Customer Orders Research Articles

A new policy for scattered storage assignment to minimize picking travel distances

Various retail and e-commerce companies face the challenge of picking a large number of time-critical customer orders that include both a small number of items and multiple order lines. To reduce the unproductive work time of order pickers, several storage assignment policies have been proposed in the literature and in practice. In case of the scattered storage assignment (SSA) policy individual items are intentionally distributed to multiple positions in the picking area to increase the probability that items belonging to the same order can be picked at nearby positions. In this paper, we examine our recently proposed SSA policy that seeks to minimize the sum of pairwise distances (SPD) between all item positions that belong to the same order, including a drop-off point. We develop an efficient variable neighborhood search (VNS) metaheuristic to solve large instances in a reasonable computation time. We tested our SSA-SPD strategy by implementing a picking algorithm that considers multiple drop-off points and tracks inventory in the meantime. Our results show that our SSA-SPD policy helps reduce picking distances by up to 36% compared to a random scatter policy and 56% compared to a volume-based policy, depending on the number of order lines and drop-off points in the problem instance.

A bi-criterion sequence-dependent scheduling problem with order deliveries.

The manufacturing sector faces unprecedented challenges, including intense competition, a surge in product varieties, heightened customization demands, and shorter product life cycles. These challenges underscore the critical need to optimize manufacturing systems. Among the most enduring and complex challenges within this domain is production scheduling. In practical scenarios, setup time is whenever a machine transitions from processing one product to another. Job scheduling with setup times or associated costs has garnered significant attention in both manufacturing and service environments, prompting extensive research efforts. While previous studies on customer order scheduling primarily focused on orders or jobs to be processed across multiple machines, they often overlooked the crucial factor of setup time. This study addresses a sequence-dependent bi-criterion scheduling problem, incorporating order delivery considerations. The primary objective is to minimize the linear combination of the makespan and the sum of weighted completion times of each order. To tackle this intricate challenge, we propose pertinent dominance rules and a lower bound, which are integral components of a branch-and-bound methodology employed to obtain an exact solution. Additionally, we introduce a heuristic approach tailored to the problem's unique characteristics, along with three refined variants designed to yield high-quality approximate solutions. Subsequently, these three refined approaches serve as seeds to generate three distinct populations or chromosomes, each independently employed in a genetic algorithm to yield a robust approximate solution. Ultimately, we meticulously assess the efficacy of each proposed algorithm through comprehensive simulation trials.

Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems through Intelligent Workpiece Handling and Artificial Intelligence

In recent years, businesses have strived to align their manufacturing goods with the unique needs and preferences of their customers. However, the mass customization paradigm introduces challenges mostly associated to the manipulation of small product batches and knowledge management. This paper proposes a framework for intelligent reconfigurable manufacturing systems, that leverages robotic automation supported by a collaborative dual-arm manipulator, cognitive mechatronic devices, and machine-learning algorithms. In more detail, pioneer end-effectors and machinery provide the capacity of grasping and handling a variety of products without time-consuming hardware modifications. The backbone of this manipulation scheme is a set of machine learning tools for: a) the planning and synchronization of handling agents, b) identification and localization of workpieces, c) the generation of optimal packaging configurations based on customer orders and identified workpieces, and d) the allocation of the respective handling operations to robots, operators, and machinery. The proposed framework is evaluated through its implementation on a use case deriving from the metal industry. The particularities of this use case, as expressed in product variety, workpiece complexity, customer orders and intralogistics, provide a fertile ground for the validation of the discussed technologies.

Supply Chain Optimization in Industry 5.0: An Experimental Investigation Using Al

This experimental study examines the use of AI-driven supply chain management solutions in the framework of Industry 5.0. An analysis of fictitious data that represented product inventory, supplier details, customer orders, and transportation details showed significant cost savings in transportation logistics (10%), improvements in supplier cost efficiency (20%), and significant reductions in excess inventory (10%). In Industry 5.0, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a key technology that can promote effective, customer-focused, and sustainable supply chains.

