Improve Service Levels Research Articles

Forecasting of Intraday Interval Arrivals for Small and Medium Sized Call Centers with Emergencies

In order to improve service level and responsiveness, many market-oriented enterprises gradually pay attention to the role of call centers. Call center supported by digital technology can provide data to help these enterprises in terms of knowledge mining, data analysis, and even intelligent manufacturing. This paper focuses on the forecast method of call center, presenting a two-sector model. The upper model proposed is used to identify the characteristics of drastic incoming calls change based on recent and historical data, and the bottom model proposed consists of several prediction models that process different data characteristics.

Reflections in the Field of Logistics Safety Stock Based

In the field of logistics and transport, safety stock has become an important part of establishing safety stock, which enables enterprises to predict demand which cannot be guaranteed; safety stock build is to improve service levels, and improves consumer the satisfaction, thereby enhancing the credibility of enterprises for corporate profits. However, the establishment of safety stock is bound to make the cost of business increase, after studies show that the safety stock in the logistics field cannot continue to increase down needs and logistics, logistics and speed limit orders supply chain into account, only in this way, the field of logistics safety stock is the most effective method of logistics.

An integrated approach for optimising coal purchase and supply logistics network

The location problem of coal logistics centre is a critical issue raised when optimising the coal logistics network to reduce logistics cost. Furthermore, the choice of coal suppliers is vital to ensure the quality of coal and to improve service levels. This paper proposes an integrated approach for optimising coal purchase and supply logistics network. A major advantage of the proposed approach is the integrated solution to location problem of coal logistics centre and supplier selection problem, which can simultaneously optimise the entire coal logistics network. This inventive methodology has three main components. First, it develops a coal supply logistics network optimisation model. Second, it builds coal purchase logistics network optimisation model. Third, it uses genetic algorithm (GA) to simultaneously solve the coal supply logistics network optimisation model and coal purchase logistics network optimisation model. For demonstration purposes, the paper carries out a real case study.

Heuristic approaches for the multiperiod location-transportation problem with reuse of vehicles in emergency logistics

The coordination among the different actors in relief chains is crucial to provide effective and efficient response in emergency logistics. By recognizing this fact, we have developed two stochastic mixed-integer programming models to integrate and coordinate facility location, transportation and fleet sizing decisions in a multi-period, multi-commodity, and multi-modal context under uncertainty. One model even considers the option of reusing vehicles to cover extra routes within the same time period in an attempt to save overall resources and improve service levels. Typical uncertainty in victims׳ needs, incoming supply, inventory conditions, and roads availability are modeled through a set of scenarios representing plausible disaster impacts. To solve instances of practical size, we have devised relax-and-fix and fix-and-optimize heuristics based on decompositions by time, scenario, and stage. The proposed instances entail characteristics of the megadisaster in the Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro State in Brazil. The results suggest that the integration of decisions in a multiperiod context and the option of reusing vehicles reduce total costs, thus improving the overall performance of the relief operations. Also, the time-decomposition fix-and-optimize heuristic outperforms the CPLEX solver in terms of elapsed times and optimality gaps, mainly in moderate-size instances. Finally, we show the importance to explicitly consider randomness instead of using simpler worst-case scenario approaches.

Improving Service Levels through Reverse Factoring

Does 'reverse factoring' - a supply chain finance solution that has recently become popular in industry - allow for operational benefits? Are the benefits automatic, or do they need to be explicitly required in the reverse factoring arrangement? We explore these questions through a periodic review inventory model of a supplier (she) that serves demands of two corporate customers, A and B. The customers have the same payment term toward the supplier and the same minimum service level requirements, but customer A (he) can offer reverse factoring. The supplier chooses her base stock policy and internal cash retention policy in order to minimize her average total cost, while satisfying the customers' service level requirements. We use simulation-based optimization to determine the optimal policies and cost. Through numerical experimentation, we find that the supplier does not automatically offer a better service to customer A, but would rather collect any financial savings resulting from reverse factoring. These savings are however large enough that customer A can require a significant service level improvement. We find that the maximum improvement depends on the initial service level requirement, the demand uncertainty, the absolute difference between the supply lead time and the payment term, and the relative size of expected demand from customer A. Our work contributes to a better understanding of the operational dimensions of supply chain finance.

