Showing papers on "Distribution center published in 2014"

How IoT will change the design and operation of logistics systems

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to show the concept of Cyber Physical Logistics Systems (CPLS). The individual parts are based on already existing solutions, either industrial products or research demonstrators both based on the concept of the Internet of Things. After listing new requirements and opportunities of these CPLS and the basic technology layers, a real-world scenario is used to illustrate the development. The presented distribution center is composed of cooperating systems, able to operate autonomously or in cooperation and in a flexible way. Finally the benefits of CPLS are discussed.

Humanitarian Relief Logistics with Time Restriction: Thai Flooding Case Study

Abstract: Shortages and delays in a humanitarian logistics system can contribute to the pain and suffering of survivors or other affected people. Humanitarian logistics budgets should be sufficient to prevent such shortages or delays. Unlike commercial supply chain systems, the budgets for relief supply chain systems should be able to satisfy demand. This study describes a comprehensive model in an effort to satisfy the total relief demand by minimizing logistics operations costs. We herein propose a strategic model which determines the locations of distribution centers and the total inventory to be stocked for each distribution center where a flood or other catastrophe may occur. The proposed model is formulated and solved as a mixed-integer programming problem that integrates facility location and inventory decisions by considering capacity constraints and time restrictions in order to minimize the total cost of relief operations. The proposed model is then applied to a real flood case involving 47 disaster areas and 13 distribution centers in Thailand. Finally, we discuss the sensitivity analysis of the model and the managerial implications of this research.

Optimal Inventory Control with Retail Pre‐Packs

Abstract: A pre-pack is a collection of items used in retail distribution. By grouping multiple units of one or more stock keeping units (SKU), distribution and handling costs can be reduced; however, ordering flexibility at the retail outlet is limited. This paper studies an inventory system at a retail level where both pre-packs and individual items (at additional handling cost) can be ordered. For a single-SKU, single-period problem, we show that the optimal policy is to order into a �band� with as few individual units as possible. For the multi-period problem with modular demand, the band policy is still optimal, and the steady-state distribution of the target inventory position possesses a semi-uniform structure, which greatly facilitates the computation of optimal policies and approximations under general demand. For the multi-SKU case, the optimal policy has a generalized band structure. Our numerical results show that pre-pack use is beneficial when facing stable and complementary demands, and substantial handling savings at the distribution center. The cost premium of using simple policies, such as strict base-stock and batch-ordering (pre-packs only), can be substantial for medium parameter ranges.

Goods location allocating method applied to automatic warehousing system of multi-layer shuttle vehicle

Abstract: The invention discloses a goods location allocating method applied to an automatic warehousing system of a multi-layer shuttle vehicle. The method comprises the following steps: firstly, according to the quantities of goods shelves and tunnels, generating plane layout structure data of the system; then analyzing the waiting time of the shuttle vehicle executing an outbound task as well as the idle time of a hoister; establishing an open queuing network model for describing the system; analyzing the relationship among the waiting time of the shuttle vehicle, the idle time of the hoister and the time of inbound and outbound works by a decomposition process; determining that the higher the reaching rate of a task serviced by the shuttle vehicle is, the lower the goods location of the task is, and the goods with highest correlation are allocated at different layers, so that multiple shuttle vehicles can provide service simultaneously; finally putting forward a principle of dividing storage zones in light of item correlation, establishing a correlation matrix of outbound items, clustering the items by an ant colony algorithm, and combining and arranging the storage zones in a two-dimensional plane according to the analysis result of the queuing network model, thereby realizing the allocation of goods location. By the method, the waiting time of the shuttle vehicle and the idle time of the hoister can be effectively shortened, so that the rate of equipment utilization and the throughput capacity of a distribution center are increased.

Supply chain system of public catering services

Abstract: The invention discloses a supply chain system of public catering services. The supply chain system is characterized by comprising an ordering center, a raw material purchasing center, a food matching center, a distribution center and a catering center, wherein the ordering center is in charge of receiving orders, and summarizing purchasing lists of required food materials; the raw material purchasing center is in charge of purchasing the food materials according to the purchasing lists of the food materials; the food matching center is in charge of cleaning and processing the food materials; the distribution center is in charge of conveying semi-finished products directly to customers or to the catering center; the catering center is used for cooking raw materials of food and making the raw materials into finished food sold to customers. The supply chain system of the public catering services can support a catering industry food material supply chain e-commerce platform building upstream and downstream connection and on-line and off-line connection, and the scientific and reasonable center database structure and mass information data storage can support strict traceability of food material supply in a mining mode. By means of the supply chain system of the public catering services, the full service from farm to fork is provided, centralized purchasing, centralized processing and uniform distribution are achieved, costs of all production links are lowered greatly, and food safety, convenience and rapidness are guaranteed.