Using Information Technologies to Manage Printing Production: Integration and Optimisation Based on the System-Process Approach

Taking into account the characteristics of the system-process approach, the study considers the importance of the use of information technologies in the management of the production of printed products. The information structure is considered to be an organised system for collecting, processing, storing and distributing the necessary information required for management decision making. This structure aims to ensure that the information is available, accurate and relevant, which is required to manage the production process. By considering the interrelationships of all elements of the production process and establishing optimal information exchange procedures to achieve management objectives, the system-process management approach is used. This helps to improve coordination between the company’s departments. It also reduces production time and increases the level of quality and productivity. A wide range of tasks, from order processing and preparation of production documentation to control and analysis of production results, are involved in the creation of a company’s management information structure. Production planning, customer invoicing and scheduling of production processes are also important aspects of management. They help to ensure an efficient production process and customer satisfaction. A comprehensive system of information and management components is used to create and use an information structure for managing the production of printed products based on a system-process approach. These components include information technology, production process management systems, and logistics process management systems. The aim is to automate and optimise production processes in the printing industry. In particular, it is possible to optimise the processes of interaction between customers and producers through the development of print production using information technologies and automated management systems. This helps to improve the quality of the service and to make management decisions on a more informed basis. The study notes that effective operational management of receiving orders in the printing industry is critical to running a successful business. Key elements of this process include the proper collection and management of information. Initial data plays an important role in order acceptance and fulfilment, such as customer requirements, requirement structure, financial conditions and order volume. This information enables you to communicate effectively with customers, understand their needs, and estimate profitability and cost to produce. Key aspects of production management include responding quickly to changes in demand, optimising processes and fulfilling orders on time. In order to maintain the efficient functioning of the company, it is important that the data is current, updated and accessible to all parties involved in the process. It is concluded that a properly organised information structure based on the system-process approach is an important component of successful print production management. It contributes to the optimisation of work processes and increases the productivity of the company.

Study of the use of robotic process automation in supporting customer order process

The article presents a study of the impact of implementing robotic process automation in the customer service process for a manufacturing industry company. The study showed that the implementation of robotic process automation can contribute to shortening the implementation time of the analyzed process and eliminating ineffective activities. The presented conclusions suggest that the implementation of such solutions may eliminate limitations in repeatable company processes.

A multi-objective dynamic vehicle routing optimization for fresh product distribution: A case study of Shenzhen

<abstract> <p>To improve the fast and efficient distribution of fresh products with dynamic customer orders, we constructed a multi-objective vehicle routing optimization model with the objectives of minimizing the distribution costs including freshness-loss cost, cold-chain-refrigeration cost, and delay-penalty cost, and maximizing customer time satisfaction. An improved multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA)-based particle swarm optimization (MOGAPSO) algorithm was designed to quickly solve the optimal solution for the distribution routes for fresh-product orders from regular customers. Furthermore, online real-time orders of fresh products were periodically inserted into the distribution routes with local optimization solutions by applying a dynamic inserting algorithm. Finally, a case study of a fresh-product distribution company in Shenzhen, China was conducted to validate the practicality of the proposed model and algorithms. A comparison with the NSGA-Ⅱ and MOPSO algorithms showed the superiority of the proposed MOGAPSO algorithm on distribution-cost reduction and customer time-satisfaction improvement. Moreover, the dynamic inserting algorithm demonstrated a better performance on distribution-cost reduction.</p> </abstract>

Exploring the influence of sensory brand recognition on brand loyalty within the quick service restaurant industry: an analysis of branded food retailers in Kerala

In today's competitive business landscape, organized retail establishments are facing formidable challenges from online counterparts, while fast-food retailers are also facing the pressure. The rise in popularity of online food delivery apps has compelled organized restaurant businesses to swiftly adapt and innovate to thrive in this new business environment. When customers order food through online, the differentiating factor primarily is the taste of the food. However, when customers physically visit a restaurant, their experience is influenced by four additional sensory elements present in the retail outlet: sight, smell, sound, and touch. These sensory elements are intentionally employed by companies to position and distinguish their brand from competitors. This study intends to investigate how these sensory components affect consumers' perceptions of quality, which in turn affect purchase intentions. The study focuses on a selection of internationally recognized retail food outlets, with a significant presence across the globe, that have established locations in three major cities in Kerala: Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode

Integration of the AHP-TOPSIS Approach in Material Supplier Selection

A medium-scale manufacturing company that produces various kinds of stainless furniture products does not have clear criteria for supplier selection. Additionally, there is no long-term relationship and the purchasing method involves selecting the supplier with the best offer (spot purchase). Materials have been delayed several times, resulting in cost overruns that impact both additional time and production. The delay is caused by the unavailability of the ordered raw materials from the supplier, leading to production delays and posing a risk of customer order fulfilment delays. Therefore, there is a need to identify the best supplier capable of meeting the company’s requirements. The purpose of this research is to determine the optimal supplier for critical materials using the AHP-TOPSIS method. The supply positioning model is employed to categorize materials and formulate procurement recommendations by considering two dimensions, there are supply risk, and expenditure. The TOPSIS method is used to identify the best alternative supplier, leading to supplier A being ranked with the highest level of preference, followed by suppliers B and C. Alternative strategies for procuring critical materials can include reducing supply risks, establishing long-term partnerships, and implementing partnership contracts.

Production Activity Control Framework for the Make-To-Order Industry Utilizing Cyber-Physical Production System

The make-to-order industry has complex production activities due to the varying nature of customer orders. The ability to meet production specifications within agreed time and cost constraints is crucial in satisfying customer demands. Therefore, effective monitoring of production activities is essential. In order to track production activities, this research proposes a Production Activity Control Framework using the Cyber-Physical Production System. The proposed framework enables precise monitoring of 1) machine activities, which include idle, setup, and processing times, and 2) operator activities, such as productive and idle times. The effectiveness of the proposed framework was tested and validated in the make-to-order industry. Its implementation demonstrates the ability to enhance control over the production schedule and direct manufacturing costs. With the proposed framework, the evaluation of operator and machining costs can be performed accurately, as opposed to the traditional production activity control activities in the make-to-order, which relies on estimates or an aggregate approach.

The influence of supply chain integration on firm performance through lean manufacturing, green supply chain management and risk management

The rapid development of technology has enabled companies to integrate internal and external partners working together in the supply chain network. Supply chain integration allows fast information to facilitate real-time and reliable decision-making. This study investigates the role of supply chain integration on firm performance through adopting lean manufacturing, green supply chain management, and risk management. The study surveyed manufacturing companies implementing ISO 14000 to represent green supply chain management and integrated information technology as a form of integration. The questionnaires were distributed using a Google form, and 93 valid responses were obtained. Data analysis employed a partial least square approach with SmartPLS software 4.1 version. The data processing results found that supply chain integration increased lean manufacturing by 0.684, green supply chain management by 0.451, and supply chain risk management by 0.333. Lean manufacturing companies using a continuous process control system and process improvements significantly improve green supply chain management by a path coefficient of 0.477, supply chain risk management by 0.206, and firm performance by 0.370. Green supply chain management significantly impacts supply chain risk management by a coefficient of 0.416 and firm performance by 0.189. Supply chain risk management with a system for detecting operational process risks and emergency procedures in overcoming changes in customer orders affects the increase in firm performance by 0.354. The practical contribution of research provides insight for practitioners to invest in information technology and adopt ISO 14000 implementation. Theoretical contributions in developing resources-based view theory in adopting green supply chain management and lean manufacturing.

