Production Logistics Research Articles

Digital twin‐based production logistics resource optimisation configuration method in smart cloud manufacturing environment

AbstractTo adapt to the dynamic, diverse, and personalised needs of customers, manufacturing enterprises face the challenge of continuously adjusting their resource structure. This has led manufacturers to shift towards a smart cloud manufacturing mode in order to build highly flexible production logistics (PL) systems. In these systems, the optimal configuring of PL resources is fundamental for daily logistics planning and vehicle scheduling control, providing necessary resources for the entire PL segment. However, traditional resource configuration methods face limitations, such as incomplete information acquisition, slow response in resource configuration, and suboptimal configuration results, leading to high subsequent operational costs and inefficient logistics transportation. These issues limit the performance of the PL system. To address these challenges, the authors propose a digital twin‐based optimisation model and method for smart cloud PL resources. The approach begins with constructing an optimisation model for the PL system considering the quality of service for a cloud resource is constructed, aiming to minimise the number of logistics vehicles and the total cost of the PL system. Additionally, a DT‐based decision framework for optimising smart cloud PL resources is proposed. Alongside a DT‐based dynamic configuration strategy for smart cloud PL resources is designed. By developing a multi‐teacher grouping teaching strategy and a cross‐learning strategy, the teaching and learning strategies of the standard teaching‐learning‐based optimisation algorithm are improved. Finally, numerical simulation experiments were conducted on the logistics transportation process of a cooperating enterprise, verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms and strategies. The findings of this study provide valuable references for the management of PL resources and algorithm design in advanced manufacturing modes.

A Combined Capacity Planning and Simulation Approach for the Optimization of AGV Systems in Complex Production Logistics Environments

Background: The capacity planning of production systems is one of the most fundamental strategic problems in the creation of a production plant. However, the implementation of increasingly complex production systems combined with sophisticated automated material handling justifies the development of novel approaches to solve the combined capacity planning and material handling problem, which is also the objective of the current study. Methods: The presented approach combines the use of capacity planning formulas and discrete event simulation for optimizing extensive automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems from the aspect of the number of required vehicles. Extensive series of simulation experiments are applied in the case of each model variant for optimal results and to account for machine failures in the system. Results: The application of the proposed method is demonstrated through a realistic sample problem in a plastic industry setting with the use of the Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software (version 2302.0003, Educational license). Conclusions: The results from the sample problem demonstrate the usefulness of the approach, as a non-intuitive solution proved to be the most efficient. Additionally, the main advantage of the method is that it provides a standardized framework for the simulation-based optimization of AGV systems starting out from the comprehensive production capacity parameters.

Challenges in Implementing the Sectoral Agreement for Reverse Logistics of Electro-Electronic Products in Brazil

Challenges in Implementing the Sectoral Agreement for Reverse Logistics of Electro-Electronic Products in Brazil

Research on the Application of Blockchain Technology in Cold Chain Logistics for Agricultural Products

With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the advent of the digital era, blockchain technology is increasingly demonstrating its great potential across various industries due to its unique features of decentralization, transparency, and immutability. In particular, in the cold chain logistics of agricultural products, the application of blockchain technology can not only enhance logistics efficiency but also ensure food safety and boost consumer trust. This paper first outlines the advantages of blockchain technology in cold chain logistics for agricultural products, and then clarifies the application pathways of blockchain technology in this field, providing a reference for relevant researchers.

Marketing-Driven Supply Chain Innovation: A Framework for FMCG SME Sustainability

In an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector face unique challenges in achieving long-term sustainability. This review explores the concept of marketing-driven supply chain innovation as a strategic framework for enhancing SME sustainability. By integrating consumer-centric marketing strategies with supply chain operations, SMEs can align their product offerings, sourcing practices, and logistics with growing consumer demand for environmentally and socially responsible products. The framework outlined in this study includes key components such as sustainable product design, green logistics, ethical sourcing, and the incorporation of circular economy principles. Additionally, technology-driven innovation, such as data analytics and digital platforms, is emphasized as a tool to improve supply chain transparency, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization. Through these collaborative efforts, SMEs can foster stronger consumer trust, enhance brand loyalty, and build a competitive edge in the market. Despite the potential benefits, the review also discusses the challenges SMEs may face, including limited financial resources, resistance to organizational change, and balancing profitability with sustainability goals. However, by leveraging green financing options, cross-sector partnerships, and phased implementation strategies, SMEs can overcome these barriers. Ultimately, the integration of marketing-driven supply chain innovation is positioned as a critical path for FMCG SMEs to achieve long-term sustainability, profitability, and market competitiveness in an evolving global economy. Keywords: Marketing-Driven, Supply Chain, FMCG SME, Review.

