Autor: Axel Wagenitz

Handling complexity is one of the key topics of producing enterprises worldwide. It can be noted that enterprises are indeed able to coop with the complexity of single processes due to a function-oriented organisation, yet the same organisational paradigm leads to local objective systems that in many cases are contrary to the global goals of the enterprise. The same problem is reflected and supported by the enterprise’s IT systems. Thus, in this paper we present an approach to convert the inflexible function oriented operations into comprehensive processes by introducing special IT systems, so-called logistic assistance systems. To illustrate the approach we introduce the problem of integrated order sequencing and transport planning in the automotive industry and present a prototypical solution.

This paper describes a process oriented method for the planning of versatile production as well as logistics systems. The authors demonstrate how the necessary structures, resources and management capacities can be calculated by using a simple six step planning procedure. Due to the numerous potential applications, the holistic approach as well as the relatively basic design it is possible to file planning results sorted. In doing so, factory designers can compare them easily with new challenges emerging. In combination with permanently available simulation models the process oriented planning procedure is a significant step towards permanent planning disposition.

Brazil offers great potential, e.g. for the automotive industry. However procurement, production and distribution structures often lead to specific challenges. To cope with these challenges tested logistic planning approaches can be transferred. This article describes the cooperation between the Fraunhofer IML, Germany, and various Brazilian partners to initiate such a knowledge transfer and to adopt supply chain planning methods for the Brazilian automotive industry.

Considering new challenges in logistics planning and supply processes, companies are forced to plan their supply chains relating to more flexibility, effectiveness and cost reduction. Today, supply processes are planned once and never changed due to new demand or capacity situations. This article will introduce a new approach of integrated logistics planning combining demand and capacity planning (DCP) with supply planning concepts. The result is an Logistic Assistance System (LAS) as a new generation of Digital-Logistics-Software, which allows dynamic supply chain planning by providing DCP-functionalities with a simulation based approach. The developed simulation component is able to handle the complexity of high-value-added branches with efficient algorithms, to forecast the supply chain behaviour (future stock range, dynamic processes and resulting costs) taking different scenarios into account. It has been demonstrated to produce convincing results in different projects.

Globalization led to a continuous increase of international sourcing-strategies. The saving potentials that can be realized with these strategies are however bought with less flexibility and high order lead times. In order to support the expediter in planning and controlling global supply chains, a holistic approach has been developed in order to show disposable inventories in the supply network and to make future inventory level changes transparent for the expediter and the sales department. The basis for this solution is a variable assistant system framework which makes a dynamic stock range monitoring possible and therefore offers available-to-promise (ATP) functionalities for global supply relations.

Today continuous planning is a prerequisite for competitiveness. Methods are required, that allow the handling of complexity in rapidly changing and complex networks. Model based methods provide insight in these networks and therefore help realizing advantages in competition. The vision of a modeling plant for building the required models effectively and in an industrial scale and concepts for long term usage of models will make model-based methods attractive for the industry. The validation of planning results using a model will advance the quality of planning and thereby create advantages in competition.