Wang-Tsang Lee

The design and evaluation of a supply chain logistic hub for automobile and parts distribution

Enterprises in Taiwan are facing global competition which requires enterprises to implement sound business models and maintain effective operational processes. The most pressing need is to develop global logistic processes and models that satisfy rapidly changing business and operational objectives. This research studies how the automotive industry in Taiwan has adopted its logistic hubs to improve international business operations and objectives. In the first phase of the study, Taiwan automotive firms were surveyed and their current (as-is) logistic models were derived. In the second phase, based on the industry characteristics and the company’s global strategy, the improved (to-be) logistic processes were derived. Further, a case of Taiwan automobile manufacturers is used to apply and demonstrate the to-be logistic models and evaluate the performance of the proposed models. The resulting framework for a global logistic hub is designed to improve the operations of automotive companies with respect to time and cost, as well as to ensure information sharing among automotive supply chain partners.

SETZ logistics models and system framework for manufacturing and exporting large engineering assets

Given the dynamic and increasingly competitive nature of international commerce, manufacturing companies must plan global logistics operations for sustainable competitive advantage. Many enterprises build collaborative manufacturing networks across multinational regions to reduce production costs and gain access to new and often unfamiliar markets. Recognizing the strategic importance of globalization, government agencies are developing Special Economic Trade Zones (SETZ). These zones are regulated industrial districts which encourage manufacturing by offering incentives such as new logistic designs linked with the latest information technologies. The objective of this paper is to analyze and design SETZ logistics hub models and system framework for linking manufacturers. By defining the characteristics of the different types of specialized trade zones, and briefly discussing the older types of trade models that are no longer competitive, this research uses the case of a Taiwan power transformer manufacturer to analyze the supply chain logistics processes for manufacturing and exporting large engineering assets within a SETZ. The logistics models and information system framework developed provide a general reference for other governments, companies, and industrial sectors that intend to design export-oriented industrial parks incorporating IT-centric and globally oriented SETZ techniques.

Using System Dynamics Analysis for Performance Evaluation of IoT Enabled One-Stop Logistic Services

This research focuses on a methodology applying Internet of Things (IoT) technology and enabling the material procurement process improvement of a manufacturer. The one stop logistic service provider (1SLP) is an integrator that assembles the resources, capabilities, and technologies of supply chain networks to design and implement comprehensive logistic service solutions. This research develops the IoT enabled 1SLP process framework and uses a case example to demonstrate the improved process with a system dynamic (SD) assessment. The current material procurement process of the case requires excessive operation times and the related data do not integrate with the supply chain related information. The 1SLP offers to-be (improved) logistics support incorporating IoT to shorten the operational time and enhance the information flow accurately and transparently. For the SD assessment, the results show that the to-be model improves the IoT process efficiency with the IoT when benchmarked with the as-is current processes.

The implementation of global logistic services using one-stop logistics management

Manufacturing industries are adjusting their operations and strategies to gain sustainable competitive advantage. Many enterprises regard logistics as the core competency of their corporate strategy. Global logistic service companies often report limitations and challenges to supply chain integration including decreased transportation efficiency, diminished information transparency, and reduced material, information and cash flows. In this research, the concept of one-stop logistic services is defined and developed to provide enterprises with improved, integrated, and comprehensive services. A multi-view process modeling approach is applied to construct the model and identify potential bottlenecks with existing logistics processes. The one-stop logistic management model is defined as a to-be improved logistic service framework with functions to enhance the flow of materials, products, information, and cash transactions for integrated supply chains.

Global logistic management for overseas production using a bulk purchase 4PL model

In order to improve the quality of the components supplied by key suppliers and delivered to the final assembly sites overseas efficiently and timely, a new logistics business model and assessment analysis are proposed using services provided by fourth-party logistics (4PL) companies. In the research, a Petri Net process modeling approach is adopted to construct the model and identify the current bottlenecks discovered in the as-is (existing) logistic processes. According to the benefits of the proposed e-logistics information system and its to-be process improvement, total operating time and total operating costs can be reduced 41% and 21% respectively. The global logistics information platform is built to enhance the logistics management efficiency of manufacturers with multinational operations for improving their global competitiveness.

Analysis and design of a supply chain logistics hub for after market automotive parts distribution

Developing global logistics strategies has become essential for ensuring enterprise profitability. As a case in point, the Taiwan automobile manufacturing industry is improving logistics operations and enhancing product traceability using integrated distribution hubs. After-Market Services (AMS) are critical for automobile part suppliers since they are required to satisfy their clients while providing on-time deliveries that are traceable on route. Offering these parts and services requires re-engineering the enterprise and integrating the processes with information systems located across the channel and around the world. This research depicts the current AMS logistics and management processes for an automobile lamp and components manufacturer. The case studies the current logistic process (e.g., shipment tracking, inventory management and order processing) and depicts the underlying business processes using Petri net diagrams. After using simulation to study bottlenecks, repetitive processes, and areas of operation that waste time and money, a to-be model is developed. The goal of the to-be model is to apply information technology to exchange and share information among supply chain participants. In order to benchmark the design of the to-be logistics model, the simulation is run and compared to the current operations. Although the research does not attempt to optimize the model, simulation runs on the to-be model are repeated until an improved solution is achieved that satisfies the manufacturerpsilas goals. The results show that an information technology based logistic hub increases logistics efficiency and better enables the manufacturer to increase profits.

The analysis of logistics model in Special Economic and Trade Zones for manufacturing and exporting large engineering assets

The purpose of this study is to analyze and plan the logistics model for Special Economic and Trade Zones (SETZ). Firstly, the orientation and the characteristics of the different types of domestic special zone is compiled. The preferential laws of international SETZ are then summarized, with a discussion regarding the supplementary measure when setting the SETZ in order to encourage Taiwanese entrepreneurial investment or to improve foreign companies setting up headquarters in Taiwan. Lastly, the logistics model for SETZs characteristics is planned. This study takes the manufacturing and the export of large-scale engineering assets as an example, analyzing the supply chains status of large equipment. Afterwards, according to the case companys business strategy and demand in the future, plans the operation model as a foundation and a basis of building the SETZ when the case company entering and being stationed in SETZ.