The role of industrial strategies in chemical production and service supply logistics processes

The research topic focuses on applying industrial strategies, especially in chemical industry logistics processes. The research aims to examine the future of the chemical industry in Hungary and worldwide. The question is what is the role of logistics in the chemical supply chain and the difficulties faced in this area? The main difficulty that can be encountered is achieving effective automation and digitalization while maintaining appropriate safety, which is an essential aspect of the chemical industry. The research presents an existing AGV transport solution that significantly facilitates on-site logistics processes within a chemical company. In the research, the potential development areas are found which could be interesting to explore in logistics processes are also discussed.

Measurement model for community enterprise management strategies

Community enterprises in Thailand are facing a highly competitive marketing challenge, an inability to hand on business to the next generation, and a lack of a flexible goods production system. This study aims to develop a measurement model for community enterprise management by surveying the expectations of 500 entrepreneurs in a community enterprise group using a questionnaire. This study uses exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The objective is to develop critical strategies for overcoming obstacles and creating sustainability for organizations, comprising eight dimensions: product design management, production management, logistics management, product quality and standard management, marketing management, knowledge management, service quality management, and organization management. The study results can be used to effectively solve and improve the community enterprise's operation and continuously develop it per the entrepreneur's expectations. Moreover, the government sector can use this method to determine the policy toward supporting more sustainable community enterprises The government can also use this approach to set policies, promote the creation of an environment conducive to community enterprise operations, and create added value for community businesses through the identity of the area to support community enterprises to be more sustainable.

Export Dynamics and Performance of Tree Seeds in Tanzania: An Analytical Study of Tanzania Forest Services Agency

Purpose: This study investigates the determinants of export performance for tree seeds by the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) through an analytical framework grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. It aims to identify and analyze the influence of Foreign Market Characteristics (FMC), Export Competence (EC), and Business Environment (BE) on the export performance of tree seeds in Tanzania. Design/Methodology: The study adopted a longitudinal research design to analyze the export dynamics and performance of tree seeds in Tanzania over 14 years, from 2003 to 2016. Data was collected from TFS over 14 years, covering export volumes and values. The analysis examines the effects of FMC, EC, and BE on tree seed export performance. Findings: The findings indicate that FMC, EC, and BE significantly affect export performance. Foreign market characteristics enhance export performance by improving market demand and accessibility. Export competence contributes to success through superior production quality and logistics. A supportive business environment facilitates exports by reducing trade barriers and improving infrastructure. Thus, these insights suggest the need to foster internal competencies, improve export strategies, and enhance regulatory and economic frameworks to boost the export potential of tree seeds from Tanzania. Originality/Value: This study offers new insights into how internal capabilities and external market conditions jointly influence the export performance of tree seeds. It bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implications for TFS. The study provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to improve export strategies, optimize market access, and strengthen business conditions, thereby advancing Tanzania’s position in the global tree seed market.

Reverse Logistics Analysis of Chips Products Towards Green Supply Chain Management in MSMEs

The food industry has the nature of perishable goods, so there is always the possibility of products being returned to the manufacturer, namely reverse logistics. Reverse logistics include collection, sorting, recycling, redistribution, and disposal. One of the main challenges MSMEs face is accumulating unsold or damaged products. Chip products not sold out in the stores where they are kept often have to be recalled, resulting in a buildup of products in the warehouse. This study aims to analyze the practice of reverse logistics of banana chip products in one MSME called A3 and evaluate the extent to which they are based on Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM). The research method used is descriptive qualitative; data collection is done through interviews, direct observation, and analysis of related documents. The results showed that A3 had implemented reverse logistics practices by considering environmental aspects such as production waste management. However, some areas can still be improved further to maximize the contribution to Green Supply Chain Management. The implication of this study is to provide a deeper understanding of reverse logistics practices in the context of MSMEs and provide recommendations for other MSMEs to improve the conformity of their practices with the concept of Green Supply Chain Management.

