Reduce Supply Costs Research Articles

The Joint Decision of Cost Reduction Effort and Product Rollover Strategy for Fashion Items in the Presence of Strategic Consumers

The trend in the fashion industry forces them to change their collection more frequently than ever. Product rollover strategy refers to the retailer’s decision how to manage the old product when the new one enters the market. They can either withdraw the old product to avoid cannibalization between two products (called a single rollover strategy) or sell both to maximize total sales (called a dual rollover strategy). This study considers a supplier who sells an innovative product through a retailer, which the latter subject to decides the rollover strategy. Through analytical approaches, we investigate the interaction between a supplier's cost-reduction and a retailer's rollover strategy when strategic consumers are present in the market. We found that the supplier's capability in R&D plays a crucial role in equilibrium results. When the firm is highly efficient in cost reduction, the introductory product price can be increased regardless of the rollover strategy being chosen. Our study demonstrates a counterintuitive result where a dual rollover strategy might have a lower introductory price compared to the single rollover strategy when the investment in production cost takes place. This finding shows how a supplier’s cost reduction effort mitigates the cannibalization effect while delivering a better profit.

A System to Improve Compliance with Electrocardiography Electrode Expiration Tracking.

Electrocardiography (ECG) electrodes require special expiration tracking after the manufacturer's packaging is opened. Compliance with this requirement, however, can be inconsistent. The authors tested the efficacy of a device that provides for expiration tracking of bulk-packaged electrodes to improve compliance. The device tested is a bin with an automated countdown timer that could be used for storing and dispensing open ECG electrodes. Seven operating rooms were inspected three times each before and after implementation of the device. Compliance with expiration dating of open electrodes was recorded for each inspection. Compliance was found in 3 of the 21 (14.3%) baseline inspections. Following implementation of the devices, compliance was found in 20 of 21 (95.2%) inspections. This increase in compliance was statistically significant (p < 0.01). A storage and dispensing device with automated countdown timer significantly improved compliance with expiration dating regulations for bulk-packaged ECG electrodes. It also has the potential to reduce supply cost, packaging waste, and inconvenience compared with individually wrapped electrodes.

Prioritization of Purchasing Criteria by Linear Best -Worst Multi -Criteria Decision -Making Method for Optimal Provision of Medical Supplies

Introduction: One of the main challenges of the health system is improving the quality of healthcare services by adjusting the costs. The right choice of tools will bring economic savings besides excellent service quality. Since medical supplies are among the fundamental and costly elements in providing services, the expertise of purchasing has become an important and complex issue. This study aimed to prioritize criteria for purchasing medical supplies. Method: This research is an applied study conducted with a descriptive survey method. In this study, the criteria collected from related studies and completed with the opinion of experts were prioritized and weighted for four categories of medical supplies by the linear best -worst multi -criteria decision -making method using Lingo and Excel software . Results: By weighting sixteen sub -criteria of purchasing medical supplies in the form of five categories, the importance of each criterion was determined. According to the results, the two sub -criteria of "quality" and "price" were recognized as the most important and "seller's record" as the least important indicator in the purchase of medical supplies . Conclusion: Using the linear best -worst multi -criteria decision -making method with definite consistency of results and high reliability led to the prioritization and accurate weighting of criteria for purchasing supplies. Paying attention to the indicators of "cost", "quality and safety", "compliance with requirements", "delivery conditions", and "supplier records" in the purchase of medical supplies, in addition to guaranteeing the quality and continuity of services, will lead to a significant reduction in supply costs .

Robotic-Assisted Versus Manual Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Time-Driven Activity-Based Cost Analysis.

