Logistics Center Research Articles

Ensemble decision making for logistics center location

Ensemble decision making for logistics center location

Designing Driver-Employee Relationships in Logistics Centres as Part of the Development of Modern Distribution Channels

Designing Driver-Employee Relationships in Logistics Centres as Part of the Development of Modern Distribution Channels

Optimizing Logistics Center Location in Brčko District: A Fuzzy Approach Analysis

Optimizing Logistics Center Location in Brčko District: A Fuzzy Approach Analysis

Content analysis of the logistics project of international trade on the example of intermodals transportation

The aggressive war of the Russian against Ukraine dealt a devastating blow to the world economy, the transport industry, in particular, the world's leading carriers of goods, freight forwarding companies, were seriously affected. Also, in the article, the authors performed a content analysis of the modern theoretical base of logistics project management, highlighted the problem of substantiating the parameters of the products of logistics programs and projects. The features and possibilities of using the international rules of Incoterms 2020 are described to provide a clearer picture of the work of the logistics project by types of transportation of goods, for more effective management of resources in it. The authors emphasize that logistics projects are often divided into two phases: creation and operation; in addition, the importance of logistics projects for efficient transportation of goods and cargo and their impact on the competitiveness of the intermodal transport system is described. This study allows for a more detailed understanding of the features of managing the phases of logistics project implementation, especially in the post-war period, and also brings new knowledge to project management. Project logistics is a complex service for a specific investment project, which includes all methods of goods delivery, consulting, development of a transport concept and related services. Project logistics is built on a clear time frame and sequence. Thanks to project transportation, the construction of airports, factories, terminals, hubs and other large industrial enterprises becomes possible. Obtaining the maximum benefits from participation in logistics projects from cargo transportation of the transport market, taking into account the component of international mechanisms "Incoterms 2020" of balanced development of the country, which provides for high productivity, fair distribution of opportunities and results of profits from activities in logistics centers, hubs, ports in the paradigm of uncertainty of crises.

Global Connectivity, Spatial Proximity, Multimodal Transport, and Polycentric Urban Regions: UAE Urban Development 2020 - 2030

At a current world city scale, conurbations interweave complex multimodal systems of logistics, transport, and communications. As this process evolves into a global network of interconnected urban nodes. While diffusing globally, China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) proposal creates an infrastructural framework for global exchange, analogous to the Ancient TransAsian links of Silk Road and Indian Ocean. Linked spatial dimensions and functional regions have always existed at different scales without any synchronized nomenclature for a grid with exact dimensional measurements. The global surface exists as a topological phenomenon of multi scalar dimensions covered by varied surface phenomena from earth to vegetation with fluid elements alternating in liquidity and flows. increasingly the world cities trend divides more advanced urban regions from less well viably connected territories, governments, industries, and commerce. Thus, the world has been experiencing an unequal distribution of trade and associated transport, logistics and handling facilities. In relation to global trade and transport tends to focus on the post-industrialized West and East and so underplays the role of other parts of the world system, including the MENASA (Middle East–North Africa–South Asia) region. In doing so, scholars discount a variety of spatial, morphological, environmental, historical, and socio-political urban patterns particular to these other regions and cities. This article addresses this oversight by examining the United Arab Emirates coastal conurbation (U.A.E.–CC, including Dubai–Abu Dhabi–Sharjah–Ajman), with its unique global positioning and political and economic conditions. The U.A.E.–CC is explored in relation to theories of the world/global city, the airport city or aerotropolis, and the polycentric urban region (PUR). The article demonstrates the emerging formation and potential of the U.A.E.–CC PUR, a member of a world-city network specializing as a transport hub and tourist destination and a global logistics center.

Mapping a Set of Tools to Ensure Cloud and Distributed Computing, Virtualization Tools and Data Storage Systems in the Work of the Transport and Logistics Center

The existing gaps in approaches to the deployment of transport and logistics centers (TLC) within the edges of the backbone network lead to errors in the implementation of the spatial development strategy. Information support solutions for the implementation of terminal, transportation, and warehousing technologies are the least elaborated. As a result, errors have to be corrected in the process of operating the information architecture. There is a need to complement the existing TLC deployment management system with new tools that enhance the validity of TLC location assessment and eliminate the randomness factor in the choice of information architecture for TLC backbone network objects. This research aims to develop a flexible solution for network architecture design using cloud, fog, and edge layers. The main requirement for a flexible solution is that it can be rapidly deployed when the technology architecture changes. The proposed tool visualizes the structure of the network architecture and allows the analysis of information flows by capturing data on the movement of material cargo within the center and between TLC network facilities. The mapping tool considers the network computational load evaluation factor for the cloud, fog, and edge layers. The scientific novelty of the research results is achieved by the principle of system management of the components of complex systems. The practical significance of the results of the study lies in the possibility of using the mapping tool in the process of information architecture design at the stage of making decisions about the deployment of TLC network objects.