Research on the Development of Agricultural Products Logistics under the Value Chain Optimization Concept of Logistics Management

The value chain of logistics management is the key to meeting the needs of circulation entities, improving logistics efficiency, optimizing logistics division of labor, and promoting the upgrading of logistics enterprises. It plays a positive role in promoting the development of agricultural product logistics. However, it is understood that there are still many problems in China's agricultural product logistics system, such as opaque information, multiple circulation links, high costs, high losses, and low profits. These will reduce the optimization of logistics management value chain, leading to low efficiency in agricultural product circulation and entering a low consumption cycle mode. Therefore, based on the concept of optimizing the value of logistics management, this article analyzes the development difficulties of the current agricultural product reverse logistics model, explores the design and operation mode of the agricultural product reverse logistics system, proposes corresponding countermeasures to maximize the value chain of agricultural product logistics management, in order to promote the stable and sustainable development of agricultural product logistics and improve the circulation efficiency of agricultural products.

A Review of Research on Cold Chain Logistics and Distribution of Fresh Agricultural Products in China

At present, China, as the second largest economy in the world, is in the new development pattern, that is, to build a new development pattern with the domestic macro-cycle as the main body and the domestic and international double-cycle promoting each other, which has high requirements for the smoothness of the circulation system, urgently needs the circulation system to have a high degree of smoothness, and urgently needs to accelerate the upgrading of the logistics distribution industry, so as to realise the synchronous development of the logistics distribution industry and the economy of the country. Moreover, under the background of China's rapid development, people's needs for fresh agricultural products and other cold-chain products, as well as product quality requirements have gradually improved, therefore, under the background of rapid changes in the market, the management of China's cold-chain logistics should also be further improved to meet the market requirements. Based on this, this paper takes cold chain logistics and distribution as an entry point, and through the current development status of cold chain logistics and distribution of fresh agricultural products, the distribution mode status quo, the current research status of the constraints of fresh agricultural products logistics and distribution, as well as distribution optimisation strategy research, etc., it is hoped to draw the research direction and research focus of future cold chain logistics and distribution of fresh agricultural products, with a view to providing reference opinions to promote China's fresh agricultural products in the cold chain logistics development and improvement, so as to meet the market's requirements. In order to provide reference opinions to promote the development and improvement of the cold chain logistics of fresh agricultural products in China, so as to meet the higher requirements of the people for fresh agricultural products.

Mise en place d’une antenne pharmaceutique de blocs opératoires dans un centre hospitalier universitaire

An operating room pharmaceutical unit centralizes medical devices and drugs for various surgical specialities. The aim of this work is to present the methodology used in our establishment to set up the operating room pharmaceutical unit. This approach involved the formation of multi-professional working groups. The needs of operating theatres were defined based on an analysis of healthcare product consumption and stock inventories. Material sheets were defined for each procedure. On the basis of simulations, material supply arrangements were selected, specifying material flows, equipment, workstations and information systems. Over 3200 healthcare product references were identified and 862 equipment files were created. Local stocks have been limited to medical trolleys for nursing staff. Emergency operating packs have been deployed for unforeseen operations. Cabinets have been dedicated to transporting re-sterilizable medical devices, and carts have been purchased for programmed operating packs. The equipment is made available by logistics agents and pharmacy assistants under pharmaceutical responsibility. This innovative approach is a model for facilities desiring to centralize and secure the logistics of healthcare products in the operating room. Ongoing adjustments will be required to meet new operating rooms needs.

Designing Food Hubs for Territories of Proximity: Assessing the Spatial, Ecological, and Cultural Potentials of Places through Multi-Criteria Decision Support Systems

Logistics, distribution models, and landscapes of food production strongly influence the space of our cities and territories. In addition to the network of large-scale retail distribution that is diffused in urban and non-urban areas, with this contribution, we study the presence of new forms of the local and sustainable distribution of food (such as Alternative Food Networks, and community-supported agriculture). Studying and understanding how these distribution models can support and be integrated within a landscape planning and design approach is explored through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision analysis method. Through the specific focus of a Food Hub localization, the aim is to demonstrate how distribution models can not only support but also integrate into landscape planning and design. The fundamental objectives for structuring and locating a Food Hub can be organized under three strategic objectives: pursuing the benefit of people, the planet, and profit. The choice of one distribution method over others, or what is the best location and condition for distribution centers, is the question we have tested with the collaboration of “L’Ortazzo” Association. The case study is a solidarity purchasing group located in the upper Valsugana valley area (Trentino Region, Italy), a supra-municipality reality involving about a hundred families that, currently, do not have a physical distribution center.

