Summer Internship Project Report on Logistics Supply chain of Re-usable Plastic Crates By Vinod Kumar Pal MBA M&S

p;S Class of 2013 Under the Supervision of M/s Mamta Mohan Assistant Professor AMITY UNIVERSITY In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration Marketing & Sales at AMITY BUSINESS SCHOOL AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH SECTOR 125, NOIDA - 201303, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

DECLARATION

Title of Project Report LOGISTICS SUPPLY CHAIN OF RE-USABLE PLASTIC CRATES

I declare

(a)That the work presented for assessment in this Summer Internship Report is my own, that it has not previously been presented for another assessment and that my debts (for words, data, arguments and ideas) have been appropriately acknowledged (b)That the work conforms to the guidelines for presentation and style set out in the relevant documentation.

Date : 15/07/12 Vinod Kumar Pal , Enrollment no- A0102211049 , MBA M&S ,Class of 2013

CERTIFICATE

I Mr. Mamta Mohan hereby certificate vinod kumar pal student of Masters of Business Administration M&S at Amity Business School, Amity University Uttar Pradesh has completed the Project Report on : logistics supply chain of re-usable plastic crates , under my guidance.

Mr. Mamta Mohan Assistant Professor

Table of contents

Chapter 1: Introduction Purpose of the Study Context of the Study Significance of the Study Theoretical Framework Definitions Summary

Chapter 2: Review of the Literature

Chapter 3: Research Methods and Procedures Purpose of the Study Research Design Research Questions Participants Data Collection Instruments used Pilot Study Procedures Data Analysis Limitations

Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Findings Review of Methodology Results of Research Questions Summary of the Findings

Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendation Summary of Findings Discussion of Research Question Recommendations Limitations Implications for Practice Implications for future research Annexure :

Chapter -1 Introduction

Introduction This chapter describes the problem background of the current situation, the problem description and the purpose of the thesis, the research questions that will be the main guideline for the structure of this report and the scope of the thesis. .1. Problem Background The problem background disccusess about the importance and scope of using the plastic crates in reverse logistics in shriram pistons & rings ltd ,Ghaziabad ,which is a auto ancillary or parts making company ,having its major clients in india as well as in forign countries too ,which rely on shriram pistons for delivery of auto parts like pistons ,rings ,engine valves etc, for their prime functioning for making auto products like bike ,cars and other auto products too ,like as tractors . The problem inusing plastic crates for delivery of products is that sometimes the auto parts do get broken during transportation ,when heavily loaded and pallet packing is not used . Purpose of the study Purpose: To study the supply chain of re-usable plastic crates for transportation of various original equipment manufactured products in the industry. To find the scope of existing use of plastic crates in the current market trends for the supply chain management of using plastics crates for delivery of various industry products .

Context of the study : SHRIRAM PISTONS & RINGS LTD COMPANY PROFILE

Shriram pistons &rings ltd (sprl)is one of the largest and most sophisticated manufacturers of precision automobiles components i.e.pistons,piston rings and engine valves in india .the products are sold under brand name usha/spr in the markets . Sprl manufacturing unit is located at merrut road in Ghaziabad (25km from delhi).the plant has been recognized as one of the most modern and sophisticated plants in north india in the field of automobiles . The production capacity of the plant is as under : Piston: Pins : Rings : 17.06million per year 14.9million per year 76.5million per year - actual production in 2011-12 -actual production in 2011-12. -actual production in 2011-12.

Engine valves :33.8million per year actual production in 2011-12. The company has technical collaboration with : I .m/s kolbenschmidt ,germany to produce pistons . II.m/s riken corporation ,japan for piston rings . III.m/s fuji Oozx ,japan for the manufacture of engine valves . IV.m/s Honda foundry ,japan for technical support .

The company supplies its products to several original equipment manufacturers (oem,s) like ashok Leyland ,tata Cummins ,tata motors ,maruti Suzuki ,Mahindra &Mahindra ,tata tractors ,sml swaraj,kirloskar oil engines ,bajaj auto ,Honda siel cars ,sundaram claylon,Honda scooter ,international tractors ,standard combine in addition to all the Honda joint ventures in india .sprl is also supplying its products to international oem,s like rennault,Nissan,ford &riken etc.

