This thesis was commissioned by Sinebrychoff Supply Company Oy to analyse an outsourced shelving trial. This research was carried out in grocery stores in Vantaa from the beginning of October to the end of December in 2016. The research was mainly implemented using participant observation. The main aim of this thesis was to establish shelving times and amounts. Also the cost of the outsourced shelving trial and the variation of how costs change between business chains needed to be solved.

The research data was collected by observing the shelving operators at work and unstructured interviews. The interviewees were working in the sales organisation of Sinebrychoff. The purpose of these interviews was to “think outside the box” concerning the Sinebrychoff supply chain organisation.

The results showed the time shelving operators used with different delivery groups. Also the results highlighted the amount of products actually put onto shelves by the operators. It was established that Sinebrychoff also incurred extra expenses through the shelving trial. However, the expenses could be compensated by the drivers increasing the number of deliveries to customers per day. The interviewees told that the shelving trial had been a very successful experience in their sales organisation, as well.

Sinebrychoff Supply Company received valuable information about the work the operators do from this research. The shelving times and shelving amounts especially help Sinebrychoff in possible future planning negotiations. Because of the success of the trail, Sinebrychoff decided to extend the use of the shelving operators. As of now the trial will be in operation till the end of March 2017. After that it is possible that negotiations on a long-term agreement and expanding the operation area will take place.