Logistics Processes Research Articles

ON THE ISSUE OF THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL FOUNDATIONS OF COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE “SAMBERI” HYPERMARKET CHAIN

The subject of the research in the article is the processes of goods distribution, the main purpose of the analysis of which is to optimize the costs of individual logistics processes. Nowadays, the number of grocery stores is increasing every day. The organization of the technological process in grocery stores and warehouses is becoming increasingly important.

A City Logistics Distribution Model: A Physical Internet Approach

The Physical Internet (PI) provides a solution for coping with the continuous rise in urban logistical demands by exploring same-level and cross-level paths. This research suggests a PI-based urban logistical distribution model based on PI distribution that minimizes transportation costs. It also intends to maintain the integrity of the logistical transportation process. This proposed model enhances the flexibility of goods operation and reduces the global cost of logistics’ distribution using an interconnected and open PI logistics distribution mode. This model also explores the functional aspects of the operational problems of city logistical systems and relates to optimization problems. These functionalities are realized by the hierarchical functional structure and are characterized by different cost specifications. The proposed framework provides better integration and cooperation between city logistics warehouses and higher utilization level of logistical infrastructure. The experimental results show that the distribution cost of the PI logistics model is significantly better than that of a traditional logistics model. The elastic and cost advantages grow relatively as the infrastructure for distribution scales up and interruptions from emergencies occur.

PENGARUH FIRM SIZE, FINANCIAL LEVERAGE, CASH HOLDING, FIRM AGE TERHADAP INCOME SMOOTHING

The purpose of this research is to do an empirical testing about the influence of firm size, financial leverage, cash holding, and firm age to income smoothing of manufacturing company those are registered on Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2017-2020. This research used 59 data of manufacturing company those are selected with purposive sampling method with a total of 236 data within 4 years. Hypothesis of this research used a logistic regression model and data processing with eviews software version 12.0. the result of this research shows that firm size has a negative effects and significant to income smoothing. Financial leverage and cash holding has no effect to income smoothing. Whereas, firm age has a positive and significant to income smoothing.

DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR SERVICES OF TRANSPORT-LOGISTICS PROVIDERS

This article discusses the development of transport and logistics providers' services based on the use of digital platforms, discusses the introduction of modern digital technologies into the practical activities of transport and logistics providers in order to improve business models, strategic planning methods, and improve interaction. A scientific hypothesis has been put forward about increasing the productivity and economic efficiency of transport and logistics processes among all subjects of the transport market, an analysis of the world experience in using digital logistics platforms has been carried out, the concept of a platform for the development of services of digital transport and logistics providers has been substantiated.

ТРАНСПОРТНО-ЛОГІСТИЧНА СИСТЕМА УКРАЇНИ: АНАЛІЗ РИНКУ ТА КЛЮЧОВІ ГРАВЦІ

The article analyzes the market of transport and logistics services and identifies its key players. It has been proven that in the modern world, the transport and logistics system plays a key role in ensuring the efficient movement of goods and services. For countries with a strategic geographical location, such as Ukraine, the importance of development and optimization of the transport and logistics system is of particular importance. The article establishes the need to develop the transit capabilities of our state against the background of the active formation and development of supply chains both within one country and between different countries around the world. An analysis of the largest logistics companies of Ukraine by revenue in 2019 was carried out. According to the results of the study of the value of global commodity exports, it is possible to draw a conclusion about the growth of the volume of logistics services. In 2022, the value of exports is forecast to continue growing by 13.8 percent compared to 2021. At the same time, despite the strong potential and strategic geographical location of the country, there are problems with infrastructure, insufficient coordination between different sectors, as well as instability in the political and economic environment. However, it is worth noting certain progress and initiatives in the development of the logistics industry, such as modernization and increasing the competitiveness of ports, the development of intermodal and multimodal transportation, as well as the introduction of new technologies in logistics processes.

THE SMART MANUFACTURING: IMPERATIVES AND TRENDS

The aim of the article is to learn the processes of smart economy, in particular such aspects as a development of a smart manufacturing and a formation of a smart market. With the help of graphic visualization methods, the trends of digitalization, the penetration of the latest ICT technologies into global production and logistics processes were characterized. The methods of system analysis and generalization, made it possible to formulate the key imperatives, which characterize the formation of smart manufacturing: comprehensive digitalization, the spread of artificial intelligence, the industrial robotics and the industrial Internet of Things, the formation of global supply chains and a new type of production networks. The important features of Industry 5.0 are: a trend of green economy and ensuring the stability and the resilience of the system. The extrapolation of the obtained conclusions to Ukrainian economy made it possible to determine the key imperatives for its recovery in a smart context: global digitalization, a course towards a green economy (the priorities of which should be present in all goals and directions of post-war recovery and reform), formation of the foundations of resilience in the face of numerous internal and external challenges and threats.

