1,721,205 research outputs found
Exploring the maturity of Discrete-event simulation in logistics: is this a new research domain?
No full textThis paper explores the research area of discrete event simulation in logistics, with the final goal to infer whether this area has achieved the maturity of a new, stand-alone, research domain. Scientometric techniques, such as co-author analysis and topic analysis (keyword and co-occurrence mapping), supported by adequate software packages, as well as some statistical elaborations, were used to explore the evolution of research in time, so as to delineate the trend of this scientific field and to evaluate its current maturity. A representative sample of nearly 900 papers, retrieved from the Scopus database and expressively related to discrete event simulation and logistics, was used for the analysis. Results show that from the point of view of the contents covered, the research field appears to be sufficiently mature. Indeed, a sound quota of established topics was found among the themes treated; at the same time, a continuous introduction of unique new topics was observed, especially in recent times, thus denoting an expansion of the research field towards adjacent or interrelated areas. From the point of view of the collaborations among authors, instead, at present their number is still limited. Nonetheless, prospects are goods, as most of the relationships were established in the recent years; thus, they could be expected to increase in the future. Taken together, the outcomes of this study suggest that the topic of discrete event simulation in logistics is progressively acquiring scientific maturity and is expected to reach the status of autonomous research field in the future
Technical and economic aspect of RFID implementation for asset tracking
No full textThis paper aims to assess the economic feasibility of a technological solution, based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, for asset management in the context of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Three case study companies are examined, respectively, operating as manufacturers of FMCG, pallet pooler and retailer, to be representative of an integrated logistics channel. Site visits and direct interviews are performed to retail the main processes assets are subjected to and the way such processes are currently managed, as well as to derive quantitative values concerning such processes. Based on the analysis, re-engineered procedures have been developed hypothesising RFID deployment for asset management. Re-engineered procedures were validated by a panel of experts, whose members operate in the logistics, sales and information technology functions of about 15 companies, either manufacturers or distributors of FMCG. On the basis of the comparison between current and re-engineered processes, a detailed economic evaluation is performed for each case study examined to assess the economic suitability of the solution proposed. Results show that RFID deployment allows both manufacturer and pallet provider to achieve an economic profitability on a 5-year period; conversely, the investment is less profitable for the distributor, mainly due to the substantial costs arising for RFID implementation at all retail stores. Outcomes of the study could serve as a guideline for the implementation of RFID technology for asset tracking
A research methodology for systematic literature reviews: application to zone picking and preliminary results
No full textThe aim of this paper is to provide a methodology for conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) relating to research field of zone picking and to propose some preliminary results on this topic. The proposed methodology (called DEBABA – see below) has been applied in this paper to the topic of zone picking but can actually be replicated and used by anyone who has an interest to conduct SLRs. The steps followed for the review are as follows: Data extraction (DE) after having identified the topic of scientific relevance (in this case «zone picking»), it’s necessary to perform the bibliographic research on the identified topic. Bibliographic analysis (BA) statistical (descriptive) analysis on the articles collected. Bibliometric analysis (BA) quantitative techniques for analysing the data extracted from databases. This method of literature review lays the foundations for carrying out a correct review, by studying the evolution of a topic over time and identifying the most prominent topics and authors, in order to provide a complete overview and classification of the existing research on a particular topic, summarize and synthesize the available knowledge on this topic and identify the limitations of the literature to propose future lines of research. To show its usage, some preminary results of the application of the proposed approach to the topic of zone picking are presented and discussed
Process mapping and KPIs modelling for a manufacturing company
No full textThis paper is structured as a case study, intended to provide a detailed mapping of the order flow of a real company, working as a manufacturer of plants and equipment for logistics activities. A set of on-site visits initially allowed to describe the order flow process and the players involved. Then, interviews, talks and meetings with the managers of the various interested departments allowed to map the activities carried out by those departments and the relationships between them. Process mapping also highlighted the main criticalities of the order flow and of the suppliers’ management. Solutions to these criticalities were based on the introduction of departmental and supply chain key performance indicators, relating to the lean, agile, resilient and green supply chain perspectives, and to the service factors. From the computation of some selected indicators, an initial overview of the suppliers’ base of the company was obtained, together with suggestions on how to improve the current management of the order process
