My Experience

In the Supply Chain & Operations major, students can expect to have a multitude of different options available for internships. Examples include: Sourcing, Warehousing, Distribution, or Production Management, as well as many other areas.
So I thought this would be a good opportunity to explain what my project is for this summer:

As I explained in my last post, I am interning for Coca Cola in Cincinnati, OH in their "Product Supply" department. Specifically, I am working in the warehouse to develop a process that manages the receipt and storage of goods transferred to us from other Coke facilities that we will hold in inventory and distribute (e.g. Powerades, Vitamin Water, any glass product, etc.). This process is important because mismanagement of inventory for a food company can lead to out-dated product within our warehouse which results in us having to scrap the product and swallow the accompanying dollar loss.

In order to complete this project, I have had to spend the past 5 weeks learning about our supply chain. This has involved job shadowing all of its aspects, from the workers at the "Back Gate" (where trucks enter our property to drop off product) to the Bulk Truck (semi truck) drivers who deliver the product to stores like Target and Wal-mart.
Additionally, I have had to spend a considerable amount of time learning the current product-receipt process. As it stands today, there isn't a process per se. The forklift drivers who off load the trucks have the ultimate say of where product is placed, and there is no rhyme or reason to where that product goes in our warehouse.
This factor is what I have keyed in on to change. My plan right now, is to re-layout the warehouse to follow a "product zone" structure, where the product lines have their own unique area (e.g. the Powerades are all in one section, Vitamin Waters in another, and so on) so the forklift drivers know where they should be looking for spots to place product.
My next few weeks will be spent re-organizing our warehouse to fit this structure and then managing the placement process to ensure that it is functional.

I hope that I did not overwhelm anyone with the information above!
Remember, if you have any questions about the Supply Chain & Operations major or what kinds of internships are available for students in the major, do not hesitate to contact me at: bluem004@umn.edu