A Two-Step Matheuristics for Order-Picking Process Problems with One-Directional Material Flow and Buffers

The necessity for undertaking this research is driven by the prevailing challenges encountered in logistic centers. This study addresses a logistic order-picking issue involving unidirectional conveyors and buffers, which are assigned to racks and pickers with the objective of minimizing the makespan. Subsequently, two variations of a two-step matheuristic approach are proposed as solution methodologies. These matheuristics entail decomposing the primary order-picking problem into two subproblems. In the initial step, the problem of minimizing the free time for pickers/buffers is solved, followed by an investigation into minimizing order picking makespan. An experimentation phase is carried out across three versions of a distribution center layout, wherein one or more pickers are allocated to one or more buffers, spanning 120 test instances. The research findings indicate that employing a mathematical programming-based technique holds promise for yielding solutions within reasonable computational timeframes, particularly when distributing products to consumers with limited product variety within the order. Furthermore, the proposed technique offers the advantages of expediency and simplicity, rendering it suitable for adoption in the process of designing and selecting order-picking systems.

DETERMINATION OF LOGISTICS PARAMETERS OF E-CARGO BIKES FOR SUSTAINABLE DELIVERY OF POSTAL CARGO IN CITIES

The article is devoted to formation of parameters of logistics system of cargo transportation using «green technologies». The feasibility of using a distribution center with certain parameters of the supply chain is assessed. The solution of the problem of choosing the location of the logistics center was solved simultaneously with solving the problem of routing and choosing the carrying capacity of the vehicle. The number and configuration of transportation routes depends on the volume of cargo delivery, the location of the consignor and consignees, as well as on the carrying capacity of vehicles. Each location of the distribution center determines the number of routes, the distance of transportation, the volume of traffic on each section of the routes. As a result, it was proposed to use the value of the transport work of rolling stock as an indicator that takes into account these components. The initial data for determining the effective location of the distribution center is the volume of traffic for each sender and the location of consumers. In connection with the current trends in the development of "green technologies" in urban logistics, the question of the feasibility of using freight electric bicycles at the proposed location of the city logistics center was considered. When using green technology, electric cargo bicycles were considered as vehicles. The solution to the problem of determining the most efficient distribution center was carried out taking into account the possible carrying capacity of electric bicycles. A number of bicycles with different carrying capacities that can be used to transport mail cargo were selected. It was revealed that the rational location of the distribution center ensures minimal transport work during the transportation of goods to any carrying capacity of the bicycle. To assess the effectiveness of an electric cargo bike, the amount of transport work performed using a battery capacity unit was used as a criterion. The value of this criterion is determined by the technical characteristics of the bike, namely carrying capacity, mileage on a single battery charge and battery capacity. The value of the efficiency criterion determined the ranks of bicycles taking into account technological parameters. Keywords: logistics center, electric bike, distribution center, efficiency, supply, green technology.

Proposal for determination of wind action on steel rack supported warehouses during execution

AbstractThe exponential growth of e‐commerce in the last decade boosts the need of large logistic centers. Steel rack supported warehouses (SRSWs) are one of the most competitive solutions for such infrastructures. The execution phase of SRSWs is challenging, as the stability of the structure has to be ensured throughout the different erection stages. The wind action is here particular important. The density of structural elements and the incompleteness of the SRSWs structure, is a vulnerable condition under wind loads. The determination of wind forces during execution according to the EN 1991‐1‐4 is very limited when dealing with open frame structures, and in particular, with structural systems such as SRSWs. In order to overcome this lack, the wind action on SRSWs during execution has been subject of a recent concluded RFCS research project “STEELWAR”. This paper presents the proposal of a method to determine the wind forces on SRSWs under construction. The method is derived from a series of wind tunnel tests. Subsequently, given the inherent limitation of such experimental program, the extension of the method to a range of practical cases is proposed. Finally, an application to a real case study is used to assess the vulnerability of the SRSWs during the execution.

Logistics Center Space Layout Design

Logistics center is an important node in the logistics network. Scientific layout planning is very important to improve the overall operational efficiency of the logistics center. The layout of each functional area of the logistics center will directly affect the overall planning of the logistics center. The traditional layout method is subjective and cannot objectively reflect the relationship between functional areas. On the basis of combing the relevant literature at home and abroad, this paper makes the layout planning of the functional area of the logistics center. Based on the analysis of the demand of logistics center, the division of functional areas and the determination of the scale of functional areas, the location relationship diagram of functional areas is drawn by using the correlation diagram layout method, so as to obtain the layout scheme of logistics center and provide the basis for the planning of logistics center.

