Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Total Productive Maintenance for Mid-Size Warehousing and Storage Company in E-commerce


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Overall Equipment Effectiveness to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR A mid-size warehousing firm experienced high downtime and rising costs from outdated equipment and inefficient maintenance, worsened by demands for quicker delivery. Implementing Total Productive Maintenance reduced downtime by 25% and maintenance costs by 15%, underscoring the value of Operational Excellence and continuous improvement in meeting strategic goals.

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Consider this scenario: A mid-size warehousing and storage company specializing in e-commerce fulfillment is challenged with 20% downtime, affecting overall equipment effectiveness.

The organization faces internal challenges such as outdated warehousing equipment and inefficiencies in maintenance practices, leading to a 15% increase in operational costs. External pressures include rising customer expectations for faster delivery times and increasing competition. The primary strategic objective is to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime by implementing Total Productive Maintenance to improve overall equipment effectiveness.



This mid-size warehousing and storage company, focused on e-commerce fulfillment, is experiencing significant operational inefficiencies. The company struggles with outdated equipment and suboptimal maintenance practices, which have led to increased operational costs. Additionally, rising customer expectations and intensifying competition further compound the challenges. The root causes likely lie in the lack of modern equipment and a comprehensive maintenance strategy. The primary objective is to reduce downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness through Total Productive Maintenance.

Environmental Assessment

The warehousing and storage industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by increased e-commerce activity and technological advancements.

We begin our analysis by examining the primary forces driving the industry:

  • Internal Rivalry: High, due to numerous competitors offering similar services, both large and small.
  • Supplier Power: Moderate, as specialized warehousing equipment suppliers are limited but essential for operations.
  • Buyer Power: High, with e-commerce businesses demanding faster, more efficient service at lower costs.
  • Threat of New Entrants: Moderate, given the high capital investment required but new players are attracted by the growing e-commerce market.
  • Threat of Substitutes: Low, as specific warehousing and storage services are specialized for e-commerce fulfillment.

Emergent trends in the industry include automation and digitalization.

  • Automation in Warehousing: Creates opportunities to enhance operational efficiency but requires significant capital investment. Risk of initial high costs and longer ROI.
  • Digitalization: Enables better inventory management and tracking, improving customer satisfaction. Risks include cybersecurity threats and implementation challenges.
  • Rising Customer Expectations: Opportunity to differentiate through faster and more reliable services. Risk of increased pressure on operational capabilities and costs.
  • Environmental Regulations: Opportunity to adopt greener practices, potentially attracting eco-conscious clients. Risk of increased compliance costs.
  • Talent Shortage: Opportunity to invest in workforce development. Risk of operational disruptions due to lack of skilled labor.

The PEST analysis indicates political stability with favorable trade policies, economic growth driven by e-commerce, social shifts towards online shopping, and technological advancements in automation and digitalization. Regulatory frameworks are adapting to increased environmental concerns, and there's a growing focus on cybersecurity.

For a deeper analysis, take a look at these Environmental Assessment best practices:

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Internal Assessment

The organization has strong market positioning in e-commerce fulfillment but faces significant internal challenges in operational efficiency and equipment reliability.

Benchmarking Analysis

Compared to industry leaders, the organization lags in adopting modern warehousing technologies and Total Productive Maintenance practices. Competitors with automated systems report 30% higher operational efficiency and 20% lower downtime. The organization must invest in technology and training to close this gap. Implementing best practices from industry leaders can significantly enhance performance.

Value Chain Analysis

The organization's value chain reveals that warehousing operations and maintenance are critical areas needing improvement. Inefficiencies in equipment maintenance lead to frequent breakdowns, affecting throughput and delivery times. Streamlining these processes through Total Productive Maintenance can enhance overall equipment effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Investments in automation and skilled labor will further optimize the value chain.

JTBD Analysis

Customers primarily seek reliable and efficient e-commerce fulfillment services. The organization's outdated equipment and maintenance issues hinder its ability to meet these needs. Addressing these gaps through Total Productive Maintenance and adopting modern technologies will improve service reliability, speed, and customer satisfaction. This strategy aligns with the customers' job to be done, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment.

Strategic Initiatives

The leadership team formulated strategic initiatives based on the comprehensive understanding gained from the previous industry analysis and internal capability assessment, outlining specific, actionable steps that align with the strategic plan's objectives over a 3-5 year horizon to drive growth by 20% over the next 12 months .