The cost-effectiveness of robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (RA-UKA) remains unclear. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) has been shown to accurately reflect true resource utilization. This study aimed to compare true facility costs between RA-UKA and conventional UKA. We identified 265 consecutive UKAs (133 RA, 132 conventional) performed at a specialty hospital in 2016-2020. Itemized facility costs were calculated using TDABC. Separate analyses including and excluding implant costs were performed. Multiple regression was performed to determine the independent effect of robotic assistance on facility costs. Due to longer operative time, RA-UKA patients had higher personnel costs and total facility costs ($2,270 vs $1,854, P < .001). Controlling for demographics and comorbidities, robotic assistance was associated with an increase in personnel costs of $399.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] $343.75-$454.74, P < .001), reduction in supply costs of $55.03 (95% CI $0.56-$109.50, P= .048), and increase in total facility costs of $344.27 (95% CI $265.24-$423.31, P < .001) per case. However, after factoring in implant costs, robotic assistance was associated with a reduction in total facility costs of $235.87 (95% CI $40.88-$430.85, P < .001) per case. Using TDABC, overall facility costs were lower in RA-UKA despite a longer operative time. To facilitate wider adoption of this technology, implant manufacturers may negotiate lower implant costs based on volume commitments when robotic assistance is used. These supply cost savings appear to offset a portion of the increased costs. Nonetheless, further research is needed to determine if RA-UKA can improve clinical outcomes and create value in arthroplasty.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Standby Retrial System with an Unreliable Server and Switching Failure

In many industries and plants, a stable power supply system with acceptable cost/benefit is essential. This paper investigates the cost-effectiveness of an unreliable retrial system that includes standby generators and experiences the switchover failures of standby generators. Four different standby retrial configurations are included, and each configuration includes various numbers of primary and standby generators. Upon arrival, a failed generator is repaired immediately if the server is available; otherwise, the failed generator will enter into orbit. The server is subject to breakdown even when the server is idle. The explicit expressions of the mean time-to-failure and steady-state availability for each configuration are derived and compared. We also compare the cost/benefit ratio among four configurations. The developed results can provide managers with decision reference for stable power supply system and cost reduction.

Logistics Cluster as a Way of Implementing a Multisourcing Model to Ensure the Livelihood of the Local Community

In recent years, the living conditions of territorial communities in Ukraine promote the integration of organizations and enterprises in various fields. The cluster is a group of localized interdependent companies, equipment suppliers, components, specialized services, infrastructure, research institutes, universities and other organizations that complement and enhance each other's competitive advantages. Current common problems that hinder the normal functioning of local communities are: utilities and energy efficiency, investment climate and investment, public safety, problems of access to administrative services, communication problems between the leadership of the local community and local population, environmental issues. Based on the results of the study of the internal environment of the united territorial community, the benefits of cluster approach and the benefits that can provide a multisourcing model, it is determined that the main problems that hinder the normal functioning of modern communities can be solved by forming a logistics cluster. The logistics cluster will allow to fully implement the multisourcing model of ensuring the livelihood of the local community. Such model of decision-making on the rational choice of source of supply from several alternatives will: improve the quality of supply management of goods / services; reduce the logistics cycle; reduce supply costs; increase the reliability of supplies, etc. Thus, the formation of a logistics cluster at the level of ensuring the livelihood of the territorial community helps to strengthen the competitiveness of each of the participants. The main participants of the cluster are: production and logistics companies located in the most important centers of intersection and origin of goods and goods, directly involved in the process of providing services.

Improved normal-boundary intersection algorithm: A method for energy optimization strategy in smart buildings

With the widespread use of distributed energy sources, the advantages of smart buildings over traditional buildings are becoming increasingly obvious. Subsequently, its energy optimal scheduling and multi-objective optimization have become more and more complex and need to be solved urgently. This paper presents a novel method to optimize energy utilization in smart buildings. Firstly, multiple transfer-retention ratio (TRR) parameters are added to the evaluation of distributed renewable energy. Secondly, the normal-boundary intersection (NBI) algorithm is improved by the adaptive weight sum, the adjust uniform axes method, and Mahalanobis distance to form the improved normal-boundary intersection (INBI) algorithm. The multi-objective optimization problem in smart buildings is solved by the parameter TRR and INBI algorithm to improve the regulation efficiency. In response to the needs of decision-makers with evaluation indicators, the average deviation is reduced by 60% compared with the previous case. Numerical examples show that the proposed method is superior to the existing technologies in terms of three optimization objectives. The objectives include 8.2% reduction in equipment costs, 7.6% reduction in power supply costs, and 1.6% improvement in occupants’ comfort.