Strategies for digital transformation of cold chain logistics of fresh agricultural products based on Internet of things

The rapid development of cities and urbanization in China has forced the growth of new channels for buying agricultural products. The purpose of this research is to examine how Internet of Things (IoT’s) technologies can digitize a traditional fresh food supply chain. Comparative and descriptive analysis methods are used to highlight the major pain points in the traditional supply chains and assess how digital transformation could help. We delve into every part of digital transformation, which includes establishing an information platform based on IoT and developing smart storage options. Our findings revealed that through end-to-end digital integration, supply chain efficiency is improved with shorter lead times and leaner inventories that yield reduced costs as well as fewer losses while ensuring product quality and traceability. In sum, such an approach would enhance sustainability within the fresh food value chain. As such, our article highlights key aspects of transitioning towards a digital environment in this sector for those planning similar ventures.

Research on the marketing strategy of agricultural product community e-commerce

With the continuous progress and development of the “global e-commerce era”, China's community e-commerce of marketing environment of agricultural products is growing rapidly. At present, the level of e-commerce development in various regions of China is not balanced, resulting in farmers in many regions still lacking marketing awareness of community e-commerce. Through the analysis of the current status of China's e-commerce development of agricultural products, this study found that there are existing problems such as: the imbalance of agricultural products e-commerce development scale in various regions, the difficulty of agricultural products logistics and distribution, the uneven quality level of agricultural products, the lack of community marketing awareness among merchants, and the gap in e-commerce talents. Based on the content marketing theory, this paper draws research conclusions and puts forward suggestions for optimizing community e-commerce marketing.

Between Here and There. The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Restoring the Supply Chain of Face Masks During the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract As a cross-border, transboundary crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic affected societies worldwide, compromising socio-technical systems across geographical, judicial, and administrative borders. The outbreak can be considered a health crisis, but due to the measures taken to control the spread of the virus, it also exposed the global medical supply chain’s vulnerability. Formal authorities struggling to restore the supply chain caused serious problems in the crisis response as the supply of vital medical equipment was scrutinized. However, unexpected allies including social entrepreneurial initiatives provided bottom-up solutions to restore the broken supply chain. This paper seeks to bring attention to how social entrepreneurs respond to a crisis alongside the formal crisis governance system and generate resources related to product development and logistics. By presenting a case study about how Refugee Company’s “Mondmaskerfabriek” (Face Mask Factory) engaged with the cross-border dimension of the COVID-19 crisis, we show how a social enterprise was able to establish a supply chain and domestically produce personal protection equipment. As the article shows, both crisis management scholars and policy makers should pay more attention to the potential of social entrepreneurial activities during crisis.

Аналіз сучасного стану логістичної ефективності України

Agro-industrial complex (APK) belongs to the system-forming, strategically important industries. It ensures the country’s food security, makes a significant contribution to ensuring employment of the population, preserving socio-economic stability, and increasing export potential. In recent years, the development of the domestic agricultural industry has had positive dynamics. However, the industry faced many problems related to hostilities: destruction of infrastructure, congestion of alternative routes, difficulties with exports, etc. Military operations significantly affect all aspects of the logistics chain, including transport, storage, processing and export of products. It is noted that the domestic agro-industrial complex not only meets the domestic needs of the country, but also exports agricultural products abroad. Logistics plays a key role in export operations, and it is through effective management of logistics processes that companies can achieve better results in foreign economic activity. The hostilities greatly complicate export logistics by blocking seaports and disrupting rail routes, posing a threat to the country’s economic stability and food security in many countries. Although the volume of transportation remained significantly lower than the pre-war level, the positive dynamics of the indicators is maintained. The commodity structure of the export of agricultural products and indicators of the freight transportation index were analyzed. The value of the logistics efficiency index was considered and it was noted that there is a significant deterioration of the specified indicator for the country, which is why there is a need to analyze logistics processes, identify problems in the logistics industry and take measures to improve indicators. The main problems of logistics, which create serious challenges for business and the country’s economy, are highlighted. It was noted that the logistics of agricultural products in wartime conditions faces numerous challenges that require rapid adaptation and the search for new solutions. Restoration of logistics infrastructure is one of the key directions for ensuring Ukraine’s competitiveness on the global market. Keywords: logistics, agricultural products, export, costs, efficiency.