Ретроспективный анализ и перспективы развития оперативного мышления НАТО

This article reviews Z. Lautsch’s monograph “The Foundations of NATO Operational Thinking. A Retrospective Analysis of Operational Thinking in the 80s and Assessment of Development Prospects”. A brief introduction to the author is given. His approaches to the basic concepts defining operational thinking as a complex phenomenon are reviewed. It is noted that the author uses the points of view of both Western and Soviet military science in his reflections. The author analyses Z. Lautsch’s reflections on Germany’s role in the multinational alliance structure during the last decade of the Cold War. The evolution of NATO operational thinking from air-to-ground combat doctrine in the 1980s to cognitive warfare in the sixth operational domain in the 21st century is examined. The concept of „petty warfare” in the views of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the role of operational command in its conduct are touched upon. Particular attention is paid to analyzing the relationships between the framework states of the North Atlantic Alliance and their role in the development of operational thinking at the present stage. In particular, the role of Germany as a logistics centre for the entire alliance in Europe is emphasised. The importance of rearming the Bundeswehr and enhancing its credibility in the eyes of the population and at European level is noted. It underscores the need to forge links between the military doctrines of all alliance members and to adopt uniform standards for combat and operational training. This direction of development is of primary importance for the USA, France, the UK, Germany and Italy. The author notes that the Western and Eastern models of operational thinking had conceptual similarities in content and scope.

Locating Transportation Logistics Centers and Their Dynamic Synergy for Equilibrium Economic Behavior

Locating transportation logistics centers (TLCs) is significant in organizing and easing the shipment of commodities. By choosing the right place and building a brand TLC, various producers and trade companies will benefit from its services. This paper applies the Euclidean theorem and graph theory to select an optimal place. Because the price of transportation services is an important challenge, this article shows ways to reduce it for the companies that are customers of the TLC. This study hypothesizes that a TLC network standardizes and improves services and reduces prices and after the building of Iranshahr’s TLC, our aim is to synergize and connect it with a network of TLCs. Case studies were carried out on the building of a network of TLCs with four nodes in Coburg, Ashgabat, Iranshahr, and Chabahar. The novelty of this research is in the method used, which studies TLCs in two statuses—separately and with a network. The research includes, simultaneously, TLCs in both developed and developing economies with various socioeconomic formations. The paper analyses, methodologically, the economic behavior of the TLCs in the two situations using a mathematical model. The model uses two Lagrange target functions to prove that the network decreases prices while improving presented services. We found that multimodal cargo transportation by one TLC within a network of TLCs decreases the costs of transportation services and that the TLC network improved economies of scale through knowledge, technology, and experience synergy. The outcomes and model of this study will assist transportation planners and engineers in building and managing a TLC and including it in a network.

Service availability and readiness for basic emergency obstetric and newborn care: Analysis from Nepal Health Facility Survey 2021.

Although there has been a significant focus on improving maternal and newborn health and expanding services in Nepal, the expected positive impact on the health of mothers and newborns has not been achieved to the desired extent. Nepal not only needs to focus on improving access to and coverage of services but also the quality to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. In this context, we aimed to analyze Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC) service availability and readiness in Health Facilities (HFs) of Nepal. We analyzed data from nationally representative Nepal Health Facility Survey (NHFS), 2021. BEmONC service availability and readiness in HFs was measured based on the "Service Availability and Readiness" manual of World Health Organization (WHO). We measured service availability by seven BEmONC signal functions. The readiness score was calculated for three domains- guidelines and staff training, essential equipment/supplies, and essential medicines on a scale of 100, and the average score for the three domains was the overall readiness score. We performed weighted descriptive and inferential analysis to account complex survey design of NHFS 2021. We summarized continuous variables with descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation, median and interquartile range whereas categorical variables with percent and 95% confidence interval (CI). We applied simple, and multivariate linear regression to determine factors associated with the readiness of HFs for BEmONC services, and results were presented as beta (β) coefficients and 95% CI. Of total 804 HFs offering normal vaginal delivery services, 3.1%, 89.2%, 7.7% were federal/provincial hospitals, local HFs, and private hospitals respectively. A total of 45.0% (95% CI: 34.9, 55.6) federal/provincial hospitals, 0.3% (95% CI: 0.2, 0.6), local HFs (district hospital, primary health care centers, health posts, urban health centers) and 10.5% (95% CI: 6.6, 16.4) private hospitals, had all seven BEmONC signal functions. The overall readiness of federal/provincial hospitals, local HFs, and private hospitals were 72.9±13.6, 54.2±12.8, 53.1±15.1 respectively. In multivariate linear regression, local HFs (β = -12.64, 95% CI: -18.31, -6.96) and private hospitals had lower readiness score (β = -18.08, 95% CI: -24.08, -12.08) compared to federal/provincial level hospitals. HFs in rural settings (β = 2.60, 95% CI: 0.62, 4.58), mountain belts (β = 4.18, 95% CI: 1.65, 6.71), and HFs with external supervision (β = 2.99, 95% CI:1.08, 4.89), and quality assurance activities (β = 3.59, 95% CI:1.64, 5.54) had better readiness scores. The availability of all seven BEmONC signal functions and readiness of HFs for BEmONC services are relatively low in local HFs and private hospitals. Accelerating capacity development through training centers at the federal/provincial level, onsite coaching, and mentoring, improving procurement and supply of medicines through federal/provincial logistic management centers, and regular supportive supervision could improve the BEmONC service availability and readiness in facilities across the country.