Auctions vs Negotiations in Public Procurement: Which Works Better?

Public agencies mainly rely on two modes to procure goods and services: auctions and direct negotiations. We study a 1994 policy change in Germany that introduced the possibility to procure rail services in auctions as well as in direct negotiations with the incumbent. We analyze the effect of the procurement mode on service frequency and procurement price. Our analysis relies on self-collected data on the frequency of rail service on about 500 rail lines. We first develop a theoretical framework to study an agency’s decision on the procurement mode. We then use this framework to guide our empirical analysis on rail service, procurement price, and choice of procurement mode. Results indicate that, compared with negotiations, auctions improve service levels and reduce prices. As a result, surplus on auctioned lines increased by about 30%. Interestingly, surplus would also have increased by 16% on negotiated lines had auctions been used. We argue that the predominance of non-competitive modes reflects (actual or perceived) administrative costs of carrying out auctions.

Coordinating contracts for a three-lever logistics service supply chain

A three-lever logistics service supply chain (LSSC) consisting of a logistics service integrator (LSI), a logistics service provider (LSP), and a functional logistics service subcontractor (LSS) is discussed in this paper. Since the improvement of logistics service levels caused by the efforts of LSS can significantly affect the market demand for LSSC, a dynamic game theory model is developed to solve the coordinating contract design problem in this condition. A joint contract which combined with the option contract and the cost-sharing and revenue-sharing contract is designed. The option contract is between LSI and LSP, which are regarded as a whole to share revenue and cost with LSS in the two transactions of LSSC. The reasonable choice of parameters can attain the maximum of the expected profit of LSSC and the win-win good among all members. Finally, a corresponding numerical example is presented to illustrate the conclusions.

Performance improvement of manufacturing supply chain using back-up supply strategy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a simulation modelling framework to examine the behaviour of a serial make-to-stock (MTS) manufacturing system under the influence of various uncertainties. Further, the study analyses effect of propagation uncertainties from lower to upper stream of supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – System dynamics modelling approach has been adopted for modelling and analysing the behaviour of a serial MTS manufacturing system under the influence of different uncertainties such as demand, supplier acquisition rate, raw material (RM) supply lead time, processing time and delay due to machine failure. The backup supply strategy has been proposed to mitigate the adverse effect of the RM supply uncertainty. Findings – The effect of variations of various factors on the performance of a MTS manufacturing supply chain in measured through various performance measures like work-in-progress (WIP) inventory, backlog and RM shortage at both manufacturer’s and supplier’s end. The benefit of adopting backup supply strategy under RM supply uncertainty is demonstrated. Research limitations/implications – This work is limited to analysis of a serial MTS manufacturing system dealing with a single product having two machines only. The study can be easily extended to a more complex system with multiple machines, lines and products. Practical implications – A simple simulation framework has been proposed to analyse the effect of various uncertainties on the performance of a MTS manufacturing system. The managers can simulate complex systems using simulation approaches to generate if-then scenarios to gain insight into practical problems and formulate strategies to mitigate adverse effect of uncertainties at various level of supply chain. Originality/value – The study analyses behaviour of MTS manufacturing system under the effect of various uncertainties operating simultaneously in the system. A backup supplier strategy is proposed to improve the service level at the customer’s end through improving service level at the supplier’s end. Similarly, effective strategies can be tested with the proposed simple model to reduce the effect of uncertainty at different levels of the supply chain.

