Redesigning a Physical Distribution and Logistics System: the Febal cucine case study

The authors face the topic of physical distribution and logistics management in the business industry of modular kitchens studying the case of the Febal group, an Italian important brand at national and European level. The paper analyzes the firm’s critical aspects of the physical distribution system, highlighting a policy of answering to the market referable to the Assemble To Order (ATO) logic even if there are some elements of the manufacturing planning system which make the case particularly interesting. The proposed solution is articulated in a series of useful algorithms for a future implementation of an ICT solution for the management and the automatic allocation of the orders to the transport carriers and for the communication to the customer of the product’s delivery date. Finally the integration of the ICT solution with complementary companies inside the ECOSELL project is presented.