Improving the business processes of an enterprise using automation technologies

Automation of warehouse operation can reduce the influence of the human factor on production processes. The article examines how the "digital worker" increases the productivity of logistics centers.

Emergency logistics centers site selection by multi-criteria decision-making and GIS

Public health events and natural disaster emergencies often cause logistical disruptions and shortages of supplies for residents in the affected areas. The construction of emergency logistics centers (ELCs) can enable relief to reach the affected areas faster, so the ELCs site selection is critical. This study proposes a novel approach based on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) to solve the ELCs site selection problem. Firstly, nine criteria affecting ELCs site selection are identified, the criteria spatial data are collected and the criteria normalized layers are created using GIS. Then, the weights of the criteria are determined by combining the entropy weight method with the Criteria Importance Though Intercrieria Correlation method (CRITIC), and the ELCs site selection suitability map is obtained using superposition analysis. Finally, the ranking of ELCs alternatives is obtained using the Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method. A case study is conducted in Xi'an which is the largest city in Northwest China, and the results indicate that (1) the population density criterion (C9) has a weight of 0.581, which accounts for the largest proportion of weight. Alternative A9 (near the New City Plaza) ranks highest among the 13 alternatives. (2) Sensitivity analysis shows that the ranking is very sensitive to changes in the criterion weights, which verifies the rationality of the combined assignment method. (3) The comparative analysis with the TOPSIS method shows that the rankings obtained by the method proposed in this paper are stable, which verifies the feasibility of the siting model.

AUTOMATED PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN TRANSPORT LOGISTICS

The article is a continuation of regular research on project management based on efficient transportation. The purpose of the work is to improve the efficiency of management decision-making in the implementation of projects in transport logistics through the use of automated planning and analysis systems. The object of study is the process of forming organizational support for project management in transport logistics using automated planning and analysis systems for project efficiency. The subject of the study is the practical tools for organizational support of project management in transport logistics using automated systems for planning and analyzing project performance. Methods. In the course of the study, a systematic approach was implemented, general scientific methods were used, including logical analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, analogy, and modeling. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the fundamental provisions of project management, management efficiency theory, scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists on project management at the micro, meso, and macro levels. Given the purpose of the work, several tasks were set and solved, in particular, the applied imperatives of resource and budget planning were outlined on the example of a logistics center based on the Odesa seaport and the project implementation was monitored in Microsoft Project. In terms of resource and budget planning, the expediency of using the method and indicators of the volume utilized is proved. The actual progress of the project against the planned indicators is analyzed. A new project was created using the Microsoft Project software and data entry method. In terms of monitoring, conclusions were drawn on the course of events in the project implementation and the status of implementation by individual types of work was clearly shown. All this made it possible to achieve concrete results. In terms of resource and budget planning, it was determined to what extent there is a deviation from the planned project implementation timeframe. In terms of monitoring, the need to optimize staffing, budget, and time parameters was identified. The essence of this optimization boils down to the decision to attract additional labor resources with the corresponding cost of work per hour. This made it possible to get rid of the conflict and obtain positive dynamics in the project implementation, as evidenced by the date of its completion, which remained unchanged after the resources were equalized. The need to continue the study and focus on project risk management is outlined.

Combustion Performance of Agropellets in an Experimental Fixed Bed Reactor versus a Commercial Grate Boiler. Validation of Ash Behavior.

