Logistics Process Improvement Research Articles

Standards of Value Stream Mapping as a tool supporting logistics processes in the healthcare system in Poland

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a health system consists of many components like organizations, institutions, resources, and people whose primary purpose is to improve health. The system is complex and requires staff, funds, information, supplies, transport, communications and overall guidance and direction to function properly. These elements interact with each other and, as in the logistics system, there are uninterrupted physical, decision-making and information flows between its most important elements, which include: service providers, service recipients (patients), a payer (the National Health Fund), control and supervision institutions, the Ministry of Health. The Polish healthcare system is struggling with many problems, such as insufficient access to health services, inefficient system management, shortages of medical staff, or underfunding. The use of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) standards can significantly contribute to the improvement of logistics processes of the Polish healthcare system. The standards can be also used to improve the processes of treatment of other diseases, but also the functioning of healthcare units.The aim of the article is to present the possibility of applying Value Stream Mapping standards in the process of ischemic stroke treatment as the results of the project ‘Lean Management in Healthcare’, implemented by the consortium consisting of the Medical University of Warsaw, the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw and the Polish Society of Health Economics, financed by the National Centre for Research and Development under contract no. IS-2/200/NCBR/2015.

Логістика в туризмі: виклики та перспективи розвитку в сучасному світі

Logistics in tourism is one of the most important components of the tourism industry, ensuring the efficient organization and coordination of tourism services. Recently, with the development of technology and changes in demand, the importance of improving logistics processes in tourism has been growing. The purpose of the study is to identify the challenges and prospects for the development of logistics in tourism in the modern world. The methodological basis of the study was the analysis of scientific literature, statistical data and own experience in the field of tourism and logistics. To achieve the goal of the study, the challenges and prospects for the development of logistics in tourism were analyzed based on the study of literature and statistics for recent years. The results of the study showed that tourism logistics faces significant challenges in the modern world. One of the most important is the rapid change in the needs and requirements of tourists, which requires equally rapid adaptation and improvement of logistics processes. Another important challenge is the growing competition and the increasing number of players in the tourism market, which requires reducing logistics costs and increasing the efficiency of logistics processes. This is one of the prospects for further development of the industry – with the development of technology and the use of innovative solutions, it is possible to reduce the cost of logistics services and improve their quality. In addition, with the proliferation of electronic platforms and the growing number of tourists using online services to book and purchase services, there is a need to develop electronic logistics in tourism. This involves the automation of business processes, which reduces the risk of human error and increases the efficiency of interaction between participants in the supply chain. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the work is devoted to a topical issue that is rather poorly studied in Ukrainian science. The author analyzes the current state of logistics in tourism and describes the challenges facing this industry due to the growth of tourist traffic and the development of technology. It is justified that logistics is extremely important for the development of tourism, as it ensures the efficient organization and coordination of tourism services. However, at the same time, there is a growing number of challenges associated with the growth of tourism intensity and the increase in tourist flows, the development of technology and the competitive environment.

Productivity and improvement of logistics processes in the company manufacturing vehicle semi-trailers – Case study

Abstract The aim of the article is to present the results of the productivity research of a manufacturing company with particular emphasis on logistics processes. The article presents another example of verification of the developed proprietary productivity method, with particular emphasis on logistic processes. An author's method is used to select indicators, measure productivity and development of processes improvement. The productivity research was carried out in a company in the automotive industry dealing in the production of semi-trailers. A productivity research procedure was developed for the company, it was measured and recommended for improvement of the selected process. The selection of the process to be improved was made on the basis of the forecasted values of the tested productivity indicators, also using econometric modelling. The results of the productivity indicators after the implementation of the improvement were also presented, which confirmed the validity of the applied method and the right choice of process improvement in the company.

Internal Logistics Process Improvement using PDCA: A Case Study in the Automotive Sector

Abstract Background: The Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle methodology for a continuous improvement project implementation aims for the internal logistics upgrade, which is especially important in the industrial context of a component manufacturing company for the automotive sector. Objectives: The goal is to quantify the gains from waste reduction based on the usage of the PDCA cycle as a tool in the implementation and optimisation of a milk run in an assembly line of a company in the automotive sector by determining the optimal cycle time of supply and the standardisation of the logistic supply process and the materials’ flow. Methods/Approach: The research was conducted through observation and data collection in loco, involving two main phases: planning and implementation. According to the phases of the PDCA cycle, the process was analysed, and tools such as the SIPOC matrix, process stratification, 5S, and visual management were implemented. Results: Using Lean tools, it was possible to reduce waste by establishing concise flows and defining a supply pattern, which resulted in a reduction of movements. The transportation waste was reduced by fixing the position of more than half of the materials in the logistic trailers. The developed Excel simulator provided the logistic train’s optimal cycle time. Conclusions: The assembly line supplied by milk-run was fundamental to highlight a range of improvements in the process of internal supply, such as better integration of stock management systems, greater application of quality, or the adoption of better communication systems between the different areas and employees.