  • Implement Total Productive Maintenance: Aims to reduce equipment downtime by 25% and improve overall equipment effectiveness. Value creation from increased operational efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. Requires investment in training, maintenance software, and skilled technicians.
  • Adopt Automation Technologies: Focuses on integrating automated systems to streamline warehousing operations, improving speed and accuracy. Expected to boost productivity by 30% and meet rising customer expectations. Investments include capital expenditure on automation equipment and training for staff.
  • Enhance Digitalization: Develops advanced inventory management and tracking systems to enhance transparency and customer satisfaction. Source of value creation lies in better inventory accuracy and faster fulfillment times. Requires investment in software development and IT infrastructure.
  • Workforce Development: Invests in training programs to upskill employees, ensuring they are equipped to handle advanced technologies. Expected to reduce operational disruptions and improve productivity. Resources needed include training programs, time allocation, and expert trainers.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Implements eco-friendly practices to comply with regulatory standards and attract eco-conscious clients. Value creation from enhanced brand reputation and potential cost savings from energy-efficient practices. Requires investment in green technologies and compliance measures.

Overall Equipment Effectiveness Implementation KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


What gets measured gets managed.
     – Peter Drucker

  • Overall Equipment Effectiveness: Measures the effectiveness of TPM implementation and reduction in equipment downtime.
  • Order Fulfillment Time: Indicates improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Training Completion Rate: Tracks progress in workforce development and skill enhancement.
  • Customer Satisfaction Score: Gauges the impact of operational improvements on customer experience.
  • Energy Consumption Reduction: Monitors the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives and cost savings.

These KPIs provide critical insights into the success of the strategic initiatives. They help measure operational improvements, customer satisfaction, and sustainability efforts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

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Stakeholder Management

Success of the strategic initiatives hinges on the involvement and support of both internal and external stakeholders, including maintenance teams, technology partners, and customers. In particular, our external technology partners play an important role in informing us of and validating end-consumer requirements.

  • Maintenance Teams: Responsible for implementing TPM and ensuring equipment reliability.
  • Technology Partners: Provide automation and digitalization solutions, critical for operational efficiency.
  • Training Providers: Essential for workforce development and skill enhancement.
  • E-commerce Clients: Beneficiaries of improved fulfillment services, whose feedback is vital.
  • Investors: Provide necessary financial backing for technology and training investments.
Stakeholder GroupsRACI
Maintenance Teams
Technology Partners
Training Providers
E-commerce Clients
Investors

We've only identified the primary stakeholder groups above. There are also participants and groups involved for various activities in each of the strategic initiatives.

Learn more about Stakeholder Management Change Management Focus Interviewing Workshops Supplier Management

Overall Equipment Effectiveness Deliverables

These are a selection of deliverables across all the strategic initiatives.

  • TPM Implementation Roadmap (PPT)
  • Automation Technology Adoption Plan (PPT)
  • Workforce Development Framework (PPT)
  • Digitalization Strategy Presentation (PPT)
  • Financial Impact Analysis Model (Excel)

Explore more Overall Equipment Effectiveness deliverables

Overall Equipment Effectiveness Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Overall Equipment Effectiveness. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Overall Equipment Effectiveness subject matter experts.

Implement Total Productive Maintenance

The implementation team utilized the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) framework, which emphasizes proactive and preventive maintenance to maximize the operational efficiency of equipment. TPM is particularly useful for this initiative as it aims to reduce downtime and enhance overall equipment effectiveness. The team followed this process:

  • Established a cross-functional TPM team comprising maintenance staff, operators, and managers to foster collaboration and ownership.
  • Conducted an initial equipment audit to assess current conditions and identify critical machinery requiring immediate attention.
  • Developed a maintenance schedule that includes routine inspections, preventive maintenance tasks, and predictive maintenance activities using historical data and equipment performance metrics.
  • Trained employees on TPM principles and techniques, ensuring they understand the importance of their roles in maintaining equipment.
  • Implemented a continuous improvement cycle, regularly reviewing maintenance performance data and making necessary adjustments to the maintenance plan.

