One of the most important concerns of reverse logistics network design is to locate interacting facilities in an efficient and cost effective manner, which forms a typical hierarchical system with multiple layer configuration. Considering the hierarchical relationship and flow of waste among the different facility types, both single-flow pattern and multi-flow pattern are discussed in this pape...

Reverse Logistics and the management of returned or used merchandise is a growing problem among manufacturers today. In this study we begin by presenting the nature and magnitude of the reverse logistics problem in the industry and a literature survey of the previous research in this area. Reverse Logistics deals with the processes associated with the reverse stream from users/owners to re-user...

Logistics cost is an important factor that affects the competitiveness of nations as well as firms. High logistics costs and low levels of service are a barrier to trade and foreign direct investment and thus to economic growth. Shortening of production cycles, amplification of competition globally, sharing and outsourcing of production processes, shorter delivery times and plethora of choices ...

There is growing social pressure for organizations to reduce their rates of consumption of nonrenewable natural resources and in parallel, to also reduce the release of post-production and postconsumption waste to landfills, water bodies and air, thereby causing damage to the environment. To respond to the pressure it is necessary that organizations’ operations prioritize the “3R” goals: Reduce...

Managers are increasingly realizing the value of integrating production and logistics management at the same time as third-party logistics contracting is becoming a more widely utilized practice across many industries. Motivated by this observation, we first review a variety of models that focus on integrated production/distribution systems, and then develop models to analyze the optimal operat...

Since consideration of individual customer’ demands is of increasing importance, enterprises are in need of more flexible production for highly customized products even in serial production. Hence, innovative concepts for improved information logistics are necessary for competitive manufacturing. This paper presents an approach for integrated agent-based process planning and production control ...