Decision-Making under the Risk, Uncertainty and COVID-19 Pandemic Conditions Applying the PL9A Method of Logistics Planning—Case Study

The next industrial revolution, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, is prompting a different look at the issue of supply chain change management. A new perspective should take into account the aspect of supply chain efficiency at multiple levels. Efficient logistics is green and energy-saving, both of which need to be systematically integrated with the logistical planning processes. The dynamic changes on the demand and supply side resulting from social, political, and economic transformations have significantly influenced the shaping of long-term supply chains. The development of new manufacturing and logistics technologies prompts the development and implementation of new integrated planning methods to support supply chain management processes. Modern supply chains are oriented towards operations in a dynamically changing socio-economic environment. The new methods are capable of incorporating dynamic adaptation of logistics infrastructure which respond to changing relationships between supply and demand. To meet the identified problems of complexity, relevance, and time-consumption of the logistic planning process in modern enterprise management, the PL9A method of logistic planning and 9A LOGPLANNER application for logistics planning were developed. The article presents the results of experimental and simulation studies on the improvement of logistic processes in a working manufacturing enterprise with application of the PL9A method. The results of the experimental work indicate that the application of the PL9A method embedded in the 9A LOGPLANNER software makes it possible to dynamically simulate any number of logistics system variants in a short period of time, while reducing risk and obtaining tangible benefits in terms of energy and ecological efficiency.

SIGNIFICANCE OF LOGISTIC CONTROLLING AS A BASE FOR FILLING GOALS OF BUSINESS STRATEGY

Logistics costs form one group of total business costs that fundamentally affect the performance of the firm, which is part of the business strategy orientated to minimize costs. Logistics controlling has to be part of the business management system for a reasonable evaluation of the performance of logistic processes and their influence to profit. The main goal of this paper to points to the significance of synergy of economic analysis, statistics, logistic controlling, dashboarding for filling the aims of business strategy. Effective logistic management the means of optimizing logistics costs, improvement of logistic processes, and achieving a business profit. We use economic, statistical analyses, controlling, dashboarding, and a questionary survey in this paper. An effective tool for improving the goals of business strategy in the logistic area is the implementation of logistics controlling presented by software EIS Dominant, results of analyses by a dashboarding, logistic performance by statistic, and economic analyses. Results of all analyses point to reducing logistic costs and improving the financial situation. This fact is an effective instrument for logistic improvement and innovation in logistic processes, implementation of logistics controlling. Logistics controlling is a system of rules which helps achieve business goals by minimizing costs.

The Interaction Effect of Information Systems of Shipping and Logistics Firms and Managers’ Support for Blockchain Technology on Cooperation with Shippers for Sustainable Value Creation

Firms apply new technology to value creation. In particular, blockchain technology increases transparency and stability of shipping and logistics firms and this is connected with a high level of collaboration with shippers. In this regard, the objective of this study is to verify the interaction effect of information systems of shipping and logistics firms and managers’ support for blockchain technology on cooperation with shippers. To achieve the objective, this study identified variables based on prior research and analyzed the data collected by a survey. The results are as follows. First, information systems as a resource of shipping and logistics firms have a positive effect on cooperation with shippers. To enhance the strategic resource, they increase cooperation with shippers based on learning and logistics process improvement. Therefore, the relationship between the information systems and cooperation with shippers can be explained as a resource-based view. Second, there is the interaction effect of the information systems and managers’ support for blockchain technology on the cooperation and this can be explained as a resource-based view. Information systems are resources of shipping and logistics firms, and managers should encourage and reward staff for using new technology such as blockchains, followed by a high level of cooperation with shippers.