An Integrated Location-Routing-Inventory Problem by Considering Supply Disruption

Abstract: In this paper, we present a model of integrated Location Routing and Inventory problem (ILRIP) with considering random disruption at distribution centers (DCs). The proposed model simultaneously determines the number and the location of DCs that should be opened, the assignment of customers to DCs, the allocation of customers to active routes and the arrangement of customer sineach route, reorder point and economic order quantity for each distribution center, and finally, safety stock level should be kept per distribution center. In this study, we consider a stochastic-demand inventory system where the product’s supply is randomly disrupted in DCs. Distribution centers adopt a (r, Q) inventory control policy. We assume that the distribution centers can be faced with a shortage, in terms of disruption. Partial backordering is applied when a stock out occurs. The model is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming, which minimizes the expected total cost of the network. We solve the developed mathematical model by meta-heuristic algorithm. Present computational results for several randomly generated instances also for a case study according to literature to show validation of the proposed model.

Cost-effective solution suitable for B2C E-commerce logistics distribution

Abstract: The invention discloses a cost-effective solution suitable for B2C E-commerce logistics distribution. The solution comprises the following steps: preprocessing is implement by a WMS, wherein some preprocessing functions are added through the management system WMS informationalized by a B2C distribution center; sowing sorting is performed at first, and then the packing operation is rechecked, wherein after the preprocessing operation is implemented, the sorting step is performed in advance to implement unbundling sorting of commodities in a turnover box: automatic sowing is performed by adopting the unbundling sorting technology; and one annular conveyor line is used to form two logic sorting systems through the presorting function of the management system WMS. The cost-effective solution suitable of the invention can be used to satisfy a B2C distribution center which can process 200,000-250,000 commodities every day on average, has advantages of low cost and high efficiency, and can be widely popularized.

Logistics storage management method and system based on cloud platform

Abstract: The invention provides a logistics storage management method based on a cloud platform. The method includes the steps that a logistics warehouse storeroom area of a distribution center is divided and numbered, and the cloud platform obtains sub storeroom areas which number identifications of the storeroom area correspond to; a courier scans to-be-warehoused logistics goods of a current batch, and scanning information is uploaded to the cloud platform; the cloud platform classifies the logistics goods according to the next destinations of the logistics goods, and the sub storeroom areas are distributed for the goods to be distributed in various destinations so that the goods can be warehoused; a warehouse manager warehouses and stores the logistics goods in a classified mode according to instructions of the cloud platform, the storeroom storage condition is monitored in real time by means of the cloud platform, and when the storage quantities of the goods in the sub storage areas reach the low transportation limit, a transportation vehicle is triggered and arranged to transport the logistics goods of the corresponding sub storage areas; the warehouse manager sends the courier according to the vehicle distribution result of the cloud platform to the corresponding sub storeroom areas to transport the logistics goods and load the vehicle. Additionally, the invention further provides a logistics storage management system based on the cloud platform.

A supplier selection model based on classifying its strategic impact for a company's business results

Abstract: One of the most important aspects for companies' success is the relationship between companies and their suppliers. Consequently, the way that a supplier is selected is crucial to the outcome of the business. Thus, we propose a multicriteria decision support model with two phases: the analysis of the products/services from suppliers that need to be evaluated, using PROMSORT, and the analysis of the suppliers of such products/services which is considered critical, using PROMETHEE II. The model was applied to a Distribution Center of an important Brazilian retailer which serves stores in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Using the proposed model, companies can focus their attention on those products or services that have the greatest impact on their business results. The model predicts that different decision-making processes should be applied, in accordance with the class of importance into which the products or services are classified.

