Annelies De Meyer

A generic mathematical model to optimise strategic and tactical decisions in biomass-based supply chains (OPTIMASS)

High logistics and handling costs prevent the bioenergy industry from making a greater contribution to the present energy market. Therefore, a mathematical model, OPTIMASS, is presented to optimise strategic (e.g. facility location and type) and tactical (e.g. allocation) decisions in all kinds of biomass-based supply chains. In addition to existing models, OPTIMASS evaluates changes in biomass characteristics due to handling operations which is needed to meet the requirements set to biomass products delivered at a conversion facility. Also, OPTIMASS considers the re-injection of by-products from conversion facilities which can play a decisive role in the determination of a sustainable supply chain.

A reference data model to support biomass supply chain modelling and optimisation

Abstract This paper presents a generic and flexible reference data model meant as the blueprint of the database component of information and decision support systems related to different types of biomass-based supply chains (e.g. first to fourth generation biomass for production of bioenergy and biomaterials). The data model covers the biomass types and handling operations as characterised by their attributes and mutual relationships resulting from a life cycle inventory analysis. The data model enables the identification of the possible operation sequences in the specified chain. This functionality is demonstrated in a case study in which biomass from tall herb communities and mesotrophic grasslands is supplied for biogas or compost production. A comparative analysis has pointed out that the data model includes the required object types to add specific attributes of biomass supply chain simulation and optimisation models (such as spatial and temporal dimensions).

Digital Technologies for Forest Supply Chain Optimization: Existing Solutions and Future Trends

The role of digital technologies for fostering sustainability and efficiency in forest-based supply chains is well acknowledged and motivated several studies in the scope of precision forestry. Sensor technologies can collect relevant data in forest-based supply chains, comprising all activities from within forests and the production of the woody raw material to its transformation into marketable forest-based products. Advanced planning systems can help to support decisions of the various entities in the supply chain, e.g., forest owners, harvest companies, haulage companies, and forest product processing industry. Such tools can help to deal with the complex interdependencies between different entities, often with opposing objectives and actions—which may increase efficiency of forest-based supply chains. This paper analyzes contemporary literature dealing with digital technologies in forest-based supply chains and summarizes the state-of-the-art digital technologies for real-time data collection on forests, product flows, and forest operations, as well as planning systems and other decision support systems in use by supply chain actors. Higher sustainability and efficiency of forest-based supply chains require a seamless information flow to foster integrated planning of the activities over the supply chain—thereby facilitating seamless data exchange between the supply chain entities and foster new forms of collaboration. Therefore, this paper deals with data exchange and multi-entity collaboration aspects in combination with interoperability challenges related with the integration among multiple process data collection tools and advanced planning systems. Finally, this interdisciplinary review leads to the discussion of relevant guidelines that can guide future research and integration projects in this domain.