Logistics Solutions Research Articles

Logistics support for the management of sales activities at the enterprise

Methods. The methodological basis of the research is general scientific methods, such as generalization and systematization to characterize the general features of distribution logistics and determine the essence of logistical support for the management of sales activities at the manufacturing enterprise; analysis and synthesis to identify factors influencing sales and logistics activities, to identify areas of implementation of logistics solutions in sales and to structure the logistics support mechanism for sales management. Results. Based on the analysis of the theoretical foundations of distribution logistics, the essence is revealed and the concept of «logistics support for the management of sales activities at the enterprise» is proposed. The tasks of logistics in the process of selling finished products and possible ways of solving them are analyzed. The diagram of the logistics support mechanism of sales management was formed, the influencing factors were determined, the characteristics of its components were given, and the criteria for optimizing logistics solutions were determined. Novelty. Represented theoretical provisions of logistics support for the management of the company's sales activities, based on a complex combination of marketing and logistics. The logistics support mechanism for sales management is presented as a system of consistent, logically interconnected logistics solutions and measures aimed at achieving the goals of sales management through resource optimization, rational selection of physical distribution options, and its implementation taking into account various influencing factors. Practical value. The proposed mechanism of logistics support for the management of sales activities implements a comprehensive approach to the organization of logistics processes in the field of sales and ensures optimization of the management of product flows in the conditions of multivariate schemes and methods of physical distribution of finished products from the manufacturing enterprise to end consumers.

Project logistics: influential factors of transporting project cargo in the Balkan region

Purpose of the article – Abnormal cargo will create abnormal problems and those require exceptional logistics solutions. This study delves into the complexities and challenges of transporting project cargo, explicitly focusing on items with extraordinary dimensions, weights, and shapes. Despite its small volume in global cargo flow, project cargo presents significant operational risks and contributions, particularly in the logistics sector. The research concentrates on the Balkan Peninsula, aiming to unravel the critical factors influencing project cargo transport and highlighting the challenges faced by industry experts. Research methodology – Employing the Delphi method, initially developed for military applications and now prevalent in project management, the research seeks expert consensus on critical elements affecting project cargo logistics in the Balkans. This method facilitates the gathering and analysis of expert opinions to identify and address the core factors impacting project cargo transport. Findings – The study uncovers various critical factors and challenges in project cargo logistics within the Balkan region. It provides insights into risk minimization, deviation control, and effective achievement of logistical objectives. Practical implications – The research offers valuable perspectives for reducing risks and optimizing operations in project cargo transport. It also opens avenues for further research and development in the project logistics sector in the Balkans, contributing to enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. Originality/Value – This research contributes uniquely by focusing on the lesser-explored area of project cargo transport in the Balkans. Employing the Delphi method brings forward expert insights, thus enriching the academic and practical understanding of this specialized logistics sector.

The market of medical tourism: opportunities and perspectives

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and the complex geopolitical situation have considerably reduced international medical travel, which has had a significant impact on the medical tourism market. At the same time, these circumstances have acted as a trigger for expanding the range of opportunities in the domestic market and the emergence of new types of medical services, such as vaccine tourism.
 AIM: To study the current opportunities of the medical tourism market in Russia and to outline promising areas for its development and optimization in view of the existing limitations.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article reviews current legislative and regulatory legal acts, publications of modern authors on the issue of medical tourism development in Russia and also studies the demand for and popularity of medical tourism among the consumer audience (through Google Trends service).
 RESULTS: Based on the analysis, it is established that the main difficulties of medical tourism sector development in our country at the present stage are weak transport infrastructure, low targeting of services and imperfections of the unified register.
 CONCLUSION: Such problems as weak transport infrastructure, low targeting and amateur private sector activities reduce the pace of development of domestic tourism. Given the current shortcomings, optimization of the domestic medical tourism market in Russia requires building new logistics solutions.

Pengaruh Sistem Informasi Logistik Terhadap Efisiensi Pengiriman Barang (Studi Kasus Pada PT XYZ)

PT XYZ is a company based in South Jakarta, focused on providing smart logistics solutions using Logistics Information Systems in its business. Researchers want to measure the influence of Logistics Information Systems on Goods Delivery Efficiency. In this research, the researcher used a quantitative descriptive research method using a questionnaire as a research instrument and distributed it to 15 users of the PT XYZ Logistics Information System using a simple random sampling technique in sampling. Results from this research show a relationship (R) of 0.816. The coefficient of determination (R Square) was obtained at 0.666. The calculated F value = 25.926 with a significance level of 0.001 < 0.05. The constant value (α) is 6.601, while the Logistics Information System variable value (b / regression coefficient) is 0.828. The tcount value is 5.092 > ttable 2.131. This means that there is an influence between the Logistics Information System variable (X) on the Goods Delivery Efficiency variable (Y).

