Cross-docking na distribuição de bebidas: proposta de um modelo de simulação discreta

Abstract

Physical distribution activities, responsible for delivering products to customers, play a central role in revenue generation and customer loyalty. In the beverage sector, characterized by high competitiveness and narrow margins, logistical strategies that promote operational efficiency and cost reduction—without compromising service quality—become particularly relevant. In this context, cross-docking emerges as a strategic alternative, as it reduces or eliminates intermediate storage by transferring products directly from inbound to outbound vehicles. This approach offers benefits such as lower storage costs, shorter cycle times, and greater agility in customer service, although it also presents challenges related to supplier–carrier coordination, integration of information systems, strict time control, and adequate operational capacity. The objective of this study is to propose a discrete-event simulation model capable of representing the main activities and constraints of cross-docking operations applied to the beverage sector. To this end, interviews were conducted with supply chain managers, and a simulation model was developed to reproduce different operational scenarios, incorporating constraints such as product availability, dock and vehicle capacity, outbound windows and start times of loading activities, route and handling times, internal resources, and asset returns. The results demonstrate that simulation, when adjusted to the specific characteristics of the sector, is an effective tool for evaluating the viability of the strategy, sizing the required infrastructure, defining appropriate equipment levels, and supporting strategic decisions—such as the number of suppliers and the timing of demand release. In this way, the model enables the identification of more efficient combinations of operational parameters, contributing to cost reduction and improved logistical performance.