Strategic Optimization of Trolley Material Storage Points: a Case Study of Ferrari’s WIP

Nowadays, in a market characterized by rapid product variety, shorter life cycles, and rising ex- pectations on delivery reliability, internal logistics has become a strategic point for a company rather than a backstage function. Effective design and governance of in-plant flows especially the configuration of line-feeding supermarket warehouses are essential to safeguard service lev- els, compress lead times, and sustain manufacturing performance over time. The more the logistics is efficient, the more production will also be. This thesis investigates how supermarket- based intralogistics can be engineered and managed within the automotive sector, using Ferrari S.p.A. as the reference context. The work starts with a theoretical framework, it defines logistics and supply chain fundamentals, traces the transition from Fordism to Lean Production, and fo- cuses on the pillars of the Toyota Production System pull logic, Just-in-Time, and Jidoka. The scope of internal logistics is then expanded by mapping line feeding strategies, material han- dling systems, and warehouse typologies, clarifying their roles in an automotive environment. The company under examination, Ferrari, is presented and contextualized. An overview of his- tory, brand, racing activities, product range, market positioning, and personalization practices explains the cultural and technological setting and also all the achievement of the company. Finally, the AS-IS analysis in chapter 4 is presented: production flow, inbound and storage processes are described. A detailed analysis of the current WIP storage and manage system is presented. To conlude, this thesis presents a business case evaluating two alternative scenarios for managing in-plant trolley movements from the WIP to the line in case specific situation arise. The logistical and economic trade-offs of each option are assessed.