RESEARCH ON UAV IN LOGISTICS DISTRIBUTION

This article takes the COVID-19 epidemic as the starting point, and analyzes the difficulty of delivering drones in the "last mile" in the context of a severely aging population. The last mile delivery means that after customers shop through e-commerce, the purchased items are delivered to the distribution point, and then the goods are delivered to the customer from a sorting center through a certain means of transportation to achieve door-to-door service. The "last mile" of distribution is not a real mile, but refers to the distance from the logistics sorting center to the customer, and the process of delivering the goods to the customer through the means of transportation. Because it is a short distance, it is called one-kilometer delivery as the saying goes. This short-distance distribution is the last link of the entire logistics link and the only link that directly contacts customers face-to-face, which is of great significance. With the maturity of artificial intelligence technology, UAV distribution has emerged. This paper expounds the distribution scope, distribution process and technical equipment of the current development of UAV distribution, analyzes the problems of UAV endurance, airspace restrictions, and distribution safety, and puts forward corresponding countermeasures. Intelligent computing can reconstruct the logistics operation process. With the development of artificial intelligence, the logistics process may be decomposed into several parallel processes. Within the scope of the logistics system, using artificial intelligence technology, many activities such as automatic decision-making, automatic detection, and automatic repair can be automatically sorted according to the process. These activities can also not enter the cloud computing center platform, greatly improving the system computing efficiency and responsiveness. Because of its light weight and fast speed, UAVs can avoid urban traffic congestion and can cross special terrains such as mountains and lakes. The use of UAVs can shorten logistics delivery time and reduce logistics costs, so that its application scope of logistics distribution is getting wider and wider. In recent years, due to the strong contagiousness of the new crown epidemic, contactless distribution has attracted widespread attention, which has promoted the promotion and application of cutting-edge logistics distribution tools such as drones, drone vehicles and delivery robots.

SEFH National Survey-2019: general characteristics, staffing, material resources and information systems in Spain's hospital pharmacy departments

ObjectiveTo publicize the results regarding the general characteristics, human resources, materials and information systems of Spanish hospital pharmacy departments arising from SEFH's 2019 Survey on the Situation of Spanish Hospital Pharmacy Departments. MethodAn online questionnaire was sent to the heads of the 368 hospital pharmacy departments affiliated to SEFH. The questionnaire included 77 questions grouped into 8 dimensions. The information was collected between March and September 2019. ResultsThe overall response rate was 54.3%. Sixty-nine percent of hospitals were public and the most commonly reported hospital size was 101-250 beds. Nine percent of responding hospitals remained open round the clock and 57.5% did not offer a continued care service. A total of 41.9% of hospitals dispensed medications to outpatients in the afternoon and 52.7% of hospital pharmacy departments were accredited to some quality standard. The mean number of specialist pharmacists per pharmacy Department was 5.34 (SD: 6.22); 47% of pharmacists spent at least half their working day in a clinical unit. Hospital pharmacy departments had a mean of 0.3 (SD: 0.7) or 0:9 (SD: 1.4) automated storage and dispensing carousels, depending on whether they were horizontal or vertical, respectively. A total of 16.1% of beds were assisted by automated dispensing systems, a figure that reached 33.5% in hospitals with more than 1,000 beds. Three percent of hospital pharmacy departments had a robotized system for compounding chemotherapy medications and 24.8% had a traceability and safety system. Smart infusion pumps were used by 21.4% of hospitals. Electronic prescriptions were implemented in 98.8% of hospitals for inpatients and in 62% for outpatients. ConclusionsSpanish hospital pharmacy departments face a shortage of specialist pharmacists, although incorporation of such professionals to clinical units has doubled in the last few years. There has been an increase in the level of automation of the logistic processes involved in medication dispensing, but there is still significant room for improvement in the area of robotized dispensing and compounding traceability systems. This data could play an invaluable role in the design of future action plans.

