Dimitris Folinas

Traceability data management for food chains

Purpose – The main objectives of the paper are to identify the needs in data that are considered as fundamental for the efficient food traceability and to introduce a generic framework (architecture) of traceability data management that will act as guideline for all entities/food business operators involved.Design/methodology/approach – The traceability system introduced is based on the implementation of XML (eXtensible Markup Language) technology. In the first stage, the necessary traceability data are identified and categorized. In the second stage, the selected data are transformed and inserted into a five‐element generic framework/model, using PML (Physical Markup Language), which is a standard technology of XML.Findings – The assessment of information communication and diffusion underlines that the particular model is simple in use and user‐friendly, by enabling information flow through conventional technologies.Practical implications – The main feature of this framework is the simplicity in use and ...

Virtual e-Chain (VeC) model for supply chain collaboration

Abstract In a virtual network, independent companies are working together based on shared values and a common goal of doing business to jointly exploit a particular business opportunity. Specifying each partners business model, their organizational and technical coordination, and the appropriate criteria for agreements between them can solve the problem of combining the different competences of the partners. A Virtual e-Chain model, presenting a supply chain collaboration framework in a virtual environment, is developed for the classification of the roles of partners, the identification of key capabilities to structure each collaborative relationship, and the evaluation of the partners’ readiness to collaborate.

E-volution of a supply chain: cases and best practices

Supply chain management (SCM) is an integrating philosophy to manage the total flow of materials, information and finance from supplier to ultimate customer. The goal of SCM is to meet the needs of the final consumer by supplying the right product at the right place, time and price. Companies use SCM as a way to meet the competitive challenges of todays business environment. The focus of SCM has shifted from engineering efficient functional processes to the co‐ordination of activities in a supply chain network. The aim of this paper is to examine the stages in the evolution of the supply chain to an electronic supply chain. To illustrate and support the types of evolutionary progress involved, best practices and case studies are provided and analysed.

A conceptual framework for business intelligence based on activities monitoring systems

Most enterprises have spent an enormous amount of money and time, managing information about their business elements. Such information is often scattered in disparate legacy, operational and enterprise information systems, appointing the aggregation of valuable information and decision-making support quite difficult. Business Intelligence (BI) and their associated processes and tools are helping enterprises to solve this problem. This paper presents the principles and challenges of BI domain and evaluates its current approaches. The limitations of the above approaches will provide the basis for the design and development of a framework that pursues real time insight to business information, as well as, instantaneous awareness and appropriate response to critical business events across the entire enterprise. The proposed framework is based on Business Activity Monitoring (BAM) systems paradigm and attempts to create a unified enterprise-reporting environment. It was applied in a large Northern Greek manufacturing company in the last six months.

Partners relationship management of e‐logistics networks

The establishment of an integrated Partner Relationship Management (PRM) system can potentially address several aspects of channel collaboration in a digital environment and offers a wide range of benefits to the members of the logistics networks. In this paper, a logistics partnerships typology is suggested related to the channel management in a virtual environment. Fur ther more, the basic components and an architectural platform of an integrated E‐Logistics PRM solution are designed. The proposed integrated e‐Logistics PRM solution offers a systematic process for ensuring that specific partnerships criteria are developed and managed in the most beneficial way.

In-field logistics processes management based on business activities monitoring systems paradigm

The objective of this paper is to propose a generic architecture framework for an activities monitoring system capable of providing real-time access to critical data and performance indicators for agricultural field operations. It is based on an innovative enhancement of the Business Activity Monitoring (BAM) systems used mainly in the industrial context. The proposed framework architecture has been tested with a specific and real-life harvesting example case. The premise is that agricultural field logistics operations are viewed as a challenging application and development target for emerging and innovative decision-support systems.

Establishing an integrated virtual logistics network

As organisations confront a dynamic global environment, they are increasingly forced to create virtual networks so as to remain competitive. These networks focus on joint performance, joint development of strategic objectives and commitment to share risks. As a result, they need to exchange information automatically with their trading partners and suppliers and to integrate their logistics systems. In this paper, a methodology is suggested illustrating the steps for integrating logistics information and processes among members of a virtual network. A software application is further developed based on the proposed steps supporting specific tasks, for the collaboration of partners exchanges and processes, in order to enable effective partnerships in a virtual environment. The proposed platform endows companies with a real and innovative web-based solution for improving their interoperability. The demonstration of the platform and the evaluation of the software have been applied by a pilot project in the agribusiness sector.

The Supply Chain Perspective of eBusiness Evolution

Companies regard supply chain as a medium for achieving short-term economic benefits and gaining long-term competitive advantages. It comprises the recognized discipline for shortening cycle times, transforming purchasing from a tactical operation to strategic sourcing, reducing inventories, and decreasing logistics costs. Furthermore, it streamlines communication processes across a total network, from initial supplies to final consumption and post-sale customer service. Specialized human power, appropriate and integrated processes and new technologies are the supply chain’ s pivots. The focus of supply chain management has shifted from engineering efficient functional processes to the coordination of activities in a supply chain network through knowledge management. In this paper e-business and supply chain transformation interdependency is examined through a four-stage approach. A supply chain grid is developed and specific key elements are classified providing a useful roadmap for the planning and/or evaluation of supply chain transformation levels in practice.

Design and development of an e-platform for supporting liquid food supply chain monitoring and traceability

In this paper, the deliverables of a research project are presented, which aims at the development of a webbased platform capable of supporting the traceability of liquid products like milk, wine and olive oil. First, it includes the design of a supply chain reference model and the identification of the data required for the efficient operation of the traceability system. The main elements of the proposed model defined in this paper are the entities, stages, events, and processes. The reference model consists of three distinct phases that represent stages of real-life supply chains. Each of these phases is defined by certain interactions between the above basic elements. Additionally, the proposed e-platform is based on the above reference model aiming to follow and register the production and distribution processes of the raw materials, semi-finals, and final products that are used in the examined industry.

Virtual Pre-Incubator: a new entrepreneurship approach

This paper presents and analyses the Virtual Pre-Incubator approach. In brief, Virtual Incubation can act as a stepping stone for potential pre-incubator and incubator clients. On the basis of the above-mentioned approach, a pilot project is established with the purpose of providing an environment where all would-be entrepreneurs, with a feasible business idea will be involved in a learning process that would help them to acquire the tools and skills required to implement their ideas for a successful start-up.