cluster analysis

Traceability systems are used in large companies to trace and track products. Although these systems aid to avoid quality and cost risks, they are only used hesitantly in SMEs. This is partly due to a lack of market transparency. Consequently, a methodology is needed that enables SMEs to capture their requirements using reference products and processes and to map them to available software solutions. This paper deals with a methodology that simplifies the selection process and focuses on the approach regarding the creating reference products and processes.

Today’s standard information technologies in production logistics allow the storage of large data sets that have a huge variety of different parameters. The also increased complexity of production processes leads to complex dependencies between different decisions variables. Therefore, this paper deals with the application of computer-based methods of analysis for the efficient evaluation of multi-criteria dependencies.

The demand for more sophisticated logistics services has brought about a diversification of services, specialization and mainly a more intensive use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) by the 3PL providers. To characterize logistics services offered in Brazil, a third-party logistics provider typology is suggested based on statistics and data mining analysis. Considering the presence of technological solutions through Yes/No categorical statements, the results identified 3PL homogeneous clusters in the Brazilian market which correspond to main sector categories that are described in this paper. These results are equivalent to those models that make use of quantitative variables, usually associated with unreliability and difficult acquisition.