The potential, impacts and challenges of Pay-As-You-Throw for municipal solid waste services in Ghana

Objective: This study was undertaken to examine the potential of pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) as a cost recovery mechanism, its impacts on solid waste collection services and the challenges associated with its implementation in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Materials and Methods: Data were collected by weighing 262 head-loads of solid waste at communal container sites and recording their corresponding user charges in 14 low and middleincome communities in Kumasi. A household survey involving 80 randomly selected households patronizing communal disposal systems was undertaken to assess their perceptions of PAYT. In-depth interviews with heads of six private solid waste management companies and one with the Waste Management Department of the local authority were also conducted. Results: The study showed that the average revenue generated per ton of waste disposed into communal containers was GH¢ 17.07 (US$11.38). This is 70% higher than the collection fee paid to private waste management companies prior to the implementation of the PAYT. Each communal container accrues an average revenue of GH¢ 153 (≈US$103) when filled to capacity. However, a significant proportion of residents (80%) claimed not to have been informed about the PAYT mechanism prior to its implementation. Although PAYT has improved service levels due to regular pickup of communal containers, it is confronted with challenges including, inequitable user charges, illegal dumping of waste into communal containers at night; non-payment of user charges; and indiscriminate dumping of waste at unapproved locations. Conclusion: PAYT approach has the potential to ensure cost recovery and should be sustained. The local authority need to ensure equitable user charges; allocate buy-back points; undertake intensive public education on the PAYT; and monitor private waste management companies against exorbitant user charges.

Methodology of calculations of logistic costs and charges for delivery

Розвиток української економіки, що спостерігається в останні роки, її орієнтація на інтеграцію у світове економічне співтовариство, а також широкомасштабне впровадження ринкових відносин вимагають докорінних структурних змін економічного потенціалу суб’єктів підприємницької діяльності та адекватної політики, спрямованої на підвищення ефективності їх господарської діяльності. Удосконалення управління матеріальними потоками, потоками коштів та інформаційними потоками містить значний потенціал зростання ефективності діяльності підприємства в результаті застосування нових прогресивних методів і підходів. Серед таких підходів основне місце посідає логістика, яка починає різко розвиватися в Україні. Сучасний характер ринку, цільова орієнтація виробництва та розподіл продукції відповідно до запитів споживачів зумовлюють необхідність пошуку додаткових можливостей для зниження витрат і собівартості продукції, а також підвищення рівня обслуговування для підвищення ефективності діяльності підприємства. Для українських підприємств різних галузей логістичні витрати становлять значну частину загальних витрат. Логістичні витрати — це витрати, створені в результаті інформаційних потоків, потоків коштів і матеріальних потоків. Без перебільшення можна сказати, що логістика – це комплексний процес у бізнесі, оскільки кожне переміщення, пошук або угода залежать від вартості, без урахування логістичних характеристик. За допомогою логістичних розрахунків можна 1) визначити витрати на процес закупівлі, транспортування, складування; 2) прогнозувати бюджет майбутніх періодів; 3) порівняти та проаналізувати характеристики логістичної діяльності. В умовах перехідної економіки, тобто жорсткої конкуренції, фінансової нестабільності та поширення корупційних дій постає проблема оптимізації витрат підприємства. Отже, зниження логістичних витрат є першочерговим напрямком діяльності, спрямованим на стабільну роботу підприємства. Необхідність відповідного реагування процесів управління на зміну умов функціонування та вдосконалення поставок і збуту зумовлює стійку зацікавленість вітчизняних виробників до процесу технічного постачання та розподілу продукції як важливої ​​складової діяльності підприємства. Беручи до уваги той факт, що від ефективної організації постачання та збуту залежить виробнича програма підприємства і, природно, результати його господарської діяльності, можна констатувати, що все дослідження цих процесів є надзвичайно актуальним.