At shriram pistons &rings ltd. Quality is an integral part of whatever we do,which is reflected in the company ,s quality policy.

Total customer satisfaction through quality management and continuous Improvement Quality objectives : 1.organisation which is sensitive and interactive to the needs of the customer . 2.continuous upgrading of quality and process to meet changing needs of the customer . 3.optimization of return on investment by Continuous improvement . Technology development . Organizational & personal development . Cost reduction efforts . Effective use of all resources . Harmonious and safe working conditions

4.work to international norms of quality and management . The company has successfully practiced the best work ethics and technology along with the tpm &kaizen approach and harmony through teamwork. 5.Achievement in terms of quality : Spr received the iso -9001 certificate from rwtuv ,germany in 1994.technology from the collaborators was supplemented with In house efforts and by implementing world class practices . The company received QS-9000 certificate from tuv,germanyin the year 1999. The company received ISO-14001certificate in the year 2001. Spr received the TS-16949 certificate in the year 2003. The company received OHSAS-18001 certrificate in the year 2003. Best foundry awards from institute of Indian foundry men in the year 2003. Green rating award by CII ,u.p. pollution board &world bank in 2004. The company received TPM excellence award in the year 2004. Received diamond award overall best performance in QCDDM,outstanding performance in cost ,bronze award for delivery ,gold award for 5s from Honda siel cars (I)ltd in 2006. Received overall achievement trophy from Maruti Suzuki in 2008-09.

Received best exporter award from FIEO-federation of Indian export organization in 2009-10. Received trophy from EEPC- STAR PERFORMANCE IN PRODUCT GROUP OF ENGINES ,TURBINES &PARTS in recognition of outstanding contributon to engineering exports during the year 2007-08. Iso /ts 16949:2009 -achieved for spr-unit II ghaziabad . Iso /ts 16949:2010- achieved for spr unit v pune

Significance of the study :

The context of study provides laying importance of plastic crates in recent trends in automobile industry . From this study the company can analyse the situation of current trends and comfortability of using the plastic crates in auto parts for transfers . Definitions : Pistons : A piston is a component of reciprocating engines, reciprocating pumps, gas compressors and pneumatic cylinders, among other similar mechanisms. It is the moving component that is contained by a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from expanding gas in the cylinder to the crankshaft via a piston rod and/or connecting rod. In a pump, the function is reversed and force is transferred from the crankshaft to the piston for the purpose of compressing or ejecting the fluid in the cylinder. In some engines, the piston also acts as a valve by covering and uncovering ports in the cylinder wall.

Rings: A tire consisting of a rubber ring around the rim of an automobile wheel

Pins : A pin is a device used for fastening objects or material together. It is usually made of steel, or on occasion copper or brass. It is formed by drawing out a thin wire, sharpening the tip, and adding a head. Nails are related, but are typically larger. In machines and engineering, pins are commonly used as pivots, hinges, shafts, jigs, and fixtures to locate or hold parts.

EV : ains to valves or systems that control the flow of gases or fluids within an engine, particularly:

steam to and from the cylinder(s) of a steam engine the fuel-air mixtures to, or exhaust gases from, internal combustion engines

Summary :

The company named Shriram Pistons & Rings ltd has been the pioneer in manufacturing pistons & rings and many more other products , having its plants in Ghaziabad city , as well as in Rajasthan too. As it uses plastics crates in most of its itiems as per required number by the industry , so I were supposed to study its real importance of plastic crates delivery satisfaction rate among its clients especially for maruti Suzuki . For doing this study , I used descriptive research strategy in which I conducted a questionnaire which have to be filled by maruti Suzuki employees an other staffs members . the results and drawings were to be same as per as research results and findings .

Company operations workings :

Conclusions and findings Shriram pistons &rings ltd General working :

Regional office ------ head office -----marketing department ---- sales plan execution &report ---ppc (production planning &control)---production plan ready . Production plan department circulates information including management to all departments .(according to capacity of a department ). Metal manufacturing is done by various department as per plan execution by p.p.c (production planning &control). Process- manufacturing ---finished goods produced ----- packing ----

credit to sales coordination (for final packing &unitization )----final dispatch from the company .

