Understanding the IKEA Warehouse Processes and Modeling using Modular Petri Nets

Abstract

Nowadays, large warehouses handle a huge number of products. Handling the enormity and different types of (range) products also demand complex warehouse processes. In this paper, the IKEA warehouse in Stavanger, Norway, is taken as an example, which stores, manages, and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories. The focus of this paper is to understand the warehouse processes that make the warehouse popular with the customers. Petri net is used to model the processes, and by simulation, the effect of the processes are understood. This paper shows how the processes integrate the large range of products, customer service, and the supply chain. The logistics flow is represented with a modular Petri Net model using the tool known as the General-purpose Petri Net Simulator (GPenSim). The goal of this paper is also to determine and propose any changes for a more efficient warehouse performance.