Electronic commerce logistics distribution system and method

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic commerce logistics distribution system and method The method includes the steps of accurately obtaining static position information of shoppers and dynamic position information of distributors on the basis of IP accurate positioning, setting up a spatial database of the shoppers, the distributors and a distribution center, uniformly storing the spatial positions of the shoppers and the spatial positions of the distributors, processing the spatial positions in real time, and dynamically displaying the spatial positions on a website electronic map Accurate and optimized targets and routes are provided for the distribution center and the distributors through the network analyzing function of a distribution center management platform, logistics personnel and adjustment routes are more scientifically and more reasonably arranged, vain drying and repetition are avoided to the maximum, and the logistics distribution efficiency is effectively improved

Fuzzy Mathematical modeling of Distribution Network through Location Allocation Model in a Three-level Supply Chain Design

Abstract: Economic roles in all areas particularly in the steel industry have been grown dramatically. In this article, a new look to the field of mathematical modeling of distributed systems in terms of fuzzy location model and the theory of fuzzy has been allocated and an integer linear programming is used. The distribution system generally includes three levels so that the first level suppliers of iron ore, mining, steel and so on are placed. The second level involves locating distribution centers consider so that a limited number of distribution centers can serve as stations and the third level of local warehouses or factories in steel production are using the integer programming technique, a fuzzy mathematical model for distributed systems is presented. The second level of distribution center location selection techniques based on Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is proposed and its output as input in integer programming model is used. It's worth mentioning presented model is analyzed by software of maple 12.

Logistic center cargo delivery routing problem eM-Plant simulation method

Abstract: The invention discloses a logistic center cargo delivery routing problem eM-Plant simulation method. The logistic center cargo delivery routing problem eM-Plant simulation method specifically comprises the steps of firstly certainly knowing a logistic center operation pattern, and specifically performing analysis by taking certain logistic enterprises as objects and taking cargos to be delivered within a range of 10 thousand square kilometers as research objects; defining and analyzing vehicle routing problems with time windows, and mainly making researches on a single distribution center, multiple clients, different demands, time and places, different cargo quantities and different vehicle models; modeling the vehicle routing problems with the time windows, and performing modeling and classification and analysis of constraint conditions by adopting operational research and the like; performing simulation modeling analysis oriented to specific objects and performing modeling analysis in considerations of various factors such as required cargo delivery places and time to the objects, traffic conditions and weather; modeling by using eM-Plant. The simulation model is divided into four parts, including a user interface, an information flow layer, a visualized logistic layer and a simulation data analysis layer.

Labor Distribution Management Using Dynamic State Indicators

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory processor-readable storage media enabling the characterization of the current states of labor distribution and improved labor distribution management within distribution centers. In an embodiment, a computing device may be configured to analyze data related to the workloads of various tasks performed in a distribution center as well as data related to labor to determine state information that represent whether the tasks are adequately staffed for a given time and generate and/or display graphical information related to the adequacy of labor distribution for the various tasks of the distribution center. The computing device may assign state indicators that code, rank, or otherwise characterize the current labor distribution for tasks. The computing device may re-assign workers to various tasks performed within a distribution center by transmitting messages that re-assign a worker to a new zone and/or task.

A Stock Pre-positioning Model to Maximize the Total Expected Relief Demand of Disaster Areas

Abstract: The complexity and uncertainty in performing emergency logistics response require along-term preparation and planning. In this paper, a stock pre-positioning model is considered to support an emergency disaster relief response against the event of earthquake. In this model, a maximum response time limit, budget availability, multiple item types, and capacity restrictions are considered to maximize the total expected relief demand of disaster areas covered by existing distribution centers. The decision of distribution centers to cover a disaster area and the amount of supplies to be stocked in each distribution center are simultaneously determined based on the model. The proposed model is applied to a real case with 33 disaster areas and 16 distribution centers in Indonesia. Then a sensitivity analysis is performed by changing the budgets and the maximum response time.

Designing fee tables for retail delivery services by third-party logistics providers

Abstract: Manufacturers are increasingly relying on third-party logistics service providers to distribute their products to retail stores. Fee tables, specifying how much to pay for each delivery based on weight and distance, are commonly used as the basis for compensating distributors for their delivery services. This article proposes and solves an optimization model to help a large building products manufacturer design an appropriate fee table for payments to its distributors for delivering products from regional distribution centers to retail stores. Given the distance and the distribution of shipment weights to each store served by every distribution center, the model selects the weight and distance ranges of the fee table and sets the fees for each combination of ranges to minimize total distribution costs while satisfying fee structure requirements and ensuring adequate total compensation for each distributor. Since the problem is difficult to solve using commercial solvers, we develop a tailored approach to ...

