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

Abstract

Workforce planning is a central component in achieving operational efficiency and flexibility in TPL warehousing. Since labor is the main cost driver in warehouse operations, it is important that the right number of employees with the right skills are at the right place at the right time. Therefore, this study aims to develop a standardized operational workforce planning process by answering and identifying what workforce planning process steps should be included, which data is required, and how the process should be performed. This process is tailored specifically to the characteristics and challenges of TPL warehousing, with a focus on warehouse floor personnel. The study was carried out using an abductive research approach and it is a multiple case 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 process were 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 was presented. The study used artificial intelligence to assist with sentence formulation.