Florian Kellner

Integrating three-dimensional sustainability in distribution centre selection: the process analysis method-based analytic network process

In this paper, we propose a combined methodology for the selection of distribution centres (DCs) by integrating and balancing economic, environmental and social sustainability aspects. The analytic network process (ANP) permits to systematically evaluate possible DCs on the basis of a situation-specific decision structure. A systematic development of the decision networks, which is one of the core challenges using the ANP, is supported by the process analysis method which we extend for that purpose. The validity and soundness of the proposed framework are demonstrated by means of a case study. The case study results reveal that omitting aspects of sustainability can lead to unfortunate results.

Estimating the effect of changing retailing structures on the greenhouse gas performance of FMCG distribution networks

The assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of supply chain activities is performed to create transparency across the supply chain and to identify emission-cutting opportunities. Literature provides several generic and case study approaches to estimate GHG emissions. But research often focuses on products. This paper sheds light on how the greenhouse performance of a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution network depends on several (FMCG specific) variables to set up a “CO2 network footprint”. Within a quantitative computational study, the distribution network footprint of an existing FMCG manufacturer is analyzed. Three options being fundamentally able to reduce total GHG emissions are identified: number of distribution centers, performance of the engaged logistics service provider and shipment structure. First, transportation processes for the investigated FMCG manufacturer are analyzed to derive GHG emissions caused by different distribution shipments. Second, initial data are manipulated to simulate variable changes, that is, different logistics structures. Third, results are reported and analyzed to show up how different changes in logistics structures may reduce GHG, without technological propulsion or use of regenerative energy.

Integrating sustainability into strategic supplier portfolio selection

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive methodology and a problem-specific model for the configuration of the optimal strategic supplier portfolio in terms of traditional, performance-related objectives and sustainability targets. Design/methodology/approach – To bridge the research gap, i.e., to align strategic supplier portfolio selection with corporate sustainability targets, a hybrid model of the analytic network process (ANP) and goal programming (GP) is developed. To validate the model, a case example is presented and managerial feedback is collected. Findings – By enabling the integration of sustainability targets into strategic supplier portfolio configuration, the hybrid ANP-GP model contributes to research in the area of sustainable supply chain management. Results indicate that simplifying the model by omitting one or more details may lead to unfortunate actions. Research limitations/implications – The model has been applied using a case example in the automotive indus...

Insights into the effect of traffic congestion on distribution network characteristics – a numerical analysis based on navigation service data

This research studies effects that the average increase in travel times due to road traffic congestion has on characteristics of an existing distribution network. It presents the most detailed estimate of ‘on-the-road’ effects on distribution network characteristics up to now, from the network modelling perspective and from the processed data point of view. A concrete network model allowing for the representation of all relevant transportation flows is presented. The processed traffic information relies on navigation service data. The use of such data allows the requirements that arise for the traffic analysis of a whole distribution network to be met. It is shown that this data source may considerably contribute in forthcoming research. The effects of traffic congestion are quantified to get insights into the extent to which regular traffic congestion affects distribution network characteristics and to understand the mitigating effect when the number of distribution centres is increased.

Understanding the robustness of optimal FMCG distribution networks

Distribution network design is about recommending long-term network structures in an environment where logistic variables like transportation costs or retailer order sizes dynamically change over time. The challenge for management is to recommend an optimal network configuration that will allow for longer term optimal results despite of environmental turbulences. This paper studies the robustness of cost-optimized FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) distribution networks. It aims at observing the impact of changing variables/conditions on optimized logistic structures in terms of the optimal number and geographical locations of existing distribution centers. Five variables have been identified as relevant to the network structure. A case study approach is applied to study the robustness of an existing, typical, and optimized FMCG network. First, distribution network data of a German manufacturer of FMCG are recorded and analyzed. A quantitative model is set up to reflect the actual cost structure. Second, a cost optimal network configuration is determined as a benchmark for further analysis. Third, the variables investigated are altered to represent changes, both isolated (ceteris paribus) and in combination (scenario analysis). Each one of the variables investigated proves to be fundamentally able to suggest a change of the optimal network structure. However, the scenario analysis indicates that the expected changes will by and large compensate each other, leaving the network in near optimal condition over an extended period of time.