Bsr: - (bonded store room)- conclusion of ppc plans list according to products by various departments .

 Rg1 : production &despatch accredition as per as rules by central government . 1.it involves stock register .which involves mention of quanity of goods despatch ,open stock,closing stock . 2.it also involves invoices which includes bills payment ,sales to different organization etc,order payment .

Key learnings : Purchase department

Different department manufacturing &primary packing is done as per as ppc

secondary packing includes bsr stocking

RG1: DESPATCH ACCREDITION

Stock register which involves invoices,bills ,sales etc.)

Besides all this, the sales coordination department also has : Ultrasonic welding machine Tin container seaming welding machine Pin area Pack material area Box folding area Piston packaging plant .

Plastic crates logistics Verification of pistons as per as pistons plant manufacturing department . Quantity of pistons transferred and their final transfer of packing process in line 1 ,line 2 ,line 3.as per as customer demands . i.e. as per as industry demands ,packing is done .suppose maruti demands pistons fully transparently packed pistons in plastic crates ,so it wpould be done accordingly ,(and not in boxes or pallets).

1.auditing of pins . 2.pre auditing and post auditing of pins as per as industry demand .

Process for packing in pistons department :

Process for packing in pistons department

Bajajmodel xcd Wrapping (polycoated)

Oiling with solution

Pins & rings circulation in tin container seaming machine

Final despatch from pistons department

welding machine

Labelling ( coupons attached )

Rings department workings

Types of crates : their colour and their model Model p-17ehro m-8w p-70 mf&d k12b a star colour blue (small) blue(small) blue(small) blue(small) blue(small) blue(small) blue(small)

k10b maruti alto m-esteem

h2ps h2ap krm

green green green

h2cm

brown

tep

secondary

railing

spacing

A plastic crate has total 6 sets .

1. 2. 3. 4.

600 tep(horse power )-600 sets 600 secondary -600 sets 1200 railing - 600 sets 600 space rings -600sets Oem,s original equipment manufacturing . Oes,s- original equipment spares (parts of automobiles )

Process of dispatching of steel rings

Process of despatching of steel rings

Manufactured Steel rings Godowns

Sales coordination

Final despatch

Oil rings (3rd ring )

It consists of rail and rpheres. It consists of dying ring (m-type) It also consists of : 1. Light in not 2. Speed if high require . 3. Petrol engine .

Conclusions from my own side : There should be increased visual inspection of steel rings . a/b shift should be there for steel ring s working s plant , so that workers and employees feel comfortable in working and there will be less chance of mistake in quality .

Purchase Department Workings

Inventory management: 90 % of plastic crates is supplied by purchase department to steel ring plant . 10% of plastic crates is kept as closing stock ,for future sku,s (stock keeping unit).

Reasons for inventory form : 1. Due to recession proof working . 2. Due to sku,s (stock keeping unit)

Conclusions : As if recession occurs , so buying capacity of the purchase department is lowered as interest rate is increased ,which can lead to failure of increased profits of the company .

Pin plant Small pin plant :

Small pin plant

Hero honda pin gn5,/p-17
Godown

Factory

Sales coordination (for final despatch)

Small pin process of packing :

Small pins process of packing

Finished grinder machine Small pins are grinded

Cleaning of pins

Final packing
Visual inspection

Visual inspection 2 for diameter checking of pins

For despatching : If delivery has to be separated from pistons ,it has to be supplied in plastic crates /boxes as per as industry demands .

Big pins department :

Big pins department

Finished grinder machine of small pins Cleaning of pins

Secondary packing (stickers named usha Visual inspection Polycoated packing paper on pins for primary packing

Visual inspection 2 ,for diameter size checking of pins Stamp marking on face of pins naming usha

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

PLASTIC CRATES FOR OPEN PACKING FOR INDUSTRY USE . BOXES (PRIM. &SEC. (USHA)

SALES COORDINATION .

ENGINE VALVES PLANT

ACCORDING TO CUSTOMER DEMAND ,PACKING IS DONE. 1. Using plastic crates . 2. Using cardboard boxes .

