Sustainability

BC has just passed the peak of inflated expectations. This article aims to assess the status quo of the technology in terms of logistics and to identify initial implications. To this end, the basics of BC are explained and the existing scientific literature is summarized. Subsequently, examples from practice and research projects are presented and compared with the previously presented findings in order to allow a systematization of the application potentials. Possible implications as well as opportunities and risks for logistics conclude the article.

Recent advancements in cyber physical systems (CPS) and industry 4.0 concepts are expected to result in a disruptive change of business processes in industry and commerce. In particular, this refers also to supply chain management (SCM) and logistics systems and processes. Methodically, maturity models can be used to determine the maturity level of SCM and logistics organisations. In this paper we present an extension for a maturity model being able to check the industry 4.0 compatibility of SCM systems and processes. Moreover, the aim is to provide a tool supporting the transformation towards SCM 4.0-ready systems and processes. The requirements for the digital transformation process are described and important fields of actions are discussed.

Guaranteeing the quality of products and processes within supply chains is essential. Nevertheless, quality management is still restricted to production processes while logistics processes are normally not considered. IT infrastructures for exchanging quality data are often missing. Those needs can be addressed by using sensor systems in combination with a cross company exchange of sensor data based on EPCIS. In order to realise this approach, sensor systems, the EPCIS standard, decision support systems and business models need to be further developed.

Currently the implementation of digital technologies in response to important competition requirements is promoted in many places. Consequently, the working environment of employees in operative logistics is going to change significantly. This article provides an overview of the possible uses of future-oriented technologies in different logistics processes as well as the thereby changing subtasks and competence requirements of operative employees in the working world 4.0.

The proliferation of technological innovations in additive manufacturing is accompanied by an increasing awareness of sustainability. In order to achieve an adequate investment methodical support is needed. A set of indicators for sustainable production represents the performance of a technology. Since an evaluation of technologies is subjective individual preferences of decision makers have to be taken into account. Hence, the multiple-criteria decision analysis methodology PROMETHEE is applicable in this context.

The importance of efficient logistics as a key success factor for companies is well known. Efficient logistics processes can help to gain competitive advantage and to secure market positions of companies. The supplier industry is not exempt from this trend taking responsibility of diverse activities for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in providing ready modules and systems. However, complex supply chains cause high logistics costs. As various supply concepts are possible for parts and materials produced in upstream stages of the supply chain, each of these concepts entail differing costs. The identification of an economically optimal supply concept through comparison and evaluation of alternatives is therefore of strategic importance. The article demonstrates the use of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concept for this purpose.

In contrast to the use of robots in standardized production processes, robots must be flexible and adaptable within dynamic logistics processes in order to cope with variable environmental conditions and non-standardized goods. Due to the recent advances in the field of artificial intelligence and networking through industry 4.0, robots will perform complex tasks in logistics in a reliable way in future. A crucial component of a robot system represents the interpretation of the work environment with the help of multi-modal sensor systems, especially image processing systems. This paper describes applications for robotic systems in logistics as well as a concrete example of focusing on the interpretation of multi-modal sensor data for the automation of a logistics task.

The importance of key performance indicators (KPIs) to efficiently control logistics processes is considerably rising. An essential requirement to successfully use KPIs is their comparability and consistency. In this article a review of the situation of KPIs’ standardization is used to derive nine fields of action for improving the standardization of KPIs. The first six fields are addressing the data collection, the data processing as well as the data preparation. Investments in IT and staff are vital to support these goals. On top of that the management’s support and a change in business culture that advocates the benefit of sharing information create the required setting for a standardized reporting.

Compared to other industries the innovative output in logistics is rather low, although innovations provide a promising way to survive in harsh competition. According to the open innovation paradigm, the integration of external resources can improve the innovativeness of a company. This paper analyses requirements logistics services providers as wells as their customers have on joint open innovation initiatives in logistics and shows how open innovation with customers can lead to success.

The development of industry 4.0 concepts in production and logistics has progressed rapidly in recent years. The systems being affected by rapid technological changes, such as the introduction of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). The realization of CPS requires interdisciplinary considerations of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information and business management. The full potential of industry 4.0 can only be deployed, when in addition to technical challenges also business opportunities are involved in the development. The aim of this paper is to show specific requirements for development of CPS systems and to identify approaches for Cyber-Physical Product-Service Systems (CPSS).