Hospital Pharmacy Service: Facing the logistics of medicines procurement

COVID crisis has abruptly broken into our hospitals, and many difficulties have emerged, including those related to supply logistics.A huge number of new patients, a fast internal reorganization process and many other changes were suddenly established. These circumstances revealed the need to increase stocks of drugs, both for basic treatment as well as for specific SARS-CoV-2 infection management. At the same time, other problems (shortages, new and complex purchasing procedures, etc.) surfaced, so they could risk safety along the pharmacotherapeutic process.The main objective was to develop and implement all the necessary measures within the logistics circuit in order to ensure the availability of medicines for patients, as safely and effectively as possible, during the Coronavirus crisis.Firstly, two pharmacists were appointed to coordinate the whole process, and a preliminary analysis of the following aspects was carried out: an estimation of needs to make the initial drug provisioning, a storage feasibility study and a global analysis of the logistics process to detect critical points. Three different circuits for medicines supply were established as some drugs were operated by Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) or Servicio Madrileño de Salud (SERMAS), and others were under no restrictions. For stocks control, inventory was frequently reviewed and monitoring of prescription trends was implemented. For all new medicinal products, compliance with security standards was reviewed and relabeling was carried out if necessary. Criteria were defined for the storage of overstocks and it was placed an isolated area for quarantined drugs. Shortages inevitably occurred but their effects were partly mitigated by AEMPS and SERMAS.After all, we consider that the implemented procedure for logistics management may be reproducible, and the key points we have identified are the following: to enhance our quality management system, to develop an Action Plan for Healthcare Emergencies and to ensure the adequate training for all pharmacy staff. Furthermore, we also should address other aspects: to establish storage optimization strategies, to focus on a more advanced logistics management model, as well as to take advantage of the extraordinary multidisciplinary network, which has been consolidated during this COVID pandemic.

Pick-by-vision technology as an advancement in logistics process solutions

The aim of this article is to describe pick-by-vision technology as an effective tool for solving logistics process problems. The technology is the result of the work of TeamViewer Germany GmbH and is already in use in German companies. The introduction of this technology helps companies in several aspects and brings several benefits. It is not a complex technology that would need complex and therefore expensive software and hardware. The technology is because up to 80% of all information is perceived by sight. This gives the operator a free hand. Several advantages are described in the article below. The technology works with a pick-by-light device that is attached to the employee's hand. By scanning, the glasses display all the information the operator needs. No paper or other order tracking system or logistics processes are required.

ВЗАЄМОЗВ'ЯЗОК ЛОГІСТИКИ ТА ЛОЯЛЬНОСТІ СПОЖИВАЧІВ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ

Problem statement. In today's world, where competition between companies is growing every day, ensuring high customer loyalty is becoming an important component of business success. Consumer loyalty allows companies not only to attract new customers but also to retain existing ones, which guarantees a stable revenue stream and a positive reputation. In this context, logistics, which is responsible for managing the movement of goods and services from suppliers to consumers, plays an important role in building customer loyalty. Inefficient logistics can negatively affect the perception of a company by consumers and reduce their loyalty. The study of a strategic approach to optimizing logistics processes and ensuring the quality of customer service is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed. The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of logistics on customer loyalty and determine a strategic approach to optimizing this relationship. In writing the article, the following methods were used: the method of comparison, which allowed to process theoretical studies of domestic and foreign scientists, to identify common trends and prospects for the development of the issue; the analysis and synthesis method - to study the impact of individual elements of the logistics process on consumer loyalty, to establish the relationship between them and the level of consumer loyalty; the generalization method - to determine strategic approaches to optimizing the relationship between logistics and consumer loyalty; the abstract and logical method – for generalizing and formulating conclusions about the interaction of logistics and consumer loyalty, identifying the deep connections between these two areas. The study has shown that a strategic approach to the relationship between logistics and customer loyalty is to understand the needs and expectations of customers and implement logistics solutions to meet them, namely, improving supply systems, increasing the availability of goods, improving customer service and applying innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of logistics processes. The article provides recommendations on a strategic approach to expanding the relationship between logistics and customer loyalty. The authors emphasize the importance of integrating logistics systems with marketing efforts to create an effective system that maximizes customer satisfaction and ensures a high level of loyalty.