Utilisation of order processing technology for logistics process improvement in the Nigerian construction industry

The logistic technologies for effective and efficient ‘order processing operations’ in the areas of tracking, shipping, replenishment, dispatching and holding of inventory are deficient in the Nigerian construction industry, when compared to manufacturing and retailing sectors. This is confirmed to have a significant effect on the performance of the construction sector. This article assessed how order processing technology utilised by manufacturing and retail industries could improve the order processing logistics operations of the construction industry. Lagos State and the F.C.T. Abuja, Nigeria, were the selected geographical study areas, from which five manufacturing companies, five retailing companies and five construction projects were purposively selected. Mixed methods research strategy was used. The research instruments included an observation guide (quantitative) and semi-structured interviews (qualitative). The collected quantitative data was analysed, using descriptive analytical tools: frequencies and percentiles. The qualitative data was analysed, using the thematic method. The result revealed that 80% and 100% of the manufacturing and retailing industries, respectively, observed, adopted barcoding technology for order processing purposes. Only 40% of the observed construction project adopted barcoding technology for order processing in the following: 2.4% for receiving process; 0.9% for put-away process; 0.9% for shipping process (stock control); 1.2% for dispatching process; 0.6% for replenishment process, and 1.2% for tracking inventory (stock tracking). In addition, 100% and 80% of the manufacturing and retailing industries, respectively, observed, adopted Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for order processing purposes. Only 40% of the observed construction projects adopted RFID technology for order processing. It was also revealed that utilisation of the order processing technology could have the following benefits: managerial control in the construction industry; shorter processing time; easy way of tracking materials on site, and increased speed of work in the construction industries. The research concludes that effective utilisation of order processing technology in the logistics system could lead to full efficiency gains in the order processing aspect of the construction industry. It is recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should mandate all major construction project stakeholders to attend workshops on the use of recent technologies in the management of construction operations.

Approaches for solving current problems of pharmaceutical logistics during the pandemic period

The global economic crisis, which is linked to the coronavirus pandemic, has also affected pharmaceutical logistics. Therefore, the improvement of logistics processes within the pharmaceutical supply chain to increase the access to health care to the population in a pandemic becomes especially important.
 The aim of the work is to study and summarize the main problems of pharmaceutical logistics in a coronavirus pandemic and substantiate the reserves to improve the functioning of pharmaceutical supply chains.
 To achieve the goal of the study, an analysis of the domestic scientific literature and the current regulatory framework of Ukraine was conducted. It has used abstract-logical, monographic research methods and system analysis, as well as the method of expert survey.
 Realizing the importance of providing the population with necessary medicines during the pandemic in Ukraine on October 14, 2020, the Law «Changes to the article 19 of the Law of Ukraine "On Medicinal Products" on Electronic Retail Trade in Medicines» of September 17, 2020 № 904-IX has enforced.
 It has been evaluated the factors influencing the efficiency and coordination of the activities of pharmaceutical supply chain participants. A risk management algorithm for pharmaceutical supply chains has been developed, its structural elements and relationships have been identified. The presented algorithm will allow analyzing and estimating any deviations from the planned parameters in pharmaceutical supply chains on the basis of establishment of system of the corresponding indicators and on the basis of this information to define effective methods to counter the risks.
 The urgency of the problem of increasing the reliability and safety of domestic pharmaceutical supply chains in a pandemic has proved. It is justified that the introduction of digital technologies will increase the reliability, transparency and quality of business processes in the pharmaceutical supply chains during a pandemic, drastic changes in the pharmaceutical market and low predictability of demand for medicines and medical devices. The main problems of logistics in a pandemic in the domestic pharmaceutical industry are studied. It has established that the narrowest places in the organization of pharmaceutical supply chains are the improper organization of information exchange between pharmaceutical supply chain participants and the insufficient professional level of production interaction of managers. It has established the priority directions of increase of stability and reliability of functioning of pharmaceutical supply chains which is a necessary condition of accessibility of pharmaceutical provision of the population, especially in the conditions of a pandemic.

DEVELOPMENT OF METHODICAL APPROACH TO AN ASSESSMENT OF INTERESTS OF STAKEHOLDER SMART SUPPLY CHAINS

Attention growth to management of chains of deliveries has caused search of new ways of improvement of logistic processes. At the same time the question of a role of the theory of stakeholders in formation and maintenance of chains of deliveries was staticized. The main attention of the concept of interested parties of rather logistic processes has concentrated on the main points of decision-making in a choice of routes for transportation of freights. In article the methodical approach developed by authors to the analysis of extent of influence of interests of stakeholders in management of chains of deliveries within digital transformation of logistics is considered. For a choice of optimum option of transportation of the freights, most realizing the transport capacity of Russia, authors have taken as a basis A. Garrison's fundamental approach, allowing to develop methodical approach to an assessment of interests of stakeholders of the international logistic knot of the country. The circle of the stakeholders (interested parties) involved in process of decision-making on a choice of an optimum route at implementation of transportation of freights is created. The main transnational corridors of transportation of goods from the People's Republic of China in the European Union and criteria by which it is possible to carry out their assessment for a choice of the most acceptable are defined. Methodical approach to an assessment of degree of compliance of routes to certain criteria according to interests of stakeholders is developed. Comparison of criteria among themselves, and also an assessment of their influence in each option of transportation have shown as far as interests of stakeholders of chains of deliveries differ. The hierarchy of the importance of each criterion for the described routes of transportation taking into account interests of stakeholders of chains of deliveries is created. The conclusion is drawn that the main factor in transportation of goods when using capacities of Russia is time. This criterion plays a significant role at a route choice, however at the high cost and insufficient reliability such route will concede in most cases to competitors. Proceeding from it, attraction of opportunities and advantages which can provide other options, becomes quite expedient. Thus, harmonization of the relations of stakeholders is reduced uniting their interests of rather allocated options of transportations on development of Russia as the international logistic knot and to show, what economic benefits they can receive from this interaction.

