Assessing Logistical Requirements for Inventory Management Systems: An Evaluation of Elicitation Methods - A Case Study on Eliciting the Logistical Requirements

Abstract

Within the current field of supply chain management, efficient handling and storage of materials are critical aspects to ensure smooth operations. Implementing a system can streamline these processes and contribute to achieving a company’s overarching business goals. However, the system must align with the organisation's characteristics and established processes to effectively contribute to the overarching business goals. It is essential to elicit relevant requirements to ensure that the system possesses the necessary capabilities. Various established methods exist for eliciting requirements, each with varying degrees of suitability depending on the specific context. In this thesis, the authors utilise some commonly employed elicitation methods to identify their strengths and limitations when utilised in a prototype workshop. Moreover, this thesis aims to present the logistical requirements for an IMS utilised in a prototype workshop. Numerous elicitation methods exist, and they are categorised into four overarching techniques. The authors discovered that the strengths and limitations were consistent across all elicitation methods within each overarching technique. Furthermore, they found that group interaction and individual participation techniques were the most effective for eliciting clear and relevant requirements. However, it was noted that these techniques require the interviewer to be well-prepared and have substantial experience and domain knowledge to utilise them effectively. Despite being unable to elicit clear and relevant requirements through the reading-based and market research techniques, the methods within these techniques still offered valuable insight into the domain. This enabled the authors to better prepare and interpret the findings from subsequent sessions more efficiently. In conclusion, the authors observed that each technique and method possesses its own strengths and limitations. Ideally, they should be used in combination to capitalise on their strengths and mitigate their limitations. The essential logistical requirements elicited during the process primarily revolved around time and cost savings. The case company could potentially save both time and money by streamlining inventory management practices with the support of the IMS. The authors identified a wide array of requirements, including locating goods, reducing inventory, streamlining ordering processes, and ensuring easy access to information about the inventory.