Logistics-based design of collection system for asbeston-containing roof structures

Asbestos-containing roofing materials are an increasing hazard, which justifies their replacement by environmentally friendly roofing materials. Replacements can be carried out on an individual initiative basis, but a coordinated, systemic replacement will have a more significant impact. In order for such systemic asbestos removal to be successful from economics and logistics point of view, it is necessary to plan the associated logistics processes, as asbestos removal generates a significant transportation demand due to the large amount of waste generated. In the framework of this paper, the author presents an algorithm to plan the logistic process of centralized asbestos removal. A simple calculation method is presented to determine the cost of collection.

Reverse Logistics Practices In Humanitarian Supply Chain Management: A Content Analysis

In recent years, natural disasters associated with human-induced factors and climate changes have increased. The humanitarian supply chain (HSC) provides a practical and rapid response to these disasters and deals with the destruction that may occur due to disasters. The use of reverse logistics, one of the key supply chain processes for successful supply chain management, is becoming widespread in the supply chain. Its use in HSC is limited. Considering the aim of HSC to create positive effects on the population affected by disasters, it is essential for the sustainability of resources and processes that they adopt reverse logistics practices. In this context, the study aims to analyze the usage area of reverse logistics in HSC operations and show where it can be applied in the future. In line with the purpose of the study, the annual reports and publications of aid organizations operating in Turkey were analyzed using the content analysis method, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in humanitarian aid organizations. It has been concluded that humanitarian aid organizations know reverse logistics processes and have areas of use in their applications.

Improving the Logistics of Institutional Postal Services

Postal services are often considered by the different institutions as a back-up service. Taking into account that in case of large geographical coverage these services can generate significant costs, it is important to optimize the postal service functions within these institutions and to develop the already existing conventional postal services. Within the frame of this article the authors review the logistics processes of the postal services at the University of Miskolc to propose improvements to the processes of postal services focusing on delivery. The main regulatory elements and the logistics processes of the institutional postal services are discussed and some critical remarks are described focusing on three main areas: the facility location optimization of the institutional postal services, the lack of use of modern technologies and the lack of modern administrative facilities. On the basis of these criticisms, the authors define recommendations for improving institutional postal services. Regarding the facility location optimization problem, a mathematical model and an optimization algorithm is described to evaluate the efficiency of the logistics processes of delivery services. The proposed methodology supports a cost-based analysis of different solution variants and a priority-based differentiation between institutions and offices. The suggested approach is tested with a real scenario, where the numerical results validate the efficiency of the evaluation of optimization algorithm. The second improvement direction is the application of a pneumatic tube system. The authors show the most important parts of the proposed pneumatic tube system, which can lead to decreased labor cost and increased service level.

Supply Chain Conceptual Model in Logistic Operation Strategies for Best Practice Performance

Business actors, ranging from national to global levels, seek to capitalize on competitive advantages, and modern supply chains often adopt a globally distributed manufacturing system by outsourcing logistics processes to service providers. In the FMCG (Fast- Moving Consumer Goods) industry, companies must effectively control the supply chain through the establishment of a robust logistics and SCM (Supply Chain Management) management system. This study aims to analyze and describe an efficient logistics management model in the FMCG industry to enhance company performance. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method, utilizing a narrative literature study and conducting case studies on FMCG companies in Indonesia. The study’s findings demonstrate that building and implementing an effective logistics model, particularly through the integration of information technology, service quality, and communication, along with optimizing delivery methods, can significantly improve company performance in the FMCG industry. Moreover, the study highlights the impact of commitment and trust on loyalty, attitudes, and behavior concerning logistics management within the FMCG sector.
 Keywords: business, FMCG, logistics, operations management, supply chain management

Performance analysis of LogisticChain: A blockchain platform for maritime logistics

The application of blockchain and smart contracts has been widely acknowledged as essential in digitised logistics, offering improved traceability, transparency, and efficiency. However, concerns regarding performance and implementation limitations persist. To demonstrate the challenges regarding the performance and efficiency of blockchain in logistics use cases, this study presents a proof-of-concept model by leveraging the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain network to emulate the shipping logistics process and illustrate the automated and self-executing nature of smart contracts and transactions among various logistics participants by implementing RAFT consensus mechanism. Utilizing Hyperledger Caliper, this study evaluates the performance by systematically adjusting parameters including the number of clients, the number of concurrent transactions, and transaction rates per second. Then nuanced variations in latency, send rate, and throughput are examined. Preliminary findings indicate significant performance impacts related to client numbers and transaction rates per second. When exceeding the processing capacity, the average latency of transactions experiences an exponential increase due to limited resources. Furthermore, different types of operations are compared, with Read operations exhibiting the lowest latency and Update operations displaying the highest latency due to the complex computations and validations involved. Lastly, the latency measures of the LogisticChain network between fixed-rate and linear-rate controllers are compared, highlighting lower latency with fixed-rate controllers. This research contributes to the advancement of knowledge in this field by developing open-source codes specifically tailored for maritime logistics use cases.