Analysis of the usage of modern marketing strategies in commercial logistics

In modern marketing, analysing and acting on buyers' needs is very important. Companies try to listen to the opinions of consumers because "they are always right". Marketing for commercial logistics plays an important role. All the goods in the world are transported by air, sea, pipeline, road and rail. Based on this, large logistics companies that need customer orders and customers who need their services use modern marketing strategies to sell their services. The consumer wants the company to do everything for him at the highest level. He does not turn to the first company he meets but evaluates the market and chooses the best one. The success of the company depends on which strategy the company chooses. Therefore, analysing these strategies is important for society, and only after analysing many examples used in the modern world will it not make a mistake in its choice. The research aims to analyse the innovative marketing strategies companies use in commercial logistics to sell their products and services successfully. In total, five modern marketing strategies were analysed, which are diametrically different and, due to their uniqueness, specific to different types of companies.

Determine the impact of COVID-19 on the textile supply chain management

The textile supply chain is also affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, as thousands of supply chains worldwide. The textile industry is labour-intensive in structure and interconnected globally. The COVID-19 epidemic resulted in order cancellation and delays in manufacturing orders in the textile supply chain. The shortage of raw materials is another issue due to the closing of international seas and airports. During this epidemic, the textile industry became less important for the world's people as their 1st priority was to survive by purchasing only essential items. Data was collected from employees and industries primarily related to the textile industry. Data analysis was done using factor analysis and regression models. It was also found that most organizations and businesses faced the radical consequences of COVID-19 on textile supply chain management, including working capital, customer demand, and future marketing drives to pursue new customer orders. However, most companies have adopted digitalized systems to run out of production and purchasing.

Efficient Labor (Workforce) Management - Harnessing SAP EWM’s Built-in Tools

Managing a warehouse revolves around efficient organization, ensuring that products are allocated to spots that best suit their attributes. Retrieving products promptly and safely when customer orders are received is a fundamental aspect of warehouse operations. Many companies turn to specialized software like SAP Warehouse Management or Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) for seamless task execution tailored to diverse warehouse needs.

Post-Covid-19 health promotion in universities: mental health and social media promotion.

The crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the way of life, work, and learning processes. The government has issued a policy of adopting a new custom order to suppress the transmission of Covid-19 and continue to move people’s habits. Universities as educational centers have interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary roles and contributions through health promotion research and outreach activities by taking a role in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic. Universities have an innovative role in preparing for the Covid-19 endemic through their work in education, research, and counseling. With the pandemic and post-Covid-19 preparations, universities are intensifying support in terms of providing health services for the academic community, one of which is sustainable health promotion services. Health promotion on campus after the Covid-19 pandemic can be done by adopting general health promotion strategies, including 1) cross-sectoral coordination, 2) importance and sustainability, 3) empowerment and involvement of the academic community, and 4) equity. Mental health for students and teachers after online teaching is very important. Social media has great potential to promote health and other health interventions as it overcomes some of the limitations of traditional health communication by increasing accessibility, interaction, engagement, empowerment, and adaptation. Health promotion in universities by utilizing social media has several advantages, namely accessibility, convenience, low cost, interaction with end-users, flexibility, status, and visibility. With the good momentum of social media engagement coupled with the new need to focus on health promotion, offering digital media-based online health promotion services is one of the possible actions. Digital media has significant promise for health promotion and other health intervention activities.

Strategi Penetapan Harga Jual dan Perencanaan Laba pada Bisnis Rintisan Haminjon

Haminjon is a startup operating in the fragrance industry which is currently in the validation process and is being tested in the market. Haminjon produces diffusers made from Toba incense based on customer orders. This research aims to design pricing strategy and profit planning. The research method used is a qualitative method with a case study approach. The results of this research show that the existing selling price calculation results are appropriate and do not need to be changed to remain competitive in the market. However, production quantities need to be increased to the recommended range to reduce costs and obtain the expected profits. This will affect Haminjon's profit planning. Therefore, Haminjon should increase the production range so that the cost of production can be reduced. By utilizing the nature of cost behavior, affordable selling prices can be maintained and produce optimal profits.

The end of an era: Who paid the price when the livestock futures pits closed?

