Paul Buijs

Synchronization in cross-docking networks : A research classification and framework

Cross-docking is a distribution strategy that enables the consolidation of less-than-truckload shipments into full truckloads without long-term storage. Due to the absence of a storage buffer inside a cross-dock, local and network-wide cross-docking operations need to be carefully synchronized. This paper proposes a framework specifying the interdependencies between different cross-docking problem aspects with the aim to support future research in developing decision models with practical and scientific relevance. The paper also presents a new general classification scheme for cross-docking research based on the inputs and outputs for each problem aspect. After classifying the existing cross-docking research, we conclude that the overwhelming majority of papers fail to consider the synchronization of local and network-wide cross-docking operations. Lastly, to highlight the importance of synchronization in cross-docking networks, two real-life illustrative problems are described that are not yet addressed in the literature.

Invited ReviewSynchronization in cross-docking networks: A research classification and framework

Cross-docking is a distribution strategy that enables the consolidation of less-than-truckload shipments into full truckloads without long-term storage. Due to the absence of a storage buffer inside a cross-dock, local and network-wide cross-docking operations need to be carefully synchronized. This paper proposes a framework specifying the interdependencies between different cross-docking problem aspects with the aim to support future research in developing decision models with practical and scientific relevance. The paper also presents a new general classification scheme for cross-docking research based on the inputs and outputs for each problem aspect. After classifying the existing cross-docking research, we conclude that the overwhelming majority of papers fail to consider the synchronization of local and network-wide cross-docking operations. Lastly, to highlight the importance of synchronization in cross-docking networks, two real-life illustrative problems are described that are not yet addressed in the literature.

Joint operational decision-making in collaborative transportation networks: the role of IT

Purpose – This paper addresses horizontal supply chain collaboration among autonomous freight carriers in the less-than-truckload industry. The main purpose of the paper is to identify and explain the challenges with joint operational decision-making in this context and investigate the precise role of information technology (IT) therein. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence is gathered by means of exploratory and explanatory case research, with multiple cases at the planning departments of European freight carriers operating in collaborative transportation networks. Findings – Collaborating carriers face fundamental challenges in joint operational planning and control of collaborative transportation, despite the broad availability of state-of-the-art IT. These operational supply chain challenges can be explained by technological differences of the available IT applications, which hinder integration. Research limitations/implications – Any expectations with regard to state-of-the-art XML or EDI...

Intelligent products for enhancing the utilization of tracking technology in transportation

Purpose – Many transportation companies struggle to effectively utilize the information provided by tracking technology for performing operational control. The research as presented in this paper aims to identify the problems underlying the inability to utilize tracking technology within this context. Moreover, this paper aims to contribute to solving these problems by proposing a set of design principles based on the concept of intelligent products. Design/methodology/approach – The study as described in this paper adopts a design science research methodology consisting of three phases. First, a case study in a transportation company has been performed to identify the problems faced when utilizing tracking technology. Second, to overcome these problems, a set of design principles has been formulated. Finally, a prototype system based on the design principles has been developed and subjected to experimental and observational evaluation. Findings – This paper identifies the problems associated with the uti...

Improved Collaborative Transport Planning at Dutch Logistics Service Provider Fritom

We study the collaborative transport planning for two autonomous business units of Fritom, a Dutch logistics service provider. This difficult planning problem does not fit any existing type of vehicle routing problem proposed in the academic literature; therefore, we define a new problem class, the generalized pickup and delivery problem. We also propose and evaluate methods to structure and improve Fritom’s existing collaborative transport planning process. Using an extensive real-world data set from Fritom, our experiments show that our proposed methods significantly outperform Fritom’s collaborative planning approach in total travel distance. We formulate managerial recommendations for Fritom and describe the implementation process for these recommendations. Finally, we present several recommendations for future research.

Supply Chain Integration for Sustainability Faces Sustaining ICT Problems

This paper is concerned with the role of supply chain management in sustainable operations. It argues that sustainability requires increased supply chain co-ordination using ICT for product life cycle management. Accordingly, the paper researches integration problems in supply chains due to ICT. It addresses the question, why operational decisions are often not based on integrated information in supply chains. It argues that several current information/ communication technologies are essentially heterogeneous. Therefore, it is not easy to integrate these. The paper distinguishes (1) transactional systems (2) real-time monitoring/control systems (3) decision support systems (4) human communication (text, audio, video). Integration problems should be studied by analysing the underlying characteristics of the technology.

Situation Awareness for Improved Operational Control in Cross Docks: An Illustrative Case Study

This paper presents research in progress aimed at developing a conceptual framework for operational control at cross docks. The proposed framework contributes to cross docking literature by including situation awareness as an important concept of operational control. The implications of the proposed conceptual framework are explored in an illustrative case study. That case study reveals that despite the availability of real-time and detailed information about the on-going operations, the ability to perform operational control is hampered by a lack of situation awareness. Therefore, this paper intends to start a debate about situation awareness in the academic cross docking community. This debate should focus on how to exploit the available information for providing the decision makers with the situation awareness necessary to perform effective operational control.

Inventory and transportation sharing in retail supply chains

In grocery retail supply chains, a single retailer with a large market share is delivered by many suppliers. For replenishment decisions the retailer (or the supplier in case of Vendor Managed Inventory) has to make a tradeoff between keeping more inventory or using a higher replenishment frequency. In models studying this tradeoff inventory and transportation capacities are often fixed and costs are modeled linear. However, when looking from the retailers large network, opportunities for both transport and inventory sharing capacity arise, indicating that fixed capacity constraints or fixed costs are not fully realistic. In this study we simulate the impact of sharing transport and inventory capacity in a dynamic situation and show how they can be used to reduce costs and improve supply chain performance.