Operation Of Supply Networks Research Articles

Humanitarian supply chain management responding to refugees: a literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to map and analyse the literature from 1989 to 2016 on humanitarian supply chain management (SCM) responding to refugees. This literature review systematically assesses existing literature, thereby highlighting gaps, challenges and directions for future research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply a structured content analysis method which has been recognised as a traceable, systematic and reproducible research tool to analyse qualitative and quantitative aspects of existing literature.FindingsThe relative scarcity of literature implies that the interface of the fields of Humanitarian SCM and refugees has been rarely addressed. More specifically, the quantitative content analysis highlights a dearth of research that focusses on both fields in a well-balanced manner. In particular, empirical, practice-led studies, as well as research on development aid operations are under-represented. The qualitative analysis finds that further research on logistics models as well as technological innovations is necessary to increase data availability, forecast accuracy and the efficiency of (local) supply network operations during disasters.Research limitations/implicationsThe review suggests a number of areas in need of future research, proposes possibilities of collaborations between different actors and provides a research agenda for Humanitarian SCM in the context of refugees.Originality/valueThis review is the first to analyse the literature on Humanitarian SCM related to refugees.

A holistic approach to water supply network operation – using desalination to improve cost efficiency

Seqwater is one of Australia's largest water businesses, with one of the most geographically spread and diverse asset bases. This includes 37 water treatment plants (WTPs), more than 600 km of bulk water supply pipeline, and the Gold Coast Desalination Plant (GCDP) constructed as part of the South East Queensland Millennium Drought response. The production of desalinated water has a greater unit-volumetric cost than the treatment of surface water due to high production energy costs. This paper presents the holistic approach adopted by Seqwater to find a solution for supply contingency while undertaking necessary upgrades and maintenance at the Mudgeeraba WTP. Through a process of network modelling, system risk mapping and financial analysis, it was demonstrated that operating the GCDP for 18 days would provide the best value solution due to the operating costs being offset by bulk supply network operational efficiency improvements.

Edge-centric Computing for Smart Water Supply: Management and Service

The smart water supply management system targets for the efficient water supply network management, optimization, and water supply service provisioning. It is an essential component of smart city application. The smart water management system monitors the water supply network operation status via installed sensors (e.g. water pressure, flow speed, water leakage etc) in a large scale. It analyzes the potential risk in the distribution network and integrates the water supply information in a user friendly GUI. It is efficient and cost effective to detect the abnormal situations and take corresponding measurements without much human interference. The water service system provides the users many traditional and new value-added services.

Influence of Space-Time Heterogeneity of Water Consumption Conditions on the Parameters of a Water Supply System

The work presents the results of the analysis of an existing water supply system. It contains a description of the analysed area in which the analysed system was located, as well as its parameters regarding water intakes and transport of water with pumps, the length and diameter of pipes, and a complication of the materials used to construct the network. Water demand accounting for the nature of the consumers using the water supply network was subject to analysis. The influence of changes in the distribution of water within a day for the basic categories of recipients was accounted for. The EPANET 2.0 program for the simulating water supply network operation, made available by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through a public-domain licence, was used to construct the model of the system. The obtained results of the simulation allowed for indicating the main problems with the use of the analysed system. Subject to analysis was the pressure pattern in characteristic nodes of the network from which mining companies, industrial plants and residential households were supplied. Usefulness of the developed simulation model in preparing the assessment of future modernization works was confirmed, allowing for the effects of their implementation to be assessed.

Study on Location Selection of Logistics Distribution Center Based on Spider Chart

The logistics distribution center, as a circulating site or organization between manufacturers as well as the manufacturers and consumers, is an important node in the logistics network system, and plays a very important role in the modern logistics activities. As a key logistics node, it has not only basic operational functions of the traditional logistics center, but also more assumes such management functions as command and dispatch, information processing, and operational optimization. It has become a soul of whole supply network operation, and its construction and development are concerned more and more by enterprises. However, there are some differences in understanding and functional orientation to the logistics distribution center in the circles. This paper is intended to analyze the influencing factors for location selection of logistics distribution center and construct a location selection index system. Furthermore, it tries to conduct the evaluation on logistics distribution center location selection by the spider chart, so as to select the optimal distribution route.

Management of divergent production network using decentralised multi-level capacitated lot-sizing models

Coordination between manufacturing organisations plays an important and an essential role in performance improvement of all members of supply networks. To achieve a coordinated plan, information sharing is considered as an essential tool, which facilitates the coordination of operations planning. In the real world, sharing the strategic information can be considered as a risk for independent organisations. So many autonomous organisations do not prefer to exchange this information to their partners but the main question is how the coordination can be achieved without these information. This paper seeks to demonstrate how an incentive system can be used and can affect the problem of supply network operations planning coordination when the organisations do not prefer to exchange the strategic information. Our work presents a general approach in order to manage a divergent supply network. Our objective is to show that network coordination of plans can be achieved without exchange of strategic information.