Challenges and promising solutions to engaging patients in healthcare implementation in the United States: an environmental scan

BackgroundOne practice in healthcare implementation is patient engagement in quality improvement and systems redesign. Implementers in healthcare systems include clinical leadership, middle managers, quality improvement personnel, and others facilitating changes or adoption of new interventions. Patients provide input into different aspects of health research. However, there is little attention to involve patients in implementing interventions, especially in the United States (U.S.), and this might be essential to reduce inequities. Implementers need clear strategies to overcome challenges, and might be able to learn from countries outside the U.S.MethodsWe wanted to understand existing work about how patients are being included in implementation activities in real world U.S. healthcare settings. We conducted an environmental scan of three data sources: webinars, published articles, and interviews with implementers who engaged patients in implementation activities in U.S. healthcare settings. We extracted, categorized, and triangulated from data sources the key activities, recurring challenges, and promising solutions using a coding template.ResultsWe found 27 examples of patient engagement in U.S. healthcare implementation across four webinars, 11 published articles, and seven interviews, mostly arranging patient engagement through groups and arranging processes for patients that changed how engaged they were able to be. Participants rarely specified if they were engaging a population experiencing healthcare inequities. Participants described eight recurring challenges; the two most frequently identified were: (1) recruiting patients representative of those served in the healthcare system; and (2) ensuring processes for equitable communication among all. We matched recurring challenges to promising solutions, such as logistic solutions on how to arrange meetings to enhance engagement or training in inclusivity and power-sharing.ConclusionWe clarified how some U.S. implementers are engaging patients in healthcare implementation activities using less and more intensive engagement. It was unclear whether reducing inequities was a goal. Patient engagement in redesigning U.S. healthcare service delivery appears similar to or less intense than in countries with more robust infrastructure for this, such as Canada and the United Kingdom. Challenges were common across jurisdictions, including retaining patients in the design/delivery of implementation activities. Implementers in any region can learn from those in other places.

New logistics solutions in foreign trade

The article shows a foreign trade development trend of increasing cargo traffic to/from East, Southeast and South Asia. The need of logistics infrastructure development in favor of foreign trade transport service is shown. The role of China has been increasing. It could be considered as a key goods transit country to Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries. The essential role of the road transport in goods transportation from the Russian Federation to the countries of Southeast Asia is emphasized. Keywords logistics infrastructure, international transport, goods transit, road transport

Learnings from the simulation of use cases in city logistics in the HARMONY project

City logistics simulation can help to provide empirical proof of potential benefits of new solutions in city logistics but decision support tools for such analyses are scarce because of a lack of empirical data and resources. The Tactical Freight Simulator (TFS) is a multi-agent simulator that represents the decision-making of freight agents and individual freight shipments. In this study it is applied to four distinct use cases in city logistics: micro hubs, introduction of zero-emission zones, crowd-shipping and the land use planning of logistic facilities.The simulations show impacts of each development and provide learnings: the type of open or single carrier operation of micro hubs have big local impacts. The impact of freight traffic avoiding zero emission zones can have substantial local impacts. Depending on the configuration of the service, crowd-shipping can lead to more vehicle kilometres. A common finding is the impact of the chosen scenario parameters on the outputs: regulation is important to shape city logistics operations. This also illustrates that, although the technology seems to be ready for innovative solutions, the logistical organisation or business models and policies are not yet well developed.

Model for route planning of freight buses

This paper introduces freight buses as a novel solution for city logistics, aiming to replace other freighters currently operated by various private logistics firms within city centers. The focus lies on investigating the route planning challenge associated with integrating freight buses into an city distribution framework. Each freight bus follows a predefined route, repeatedly traversing from a distribution center to multiple depots before returning to the distribution center. All depots are serviced by multiple freight buses on a consistent basis. This route planning problem presents a fresh iteration of the periodic vehicle routing problem. To tackle this challenge, the paper proposes a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming model, serving as a fundamental framework for future research endeavors concerning freight buses.