Economic analysis of different straw supply modes in China

Choosing an appropriate straw supply mode is crucial for reducing straw supply costs. This study considers four different supply modes: Farmer-Factory mode, Farmer-Broker-Factory mode, Farmer-Centralized Storage Site-Factory mode, and Farmer-Broker-Centralized Storage Site-Factory mode. Comparing the advantages and disadvantages and economic analysis of each mode are conducted. It is found that straw collection includes artificial and mechanized collection, straw transportation includes tractor and truck transportation, straw storage includes open field storage and centralized storage sites. When collecting 100,000 tons of straw, ordering the different supply modes based on cost result an order (from high to low) of 1A, 3, 2A, 1B, 4, 2B, ordering them based on equipment demand result in an order (from high to low) of 1A, 3, 2A, 1B, 2B, 4, and ordering them based on labor demand result in an order (from high to low) of 1A, 3, 2A, 1B, 4, 2B. It also can be seen that collection cost, transportation cost, and loading and unloading costs are important components of supply cost for each mode. Through the analysis of the six modes, mechanized baling collection can significantly reduce supply cost and equipment and labor requirements. Although intermediate links are added, mode 4 has become an economical supply mode that is also suitable for large-scale straw utilization due to its mechanized operations. As a conclusion, it will likely be the main straw supply mode of the future.

Cost analysis of stable electric and hydrogen energy supplies derived from 100% variable renewable resources systems

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the costs and specifications of 100% VRE (Variable Renewable Energy) systems that consist of VRE and energy storage systems. For that purpose, a model was developed to comprehensively analyze the costs and the specifications of 100% VRE systems. Using the model, the following results were obtained: (1) A hybrid storage system of battery and hydrogen storage that are optimally combined, as well as the optimal combination of solar and wind power, could reduce supply costs of electric energy. Concerning the hybrid storage system, the battery that operates with a daily cycle cooperates with the hydrogen storage that operates with a multiple day cycle, and; (2) multi-production systems that supply electric energy as well as hydrogen energy could reduce energy supply costs when an optimal combination of electric energy and hydrogen energy is achieved. However, the supply costs of stable electric energy as well as hydrogen energy from the 100% VRE systems are more expensive than the target costs in 2030 in Japan. In order to reduce the energy supply costs, it is necessary to reduce the costs of elemental technologies such as solar, wind power, battery, and hydrogen-related technologies.

4-(2,5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-N-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl) benzamide improves monoclonal antibody production in a Chinese hamster ovary cell culture.

There is a continuous demand to improve monoclonal antibody production for medication supply and medical cost reduction. For over 20 years, recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cells have been used as a host in monoclonal antibody production due to robustness, high productivity and ability to produce proteins with ideal glycans. Chemical compounds, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, lithium chloride, and butyric acid, have been shown to improve monoclonal antibody production in mammalian cell cultures. In this study, we aimed to discover new chemical compounds that can improve cell-specific antibody production in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cells. Out of the 23,227 chemicals screened in this study, 4-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-N-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl) benzamide was found to increase monoclonal antibody production. The compound suppressed cell growth and increased both cell-specific glucose uptake rate and the amount of intracellular adenosine triphosphate during monoclonal antibody production. In addition, the compound also suppressed the galactosylation on a monoclonal antibody, which is a critical quality attribute of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, the compound might also be used to control the level of the galactosylation for the N-linked glycans. Further, the structure-activity relationship study revealed that 2,5-dimethylpyrrole was the most effective partial structure of 4-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-N-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl) benzamide on monoclonal antibody production. Further structural optimization of 2,5-dimethylpyrrole derivatives could lead to improved production and quality control of monoclonal antibodies.