인천 내항 통합사 출범에 따른 만족도 조사 연구

Since the start of the terminal operating company(TOC) system in Incheon''s inland port, various measures have been discussed to stabilize the management of the operator following the continuous decrease in volume since 2007. However, as the company experienced difficulties in the current state of operation both internally and externally, it was decided that the integration of the TOC, which had been discussed as a way to improve the management of the Incheon inland port operator. As a result, it was launched in 2018. This study was intended to quantify the qualitative satisfaction level of the service by investigating the post-integration satisfaction level of customers using the Incheon port following the launch of the integrated company. In addition, the purpose of the project is to collect diverse Voice Of Customer(VOC) to discover logistics process improvement factors and improve satisfaction level. The satisfaction survey was divided into three major factors: ''sales service'', ''port operation service'' and ''port authorities service''. The average satisfaction level, or “port authorities service,” was 54.4, the highest in three categories. The results of the ''sales service'' average satisfaction survey showed 51.8 points, and the ''port operation service'' had the lowest average satisfaction score with 50.0. This study is the first integrated the case of a single company in line with the government''s initiative, and it is believed that it can contribute to the development of port logistics with the launch of a successful fully integrated corporation by reflecting the economic effects, productivity comparison analysis, qualitative indicators of satisfaction, and preference when integrating into other ports.

An Overview of the Problematic Issues in Logistics Cost Management

Logistics cost management is associated with certain specific challenges, since increasing the quality of logistics services for customers often comes with increased logistics costs. In addition, reducing the costs of one logistic component causes an increase in the costs of another logistic component, which results in higher total logistics costs. Various cost models have been developed to support the optimisation of logistics activities, which represent the main focus of research and a key practical tool for logistics management. The purpose of the study is therefore to determine whether current scientific studies are addressing the issues related to logistics cost management. The aim of the study is to determine the scope of the optimisation of individual logistics models from the point of view of how individual logistics costs categories and processes are treated. The analysis of logistics costs management issues provides an important empirical foundation for the improvement of logistic processes in supply chains and synthesises scientific literature in the field of logistics cost modelling, which represents an important framework for future empirical studies.

Monitoring and Improvement of Logistic Processes in Enterprises of the Slovak Republic

Abstract The article focuses on the analysis of the regular monitoring of logistics processes in enterprises of various sectors of the economy of the Slovak Republic such as engineering, automotive and electrical engineering, woodworking industry, building industry, agriculture, other industry, trade and services. The first part of the research is the assessment of the basic characteristics of enterprises that focus on logistics processes when managing change. The subject of the survey was the characteristics of the size of the enterprises, the subject of business, the industry and the level of return on equity (ROE). The main objective of the research was to find out the use of new concepts and methods for improving logistics processes and their impact on ROE. The research used methods of questionnaire research, descriptive statistics, pivot table and Chi-quadrat test. The result of the research was to determine the dependence of ROE height on the use of new concepts and methods in improving logistics processes.

Quality Study and Improvement of Logistic Processes on the Example of a Chosen Enterprise

Abstract This article presents the issues of quality research and improvement of logistics processes in the area of distribution of one of selected industrial enterprises. The case described concerns the producer of raw chemical materials, who acts as a supplier for industrial customers. The studied company, due to dynamic changes in product demand, very often outsources the distribution of raw materials to external transport companies. This solution results in limited supervision over commissioned processes, which may lead to increased probability of customer dissatisfaction. The article presents the results of the study of the quality of logistic processes implemented or commissioned in the examined enterprise. The assessment was based on the results of the customer satisfaction survey and the results of the analysis of received complaints regarding deliveries. Analysis of the causes of complaints allowed to identify the actions necessary to improve the quality of logistics processes. This article contains, among others, the criteria for the assessment of transport service providers and a set of recommendations to reduce the risks associated with logistics processes of deliveries.