Optimizing picking operations in a distribution center of the large-scale retail trade
No full textThis paper proposes different scenarios for optimizing picking operations in the distribution center of a large retail chain business case, operating mainly in the fruit and vegetable sector. The chosen approach consists in modifying and combining the routing of pickers and the allocation rules of items, with the aim of decreasing the average distance traveled by the operator during the picking tasks. Four allocation policies have been implemented to this end, namely: 1) random, which is the one currently used by the Company (and therefore represents the benchmark scenario); 2) dedicated, based on the withdrawal frequency; 3) dedicated, based on the quantity of product; 4) a categorization of products into classes based on their demand. As regards the pickers’ routing, two heuristic algorithms currently used by the Company and three meta-heuristics are compared: Ant colony optimization (ACO), Min-max ant system (MMAS) and Backtrack. The study reveals that the best choice is to use the Backtrack algorithm on orders up to 15 lines, because in these cases the algorithm is very fast and always finds the best possible path. Instead, MMAS is to be preferred in case of larger orders: although finding the optimal path is no longer guaranteed, MMAS has a computational time much shorter (approximately 15 times) compared to the remaining algorithms
The response to Covid-19 in logistics and supply chain processes: evidence from a review of the literature
No full textIt is well-known that the Covid-19, originated in December 2019 in China, had a huge impact not only on the population but also on supply chains, which were forced to stop their activities or quickly adapt to the changes. The severity of the impact of Covid19 on logistics and supply chain processes varied across the industrial sectors and depending on the moment in which they were observed. Often, supply chains were found to be not ready for counteracting a pandemic emergency (which is undoubtedly an exceptional event). Some early studies in the literature have analysed the extent of the Covid-19 impacts, or, alternatively, have evaluated the possibility of applying (traditional) risk management models for counteracting a pandemic emergency. Hopefully, after approximately two years of pandemic spread of the virus, we are now entering the post-Covid era. Hence, it is a good time for tracing a balance of the studies focusing on the Covid-19 and in particular, on its effects on logistics and supply chains, on modelling approaches, on strategies used for counteracting the emergency and on suggestions for making supply chains more resilient in the future. This is the focus of this paper, which analyses and classifies the literature published in 2021 and 2022 ( 70 studies) and related to Covid-19 in the supply chain. Keyword analysis helps in evaluating the key topics treated, their popularity and recurrence across the studies. Simulation appears to have been seldom used by researchers in recent times, while general modelling tools (e.g., multi-criteria decision making or structural equation modelling) are definitely more popular among researchers. Suggestions for future research activities can be easily delineated starting from these findings
Special issue "selected papers from the International Food Operations & Processing Simulation Workshop"
No full textPackaging and technologies for food products: a state-of-the art survey
No full textThis paper proposes an in-depth analysis of the packaging materials and technologies used for commercial food and beverage products, and as such, it builds upon a previous publication by Bottani et al.(2011).The original study evaluated a sample of 175 food and beverage products, for which, through an in-field investigation of Italian retailers, the relevant characteristics of the packaging and product were retrieved.In this study, a larger sample of products is analyzed, consisting of 212 food products, and the product/packaging characteristics are updated in case changes occurred in the packaging material or processing technologies of foods.Moreover, compared to the previous research, end-of-life considerations of the packaging material are added.Statistical analyses are then made on the sample of products, to determine possible relationships between the product characteristics, the processing technology, the packaging type and the end-of-life.By delving into the relationships between product attributes and packaging technologies, results of this research contribute valuable insights to the food packaging industry, offering an up-to-date perspective, as well as suggestions for food manufacturers to identify the most suitable packaging technology for new food products
Enabling technologies, application areas and impact of industry 4.0: A bibliographic analysis
No full textThe demand for shorter delivery time, more efficient and automated processes, higher quality and customized products have driven companies towards the fourth industrial revolution. This study aims to contribute to the state of the art by evaluating the main application fields of Industry 4.0 and analyzing the enabling technologies used in these fields. To this end, a bibliographic analysis for Industry 4.0 was first conducted by searching relevant papers with the support of the Scopus database (www.scopus.com). Then, an overview on Industry 4.0 was performed with the purpose to deeply understand the context of this study. Finally, the attention moved on the identification of the enabling technologies and the main application areas of Industry 4.0. These latter, as they emerged from the literature, appear to be Logistics 4.0, Automotive, Smart home and Agriculture 4.0
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