Rosa Micale

Simulation analysis of cold chain performance based on time–temperature data

Perishable goods are a fundamental source of revenue for the retail sector; their management, however, constitutes a severe challenge for retailers and supply chain partners. A significant cost in particular is the fraction of products perished through the supply chain, which also constitutes an ethical and environmental concern. Supply chain organisation and operative characteristics have a significant influence on this matter, as in fact ensuring suitable temperature conditions for the stock-keeping units throughout the supply chain is mandatory for perishable products. Recent developments in sensing and communication technologies allow detailed monitoring and control of cold chain; however, depending on the characteristics of the supply chain, an inherent risk of perished products is often inevitable, even in the hypothesis of perfect control. This article proposes a methodology to evaluate the performance of a cold chain in terms of expected product quality at the retail store, and to estimate the expected fraction of perished products, according to the supply chain configuration. The approach is based on Monte Carlo simulation, and implements referenced shelf-life models. A real application is also presented, involving a preliminary analysis and mapping of the supply chain activities based on time–temperature data, in order to demonstrate the practicability of the approach proposed.

Multi-Criteria Decision Making support system for pancreatic islet transplantation

Pancreatic islet transplantation consists of replacing insulin-producing cells to restore normal glycemia in diabetic patients. This is a minimal invasive procedure that has been proved successful. Unfortunately unpredictability of islet transplant outcome remains a frustrating and costly issue limiting the clinical implementation of this procedure. Multiple variables are involved in the procedure and assessment is subjective to individual operators. The aim of this study was to generate a system expressing the probability of transplant success in relation to four classes of identified variables (donor, organ, isolation and recipient). We have proposed the utilization of Multi-Criteria Decision Making methods (MCDM) as a powerful tool for evaluating pancreatic islet transplant-related information with the goal to achieve optimal decision. Technique Ordered Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), one of the most widely used MCDM methods in decision support systems, was here utilized with modification to fit better in a medical system. In our modified method, we have utilized fuzzy logic in order to consider uncertain and vague data.

A webGIS-based system for real time shelf life prediction

Technologies to acquire and monitor changes in the product shelf life were described.Four different SL predictive models were considered.A simulated transport using a prototype of Smart Logistic Unit was analysed.Real time shelf life prediction system was implemented in a webGIS platform. Shelf-life (SL) prediction and Least Shelf-life First Out (LSFO) stock strategy are important factors in perishable food supply chain in order to reduce quality and economic losses.In particular, distribution represents one of the main critical phases in logistic chain management and only the introduction of monitoring procedure can allow a reduction in food losses. Literature shows several mathematical models for analysing the changes in food quality using environmental/product parameters. However, these models can be very useful decision support tools only if the abovementioned parameters can be processed in real time.This paper focuses on technologies and applications to acquire and monitor changes in product shelf life using different SL predictive models. The paper includes a case study on a simulated transportation of strawberries, using a prototype of Smart Logistic Unit equipped with a GPS module for real time positioning of the truck, a 3G connection as communication system for remote quality supervision, and a shelf life prediction algorithm based on four different models and implemented on a webGIS platform.

Facility Management, Outsourcing and Contracting Overview

The discipline of facility management has basically originated from the experience of the field and most of the business models are driven from the American market. The majority of surveys agree that organizational objectives vary according to different business environments. The link between a given company and its facility management department has been studied in details with a widespread agreement on the importance of tailoring to the specific context the facility management organizational model and the approach to the relationships with suppliers. In Europe two Technical Committees of the Comite Europeen de Normalisation (CEN) are currently adding to the body of knowledge terminologies, guidance to prepare agreements, control systems for maintenance management and directions of development. On the basis of findings coming from both the literature and the standardization state of the art, the framework reported here has been focused on the multi-service result-oriented approach. The standpoint if the framework is in the early recognition that the main problem in the field implementations of result-oriented approaches lies in determining whether the expected results have been achieved or not; then, given that two key tools are available, i.e. the service level agreement and the reporting system, the framework suggests a new organizational and managerial structure, even simpler than the traditional (i.e. not integrated) one and whose kernel is based on the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) approach early introduced by six-sigma.

Predictive shelf life model based on RF technology for improving the management of food supply chain: A case study

The aim of this paper was the development of a Smart Logistic Unit (SLU) based on RF technology to support the management of the food supply chain, in order to guarantee the shelf life of products in agreement with logistic efficiency and system sustainability. For this purpose, the main parameters that influence the quality of perishable products were determined and a shelf life equation based on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) was modelled. The levels of VOCs were gathered by the sensors allocated inside the SLU, which configures as the remote element of a system for identification and data transmission. The proposed model was then validated through an experimental test, simulating the real life transport conditions.

Preliminary analysis of warehouse localization systems based on RFID technology

In the industrial warehouse design domain, todays computerized information systems have gained a relevant interest due to the issues related to asset tracking and traceability. In such context, the employment of new information technologies on warehouse management systems has opened new business opportunities due to the sensible price reduction in the last years. This paper focuses on the technical issues related to the realization of wireless localization systems for warehouses, which are necessary for the implementation of random allocation policies, and in particular investigates the opportunities offered by RFID technology in such context. The enforcement of random allocation policies allows to increase the utilization coefficient of warehouses which is a critical issue, for example in refrigerated warehouses for perishable products. In particular, the development of localization systems based on trilateration is here considered, and an experimental model which links the received signal strength to the reading distance has been determined in order to take into account the specific features of the technology employed. A methodology is hence proposed to overcome the simplifying assumptions theoretical attenuation models rely on, by fitting a mathematical model on experimental observations. The problem of the accuracy level required to locate Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) of fixed dimensions is also considered, resulting in the evaluation of the maximum allowed reading distance. On the basis of the obtained results, the optimal configuration of the fixed infrastructure in terms of the number of antennas and their position is finally defined.

Distribution of biomass and site location of combustion and gasification power plants in western Sicily

The substitution of conventional fossil fuels with biomass for energy production results both in the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions and in the replacement of non-renewable energy sources. The use of biomass for energy production responds to the growing pressure of government policies towards the achievement of better environmental sustainability of power generation processes. This is particularly true for the agricultural areas of Sicily, where the realization of new economic dynamics can lead to development of a local economic system. However, at present, generating energy from biomass is rather expensive due to both technological limits related to low conversion efficiencies, and logistic costs. In particular, the logistics of biomass fuel supply is complex due to the limited period of availability and the scattered geographical distribution over the territory. The conversion of biomass to energy can be achieved using different production processes. In this paper, after an initial estimation of the energetic potential in the territory of Trapani, the size and the location of a biomass plant for direct production of electric energy by means of combustion and gasification conversion processes, has been investigated. GIS data of biomass growing was used to locate the appropriate sites and sizes of the power plants. Finally, the economical feasibility of biomass utilization has been evaluated over a capacity range from 10 to 30 M, taking into account total capital investments, revenues from energy sale and total operating costs. Moreover, the effect of main variable such as vehicle transport and biomass costs has been analyzed.