The implementation team also employed the Six Sigma framework, which focuses on reducing variability and improving process quality. This was particularly relevant for optimizing maintenance processes and ensuring consistent equipment performance. The team followed this process:

  • Defined key performance metrics for maintenance activities, such as mean time between failures (MTBF) and mean time to repair (MTTR).
  • Measured current performance levels and identified areas with significant variability or inefficiencies.
  • Analyzed root causes of maintenance issues using tools like fishbone diagrams and Pareto analysis.
  • Improved maintenance processes by implementing targeted solutions to address root causes and reduce variability.
  • Controlled the new processes by establishing standard operating procedures and continuous monitoring to sustain improvements.

The implementation of TPM and Six Sigma frameworks resulted in a 25% reduction in equipment downtime and a significant improvement in overall equipment effectiveness. Maintenance costs decreased by 15%, and operational efficiency increased, positively impacting customer satisfaction and service reliability.

Adopt Automation Technologies

The implementation team leveraged the Lean Manufacturing framework, which focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing productivity. This framework was essential for identifying inefficiencies and optimizing processes before integrating automation technologies. The team followed this process:

  • Mapped current warehousing processes to identify areas of waste, such as excess inventory, waiting times, and unnecessary movements.
  • Prioritized processes for automation based on the potential for waste reduction and productivity improvement.
  • Developed a detailed plan for integrating automation technologies, including automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and robotic picking systems.
  • Trained employees on new automated processes and ensured they understand how to work alongside automated systems.
  • Implemented a continuous improvement cycle to monitor the performance of automated systems and make necessary adjustments.

The implementation team also utilized the Theory of Constraints (TOC) framework, which helps identify and address the most significant bottlenecks in a system. This was particularly useful for ensuring that automation technologies were deployed where they would have the most significant impact. The team followed this process:

  • Identified the primary bottlenecks in the warehousing process that limited throughput and efficiency.
  • Developed a plan to alleviate these bottlenecks through targeted automation solutions, such as conveyor systems and automated sorting.
  • Implemented the automation solutions and monitored their impact on overall process flow and efficiency.
  • Continually reassessed the system to identify new bottlenecks and address them with additional automation or process improvements.

The adoption of Lean Manufacturing and TOC frameworks led to a 30% increase in productivity and a significant reduction in order fulfillment times. The organization achieved faster, more accurate warehousing operations, meeting rising customer expectations and enhancing competitive positioning.

Enhance Digitalization

The implementation team utilized the Digital Transformation framework, which provides a structured approach to integrating digital technologies into business processes. This framework was crucial for developing advanced inventory management and tracking systems. The team followed this process:

  • Conducted a digital maturity assessment to understand the current state of digital capabilities and identify gaps.
  • Developed a digitalization strategy that includes the adoption of advanced inventory management software and real-time tracking systems.
  • Implemented the digital tools and integrated them with existing systems to ensure seamless data flow and operational efficiency.
  • Trained employees on the new digital tools to ensure they can effectively use and maintain the systems.
  • Established a continuous improvement cycle to monitor the performance of digital tools and make necessary adjustments.

The implementation team also employed the Agile framework, which promotes iterative development and continuous feedback. This was particularly relevant for ensuring the digital tools were effectively meeting the organization's needs. The team followed this process:

  • Developed a product backlog of digitalization requirements and prioritized them based on business impact.
  • Implemented digital solutions in iterative sprints, allowing for continuous feedback and improvements.
  • Conducted regular reviews and retrospectives to assess the effectiveness of digital tools and make necessary adjustments.
  • Engaged cross-functional teams in the development process to ensure alignment with operational needs and goals.
  • Maintained a focus on delivering incremental value through continuous deployment of digital solutions.

The implementation of Digital Transformation and Agile frameworks resulted in improved inventory accuracy and faster fulfillment times. Enhanced transparency and data-driven decision-making led to increased customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Workforce Development

The implementation team utilized the Competency Framework, which provides a structured approach to identifying and developing the skills required for effective job performance. This framework was essential for ensuring employees were equipped to handle advanced technologies. The team followed this process:

  • Conducted a competency assessment to identify current skill levels and gaps in the workforce.
  • Developed a training plan that includes targeted programs to address identified skill gaps, focusing on areas such as automation and digital tools.
  • Implemented the training programs and provided ongoing support to ensure employees could effectively apply their new skills.
  • Monitored training progress and assessed the impact on job performance and operational efficiency.
  • Established a continuous improvement cycle to update training programs based on evolving technology and business needs.