Evaluation of the cost-benefit of standby retrial systems incorporating switching failure and general repair times

A robust power supply system with high availability and acceptable cost/benefit is essential for many service systems, such as communication networks and product manufacturing processes. This investigation is concerned with the evaluation of the cost-benefit of a standby retrial power supply system incorporating standby switching failure and general repair times, which is the first work on the comparative analysis of retrial availability systems incorporating switching failure and general repair times. Four different standby power supply retrial configurations are included and each configuration consists of a different number of primary and standby generators. The investigated system assumes that the time-to-failure and the time-to-repair of the primary and standby generators obey the exponential and general distributions, respectively. We also take that the switching over standbys may be failed into account. By using the supplementary variable technique, the explicit expressions of the steady-state availability for each configuration are derived. A comparative analysis of the availability and the cost-benefit ratio among four retrial systems is presented. We also rank the configurations based on the steady-state availability and cost-benefit ratio for two repair time distributions, Weibull and lognormal. The calculated numerical results can provide managers with decision reference for stable power supply system and cost reduction.

The multisourcing model of safe supply chain management

The logistics outsourcing concept is to address the feasibility of using its own capabilities and sources of supply to perform certain logistics functions that the company can entrust to an external partner. However, in the current context of rapid change, it is important to make a quick and efficient decision on sources of supply: regardless of the sourcing model of the company. That is, what is the usual supply strategy for the company. Security (reliability and stability) of supplies is at the first place. Therefore, a quick decision on the optimal source of supply is the optimal solution. More precisely is the optimal combination of the use of internal resources of the company and the resources of external suppliers. Multisourcing is a type of outsourcing used by many companies in conditions of frequent changes. Unlike traditional outsourcing, the multisourcing model involves the use of several different vendors for the same product at different times. The decision depends on the level of security. For example, with multiple sources, a company can choose the best supplier for a particular task. By outsourcing certain operations, a company can perform critical tasks on its own. These actions can achieve optimization of operating costs. However, when deciding on multisourcing, it is important to assess the risks. It is important to estimate the cost of supply according to different options. You should compare the results of calculations and compare with the risks. These actions can ensure security of supply. So, the proposed economic and mathematical model is able to help to make the right decision of the rational choice of supply channel from several alternatives and, as a consequence, to achieve the following main goals: improving the quality of supply management; reduction of the logistics cycle; reduction of supply costs; increase the reliability of supply

A Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Testbed: Verification and Validation of Microgrid Control Architectures

The past decade has seen a sharp rise in the deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) in power distribution grids across the globe owing to their numerous benefits. These benefits are attributed to the close proximity of deployed DERs and loads, and they include the improvement of the reliability of the electricity supply, reduction in electricity supply costs, strengthened security against physical/cyber threats, the facilitation of renewable energy integration, and a reduction in the carbon footprint. As the underlying technologies improve, mature, and become more cost-effective, DERs are projected to continue to experience a growing adoption rate. Along with the rise of DERs came the microgrid concept, which has been shown to be a promising approach for effectively managing DERs in power distribution grids. Loosely speaking, a microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and DERs within a small geographical footprint with clearly defined electrical boundaries that act as a single controllable entity with respect to the external grid to which it is connected. Over the years, several microgrid control architectures have been proposed to optimally utilize the myriad of benefits presented by the growing numbers of DERs deployed in power distribution networks.