Agrobiomass is presented as a suitable alternative to contribute to the fossil fuel decarbonization strategy at the European level. To achieve the ambitious objectives established in this regard: (i) new biomass resources need to be used and therefore initially tested in order to confirm its potential for different applications, such as energy production, and (ii) biomass supply capacity needs to be enlarged; therefore, agroindustries converted into Integrated Biomass Logistic Center (IBLC) can play a key role. In this research, eight different agropellets (blends of wheat straw and maize stalk with forestry wood) were produced in a IBLC and tested in a commercial boiler, comparing the results with previous ones obtained in a fixed bed reactor test campaign and to a base case (woody pellets). This paper includes both individual results in terms of bottom ash, deposition, and a final comparison of ash behavior in both facilities. All biofuels tested showed an adequate performance in terms of efficiency and emissions, being slightly better for the agropellets produced with wheat straw. Regarding sintering and deposition, the tendencies found in the reactor investigation were also observed in the commercial boiler. Moreover, the assessment of the results from the boiler and reactor's tests proved that reactor experiments are representative and may be used to test new biofuels more efficiently in terms of effort and time allocated and could be used to predict sintering and deposition phenomenon occurrence.

E-government implementation's impact on Saudi vision 2030 to become an international logistic center

<p>This study examined the influence of electronic government (e-government) implementation for the Ministry of Transport on fulfilling Saudi vision 2030 by transforming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) into a logistics center linking three continents. Saudi vision 2030 aims to cut transportation costs by improving infrastructure, shorten importing and exporting times by streamlining and automating operations, and increase supply chain transparency through sector reform. Implementing e-government would improve government services and engagement through information and communication technology (ICT). This article focuses on four primary areas: i) making KSA a logistics center; ii) increasing the chance of living throughout the Kingdom; and iii) promoting long-term financial sustainability. The study is founded on the idea that logistics is a crucial component for competitive advantage and transportation (by land, sea, or air) is a logistical sub-process for Saudi enterprises that benefit from transport networks similar to the best in the world. The Kingdom's strategic location at the junction of three continents gives its transport sector a geographical competitive advantage that provides access to important emerging markets and critical sea lanes. Despite the optimistic future of the transport and logistics industries in KSA, some important hurdles must be overcome.</p>

A combined fuzzy AHP with fuzzy TOPSIS to locate industrial supporting bonded logistics centers

Raw material availability is critical for the sustainability of industrial activity. A bonded logistics centre is required as a multipurpose warehouse for the storage of raw commodities, particularly those imported from other countries. The operationalization of bonded logistics centers in terms of supplying raw materials effectively and efficiently is largely location dependent. Proper facility placement is critical for resolving the storage issue and boosting the efficiency of the transportation system. The purpose of this article is to suggest a technique for locating a bonded logistics centre. In an unpredictable context, decision making requires a range of criteria generated from knowledge and stakeholder experience. As a result, this work proposes the combination of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) with the fuzzy technique for ordering preferences by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS). By disclosing linguistic characteristics, fuzzy numbers contribute to the resolution of ambiguity and imprecision. Obtaining the weighted value of the criteria and sub-criteria using fuzzy AHP. Using fuzzy TOPSIS, determining alternate preferences based on weighting factors. Its use lies in being able to distinguish between criteria that provide advantages and those that generate expenses. The findings indicate that the selected option is the one that is most closely related to the positive ideal.

EVALUATION OF RIZE’S LOGISTICS CENTER POTENTIAL WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS THROUGH SWOT ANALYSIS

Logistics centers make important and direct contributions on matters such as reducing logistics costs, shortening transportation and transfer times, preventing traffic accidents by regulating urban and intercity traffic density on the roads, decreasing the negative effects of road transport on the environment and carbon emissions, creating a synergy by strengthening the supply chain across individuals and organizations in this sector where better quality service is provided, and increasing added value. On the other hand, within the context of public relations, SWOT analysis should be done for determining the potential situation in order to obtain data that will guide the establishment of the plans and practices to be followed for presenting a new service or organization to the targetaudience.In this regard, this study explores the current position of Rize province through SWOT analysis in order to determine its potential to become a logistics center. In this context, the strengths,weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Rize for being a logistics junction and base zone of the Black Sea are revealed. The study finds that the Rize logistics center will have a strategic location in the Caucasus Corridor opening to Europe and Central Asia and will create a significant advantage in the southern and northern freight movements and especially in Iran’s freight in transit. Furthermore, the study offers suggestions to make physical and institutional infrastructure improvements for the logistics center in Rize, to establish the necessary technological infrastructure systems, and to increase the university- private sector cooperation.