The implementation team also employed the Kirkpatrick Model, which evaluates the effectiveness of training programs at four levels: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. This was particularly useful for ensuring the training programs delivered the desired outcomes. The team followed this process:

  • Gathered feedback from employees on their reactions to the training programs to assess their engagement and satisfaction.
  • Measured learning outcomes through assessments and practical evaluations to ensure employees acquired the necessary skills.
  • Observed changes in employee behavior on the job to determine if they were effectively applying their new skills.
  • Assessed the overall impact of training programs on business results, such as improved operational efficiency and reduced downtime.

The implementation of the Competency Framework and Kirkpatrick Model led to significant improvements in workforce skills and job performance. Employees were better equipped to handle advanced technologies, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational disruptions.

Sustainability Initiatives

The implementation team utilized the Triple Bottom Line framework, which focuses on measuring the impact of business activities on people, planet, and profit. This framework was essential for ensuring sustainability initiatives aligned with the organization's broader goals. The team followed this process:

  • Conducted a sustainability assessment to identify areas where the organization could reduce its environmental impact and improve social outcomes.
  • Developed a sustainability strategy that includes initiatives such as energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, and community engagement.
  • Implemented the sustainability initiatives and integrated them into day-to-day operations.
  • Monitored the impact of sustainability initiatives on environmental, social, and financial performance.
  • Established a continuous improvement cycle to refine and enhance sustainability initiatives based on feedback and performance data.

The implementation team also employed the Circular Economy framework, which focuses on designing out waste and keeping resources in use for as long as possible. This was particularly relevant for reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. The team followed this process:

  • Identified opportunities to implement circular economy principles in warehousing operations, such as recycling and reusing materials.
  • Developed a plan to redesign processes and products to minimize waste and extend the lifecycle of resources.
  • Implemented circular economy initiatives and integrated them into existing operations.
  • Monitored the impact of circular economy initiatives on resource efficiency and waste reduction.
  • Engaged stakeholders, including suppliers and customers, to support and participate in circular economy initiatives.

The implementation of the Triple Bottom Line and Circular Economy frameworks led to significant improvements in sustainability performance. The organization achieved energy savings, reduced waste, and enhanced its reputation as an environmentally responsible business. These initiatives also contributed to cost savings and attracted eco-conscious clients, further supporting business

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Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Reduced equipment downtime by 25% through the implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
  • Increased overall equipment effectiveness, resulting in a 15% decrease in maintenance costs.
  • Boosted productivity by 30% with the adoption of automation technologies, leading to faster and more accurate warehousing operations.
  • Improved inventory accuracy and reduced order fulfillment times through enhanced digitalization efforts.
  • Achieved significant improvements in workforce skills, reducing operational disruptions and increasing productivity.
  • Implemented sustainability initiatives that resulted in energy savings and waste reduction, enhancing the company's reputation and attracting eco-conscious clients.

The overall results of the initiative indicate a successful implementation of the strategic objectives, particularly in reducing equipment downtime and improving operational efficiency. The 25% reduction in equipment downtime and 15% decrease in maintenance costs demonstrate the effectiveness of the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) framework. Additionally, the 30% increase in productivity through automation technologies highlights the positive impact of modernizing warehousing operations. However, some areas did not meet expectations, such as the initial high costs and longer ROI associated with automation investments. Alternative strategies could have included phased automation implementation to spread out capital expenditure and mitigate financial risks. Furthermore, while digitalization improved inventory accuracy and fulfillment times, challenges in integrating new systems with existing infrastructure caused some delays. A more gradual approach to digital transformation with continuous feedback loops might have minimized these disruptions.

To build on the successes and address the shortcomings, the next steps should focus on further refining maintenance practices and expanding automation technologies. Continuous training programs should be implemented to ensure the workforce remains adept at handling advanced technologies. Additionally, the company should explore phased investments in automation to balance costs and benefits more effectively. Enhancing collaboration with technology partners and stakeholders will be crucial in maintaining momentum and achieving long-term strategic goals. Finally, ongoing monitoring and iterative improvements in digitalization and sustainability initiatives will ensure sustained operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Source: Total Productive Maintenance for Mid-Size Warehousing and Storage Company in E-commerce, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

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