Decision support systems are intended to assist human decision makers. In complex, dynamic domains a proper task apportionment between the computer and the human decision maker largely dictates system success. Task apportionment is even more critical when exceptions are introduced into the system. We examine an airbase logistics scheduling and planning system, a complex and dynamic application ...

Preventive methods are seldom used in logistics, although there is increasing awareness of their potential. This paper presents two examples of preventive methods currently in use, Poka-Yoke and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis). The implementation of Poka-Yoke, the mistake proofing methodology, has been shown to drastically reduce the enormous warranty costs, including logistics costs, w...

The current trends and recent changes in logistics lead to new, complex and partially conflicting requirements on logistic planning and control systems. Currently available strategies and methodologies do not address these new requirements sufficiently. The concept of autonomous logistic processes intends to overcome these drawbacks together with latest information and communication technologie...

Due to the growing dynamic and complexity within the market environment production enterprises in particular are faced with new logistic challenges. Moreover, it is here in this dynamic environment that the Logistic Operating Curve Theory also reaches its limits as a method for describing the correlations between the logistic objectives. In order to convert this theory into a method for dynamic...

The Logistics Perspective: End-to-end journey case studies is part of the Department for Transportâs Towards a Sustainable Transport System (TaSTS) program. TaSTS was published in October 2007 and it sets out proposals for a new approach to strategic transport planning for the period beyond 2014 in light of the Eddington and Stern reports. The case studies are part of a wider body of work in re...

Cloud computing denotes a paradigm shift in computing that enables a flexible allocation of hardware and software resources on demand. Therewith, it is particularly appealing for applications with a high degree of computational complexity and dynamics. This paper identifies logistics planning and control as a promising application for clouds. However, two prerequisites must be met for cloud-bas...

This paper describes an agent-based platform for the allocation of loads in distributed transportation logistics, developed as a collaboration between CWI, Dutch National Center for Mathematics and Computer Science, Amsterdam and Vos Logistics Organizing, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. The platform follows a real business scenario proposed by Vos, and it involves a set of agents bidding for transpo...

To build a cooperative logistics network covering multiple enterprises, a planning method that can build a long-distance transportation network is required. Many strict constraints are imposed on this type of problem. To solve this problem efficiently, a selfish-constraint-satisfaction genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed. In this type GA, each gene of an individual satisfies only its constraints...

Reverse logistics has gained increasing attention in recent years as a channel for companies to achieve operational excellence. The process involves manipulation of returned materials, or even products, which forms a pivotal role in sustainable development throughout the whole supply chains. To make reverse logistics possible, process re-engineering may need to be carried out. However, the proc...

When materials managers try to shave costs off of the supply chain, pricing receives the most attention. However, those who also tackle the distribution system and embark on the difficult task of logistics planning could cut an additional 15% from the costs of bringing supplies from manufacturers to end users, industry studies indicate. No one says the task is easy, least of all Larry Dooley, l...