A CONTRIBUIÇÃO DA ROTEIRIZAÇÃO NA REDUÇÃO DE CUSTOS LOGÍSTICOS E MELHORIA DO NÍVEL DE SERVIÇOS EM EMPRESA DO SEGMENTO ALIMENTÍCIO NO CEARÁ

O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar a contribuição da roteirização como ferramenta para redução de custos logísticos e melhoria do nível de serviços em uma empresa do segmento alimentício no Ceará. A pesquisa quanto ao objetivo é exploratória e quanto ao procedimento técnico é uma pesquisa documental, uma vez que se buscou embasamento em documentos cedidos pela organização objeto deste estudo, contando, também, com a experiência profissional do pesquisador. Através da comparação entre os cenários e resultados com e sem a utilização da roteirização para gestão dos custos logísticos e melhoria do nível de serviços, assim como a análise das informações cedidas pela organização, respondeu-se ao problema proposto, atingindo o objetivo geral. Por fim, após a análise dos dados, concluiu-se que a roteirização é um elemento de essencial importância para a gestão dos custos logísticos e melhoria do nível de serviços.

Application of Value Stream Mapping Tool to Reduce Wastes in Bearing Industry

In today’s highly competitive business environment, companies require improvement in Production Lead Times, costs and customer service levels to survive. Because of this, companies have become more customers focused. The result is that companies have been putting in significant effort to improve their efficiency. This paper present the practical application of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) tool implement in a bearing industry. A value stream is an assortment of all actions (value added as well as non-value added) that are required to bring a product through the essential flows, starting with raw material and ending with the customer. For drawing current state value stream mapping, all relevant data has been collected and analyzed. Then analysis of current state map has been done for identifying non-value adding activities, in other words waste and suggestions on how to remove or reduce different wastes. From the results achieved by current VSM, it was observable that the two processes Annealing and CNC Machining have higher cycle time and WIP. In order to increase their capacity, their cycle should be reduced. By implementing some lean principles and changes in the production line, the future state map was created and the reduction the different types of wastes reduced. The total processing time was reduced from 409 seconds to 344 seconds.

A Conceptual Frame Work of Supply Chain Integration for Competitive Advantage

Growth as one of the key preconditions to survive in the market is forcing companies to compete on international markets and at the same time defend domestic market share from international competitors. The result of that is increased complexity of supply chains, pressure to decrease cost and improve service level. To cope with the complexity and increased customer requirements, active management of the supply chain is a prerequisite. As supply chain is a network of three or more entities directly involved in the upstream and downstream flows of products, services, finance and information from a source to a customer, management of it is a complex task.
 There is significant evidence from literature that the effective implementation of integrated supply chain management (SCM) has the potential to generate significant improvements in the performance of firms. The higher levels of SCM practice can lead to enhanced competitive advantage and improved organizational performance. In order to achieve efficient supply chain integration for the processes or activities; the organizations should recognize and understand all the integration challenges of supply chain.
 The aim of this paper is to investigate previous research studying the relationship between supply chain integration and performance and understand the importance of supply chain integration for competitive position of organization. Address the challenges encountered in integration of supply chain. Propose a conceptual frame work to reap the potential benefits of effective supply chain integration.

Cost/Benefit Model Development of Service Management with Profit Design

In this research, the cost/benefit model will be developed to integrate service management with profit design on relevant processes. The profit should be properly allocated on service conformance and service improvement by the investments in service management and using the approach of profit design. The customer perception and customer expectation can be used to quantify the service level after considering each service dimension. The service demand will be then increasingly affected by the improvement in service level. The investment in service level can be also considered and relevant cost and benefit are obtained. The model can be used for the decision makers to predict the cost/benefit of service management with profit design before the investment.

Internet Based Intelligent Hospital Appointment System

In today’s competitive service industry, the technology in service systems is used in a wide range of areas. The service companies are now providing service via internet or via other computer based systems in an increasing trend day by day. Expert systems are good examples of these applications. Today, expert systems are used in various fields such as design, planning, imaging, diagnosis, etc. For practical use, the expert systems are also used through internet. One of the most important service system institutions is the hospital. Increasing the service quality level in hospitals, internet based appointment systems are used in several hospitals in Turkey. There are also several internet based expert system applications today contributing the improvement of service levels in several industries. In this study, an internet based expert system is created that is used in outpatient department/polyclinic direction. The system architecture, algorithm and the role of such an expert system are discussed in this p...

