A proposed maturity model to improve warehouse performance

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a maturity model to improve warehouse performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper will follow De Bruin et al’s (2005) suggested six relevant phases: scope, design, populate, test, deploy and maintain in developing the proposed maturity model. This study concentrates on the first five phases.FindingsThe proposed warehouse maturity model can be used as descriptive, benchmarking and a prescriptive with a road map for improvement.Practical implicationsThe warehouse maturity model was proposed to let warehouse managers evaluate their practices and assess them by maturity level. Then, the proposed warehouse maturity model can be utilized to develop a set of plans for conducting projects to improve the warehouse practices, techniques and tools.Originality/valueThe proposed warehouse maturity model contributes to fill the shortages of maturity model addressing the warehouse environment. In particular, it provides a useful tool to establish the overall maturity level of a warehouse system. The proposed maturity model supports strategic decisions oriented toward improvement capabilities of the warehouse and to compete based on service level provided.