CRI packing of engine valves

CRIpacking of Engine Valves

CRI packing (valve is sent from CRI to packing )

Oiling of valves

Customer demand segmentation as per as industry demand

Credit to godown

Customer

Types of packing

1.oem packing : it refers to original equipment packing ,say maruti Suzuki ,Suzuki diesel ,Suzuki power train ltd (manesar) -100v -100exhaust

Final boxing

 : involves labelling of customer on boxes label (eg . maruti ) Tapping followed by polyethene binding on plastic crates .

Ready for depatch

Trade packing

Cylinder wise packing : 1.cylinder (bike) 2.cylinder (tractor 3.cylinder(car,tractor) 4.cylinder (car,tractor) 5.cylinder (car,tractor) Mahindra jetter 125 maruti -800 tata 407 tractor ,etc

Plan according to marketing department According to customer demands ,we also have a file for it named ECS Meaning export codification sheet . As per as ECS plan ,paper sheet required for export is being used according to plan executed by marketing department , And finally packing & other procedures are followed .(kirloskar ev -1 model for Egypt

Procedures for packing

Procedure for packing

1 boxes involves : 2 valves 2 cups 4 collets 2 springs

Box sealing through sealing machine

Hologramming on boxes (part wise labelling )

Final despatch

CHAPTER 3 : Research methods and procedures Purpose of the study : To study the supply chain of re-usable plastic crates for transportation of various original equipment manufactured products in the industry. To find the scope of existing use of plastic crates in the current market trends for the supply chain management of using plastics crates for delivery of various industry products . Research design

TYPES OF RESEARCH

On the basis of fundamental objectives of the research, marketing research projects are classified into two branches: Exploratory Research Conclusive Research

Exploratory Research: Exploratory research is conducted when one is seeking insights into the general nature of a situation, the possible decision alternatives, and the relevant variables that need to be considered. While conducting our study we used exploratory research, which was flexible and was aimed at identifying all the attributes a customer might look at the ambience & Quality for deciding to buy auto parts from a company like shriram pistons & rings ltd . We have taken a review of the thoughts of the people about ambience and screened some issues which we as researchers felt needed more clarification or study. These specific topics were then taken to a focus group. The focus groups were indented to reveal some of the issues which can influence consumer behavior about the product when he is seeing the advertisement.

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH We used descriptive research technique in our project.

SAMPLING TYPE The type of sampling used was non probabilistic convenience sampling.

SAMPLE SIZE The sample size used for the analysis is 50 DATA USED FOR ANALYSIS Primary Data : Collected by the means of questionnaires Secondary Data : Already existing data is called secondary data. We collected them by following method Internet Books Newspapers

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

Structured questionnaires comprising of close ended questions were used as research instruments. The method adopted for developing the above mentioned questionnaires followed the following sequential order: 1. Determining the objective of the project and specific data to be sought. 2. Determining the process of interviewing. 3. Scrutinizing the question content. 4. Setting the response format. QUESTIONNAIRES We did a descriptive analysis by constructing a well structured questionnaire and collected the primary data. We personally went to the respondents and requested them to provide us with the details for filling the questionnaire. FEATURES OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE Well structured Closed ended and open ended questions Dichotomous, branching questions also used Likert scaling used in a few questions

In this case study , I have done exploratory research in order to know basically what is the exact problem in using the plastic crates for supply chain for auto parts like pins, pistons ,rings ,etc.

Moreover for conducting the research for authentification and findings I have used descriptive research method in which I used questionnaires , based upon derived problem from qualitative research .the person used for this fulfillment of questionnaire were industry related people only.

Research questions Shriram Pistons &Rings ltd Logistics supply chain of reusable plastic crates To various auto -vendors in market Q1. What is your say about quality management and supply chain of plastic crates to you from shriram pistons ? 1.very good 2.fine 3.poor
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3

Results : As from the graph indicated ,we can easily see that it shows that most of the respondents from the company do agree and say fine ,while some of the respondents do say that it offers good one about quality management of plastic crates supply chain management of auto parts .

Q2.Are plastic crates are more comfortable and advantageous as compared to other packing process involved in transportation of packed equipments ? 1.yes 2.no 3.largely comfortable

1 2 3

Results :

 Looking at the graph , we can easily conclude that company respondents do agree that plastic crates are of more usable itiem in delivering of goods for handling as well as for transportation too. While ,nearly 42% of the respondents also say that it is of no such use as compared to other packing materials like boxes etc.

