Sustainability

Discrete-event simulation of logistics and production systems plays an important role in the context of digital transformation. Its integration into modern planning and control processes is urgently required in order to realize Industry 4.0 concepts. In addition, simulation models will be an important part of the so-called digital twin in the planning and operation. However, the requirements for simulation models and tools are not yet comprehensively defined, and technical solutions have not been adequately implemented. This article presents the fields of action for the implementation.

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.