Пути интенсификации развития необжитых регионов Российской Федерации

The uninhabited regions development in the Russian Federation, located in remote and hard-to-reach areas of Siberia and the Far East, where up to 90 % of the estimated resources of especially valuable (strategic) raw materials have been explored, is an important scientific and practical problem. Energy supply of territories in extreme climate conditions, including the Arctic shelf, will ensure the new logistics solutions implementation in the field of exporting ore raw materials to the world market by cheap water transport. The object of the study is the uninhabited regions of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the study is to present a thesis expert assessment of the draft general strategy for the intensification of the development of the Eastern regions of Russia, taking into account the current level of technology and its development. Research objectives are as follows: making an expert assessment of the draft general strategy for the intensification of the development of the Eastern regions of Russia, based on information from speeches by outstanding scientists, professors, members of the Russian Academy of Sciences V. B. Ivanov, P. P. Poluektov, A. A. Vertman, V. Zh. Arens; identifying promising areas for the implementation of the development strategy of uninhabited regions of the Russian Federation on the basis of various types of nuclear power plants. The methodology and methods of the study consist in applying a comparative approach to the implementation of domestic and foreign solutions in the uninhabited regions’ development. The article outlines the technical and economic considerations, made by V. B. Ivanov, P. P. Poluektov, A. A. Vertman, V. Zh. Arens. The general system strategy for the uninhabited regions’ development of the Russian Federation on the basis of nuclear power plants of various types is briefly considered: floating nuclear power plants located on offshore non-self-propelled extreme barges; underground nuclear power plants based on mastered reactors of submarines of the Navy, which can be built in typical horizontal tunnels; mini-river-based nuclear power plants. The underground location of the mini-NPP allows for the safe operation of nuclear power sources. Expert assessments have shown that the project to intensify the Eastern regions development in Russia can now be successfully implemented.

Efficient Logistics Solutions for E-Commerce Using Wireless Sensor Networks

Efficient Logistics Solutions for E-Commerce Using Wireless Sensor Networks

Організація логістичних процесів у проєктній діяльності підприємств

Today, project activities permeate all areas of the functioning of a traditional industrial enterprise, playing a key role in marketing, research and development, production and sales. In the conditions of a market economy, complex enterprise restructuring projects, which include subprojects for updating the product portfolio, organizational and production restructuring, implementation of financial management and controlling, are of particular importance. The orientation of projects towards achieving certain goals creates a significant internal potential for effective management. The company’s project activities include planning, analysis, implementation, control and evaluation of projects. It helps to improve work efficiency, enhance competitiveness and increase the profitability of the business. An important element is the use of logistic solutions that provide comprehensive services for investment projects. Logistic processes include management of material flows, movement of resources, control, physical distribution of resources, warehousing and optimization of transport and warehouse complexes. The efficiency of logistic processes is determined by several aspects: understanding needs, identifying critical paths and risks, coordinating the supply chain, selecting suppliers, concluding contracts, organizing transportation, routing, tracking, packaging, warehousing, and inventory. In addition, cost control and flexibility of logistic processes are essential for the successful implementation of projects. Project activities require proper coordination of all processes – from planning to monitoring the implementation of tasks. Coordination between different parts of the enterprise, risk management, and sourcing are key aspects of successful project management. Careful organization of project activities allows enterprises to increase work efficiency, competitiveness and achieve their goals.

Contribution to the assessment of the sustainability of urban freight transport in Morocco: A PLS-SEM Approach

With globalization and the expansion of cities, the movement of goods and people has significantly increased, both economically and socially. This sector serves as a vital component of any economy, fostering economic and social development. However, its detrimental effects pose significant challenges for countries seeking to pursue sustainable development policies. Being one of the most energy-intensive sectors, it emits greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to environmental degradation and noise pollution. While increased traffic and mobility offer benefits, they also strain resources and lead to higher energy consumption. The primary objective of this article is to assess the sustainability of freight transport in the Moroccan city of Fez and propose supportive solutions for various stakeholders in urban logistics. This involves examining the complex relationship between different factors and the sustainability of Urban Freight Transport (UFT), including accessibility, congestion, road occupancy, environmental impacts, health impacts, and road safety. The research data were collected from 100 managers and employees of logistics and transportation companies in Morocco. Structural equation modeling was utilized to test and confirm the hypotheses and the research model. The results of these analyses demonstrated a positive impact relationship between the various factors and the sustainability variable. Subsequently, we suggest the establishment of delivery areas and an urban distribution center as two sustainable logistics solutions. The analysis and its findings can be applied to any other city.