Q3. Are open (polythene)ended plastic crates portable for pins and steel rings as compared to closed plastic crates ? 1.only for weighted equipments . 2.can be transferred freely in open ended too. 3.not possible .

10

15

20

25

30

35

Results :

 As seen from the graph, it,s very enmitable seen that most of the respondents do agree that open ended polythene ended plastic crates are of more use as compared to closed one for scm , Because it,s costs less labour force to receive the goods from the company , Moreover it doesnot weigh much and goods donot break also during handling &other purposes .

Q4.Is there a need for modified type of plastic crates for transportation of various equipments like for pins ,pistons ,rings ,engine valves ? 1.no. 2.yes 3.Depends

1 2 3

Results :

 Recordings from the findings conclude that more than 70% of the respondents from the maruti think that there must be varieties of plastic crates for fulfilling the demands of goods handling as it differs from goods to goods . Suppose it might be good that MT bin -25 is used for pins only .

Q5. Is there a need for washing of plastic crates for recycling of crates in logistics of pistons & rings ,and engine valves ,along with pins ? 1.only required for engine valves (as oiling makes it greasable) 2.not required . 3.largely requires washing of all plastic crates

30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3

Results : From the graph and final recordings , it,s clear that most of the respondents in maruti thinks that cleaning of the plastic crates is being required in only in engine valves While some think that it can be applied to all also , but finally saying from the research design , it looks that engine valves plastic rates should be thoroughly washed .

Q6. Is detergent washing required in cleaning of reusable plastic rates or hard boiled water washing is more preferable ? 1. Detergent washing . 2. Hard boiled water . 3. If else ,please suggest ..

10

15

20

25

30

Results : Looking at the graph, it is clearly stated that cleaning through the hard boiled water for all of the plastic crates is considered most desirable apart from others . So that oiling doesnot make it greasy and dustable and would prone to hazards .

Q7.what do you think why plastic crates are not still not used in automobile industries for supply chain of automobile parts ? 1.They cost expensive . 2.Are not readily available . 3.Difficult to change old practices .

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3

Results : From the graph on a scale of 50 respondents , it looks that nearly 60 %of the respondents from company thinks that plastic crates are not readily available than compared to cost etc. As there are less no. of buyers of plastic rates in bulk , so it ,s difficult to get it easily .

Q8. Do auto parts which are supplied through logistics by shriram pistons are being continuously supplied properly or do they get broken during transportation /handling of parts ? 1.yes 2.no. 3.unpredictable .

25

20

15

10

0 1 2 3

Results : From the table below , it,s clear that readily shriram pistons is almost have satisfied it,s customer for transportation of its auto parts .

Q9 Do reusable shipping containers has widely helped automobile industry in just in time delivery ?why ? 1.yes 2. no. 3. if greatly ,why?

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3

Results :

 From the given table findings , its very clear that shriram pistons &rings ltd has been bestowed with blessing s by using reusable plastic containers The reason lies behind it is that just in time delivery is that the buyers are near ncr and moreover they require less no of goods as compared to large ones .

Q10. Have plastic crates in supply chain of auto parts have really been cost reducing as well as labour reductant ? please rate ? 1.very efficient 2. less efficient 3.mediocre

10

15

20

25

Results :

 Have been asked from the respondents about the efficiency of plastic crates in reducing costs concerned to labour as well as other as labour reductant too The results declares that it has just has been mediocre while near to it almost 78%of people think that it has been quite efficient in managing of this things .

Q11. Is bulk packaging done good in plastic crates have been efficient and really helped the industry in receiving piles of auto parts like pistons ? 1. Very good 2. Fine 3. Not much

30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3

Results :

 Having asked to no of respondents about bulk of packing received per crates are larger as well as safer for transportation , the results lies in that it has widely helped the automobile industry.

Q12. What would you say about reducing packaging layers and extra weighing for transportation of auto parts ,and thus reducing costs as well as increasing margins ? 1.very profitable . 2.hardly profitable . 3. not a issue .