Efficiency of a multi-objective imperialist competitive algorithm: A bi-objective location-routing-inventory problem with probabilistic routes

Abstract: An integrated model considers all parameters and elements of different deficiencies in one problem. This paper presents a new integrated model of a supply chain that simultaneously considers facility location, vehicle routing and inventory control problems as well as their interactions in one problem, called location-routing-inventory (LRI) problem. This model also considers stochastic demands representing the customers’ requirement. The customers’ uncertain demand follows a normal distribution, in which each distribution center (DC) holds a certain amount of safety stock. In each DC, shortage is not permitted. Furthermore, the routes are not absolutely available all the time. Decisions are made in a multi-period planning horizon. The considered bi-objectives are to minimize the total cost and maximize the probability of delivery to customers. Stochastic availability of routes makes it similar to real-world problems. The presented model is solved by a multi-objective imperialist competitive algorithm (MOICA). Then, well-known multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, namely anondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), is used to evaluate the performance of the proposed MOICA. Finally, the conclusion is presented.

Designing a multi-echelon supply chain network: A car manufacturer case study

Abstract: A multi-echelon supply chain design problem concerns the structure of the network and allocation of resources of the company to meet the demand forecast This paper tries to design a multi-echelon supply chain network with five echelons including supplier, cross-dock, plant, distribution center and representative (customer) For this purpose, a mixed-integer mathematical model is developed to investigate the location of cross-docks, distribution centers, and also allocation between each pair of parties in order to minimize total cost of location and transportation Due to the complexity of the model, a novel genetic algorithm is developed and applied on a real-world case study of Iran Khodro Company (IKCO) in Iran Experimental results show the performance of the proposed Genetic Algorithm

Fleet size determination for a truckload distribution center

Abstract: SUMMARY This work presents an analysis of the fleet size determination problem for a truckload distribution center in which each customer requests multi-truckload services. A transformation is made to define this problem as a cutting stock problem which can be resolved by finding the proper set of patterns beneficial for an NP-hard (non-deterministic polynomial-time hard) problem. The genetic algorithm (GA) is combined with cutting stock techniques to solve the problem. Experiments are carried out testing two types of problems, with and without time-window constraints. To verify the solution quality obtained with the proposed approach, the problem is also solved using only GA. It is shown that the proposed approach can significantly improve the GA solution by 14.68%. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Simulation Design of Express Sorting System—Example of SF's Sorting Center

Abstract: Original semi-automatic sorting system of distribution center of SF Express is low in efficiency and high in er- ror rate, cannot meet the rapid growth of SF Company's business needs, thereby, SF plans to build a fully-automatic sort- ing system. However, due to large investment and high operation and maintenance cost, the fully-automatic sorting sys- tem must be designed carefully. For the purpose of checking feasibility of design program, finding out and solving bottle- necks occurred in the operation process of sorting center so that daily express processing capacity of the sorting center reaches more than 150,000 and sorting efficiency of sorting center is improved, Flexsim simulation software is applied to simulation design of the fully-automatic sorting system. After setting the system targets, designing system model and op- eration model and analyzing simulation result, it is thus shown that planned fully-automatic sorting system meets the de- sign target and the program is feasible.

Multidistribution Center Location Based on Real-Parameter Quantum Evolutionary Clustering Algorithm

Abstract: To determine the multidistribution center location and the distribution scope of the distribution center with high efficiency, the real-parameter quantum-inspired evolutionary clustering algorithm (RQECA) is proposed. RQECA is applied to choose multidistribution center location on the basis of the conventional fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm (FCM). The combination of the real-parameter quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm (RQIEA) and FCM can overcome the local search defect of FCM and make the optimization result independent of the choice of initial values. The comparison of FCM, clustering based on simulated annealing genetic algorithm (CSAGA), and RQECA indicates that RQECA has the same good convergence as CSAGA, but the search efficiency of RQECA is better than that of CSAGA. Therefore, RQECA is more efficient to solve the multidistribution center location problem.

