Mexico has a high level of mobility in food products. However, distribution centers located in Mexico City face significant challenges in optimizing space allocation and utilization. This study presents a practical Industrial Engineering focused on supporting decision-makers in a Mexican distribution center in solving space optimization problems at minimum cost while maintaining operational performance. The project addresses both strategic and operational levels through the development of a daily operational KPIs dashboard in Power BI, enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making. In addition, layout reconfigurations were implemented in the packing area under Kaizen methodology strategies, contributing to a reduction in operational times and improved workflow efficiency. A DCA algorithm was applied to dynamically optimize the layout based on daily activities, enhancing space utilization, and streamlining processes. The proposed methodology addresses space-related challenges within the distribution center while preserving productivity and resource allocation.
This challenge is being applied in a Mexican company with over 30 years of experience in distributing a wide range of products. The company serves more than 200 restaurants, 80 franchises, 500 HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) clients, and over 900 self-service stores. Results indicate improvements in their communication between key operational areas, while the layout reconfiguration led to a significant reduction in internal mobilizations required for truck loading operations. This case study demonstrates how the integration of advanced analytics, visualization tools, and layout optimization techniques can effectively address layout-related problems in a complex distribution center.