Health risk analysis and risk management in the logistic-production chain as factors influencing the quality and safety of food on the example of two food companies

The aim of this study was to identify risks in the quality and safety of food, and to indicate, basing on a risk analysis, the ways of managing potential risks in two different production profile enterprises of the food industry. It was found that potential hazards to the quality and safety for technological process as well as for the other links of the logistics chain were identified, and prevention procedures were established to minimize or completely eliminate these hazards. Moreover, the benefits of risk management were similar, and mainly felt in the constant increase of food producers’ awareness of the necessity of safe food production and increase of concern for the health and life of consumers. This in turn contributes to: - development of staff competence, - improvement of logistic processes to better protect against external factors, unauthorized persons and side effects, - investments and implementation of new organisational solutions in warehouses and production areas

Developing an internal logistics ontology for process mining

Process mining offers the potential for internal logistics process improvement using data. While there exists a massive amount of data, identifying and understanding relevant data across different information systems and complex data models is difficult. To address this issue, ontologies can be used to formalize a shared understanding. This paper aims to provide an extended internal logistics ontology focusing the process perspective. Existing internal ontologies are reviewed, compared and merged. Additionally, related resources such as products and packaging is integrated. In conclusion, this paper proposes a domain ontology to support process mining within internal logistics.

Efficiency of specialized 3PL providers in an emerging economy

Economic growth increases the need for continuous improvement of logistic processes. In this context, comprehensive services and high-level operational performance are competitive advantages, with special attention to refrigeration services in the cold chain. This study's main objective is to determine the variables that significantly affect the efficiency of third-party logistics (3PL) providers of refrigeration services and propose ways to improve the competitiveness of specialized 3PLs. This study uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and robust regression approach in secondary data from the annual study published by Revista Tecnologística (years 2008–2016). The aim is to measure the impact of contextual variables on the efficiency of Brazilian 3PL providers of refrigeration services. Results indicate that, in fact, pure, technical and scale efficiency levels are differently impacted by the type of technology adopted and the services offered, what leaves room opened for the adoption of different measures and operational practices to increase efficiency levels in its different dimensions. The study provides guidance for managers who wish to establish or adapt specialized 3PL structures and management systems in cold chains. Our study is the first to help identifying the main determinants of efficiency for 3PL providers of refrigeration services in an emerging economy. Further, it develops performance benchmarks for specialized logistics services.

Methods for Efficiency Improvement of Production and Logistic Processes

Abstract In the changing economic environment, global competition where the customer demands are changing continuously, the enterprises have to focus on cost reduction, efficiency improvement, higher productivity and profitability. In the production, the resources (raw materials, humans, machines, equipment, etc.) are always limited. It is very important for the manufacturing companies to produce cost effective final products in a short lead time which can be achieved by minimized cost and higher effectiveness, and therefore, efficiency improving methods are needed. There are lot of tools and sophisticated methods for design, analysis and improvement of production and logistical processes. The author introduces the most often applied methods for it, which are the simulation, Lean method and layout design. The paper summarizes the characteristics, typical application fields of these methods and the reasons for application of these. Main aims of logistics process improvement and the main steps and advantages of the described methods are introduced.

Improvement of Selected Logistics Processes Using Quality Engineering Tools

Abstract Increase in the number of orders, the increasing quality requirements and the speed of order preparation require implementation of new solutions and improvement of logistics processes. Any disruption that occurs during execution of an order often leads to customer dissatisfaction, as well as loss of his/her confidence. The article presents a case study of the use of quality engineering methods and tools to improve the e-commerce logistic process. This made it possible to identify and prioritize key issues, identify their causes, and formulate improvement and prevention measures.

Innovative Business Model for Realization of Sustainable Supply Chain at the Outsourcing Examination of Logistics Services

The issue of sustainability is becoming more and more important because of the increase in the human population and the extraction of non-renewable natural resources. We can make decisive steps towards sustainability in the fields of logistics services by improvement of logistics processes and/or application of new environment-friendly technologies. These steps are very important for companies because they have a significant effect on competitiveness. Nowadays significant changes are taking place in applied methods and technologies in the fields of logistics services as part of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Most companies are not able to keep pace with these changes in addition to carrying out their main activities by using own resources; consequently, in many cases logistics services are outsourced in the interest of maintaining or increasing competitiveness. The currently applied outsourcing examination process contains numerous shortcomings. We have elaborated a new business model to eliminate these shortcomings, namely the basic concept for an outsourcing investigation system integrated in the electronic marketplace. The paper introduces the current process of logistics service outsourcing examination and the elaborated business model concept.