organizations.