A mathematical model and a solving procedure for multi-depot vehicle routing problem with fuzzy time window and heterogeneous vehicle

One of the most important and yet complex decision-making problems in the area of transportation programming issues is vehicle routing problem. There are various exact, heuristic, and metaheuristic methods presented for solving different vehicle routing problems. In this manuscript, a mathematical model and a new heuristic solution method are proposed for solving multi-depot vehicle routing problem with time windows and different types of vehicles. In this problem, depots must serve customers between their fuzzy time windows with vehicles having different capacities, velocities, and costs. For this purpose, the mathematical model for multi-depot routing problem is developed to consider the mentioned circumstances. The objectives of this model is travel distance reduction and customers’ service level increscent which leads to cost and service time reduction. For complexity of this problem and much computational time of exact solutions of developed model, a heuristic approach is proposed. This systematic approach has some steps as: customer clustering, routing, vehicle type determination, scheduling, and routes improvement using simulated annealing and customer service level improvement. The efficiency of the proposed method is analyzed by a case study in ISACO Co. Results show that the method is efficient and applicable in industries.

The Study of the Rational Allocation of China’s Human Resources for Health

Aim: Through thesupply and demand of China's human resources for health status, age structure,educational level of existing health professionals and other aspects ofstatistical analysis to understand the current situation of China's healthhuman resources, so as to put forward the healthy development of health humanresource allocation optimization suggestions, and provide the basis for theformulation of relevant policies. Method: Usingthe software of SPSS and EXCEL software to descriptive analysis on humanresources for health in China. Results: The lack of healthhuman resources and inequalities exist at the same time, the distribution isgreater than demand contradictions; Health care professionals degree level needsto improve; And so on. Therefore recommends the development of relevantpolicies to encourage aspiring young professionals to apply for health institutionsfor sustainable development reserve personnel and health services, and improve healthcare professional's career in medicine motivation to improve their social status.And should accelerate structural adjustment, increase academic and professionalskills training human resources for health professionals in relatively poor areas,efforts to improve service levels.

Global Sourcing Approach to Improve Cash Flow of Agribusiness Companies in Brazil

We developed a multiechelon location-inventory modeling approach and applied it to redesign the global network of four large transnational agricultural companies operating in Brazil. The results show that tax planning is the most significant factor in minimizing the operating cash outflow and that inventory carrying costs play a more important role than transfer freight, handling, and fixed costs. Distribution centers and production plants in countries within the Mercosur are excellent targets for cash outflow reduction and service level improvement. Furthermore, contrary to common sense, reducing operating costs can sometimes increase cash outflow in companies with large volumes of tax credit in Brazil. Our methodology generated processes that helped one company reduce its logistic cash outflow by 49 percent and its logistics costs by $10 million.

Project Cost Management and Application of Information Technology to Improve

Our project cost management information deficiencies reviewed, on how to improve project cost management information systems , project cost management information to continuously improve service levels , fully tap the value engineering cost management information services and enhance core competitiveness of enterprises , analyzed .

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Critical Risk Factors for PPP Water Projects in China

AbstractDuring the past decades in China, the traditional state monopoly has experienced difficulties in meeting the huge demand for new infrastructure and improvement in service levels, engendering the growth of different forms and degrees of private sector involvement. Since the 1990s, China has started experimenting with the public-private partnership (PPP) delivery method in the water supply sector. However, many problems stemming from unsuccessful risk management have been encountered in PPP applications that have eventually led to project failure. This paper aims to identify and evaluate typical risks associated with PPP projects in the Chinese water supply sector. A literature review, a Delphi survey, and face-to-face interviews were used to achieve these objectives. Finally, a register of 16 critical risk factors (CRFs) of water PPP projects in China was established. The findings revealed that completion risk, inflation, and price change risk have a higher impact on Chinese water PPP projects, whe...