1 2 3

Results : As expected about that it might be profitable through plastic crates to reduce weighting by reducoing packing layers , but industry respondents do not believe that it has widely helped yet .

Q13. Do you agree that reusable plastic containers too have helped in economic benefits and waste disposal and thus making environment pollution free ? 1.yes 2.no . 3. much helped and is increasing

10

15

20

25

30

Results : From the above table, it,s very clear that everybody in the industry people believe that plastic crates have been able to reduce pollution and helped in economic benefits too.

Q14. Have finally shriram pistons &rings ltd have been contionously been focusing upon its research methodology to meet its customer demands ? 1. Improved highly 2. Less improved 3. Improved ,but still needs to improve

30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3

Results : As concerned over its R&D, shriram pistons &rings ltd has been stated that it has improved its technology over years , but still needs to work upon

Participant s: The respondents involved in focus group discussion and depth interview were auto dealers . They were asked some specific set of questionnaires based upon the quality management and specificity of plastic crates in supply chain management for transfers of ownership of goods .

Data collection : The data collected in conducting this research was both primary as well as secondary data from the company own website as well as from different research papers . The primary data includes finding the problem for reusable plastic containers transportation and feedback by conducting a market research through questionnaire asked to various respondents of auto dealers in Ghaziabad . The secondary data includes various raw data accomplished on company, s own website as well as some other websites related to rpc,s logistics . Instruments used : The instruments used in conducting the market research was based upon the findings analysed on conducting a questionnaire and finally drawing inferences from the above objectives . I used spss software for tabulating the analysis of the findings involved in conducting the market research and depth interview . Procedures : The procedures involved in conducting the market research for estimating the findings were Firstly , To identify the related problem for the plastic crates for disapproval for transportation of ownership of goods in some companies . Moreover , To find the importance and feasibility of plastic crates in supply chain of plastic crates for various auto spares parts . Secondly , based upon the problem identification , construct an questionnaire for taking the feedback from auto dealers . Thirdly , Draw the inferences based upon the results on performed questionnaires . Fourthly ,using spss, construct graphs /pie chart for depicting the final results and outcomes in a proper way for tabulation in picture view . Fifthly, draw conclusions and recommendations for findings .

Limitations : The limitation in conducting the research was based upon only on auto dealers only ,so it might differ also by other vendors . Most of the company do prefer plastics crates for logistics of goods , but feel little unsecured about the protection of their receiving of goods in plastic crates . Some of the respondents from auto dealers conferred about decomposition of waste plastic crates during transportation . Moreover some feel uncertain about using plastic crates for using in all of auto spares parts .

Chapter 4: Data analysis and findings : From the data analysis of reusable plastic crates , followings have been analysed that : Re-usable plastic crates have widely helped in cutting down the costs associated with transportation and handling of plastic crates . It has widely helped in fulfilling the demands of customer by offering auto spares parts to auto dealers as well as to auto companies . Reusable plastic crates is less costly as compared to other packing boxes as well as hard piled containers . The most important findings among all is that it has helped in just in time delivery , The reason behind it lies in that : Due to shorter distance and near by customer i..e.. ncr , it,s easy for shriram pistons &rings ltd to easily transfer its goods over roads by this method.

Plastic crates have been widely used for bulk packing too . The reason behind it lies in that the storing capacity with automatic adjustment to large goods in bulk capacity. Moreover it doesnot require extra coverings for packing so it reduces costs in weighing . Finally I would conclude that by using plastic crates in auto industry like shriram pistons &rings ltd ,

A company can not only reduce and cut down its costs , but can improve its transportation handling a well as help in meeting its desired customers for their on demand transports Review of methodology :

Methodology To achieve the above research objectives, this study first conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature both to build up academic foundations for the research as well as to review the current state of practices and problems in the plastic recycling supply chain In this chapter, descriptions of the performed activities for data collection and for better comprehension of the problem are presented. Different data collection techniques and analysis tools were applied in order to obtain a better understanding of the present situation of companies using returnable plastic boxes. The main activities for this study are presented and the level of detail will hopefully be interesting enough for the reader.

Summary of the findings :

From the all above results and findings , we can easily say that besides some disadvantages in using plastic rates in auto parts transportation , it,s still very innovative as well as profit making in a lieu of meeting the customer demands too .