AbstractThis paper evaluates the impact of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's (CME) decision to close the livestock futures pits on the execution quality of customer orders. Our findings suggest that, prior to its closure, the livestock futures pit offers high immediacy execution and attracts large orders. Because such high immediacy orders generally execute faster and cost more, their migration to the electronic market after the pit closure explains why the execution of electronic orders becomes on average speedier and more expensive for customers who used to be active pit users. However, our results also indicate that these pit‐user customers face a lower overall execution cost following the pit closure when we account for all their orders, pit and electronic.

PERAMALAN PERSEDIAAN OBAT FLU DAN BATUK MEREK SNF UNTUK TAHUN 2024 DI GUDANG PT BCD MENGGUNAKAN METODE DEKOMPOSISI

PT BCD is a company which engages in the field of the distribution sector. Besides distributing, PT BCD also has a warehouse which is used as a place to store stock of goods that have not been sent to customers. The products distributed include medicines, pharmaceutical equipment, veterinary products and other consumer goods. However, recently the products most frequently ordered by customers are cough and flu medicines considering the unpredictable weather changes and increasing pollution. When compared with other brands, SNF brand cough and flu medicine products are the most frequently ordered products over the past two years. However, the amount of demand for these products is often uncertain every quarter. This sometimes causes customer orders set to a pending stock so that customers have to wait quite long for the product to be received or in other conditions the product in the warehouse is overstock so that the stock must be transferred between branches. To anticipate this happening in the future, which mean at 2024, forecasting needs to be done so that the supply of SNF brand medicine can be estimated more precisely. In this research, forecasting was carried out using the decomposition method to determine how many folding boxes should be provided in each quarter in 2024. From the forecasting results, we obtained an estimate of the stock that must be provided in the 1st quarter is 438 folding boxes, 340 folding boxes for the 2nd quarter, in the 3rd quarter approximately need 379 folding boxes and in the fourth quarter there were 270 folding boxes needed

Custom order entry for Parkinson's medications in the hospital improves timely administration: an analysis of over 31,000 medication doses.

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are at increased risk for hospital acquired complications. Deviations from home medication schedules and delays in administration are major contributing factors. We had previously developed a protocol to ensure adherence to home medication schedules using "custom" ordering. In this study we are assessing the impact this order type may have on reducing delays in PD medication administration in the hospital. We reviewed 31,404 orders placed for PD medications from January 2, 2016 to April 30 2021. We evaluated the orders to determine if they were placed in a Custom format or using a default non-custom order entry. We further evaluated all orders to determine if there was a relationship with the order type and timely administration of medications. We compared medications that were administered within 1 min, 15 min, 30 min and 60 min of due times across custom orders vs. non-custom default orders. We also evaluated the relationship between ordering providers and type of orders placed as well as hospital unit and type of orders placed. 14,204 (45.23%) orders were placed using a custom schedule and 17,200 (54.77%) orders were placed using non-custom defaults. The custom group showed a significantly lower median delay of 3.06 minutes compared to the non-custom group (p<.001). Custom orders had a significantly more recent median date than non-custom default orders (2019-10-07 vs. 2018-01-06, p<0.001). In additional analyses, medication administration delays were significantly improved for custom orders compared to non-custom orders, with likelihoods 1.64 times higher within 1 minute, 1.40 times higher within 15 minutes, and 1.33 times higher within 30 minutes of the due time (p<0.001 for all comparisons). This is the largest study to date examining the effects of order entry type on timely administration of PD medications in the hospital. Orders placed using a custom schedule may help reduce delays in administration of PD medications.

Development of A Mobile-Based Application for Ordering House Interior and Exterior Designs

This study focuses on a design services company lacking a computerized information system for managing customer orders and financial calculations. The absence of a structured reporting system for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual periods hinder efficient operations. We employ a descriptive research method with an object-oriented and prototype development approach. The programming language used is Kodular, and Firebase is utilized for database storage. The research results in the creation of a mobile-based interior and exterior design information system. It aids in order management, allows customers to check order statuses, minimizes calculation errors, and facilitates report generation. This system significantly streamlines company operations and enhances productivity.