Location-Routing Optimization of Cold Chain Distribution Center Based on Hybrid Genetic Algorithm - Tabu Search

Abstract: Since location and route problems are of equal importance to the cold chain logistics, it is necessary to consider the location and route optimization comprehensively for the benefit of the overall system. In this paper, an optimal location-routing model considered temperature variation among sensitive products for cold chain distribution centers is designed, with the objective function to minimize the overall expenses. As a solution method, a hybrid genetic algorithm-tabu search is proposed, which is applied to location-routing optimization utilizing an efficient integer index encoding and its appropriate parameters. The algorithm, verified by an illustrative example with certain scale data, is revealed to be feasible and effective, which finally identifies and prioritizes potential alternatives for continuous improvement.

Modular Order Picking Approach Based on FP-tree Algorithm

Abstract: Since customers always buy some commodities together, distribution center (DC) may combine these correlated commodities as modules to be picked, then the picking efficiency will be greatly increased. FP-Tree algorithm is used to obtain high-demand correlated products from a large amount of transaction records. Numerical experiments demonstrate the performance and practicability of this modular order picking approach, and runtime in the algorithm as well. The experimental results also show the effects that various thresholds influence the outputs.

Shanghai Agricultural Products Logistics Distribution Center Location based on Fuzzy AHP

Abstract: Reasonable agricultural products logistics distribution center can not only improve the network system of agricultural products logistics, but can also lower the cost of distribution for agricultural products logistics, improving the living standards of residents. On the basis of assumption that distribution demand points for agricultural products in Shanghai are 117 towns, 13 district governments, 1 People's Government and 1 county government, The cluster analysis method and Floyd algorithm have been employed to achieve minimization of all paths to get the Shanghai agricultural product logistics distribution center alternatives. Combined with the Fuzzy AHP, a comprehensive analysis of Shanghai agricultural products logistics distribution center alternatives is performed. Thus, the result shows Zhenru Town in Putuo district is the most suitable site for establishing the Shanghai agricultural products logistics distribution center, improving the development of the agricultural products logistics, the urban environment and the living standards of residents in Shanghai. Keywordsagricultural products logistics; cluster analysis; Floyd's algorithm; Fuzzy AHP; location.

Stock market distributing type simulating method based on Multi-Agent

Abstract: The invention relates to the distributing type simulating technology, and provides a stock market simulating method in the distributing type environment and based on the Multi-Agent thought. According to the simulating method, simulating method module composition, a simulating scheduling and synchronization strategy, a simulation communication strategy and trade center running logics and main Agent running logics are included in the simulating method. The method is special for stock market simulating and has usability, high concurrency and running stability. According to the technical scheme, the stock market simulating method based on the Multi-Agent comprises a trade center, a message distribution center and a main Agent, wherein the trade center is independently deployed in one node, the message distribution center is independently deployed in one node, the Agents are evenly deployed in the remaining nodes, and the method is mainly applied to distributing type simulation.

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) based supply chain management (SCM) tracking system

Abstract: The invention relates to an RFID-based SCM tracking system, belonging to the field of logistics management. The tracking system collects information of a tracked object and tracks the object in the running process among a retailer, a storage center and a distribution center. The tracking system comprises an RFID tag, an RFID reader, a central system, a retailer system, a storage center system and a distribution center system, wherein the central system receives information sent by the RFID reader; the information is combined with a order request sent by the retailer system, a distribution plan sent by the storage center and execution information sent by the distribution center system to obtain the tracking information of the tracked object by calculation and analysis; and the tracking information is sent to the retailer system, the storage center system and the distribution center system via the network.

Evaluating cost-to-serve for a retail supply chain

Abstract: Driven by decreasing inventory storage space in stores and a corresponding need to increase delivery frequency, a major retailer is considering adding cross dock nodes, between distribution centers and stores, to its supply chain network. Currently, distribution centers serve stores directly. The retailer would like to understand if introducing an additional node allows for cost-effectively increasing delivery frequency. In the proposed scenario, the additional node would receive products from both the distribution center and upstream suppliers to serve the stores. Implemented as a discrete-event simulation, this cost-to-serve model compares the scenarios by applying costs to simulated logistics events and resource levels. Results suggest introducing new nodes is cost neutral, even considering the reduced transportation costs.