| dc.description.abstract | In the past decade, the personal computer market has entered a highly mature and severely competitive stage. However, the corporate computer market is expected to have considerable growth in the foreseeable future. With the escalating demand for customer services, IT outsourcing services have gained substantial popularity. In order for a service provider to successfully meet market challenges and effectively enhance the company’s image, it is necessary to think about the entire life cycle and the required activities to face and solve problems. It has to enhance its service levels. For the hardware maintenance services, there are several key success factors – availability of spare parts, maintenance speed, service model, maintenance personnel and so on. Among these, the efficiency of spare parts logistics is the most important issue.
This study attempts to provide the target service provider, Company S, with an improved spare parts logistics model, by analyzing its current practices, and tackle the problems. Currently, all spare parts are stored in one single warehouse. This study proposes to expand into multiple warehouses, and integrate them into a “virtual main warehouse” through an information system. This is coupled with a mechanism to move parts around the various physical warehouses, that makes it possible to conceptual treat them as one. In addition, certain parts that fit a stringent specification can be managed with the “zero inventory” concept. The proposed practice can speed up maintenance, improve service quality, and potentially improve customer satisfaction. Hence, Company S may build up differentiation in the highly competitive market, and continually improve its competitiveness. | en_US |