A resilience by teaming framework for collaborative supply networks

Supply network resilience is an emerging concept related to the ability of a network to tolerate disruptions; current understanding of its meaning and dimensions, its role in the design and operation of supply networks, and its relation to sustainability is at its early stages. Existing approaches are based on the trade-off between increased resources and higher fault-tolerance. The Fault Tolerance by Teaming (FTT) principle of Collaborative Control Theory has been applied in sensor networks effectively and appears as a promising original approach not based on the aforementioned trade-off and capable of producing networks with higher resilience.Inspired by the FTT principle, a Resilience by Teaming Framework (RBT) for supply networks is developed to address the design and operation of resilient supply networks. RBT is tested and validated through the application of its protocols to case studies in production and distribution networks. Evidence from case studies’ results suggests that through FTT-based protocols and RBT it is possible to achieve higher fault tolerance with fewer resources than under traditional approaches.

A novel hybrid technique for leak detection and location in straight pipelines

Underground gas pipeline leaks can lead to tremendous economic loss and human injury. Therefore, it is vital to detect and locate the pipeline leaks in time to maintain the normal operation. However, continuous leak-detection methods of require a lot of manpower, marterial resources and financial supports, while other detecting activities break the normal operation of the pipeline. Hybrid techniques consisting of two or more different technologies appear to be the most probable future trend in pipeline leak detection and location field. In this paper, a novel hybrid technique based on real-time transient modeling method and negative pressure wave method is proposed. An experimental bench for straight pipelines is set up to evaluate the performance of the proposed hybrid technique, and corresponding experimental test programs for gas leak detection and location are designed and conducted. A mathematical model for the transient flow in pipelines has been established and solved under different boundary conditions. The occurrence of a leak can be preliminarily judged by the difference between the measured data and the predicted value from the model; and the changing patterns of parameters under the leak condition, the valve-opening adjusting condition and the compressor-speed regulating condition are investigated to identify the leak condition out of the operational changes. Finally, the leak point is located using the stimulus-response method. Results show that the hybrid technique is successful in detecting and locating gas pipeline leaks. It is expected that the research outcomes can serve as a technical base for the safe operation of gas supply networks.

Improving the Search Ability of Tabu Search in the Distribution Network Reconfiguration Problem

The distribution network reconfiguration problem is to decide whether each sectionalizing switch is to be open or closed in order to maintain or improve electrical power supply reliability, power quality and network operation efficiency. Obtaining the optimal network configuration is, however, extremely difficult because the network reconfiguration problem is actually a large-size combinatorial optimization problem. Many optimization algorithms have thus been applied to the reconfiguration problem to support power utility’s decision-making. This paper proposes a local search-based solution for the reconfiguration problem in which tabu search – one of the most widely used local search-based metaheuristics – is employed to solve the problem. Tabu search is improved by introducing an effective search strategy that utilizes the properties of this kind of problems. Numerical simulations are performed on a complex actual-scale distribution network model in order to verify the validity of the proposed solution.

Nonlocal failures in complex supply networks by single link additions

How do local topological changes affect the global operation and stability of complex supply networks? Studying supply networks on various levels of abstraction, we demonstrate that and how adding new links may not only promote but also degrade stable operation of a network. Intriguingly, the resulting overloads may emerge remotely from where such a link is added, thus resulting in nonlocal failures. We link this counter-intuitive phenomenon to Braess’ paradox originally discovered in traffic networks. We use elementary network topologies to explain its underlying mechanism for different types of supply networks and find that it generically occurs across these systems. As an important consequence, upgrading supply networks such as communication networks, biological supply networks or power grids requires particular care because even adding only single connections may destabilize normal network operation and induce disturbances remotely from the location of structural change and even global cascades of failures.