Discussion on woody biomass energy systems and natural ecosystem impacts: case study in Japan

Energy from woody biomass is expected to revitalise industry in Japan and induce job creation in the region. Woody biomass power plants have been rapidly constructed all over the country after the Feed-in Tariff scheme began. However, there are increasing cases of the destruction of natural ecosystems and landscapes to fulfil the growing demand for woody biomass. This study aims to describe the ideal energy utilisation of woody biomass from the viewpoint of preserving natural ecosystems. First, a conceptual model for the positive and negative impact of woody biomass energy utilisation on the natural ecosystem was organised. Next, an online survey to collect information and data on woody biomass power plants and heat utilisation facilities in Japan was conducted. In addition, the positive and negative impacts of using woody biomass on economic, environmental, and social systems as well as ecosystems were discussed. An online survey showed that the annual fuel usage of the woody biomass and number of employees increase with the scale of the power plant. Although annual expenses also increase, this might be a positive impact, because it can contribute to the economy and employment of the region based on the increase in the production value. In contrast, a negative impact is that some woody biomass power plants import biomass fuel. Importing the biomass fuel is reasonable from the viewpoint of fuel supply cost reduction and stable supply. However, there might be negative impact on the local natural ecosystem when the woody biomass is not appropriately utilised.

Assessment of renewable energy-based strategies for net-zero energy communities: A planning model using multi-objective goal programming

Planning decentralised community-level hybrid energy systems has emerged as a solution to the various environmental and economic issues associated with conventional centralised energy supply systems. However, the optimal planning of community energy systems is a challenging issue due to the complexities, uncertainties, conflicting objectives, and high computational times in analysis. This study introduces a new multi-objective model based on weighted goal programming and grey pairwise comparison to assess renewable energy-based strategies in the case of net-zero energy communities. The problem was formulated to determine the optimal energy mix based on minimization of life cycle impacts and costs and maximization of renewable contributions and operational energy savings. To this end, binary integer and continues variables were applied on the code developed in a CPLEX environment. A pairwise comparison based on grey numbers was used to find the impacts of the goals in the objective function of the model under uncertainty. In addition to the grey-based weighting scenario, different weighting scenarios were employed to consider the importance of all goals on the system. These weighting scenarios were used to investigate the effects of changing decision priorities on the outcomes and on stakeholder interests at different levels. The developed goal-programming model was applied to the data of a case example and solved based on the weighting scenarios. Results indicated that the model is capable of finding the best possible strategies with the lowest total undesirable deviations from the desired levels of the goals compared to the literature of the decision-making techniques. The integration of maximum renewable energy (RE) supply in the energy mix with the locally available energy resources can deliver considerable benefits in terms of energy supply cost reduction as well as in mitigating life cycle environmental impacts. When environmental goals are prioritized, integrating low emissions RE as much as possible and excluding waste-to-energy technologies makes best sense, while under a pro-economic perspective, solar integration is comparatively discouraged. The findings of the study are expected to assist community developers and other decision makers involved in regional energy planning. The developed method will also be of use for those who are interested in the use of goal programming to solve complex planning issues involving numerous uncertain parameters.

Domestic Resource Mobilization and Under-Five Mortality in Nigeria

This study considered domestic resource mobilisation and allocation to healthcare service delivery due to the high rate of infant deaths in Nigeria. Value addition in the agricultural sector is captured as a major source of revenue which could be channelled towards increased government expenditure in healthcare. As such, the paper applies vector error correction technique on yearly data for the period 1981 to 2015. It investigates the long-run relationship and short-run dynamics between under-five mortality on the one hand, with female literacy, agricultural productivity, tax revenue, and gross capital formation on the other hand. Outcome of the study indicates, from a long run perspective, under-five mortality is positively related to tax revenue, female literacy rate and gross capital formation. However, there is a negative relationship between under-5 mortality and agricultural productivity. Moreover, as Nigeria diversifies away from crude oil towards agriculture, increased productivity and tax revenues could be channelled towards better health outcomes and rural transformation. Furthermore, enhanced management of tax and better budgeting towards the agricultural sector is recommended. In addition, infrastructure development, agro-allied investments will ensure reduction in agricultural waste and supply costs. The outcomes portend significant relevance for meeting Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3, 4, &amp; 10.

Surgeon cost feedback through a surgical receipt program reduces cost in sinonasal surgery.

