The trend toward digitization o ers considerable potential; this is particularly true in supply chain management (SCM). However, not every technology is suitable for every company and its processes. This article presents a structured approach that supports companies in the selection process. The approach consists of several phases: Starting with the identi cation of business goals and ending with the selection of those technologies that seem most promising. Its applicability was tested in a research project at a logistics service provider. It is easily transferable to a concrete decision-making situation.
Procurement 4.0 represents comprehensive information technology networking with suppliers. This enables the automation of the operational procurement process and forms the basis for closer collaboration with strategic suppliers. However, such networking is also accompanied by risks which can sustainably reduce the success of procurement. After an assessment of digitization-induced risks it is shown that a trade-off between relationship and supplier risks takes place, depending in the intensity of the network.
Maritime container transport is the backbone of international trade and supply and distribution processes in global manufacturing networks. However, digital support of container transportation related processes is still insu cient. This article shows how a digital platform can facilitate the digital interaction between industry and logistics stakeholders. Using the quotation process as an example, it describes how the platform can support transactions between shippers and transport service providers. Use of the digital platform increases process transparency, reduces duplication of work and reduces the time required to carry out the processes.
In current times, heavier fuels such as oil and diesel are generally used to power merchant and passenger ships alike. International and national regulations are likely to increase pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and fine dust pollution within the global maritime shipping industry. Green fuels are one possible solution for emission reduction. Therefore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) create the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), Annex VI of which enables the enforcement of designated (sulfur) emission control areas (ECAs or SECAs). Current research shows that hydrogen and LNG fuels can be safely operated and used to supply electric generating systems and drive systems. Today, cruise ships are often constructed with LNG main propulsion engines. Conventional hydrogen and LNG fuels are not CO2 free. However, green hydrogen, green ammonia and green LNG are based on ...
Manufacturing SMEs are structurally di erent from other companies and therefore have special requirments for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and the associated software selection. Process models must therefore be adapted. For the identication of requirements, a systematic categorization based on existing models was performed. With the help of an existing market research platform, further selection steps were developed in order to provide a useful and easy-to-use tool for SMEs, which enables them to select efficiently sufficient MES-software according to their needs.
RPA refers to bots that automate repetitive, rulebased tasks in a business process. This paper describes general areas of application for RPA in logistics as well as two practical logistics examples. In addition, a procedure model for the implementation of RPA in logistics is presented. The paper answers the following questions: What are suitable use cases for RPA in logistics? What criteria support the selection of suitable processes? And how should an implementation guide be designed to systematically support an implementation project taking into account critical success factors?
Today's business world is characterized by ever-increasing complexity in nearly every dimension. Supply chains can no longer be understood in a linear fashion, but form networks across numerous supply chain participants. Globalization and crises are straining existing structures, calling into question previously set priorities and measures, and demanding new solutions. How must supply chains be structured in this constantly changing environment in order to be successful? This article highlights fields of action for successful supply chain management.
In this article, we discuss the opportunities of digtal supply chains from a supply chain nance perspective. In doing so, we rst highlight the importance of supply chain finance at times of global supply shortages. Then, we explain why digital platforms are necessary in this context and what challenges their introduction entails. Finally, we provide an outlook towards distributed ledger technology and blockchain.
Additive manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly important in industry and enable the cost-e ective production of complex components in small quantities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular can bene t from the high customization potential enabling the development of new business models. However, the widespread use of additive processes faces high production costs and technological challenges. Meanwhile, scienti c research focuses on the optimization of individual process steps of additive manufacturing and does not o er su cient support for SMEs. Therefore, this paper deals with the development of a cross-process value chain of additive manufacturing for SMEs. Based on a systematic analysis of scienti c literature, relevant additive manufacturing processes were investigated, and a cross-process value chain was derived. The results were veri ed by expert interviews and central research and development requirements were extracted.
The use of 5G technology o ers many companies enormous opportunities regarding their efforts to optimize processes. In particular, the intralogistics of a smart factory could bene t signi cantly from the use of 5G. The position of diverse mobile units can be determined precisely. Applications such as the control of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV ) or the precise localization of material come into consideration. If the potential of 5G technology can be fully utilized and integrated into the structure of intralogistics, production processes could be revolutionized.