Webbasierte Fertigungssteuerung in der Praxis. Produktivitätssteigerungen mit dem Manufacturing-Execution-System MR-CM©

ZusammenfassungenManufacturing-Execution-Systeme (MES) werden in der Fertigungsindustrie dazu eingesetzt, einen durchgehenden Informationsfluss zwischen den an der Fertigung beteiligten Systemen herzustellen. Von der Vernetzung aller an der Produktion beteiligten Systeme wird dabei eine gesteigerte Produktivität auf Shop-Floor-Ebene erwartet. Beim Durchlauf des beispielhaft gezeigten Fertigungsauftrages wurden durch den Einsatz von MR-CM©, einem von der Maschinen-fabrik Reinhausen entwickelten und implemen-tierten MES, bereits einige Produktivitätspotenziale im Vergleich mit der konventionellen Abwicklung ohne Einsatz des MES deutlich. Diese resultieren im Wesentlichen aus der Eliminierung von nicht wertschöpfenden Schnittstellenproblemen zwischen den an der Auftragsdurchführung beteiligten Maschinen. Die erzielten Produktivitätszuwächse bestehen im Kern aus einer Verkürzung der Maschinenrüstzeiten, was zu einer Reduktion der Produktionskosten und einer Zunahme der Produktionsflexibilität führt und zu einer Reduzierung der Werkzeugbestände sowie der damit verbundenen Kapitalbindungskosten.

The role of IT in automotive supplier supply chains

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of information technology (IT) on supply chain performance in the automotive industry. Prior studies that analyzed the impact of IT on supply chain performance report results representing the situation of the “average industry.” This research focuses on the automotive industry because of its major importance in many national economies and due to the fact that automotive supply chains do not represent the supply chain of the average industry. Design/methodology/approach A research model is proposed to examine the relationships between IT capabilities, supply chain capabilities, and supplier performance. The model divides IT capabilities into functional and data capabilities, and supply chain capabilities into internal process excellence and information sharing. Data have been collected from 343 automotive first-tier suppliers. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares is used to analyze the data. Findings The results suggest that functional capabilities have the greatest impact on internal process excellence, which in turn enhances supplier performance. However, frequent and adequate information sharing also contributes significantly to supplier performance. Data capabilities enable supply chain capabilities through their positive impact on functional capabilities. Practical implications The findings will help managers to understand the effect of IT implementation on company performance and to decide whether to invest in the expansion of IT capacities. Originality/value This research reports the impact of IT on supply chain performance in one of the most important industries in many industrialized countries, and it provides a new perspective on evaluating the contribution of IT on firm performance.

Produktionsplanung: Lineare Programmierung

Im Rahmen der Produktionsplanung und -steuerung konnen mithilfe der Linearen Programmierung mehrere Planungsaufgaben unterstutzt werden. In diesem Kapitel wird die Formulierung und Losung lineare Optimierungsprobleme thematisiert. Im Detail werden die graphische Losung, die Anwendung des Simplex-Algorithmus sowie die Auswertung von Antwort- und Sensitivitatsberichten aus Standard-Software-Paketen geubt.

Das Konzept Industrie 4.0

Die These der Industrie 4.0 besteht darin, dass durch die Steigerung des Grades an Digitalisierung, Automatisierung sowie Vernetzung aller an der Wertschopfung beteiligten Akteure die Komplexitat der Aufgabe, flexible und stuckkostenstabile Produktionssysteme zu gestalten, bewaltigt werden kann. Ein Unternehmen der Industrie 4.0 erzeugt in seinem Produktionssystem ein hoch verdichtetes Informationsnetz, das es zur Planung und Durchfuhrung der Produktion sinnvoll auswertet. Industrie 4.0 ist kein „Rechenthema“ – sinnvoller ist es, sich auf konzeptioneller Ebene mit Industrie 4.0 und ihren betriebswirtschaftlichen Implikationen zu beschaftigen. Daher werden in diesem Kapitel drei fiktive Text-Fallstudien gegeben, die anhand einer Reihe von Aufgabenstellungen analysiert werden sollen. Diese Fallstudien beschreiben unterschiedliche Unternehmen und wie diese Technologien und Methoden der Industrie 4.0 einsetzen.

An a posteriori decision support methodology for solving the multi-criteria supplier selection problem

This research presents a novel, state-of-the-art methodology for solving a multi-criteria supplier selection problem considering risk and sustainability. It combines multi-objective optimization with the analytic network process to take into account sustainability requirements of a supplier portfolio configuration. To integrate ‘risk’ into the supplier selection problem, we develop a multi-objective optimization model based on the investment portfolio theory introduced by Markowitz. The proposed model is a non-standard portfolio selection problem with four objectives: (1) minimizing the purchasing costs, (2) selecting the supplier portfolio with the highest logistics service, (3) minimizing the supply risk, and (4) ordering as much as possible from those suppliers with outstanding sustainability performance. The optimization model, which has three linear and one quadratic objective function, is solved by an algorithm that analytically computes a set of efficient solutions and provides graphical decision support through a visualization of the complete and exactly-computed Pareto front (a posteriori approach). The possibility of computing all Pareto-optimal supplier portfolios is beneficial for decision makers as they can compare all optimal solutions at once, identify the trade-offs between the criteria, and study how the different objectives of supplier portfolio configuration may be balanced to finally choose the composition that satisfies the purchasing companys strategy best. The approach has been applied to a real-world supplier portfolio configuration case to demonstrate its applicability and to analyze how the consideration of sustainability requirements may affect the traditional supplier selection and purchasing goals in a real-life setting.