Operating room (OR) costs are a large portion of healthcare expenses. This study evaluates the impact of a surgeon-targeted surgical receipt cost feedback system on OR supply costs in sinonasal surgery and individual components contributing to procedural cost. Itemized weekly surgical receipts detailing individual case supply costs were analyzed before and after the implementation of a non-incentivized surgeon cost feedback system between January 2017 and June 2019. Supply cost data collected 15 months prior to intervention was compared to cost data 15 months after implementation of the weekly automated receipt dissemination to surgeons. Chi square test was used for categorical data and the Wilcoxon test was used to compare change in cost. Univariate and mediation analyses were performed to assess variables impacting cost. Of 502 sinonasal procedures analyzed, 239 were before and 264 after cost feedback implementation. There were no significant differences in age/gender, or indication for surgery. The median OR supply cost decreased from $1229.64 to $1097.22 (p = 0.02) after receipt implementation. There were effects of procedure type (p = 0.02), circulating nurse specialization (p < 0.001), steroid eluting stent (p = 0.002), and sinus drill (p < 0.001) on cost. Mediation analysis confirmed full mediation by decreasing use of steroid-eluting stents. Surgeon cost feedback in the form of individualized OR surgical receipts is an effective model to reduce supply cost per case in sinonasal surgery.

Reusable Pulse Oximetry Sensors: A Cost-Saving Quality Improvement Project.

In the setting of tightening health care budgets and capped payments, new strategies are needed to reduce waste while still providing quality and safe care. Transitioning from disposable supplies to reusable options is a viable approach to save money. To reduce the cost of the largest expense in the Adult Emergency Department's budget by 20% by transiting from disposable to reusable pulse oximetry sensors. We implemented an interdisciplinary quality improvement project using the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle to reduce supply costs in an urban, academic emergency department with approximately 70 000 patient visits per year. By switching to reusable supplies, we reduced the average cost of providing pulse oximetry readings by 56% and decreased budget estimates for supply acquisition by roughly $30 000 per month. This project represents a successful interdisciplinary approach to significantly reducing a large budgetary line item with concrete cost savings and highlights potential savings within reusable and disposable supply chains.

Simulation-Based Cost Analysis of Industrial Supply of Chips from Logging Residues and Small-Diameter Trees

Research Highlights: The use of terminals can increase supply costs by 5–11% (when compared to direct supply), but terminals help secure supply during peak demand and cope with operational problems in the supply fleet in cases where direct supply chains would be unable to meet demand on time. Background and Objectives: This work analyses the supply cost of chipped logging residues and small-diameter trees, from chipping at roadside storages to delivery to the end-user. Factors considered include demand curves (based on the requirements of a theoretical combined heat and power plant or biorefinery); demand volume; and mode of supply (direct or combined via terminal). The impact of longer trucking distances from the sites, and supply integration between forest and other land (varying relocation distances) was also assessed. Materials and Methods: The operational environment and work of a theoretical chip supplier in northern Sweden were modelled and simulated in ExtendSim®. Results: The mean supply cost of chips was 9% higher on average for combined chains than for direct chains. Given a high demand, 8% of the annual demand could not be delivered on time without using a terminal. High supply integration of forest and other land reduced supply costs by 2%. Contractors’ annual workloads were evened out by direct supply to the biorefinery (which has a relatively steady demand) or supply via-terminal independently of the end-user. Keeping distinct chips from different sites (implying that trucks were not always fully loaded) instead of mixing chips from different sites until the trucks were fully loaded increased supply costs by 12%. Conclusions: Terminals increase supply costs, but can enable demand to be met on time when direct supply chains alone might fail. Integrated supply planning could reduce supply costs by increasing the utilization of residual biomass from other land.

Management of diabetes and associated costs in a complex humanitarian setting in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate an Integrated Diabetic Clinic within a Hospital Outpatient Department (IDC-OPD) in a complex humanitarian setting in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Specific objectives were to:...