Fault Diagnosis and Identification in AGVs System

This article describes a methodology for the diagnosis of failures in multi-AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicles). Today, AGVs are establishing themselves in the most advanced automatic logistics solutions, providing performance and safety that cannot be achieved with handling solutions with manual forklifts. Furthermore, thanks to the application of Industry 4.0 digital technologies, very advanced tools are available to monitor the performance and diagnose faults of fleets of AGV. In particular, studies on fault diagnosis have mainly focused on (1) the diagnosis of internal components of the automatic truck and (2) the identification of failures in the functionality of the AGV in its interaction with the surrounding environment. This paper shows an approach to fault diagnosis in multi-AGVs system, considering the interaction between each single AGV and the environment, with the scope to help the user increase the system efficiency in an existing layout. The objective of the paper is to introduce and discuss a methodology to study the failure and the available recovery actions of the AGV navigation system. Moreover, the paper presents the real AGV data acquisition and processing architecture actually deployed on the factory shop floor, as well as the result from the experimental study in a real industrial environment.

Особливості управління логістичними процесами електронної комерції підприємства

In the context of the rapid development of digital technologies and increasing consumer demands, the efficiency of logistic processes is becoming a decisive factor in the success of electronic trading platforms. The aim of the article is to identify ways to improve the logistics management system in the e-commerce sector in Ukraine for integration into the modern exogenous and endogenous contexts of online platforms. The main challenges faced by e-commerce companies in the integration of innovative logistics solutions, as well as strategies for optimizing supply chains in the context of a digitalized environment, are considered. Attention is focused on the importance of adapting logistics systems to the dynamic context of the e-commerce sector, taking into account the automation of ordering processes, inventory management, and improving delivery methods. The impact of digitalization on logistic operations is analyzed, including the use of artificial intelligence and big data to forecast demand and optimize delivery routes. The importance of adapting logistics strategies to constantly changing market conditions is emphasized. The importance of use of an integrated approach when solving logistic problems of e-commerce is emphasized. The key necessary changes in the management of logistic processes in e-commerce have been identified. A number of recommendations for Ukrainian e-commerce companies seeking to optimize their logistics in a digitally globalized environment have been allocated. It is underlined that the integration of modern technologies and flexible supply chain management are key to meeting consumer expectations and ensuring the efficiency of activities in online trade. The article may be useful for analysts and researchers in the field of logistics systems, e-commerce companies. Further research provides for the formation of a system for implementing changes at the strategic and operational level to the logistics management of Ukrainian e-commerce companies.

Формування логістичної інформаційної системи ефективного управління транспортними і виробничими підприємствами

The article examines the formation of information and the construction of a logistic information system for effective management of transport and production enterprises on this basis. It was found that the functioning of the logistics management system of the enterprise requires high-quality information support, since the management process is a sequence of decision-making acts. The experience of leading foreign enterprises, firms, companies, in terms of design and stages of development, as well as the methodology of implementing model logistics systems on them, is taken into account. The movement of material information flows in the logistics management system at the transport and production enterprise is considered. Seven management functions are identified and their content, types of systems and software products are clarified. Negative and positive points in the activities of enterprises were identified. The adequacy of the formation of information flows at the transport and production enterprise has been clarified. A typical decomposition of the structure of the logistics information system was considered and the building principles (effects) were formed and the main indicators were determined. An organizational structure was built with subsystems: management of order procedures; scientific research and connections; support of logistics solutions; generation of output forms and measures on the dedicated system of operations; the functional structure of the logistics information system is built. The issue of the role and purpose of information in the hierarchy of logistics operations has been clarified. Proposed principles of logistics information organization. The proposed improved structure of the logistics information system at the enterprise and flow chart.

ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНИХ ІННОВАЦІЙ У ЛОГІСТИЧНІЙ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ У СУЧАСНОМУ СЕРЕДОВИЩІ УКРАЇНИ

The article analyzes modern progressive organizational innovations in the logistics activities of companies. The essence of these innovations is revealed, the advantages and features of their implementation at enterprises of modern Ukraine are described. It is substantiated that the new reality of the logistics industry in Ukraine is a certain instability in all types of activities. Necessary requirements for increasing the attractiveness of logistics activities within the country are the creation of a modern logistics infrastructure, transparency of logistics operations, the necessary quality and efficiency in fulfilling customer requests. A list of progressive approaches to improving logistics in enterprises, especially transport enterprises, is presented. Examples are given of the use of new technologies in the activities of modern Ukrainian enterprises, especially at the Nova Poshta enterprise. The proposed logistics solutions guarantee supply chain transparency, response to changes, and help companies use real-time data. The relevance of using RFID technology as a tracking method that uses radio frequency to transmit information using tags attached to an object is indicated. It is clear that logistics costs make up the lion's share of the cost of providing services. It is indicated that in Ukraine the “last mile” problem is being solved through the development of a network of parcel terminals, automated terminals for issuing parcels, payment terminals and automated cells for storing parcels, from which purchased goods can be collected. Important areas of logistics management are the introduction of innovations in the movement of goods in the domestic and foreign markets. Data on the effectiveness of new technologies is provided. The emphasis is on accelerating the movement of material, labor, financial and information flows at enterprises, reducing costs for logistics partners, increasing the flexibility of goods supply chains, optimizing logistics flows and increasing added value for all supply chain entities. By combining these technologies, businesses can gain even greater value.

AfCFTA and African Air Cargo: Evaluating Effects and Proposing Seamless Logistics Solutions, with a Case Study of Ethiopian Airlines

AfCFTA and African Air Cargo: Evaluating Effects and Proposing Seamless Logistics Solutions, with a Case Study of Ethiopian Airlines

A Systematic Approach to the Design of Logistics Solutions and a Methodology for their Evaluation in the Field of Greening Freight Transport

In the mentioned article, we present a systemic approach to solving the problem of transport with an important aspect and emphasis on greening. We present a methodology for assessing supply chains using a process approach and the application of environmental strategies in the rail transport sector, where we identify potential limitations in material, financial and information flow in detail. To facilitate this evaluation, we also present the possibility of a software solution that we developed as a separate methodology for the field of intermodal transport.

INTEGRATED RESEARCH OF MULTI-PURPOSE STANCHION BASKETS FOR TRANSPORTING TIMBER AND CONTAINERS

Analyses of cargo transport in 2021 show that despite the increased volume of cargo transported by all types of transport compared to 2020, road transport is still dominant compared to rail transport. Therefore, all actions aimed at improving these unfavorable relations (rail transport vs. road transport) in transport, particularly cargo transport, should be considered purposeful and justified. One such activity is the ongoing work on the design and construction of freight wagons for specialized transport. Unlike universal wagons, specialized wagons are characterized by a limited ability to transport a wide range of material groups. An example is the transport of timber. However, the development of new transport technologies, and above all, technical and organizational progress, force the organizers of these transport modes to look for new logistic and rolling stock solutions. The aforementioned transport of timber is an example of this. The transport of wood does not constitute a large volume of transport, but taking into account its transport issues (transport with large truck tractors, high axle loads, and high risks for other road users), it is a classic example of the fact that it should not be carried out by road over long distances. Therefore, all actions aimed at reducing these issues and improving efficiency by using rail transport are desirable and even necessary. The article presents an innovative design solution in the form of a stanchion basket installed on flat wagons, allowing the use of standard wagons of this type to transport both containers and timber as well as loads such as beams and pipes. Such a solution will allow the use of empty runs of these wagons after unloading wood at the destination station for further transport of containers and vice versa. The considerations described in the article show the research process at the construction stage and testing the prototype of the built basket and the wagon with the stanchion basket structure placed on it.

The Use of Collaborative Robots as an Internal Logistics Solution and the Effect of These Robots on Increased Operational Efficiency

It is noteworthy that operational transactions demonstrated a corresponding increase with the burgeoning e-commerce activity during the COVID19 pandemic period. The unanticipated nature of the pandemic event has revealed the limitations of many companies in coping with the surging online demands. These limitations manifest as delays in order fulfillment, inaccuracies and discrepancies in delivered orders, resulting in substantial reductions in both customer and personnel satisfaction, internal disruptions within the organizations, and an inadequacy in the workforce. To mitigate these challenges, several companies have embarked on the utilization of Collaborative Robots. 
 The present study aims to set out the specific parameters and the extent to which operational efficiency within the organization is enhanced through the adoption of Collaborative Robots.