Estudo de localização para a construção de um centro de distribuição em Natal/RN, para atender às demandas de uma empresa do setor de beleza e bem-estar

Abstract

The present study aims to propose a location for the establishment of a Distribution Center in the city of Natal/RN for a large company that has been operating in Brazilian retail and franchising for over 40 years, with an emphasis on Beauty and Wellness. With more than 100 physical stores, 40,000 door-to-door sales representatives, and technologies for digital channels, the need for a strategic location to store and distribute products was observed, aiming to reduce operational costs and optimize delivery quality. Considering this process improvement, a study was conducted using the concepts of Operations Research, specifically Facility Location, to create a mathematical model based on previously chosen criteria such as Property Rental, Average Delivery Ticket, and Delivery Demand to determine the most strategic region for the company. Thus, a quantitative and qualitative approach was used, utilizing existing concepts from the literature and data provided by the company to arrive at the ideal model and consequently, the most suitable location for the construction of the distribution center. Finally, as a result, a mathematical model applied to an algorithm was developed, generating four possible scenarios to strategically guide the company on the best location to open its first distribution center. Therefore, for the scenario of constructing a distribution center, the result obtained was in Alecrim, in the Eastern Zone of Natal/RN.