Algorithm for complete enumeration based on a stroke graph to solve the supply network configuration and operations scheduling problem

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm that solves the supply network configuration and operations scheduling problem in a mass customization company that faces alternative operations for one specific tool machine order in a multiplant context. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve this objective, the supply chain network configuration and operations scheduling problem is presented. A model based on stroke graphs allows the design of an algorithm that enumerates all the feasible solutions. The algorithm considers the arrival of a new customized order proposal which has to be inserted into a scheduled program. A selection function is then used to choose the solutions to be simulated in a specific simulation tool implemented in a Decision Support System. Findings and Originality/value: The algorithm itself proves efficient to find all feasible solutions when alternative operations must be considered. The stroke structure is successfully used to schedule operations when considering more than one manufacturing and supply option in each step. Research limitations/implications: This paper includes only the algorithm structure for a one-by-one, sequenced introduction of new products into the list of units to be manufactured. Therefore, the lotsizing process is done on a lot-per-lot basis. Moreover, the validation analysis is done through a case study and no generalization can be done without risk. Practical implications: The result of this research would help stakeholders to determine all the feasible and practical solutions for their problem. It would also allow to assessing the total costs and delivery times of each solution. Moreover, the Decision Support System proves useful to assess alternative solutions. Originality/value: This research offers a simple algorithm that helps solve the supply network configuration problem and, simultaneously, the scheduling problem by considering alternative operations. The proposed system allows an easier generation of many different alternatives for the supply network configuration.

A decision support system for modelling and implementing the supply network configuration and operations scheduling problem in the machine tool industry

This paper presents a decision support system to simultaneously solve the supply network configuration problem and the operations scheduling problem for the machine tool industry. A novel database structure, which is able to consider alternative operations and alternative bills of material, has been used. An algorithm for complete enumeration to determine all the feasible solutions using stroke graphs is introduced. A multiagent-based simulator evaluates the different key performance indicators that the supply network deals with for each alternative solution (e.g. workload, profits, delivery times, etc.) to determine that ‘satisficed’ by the collaborative decision-making among its members. A case study based on a Spanish company that assembles highly customised machines and tools in several European plants is considered. From the experiments results based on data linked to this industry, it will be demonstrated that the tool is potentially useful for stakeholders and for the central decision-maker to make decisions collaboratively in a multisite context case.

A facility location model for socio-environmentally responsible decision-making

The consideration of external costs is becoming more important in supply network design, as companies are under increasing pressure to reduce the environmental and social impacts of their operations. This paper presents a single time period, single-product mixed integer linear programming formulation, which considers such external costs, as well as the impact of waste disposal. The model presented considers a network of suppliers, manufacturing facilities, customers, scrap recyclers, general recycling facilities and landfill sites and makes facility location and allocation decisions so as to minimise both the economic and external costs of all network operations. The model was formulated using the What’s Best Excel add-in and tested on a commercial case study concerning the supply network operations of Hydram, a leading sheet metal fabrication company, considering three different scenarios. Details of how the external and economic costs were determined are included, with reference to the literature. By analysis of the experimental results, commercial recommendations for facility location are made, and the managerial uses of the model for socio-environmentally responsible decision-making are discussed. The benefits and limitations of the proposed model are also discussed.

On the configuration and planning of dynamic manufacturing networks

Manufacturing organizations have been attempting to improve the operation of supply networks through efficient supply chain management. Dynamic manufacturing networks (DMNs) constitute chains of diverse partners, whose operation and interaction may change in a rapid and often not predictable way. While the existing supply chain models are quite static and examine transportation modes, product changeover and production facility options with fixed suppliers and over a long period of time, the DMNs address operations and risks on a daily basis. In this paper, a novel decision-making approach is proposed for supporting the process of configuring a DMN from a holistic perspective, taking into account production, transportation and time constraints as well as multiple criteria such as time and cost.

What Skills and Attributes are Desired of Australian Supply Network Managers?

Against a background of increasing business volatility that will impact on the design and operation of supply networks (SN), this research describes the outcome of a survey of 210 Australian business executives who were invited to indicate the skills and attributes that they perceive to be important in SN managers. The research found that, whilst the notion of 'agility' is increasingly found in the literature relating to SN management, there is only relatively limited discussion of what such agility entails and, hence, what skills and attributes might be required by those managing such networks. From a practitioner perspective, however, the areas of problem solving, inter-personal and business management skills are more highly rated that those related to the functions of logistics/ SN management. This has clear implications for the design of education courses in this field as these may need to be more clearly focussed on developing an improved understanding of the theory and practice of modern management as it relates supply networks, and less on their operation.