Socio-Economic Development of Russia in 2023–2025: Growth Trend Continues

The article examines the results of the socio-economic development of Russia in 2023, analyzes trends and provides forecasts for the strategic development of the national economy as a whole and its leading industries for 2024–2025, using mathematical and statistical methods.Based on macroeconomic statistics, a comparative analysis of development trends in the Russian and world economies is carried out, primarily in terms of such key development indicators as gross domestic product (GDP), industrial production, investment, inflation, and foreign trade. The authors identified bottlenecks and assessed the impact of new strategic initiatives on forecasts of socio-economic development in the period under review. The shortcomings of the current management system are analyzed, and measures aimed at overcoming the structural crisis are proposed. The need to improve state socio-economic policy is substantiated.It is noted that the Russian economy, despite the strengthening of sanctions by the collective West, has increased the sustainability of its development and the level of technological and scientific sovereignty. The article highlights shortcomings and a number of unresolved issues of import substitution and imperfect logistics of production and foreign economic relations, which create threats of decline of GDP and the level of technological sovereignty in the future.The paper substantiates the possibility of transforming all sectors and spheres of the national economy when implementing the plan presented in the Address of the President of the Russian Federation to the Federal Assembly.

Innovative development of water transport enterprises as a branch of high-tech industry

The article is devoted to the innovative development of enterprises of high-tech products on the example of water transport. Water transport refers to high-tech products and in this regard, its production has a rather complex production logistics (intellectual, supply, organizational, financial, information, personnel, innovation, etc.) [2-3]. In this regard, the search for promising directions in the development of high-tech products becomes particularly relevant and important: a real opportunity to implement research and innovation and investment projects, the implementation of which will bring enterprises of the high-tech industry for the production of water transport to leading positions not only in the national economy, but also in the world [4-6]. This determines the importance of monitoring research projects as a vector for the development of innovative production at two levels: product (high-tech products) and technological (innovative technologies) [7]. The innovative vector of development of enterprises of high-tech products allows the actual efficiency of high-tech production to be brought closer to full potential efficiency, other things being equal, production factors in a short time of the stage of research and scientific and technical development of the life cycle of products of shipbuilding products, which is given the main attention in the article [6-7]. At the same time, an innovative approach, introducing products into industrial circulation, naturally provides conditions for further scientific and technical (innovative) development of both the products themselves and technologies (in other words, early introduction of products ensures its early withdrawal: the speed of the wheel of economic efficiency of production activities). When the actual efficiency of the limit of the potential efficiency of technological production is reached, in accordance with the laws of synergy, there is a leap, an innovative transition to a new (next, subsequent) level of potential efficiency of production of high-tech products, which naturally puts forward new requirements of an innovative nature to production. Otherwise, production due to the (law) moral aging of industrial products is doomed to bankruptcy due to the so-called factor of technological flexibility of production (TG). Which (TG), if organizationally taken into account in the economic activities of enterprises as forecasting, planning and management (design and innovation management), forms (economically ensures) the sustainable functioning and development of enterprises of high-tech products in modern conditions (the wheel of economic efficiency of production activities is the human factor): in the market model of the state transformation of a product (product) into a commodity and contracting.

Environmental regulation, green technology innovation and green logistics development level of fresh agricultural products

ABSTRACT Based on the Porter hypothesis theory, this article aims to explore the relationship between environmental regulation and the development level of green logistics of fresh agricultural products, as well as the intermediary role of green technology innovation. The entropy method and SGMM are respectively used to measure the development level of green logistics of fresh agricultural products and verify the research hypothesis. We demonstrate that there is a nonlinear relationship between environmental regulation and green logistics development level of fresh agricultural products, and green technology innovation plays an intermediary role. Finally, we propose suggestions for the sustainable development of fresh produce logistics from logistic entities and the government. This article clarify the interaction mechanism among environmental regulation, green technology innovation and the development level of green logistics of fresh agricultural products, and provide empirical basis for the improvement of the development level of green logistics of fresh agricultural products through green technology innovation.