Comprehensive cyber security for port and harbor ecosystems

Global maritime transportation and logistics systems are essential parts of critical infrastructures in every society, and a crucial part of maritime logistics processes are seaports. In the coming years, digitalization and increased levels of autonomy in logistic transport chains are expected to take leaps forward. This development can help create safer, more efficient, more sustainable, and more reliable service chains to meet the requirements for a better quality of life and global prosperity. Port and harbor operations connect the maritime transport to other modes of transportation and enable multimodal transportation. Smart ports play a central role in future transport logistics and supply chains. Digitalization helps improve the efficiency of terminal systems in the processes of these ports. In the best cases, digitalization can also promote the reduction of emissions by optimizing port operations and enhancing cargo and people flows while improving the experience for all stakeholders. The improvement of port processes relies on the development of information and communication technology (ICT) as well as on industrial control systems (ICS) and operation technologies (OT). At the same time, the cyber security of maritime logistics also needs to be addressed. This article presents our findings related to the Sea4Value research goal on cyber security, which is a comprehensive cyber security architecture for port services at the system level. The article emphasizes the importance of a system of systems approach in terms of a comprehensive cyber security management process for port ecosystems. The description and recognition of management steps of every stakeholder are the key elements in this kind of process.

The role of software in reverse logistics and effect on oily waste management

Background: The oil and gas industry faces significant challenges in the management of oily waste, which requires effective reverse logistics practices. The incorporation of software in reverse logistics can potentially enhance the management of oily waste in the industry, but their effectiveness and implementation require exploration.Objectives: The aim of this research was to explore the role of effective software in managing oily waste within the reverse logistics processes of the oil and gas industry, highlight their importance and identify industry-specific software.Method: A literature review was conducted, and industry-specific software was identified through website analysis.Results: Specific software solutions were found to be effective in managing oily waste in reverse logistics, and their use promotes sustainability in the supply chain.Conclusion: The use of software in reverse logistics is an effective approach for managing oily waste and promoting sustainability in the oil and gas industry. Incorporating technology into reverse logistics practices can help to address the challenges of oily waste management.Contribution: This study contributes to the literature by providing insights into the potential of software in reverse logistics for effective oily waste management in the oil and gas industry.

Intelligent logistics system based on visual detection of fruit freshness

Because of its tremendous potential for financial advantage, the academic and business communities have begun to focus a significant amount of attention on the intelligent logistics system. For the purpose of addressing the issue of quality supervision of fruit while it is being transported logistically, this study presents a proposal for an intelligent logistics system that is based on the detection of fruit freshness. The physical, chemical, and image processing techniques that are utilized at various points during the logistics process make up the core detection methods utilized by this system. The ability of the system to perform monitoring of the freshness of the fruit in real time guarantees that the fruit will be transported in a manner that is both secure and effective. The results of the analysis show that this system plays an essential part in a number of steps, including fruit harvesting, fruit sorting, transportation planning, and fruit delivery right to consumers front doors.

Examining the Influence of Reverse Logistics on Firm Performance: A Case Study from Karachi, Pakistan

This investigation focuses on examining how reverse logistics impacts the performance of manufacturing firms. By treating reverse logistics as a component of the supply chain, the study suggests a method for companies to gain a competitive edge by assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. These reverse logistics practices offer a way to reduce production costs, enhance supply chain efficiency, foster customer loyalty, and promote environmental sustainability, ultimately leading to increased profitability for firms. The survey is conducted through the questionnaire only on those employees, middle managers, and the top management who are working in the manufacturing industry and also ISO-14001 certified manufacturing industry. The study is tested on the basis of Correlation and Regression. The results indicated that Firm performance may be improved through Supply Chain Visibility, Customer Satisfaction, Cost Reduction, and Environmental Sustainability. The management of the manufacturing industry should conduct seminars and create channels on the reverse logistics process to provide awareness to employees. Future research on the subject topic will be helpful and provide direction to identify the additional factor.