Sustainable collaborative supply networks in the international clothing industry: a comparative analysis of two retailers

Collaborative supply networks in the international clothing industry are of major economic significance in many countries, particularly in developing economies. The sector has gone through substantial changes in the past decade with the abolition of trade barriers and the increasingly dominant position of major retailers and brand owners in supply networks. The sustainability of clothing supply networks is subject to increasing public scrutiny. In this article, the characteristics and operation of collaborative clothing supply networks are analysed. Two contrasting supply networks – one for a major leading brand retailer and other for a major supermarket retailer – are analysed and compared from a sustainability perspective. The challenges in assessing economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainability at a network level are highlighted. The results show a minimum compliance culture in the supermarket supply network, whereas the leading brand retailer demonstrates a much higher level of proactive and positive sustainability practices and actions across the network. The study highlights the benefits of a strongly collaborative network in helping to facilitate and enhance a sustainability agenda. The implications of the study are discussed for retailers, manufacturers and policy makers, as well as for the governance of collaborative supply networks more generally.

Municipal water supply planning in Oyo metropolis, Oyo State, South Western Nigeria

The study attempted a municipal water supply planning in Oyo metropolis using a land based approach to prepare a long range forecast of water supply demand for Oyo metropolis with the aim of providing effective planning, development and operation of water supply and distribution networks which is one of the most essential compounds of urban infrastructure. The problem of water sector in Oyo metropolis was reviewed and the challenges which may result from the capacities of the facilities of the provision in Oyo metropolis was taken care of through the designs of facilities that will ensure adequate planning for, till the projected year. The study delineated the areas within the metropolis that are unserved or underserved by the water corporation. Geographic information system (GIS) was applied to existing distribution maps of the water corporation to present a graphic detail of the current state of facilities frame work for taking management of new facilities was given. Large scale facility maps that will serve as source of information for vital application for the Erelu water corporation in carrying out its daily function were produced. Such maps in digital forms are extremely vital and are useful to integrate collateral data, that is, available within the corporation. Key words: Water supply, Oyo metropolis, Geographic Information System (GIS).

Modeling the operation of hydrogen supply networks considering facility location

Hydrogen draws increasing attention as an alternative energy source. In order to provide hydrogen to various sectors such as industry, transportation on a global scale, how to produce and distribute it economically is an essential issue not to be missed. This study thereby addresses mathematical modeling of hydrogen supply networks. The proposed model is concerned with how much H2 can be produced, where can be stored with the aim of maximizing the total net profit. Particularly the physical form of the hydrogen in the network is explicitly taken into account in terms of whether it is stored as a gas or a liquid. The applicability of the proposed model will be demonstrated by a case study of the Korean H2 supply network with some remarks.

Rationalisation and reliability improvement of fire-fighting systems – the Novi Sad case study

Water supply systems are commonly used to supply fire-fighting water in most EU countries. To provide fast access to water, the standard practice is to install a huge number of hydrants along the entire water supply network. Pipe diameters and working pressures in the network are designed for a combination of the maximum hourly water demand and fire-fighting needs. However, in poorly managed water supply systems most of the hydrants are out of order. Although hundreds of hydrants exist in the network, the reality is that fire water tankers are usually refilled at just a few locations that are equipped with reliable hydrants maintained by the fire brigades. This paper presents a somewhat different approach for the provision of fire-fighting water. The approach discussed in the paper is based on the concept being introduced in the city of Novi Sad, Serbia, by cooperative efforts of the municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company and the fire-fighting service. In addition to presenting the experience gained in the case study, some generic conclusions are drawn. As an alternative to having a number of unreliable and small hydrants distributed throughout the network, the new concept proposes the construction of several strategically positioned filling stations, with high-flow-rate pillar hydrants and good access roads for the manoeuvering of fire water tankers. If properly designed and distributed around the city, such filling stations would increase the reliability of fire-fighting operations. The filling stations' design methodology presented in this paper is composed of a fire-risk spatial assessment, a hydraulic check of water supply network operations and a worst-case traffic load analysis. By employing the proposed methodology, not only can the reliability of fire-fighting operations be increased, but if accepted and implemented the methodology can lead to leakage reduction and improvements in water quality and the system's energy efficiency. In the test case of Novi Sad, a large number of hydrants were replaced by 14 filling stations that have been designed and constructed. A hydraulic model of the water supply network was calibrated using pressure-drop tests and flow capacity measurements of the existing hydrants. The model was used to examine the performance of the designed filling stations during their parallel operation. The paper presents the results of the test application and recommendations for the possible implementation of the concept.

Production management and Supply Chain Management in a global context

Beside single cases and research on very particular issues, cultural aspects are mostly neglected within the planning process as well as during the operation of global supply chains and networks. In this article a conceptual framework is developed that integrates cultural issues into the research and practice of supply chain planning and operating. The framework is based on theories of culture, psychology, decision processes and on concepts of SCM and networks. The ideas are supplemented with empirical evidence from case studies. This framework presents an extended view on supply chains and networks and contributes to the field of SCM research.