Re-usable plastic crates have widely helped in cutting down the costs associated with transportation and handling of plastic crates . It has widely helped in fulfilling the demands of customer by offering auto spares parts to auto dealers as well as to auto companies . Reusable plastic crates is less costly as compared to other packing boxes as well as hard piled containers . The most important findings among all is that it has helped in just in time delivery , The reason behind it lies in that : Due to shorter distance and near by customer i..e.. ncr , it,s easy for shriram pistons &rings ltd to easily transfer its goods over roads by this method.

Plastic crates have been widely used for bulk packing too . The reason behind it lies in that the storing capacity with automatic adjustment to large goods in bulk capacity. Moreover it doesnot require extra coverings for packing so it reduces costs in weighing .

Chapter 5 : Conclusions and recommendations : Summary of findings : Conclusions By eliminating the unnecessary washing of returnable plastic boxes, related activities to the washing process itself could be reduced, performing them only when really considered necessary instead of systematically. Nevertheless, there is a potential possibility that new activities like manual sorting of clean and dirty boxes might occur and the involved cost, quality and required time to perform each new activity will depend on the specific activity set-up and degree of implementation. In pool systems where different type of packages are used, terminals between some users have been identified as consolidating points from where to cover the varying

demand of different packages, including the potential possibility of increasing the fill rate of the dispatch shipments from these terminals. dimensions of the returnable plastic boxes, are key factors that determine the relative definition of the level of cleanliness that a user may assign to a plastic box, as the elements that may get attached to the boxes during its use and the components being carried, affect the external appearance of the boxes. To offer the same type of services to different customers does not guaranty customers satisfaction. Even if the type of service has been intended to satisfy the customer with the highest exigencies, this level of quality might not be appreciated if it carries a major cost with it.

Discussion of research question :

1. The type of questions asked by us were of multivariante type question involving 3 options regarding use of plastic crates in supply chain management of shriram pistons . 2. The questionnaires were filled by auto dealers as respondents . 3. Some of the questionnaires were involving some questions regarding quality management by shriram pistons &rings ltd for its products &services . 4. Sample size for conducting research was taken 50 and was conducted in the market dealers .

Recommendations :

Some of the recommendations which company should focus upon is : The company should work upon the cleaning of plastic crates after supplying to its customers like Honda siel etc. The company should also focus upon the unitization process involved in packing process for delivery in plastic crates ,because there are some auto parts like pins , rings which may be easily broken during the transportation . One more issue regarding this is that the company should use small trucks for transportation so that they are easily and safely transferred to warehouses of the concerned company in just in time delivery . Another aspect for improvement in logistics supply chain of plastic crates Is that company should deal with ncr companies ,and with Rajasthan companies because it has a plant near it also.

Limitations : There are some limitation again though following all the recommendations such as : The plastic crates can be subject to crushing during transportation . The buying of plastic crates is very competitive ,as there are no. of companies who imparts this plastic crates ,out of which some offer local ones in name of top companies . The plastic crates are not subject to complete combustion so it,s not easy for decomposition of plastic crates after they are broken.

Implications for practice : 1. The company should have day shift for logistics working regarding handling , inventory management ,so that there is less chance of mistakes . 2. The plastic crates should be of good quality ,marketing department , should be concerned for this , as , shriram pistons &rings ltd has plastic crates for all 3. departments logistics should be followed .for each plant

Implications for future research : 1. The company must work upon its R&D for improving the auto parts like pistons should have fine grooving . 2. The company can also go for buying good plastic crates from foreign too . , if good quality plastic crates are not available in india . 3. The company can buy nilkamal plastic crates which is quite good for reverse logistics of plastic crates .

Bibliography : AEAT (2006), Contractual arrangements between local authorities and MRF operators, final Report for Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), AEAT. Anatas, P.T. and Lankey, R.L. (2000), Life cycle assessment and green chemistry: the yin and Yang of industrial ecology, Green Chemistry, 2, 289-295. Arena, U., Mastellone, M.L., and Perugini, F. (2003a), The environmental performance of Alternative solid waste management options: a life cycle assessment, Chemical Engineering