Combining Blockchain Technology and the Physical Internet to Achieve

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Combining Blockchain Technology and the Physical Internet to Achieve logistics Article Combining Blockchain Technology and the Physical Internet to Achieve Triple Bottom Line Sustainability: A Comprehensive Research Agenda for Modern Logistics and Supply Chain Management Horst Treiblmaier Department of International Management, MODUL University Vienna, Am Kahlenberg 1, 1190 Vienna, Austria; [email protected] Received: 27 December 2018; Accepted: 22 February 2019; Published: 27 February 2019 Abstract: Integrating triple bottom line (TBL) goals into supply chains (SCs) is a challenging task which necessitates the careful coordination of numerous stakeholders’ individual interests. Recent technological advancements can impact TBL sustainability by changing the design, structure, and management of modern SCs. Blockchain technology enables immutable data records and facilitates a shared data view along the supply chain. The Physical Internet (PI) is an overarching framework that can be applied to create a layered and comprehensive view of the SC. In this conceptual paper, I define and combine these technologies and derive several high-level research areas and research questions (RQ) to investigate adoption and management as well as structural SC issues. I suggest a theory-based research agenda for the years to come that exploits the strengths of rigorous academic research, while remaining relevant for industry. Furthermore, I suggest various well-established theories to tackle the respective research questions and provide specific directions for future research. Keywords: blockchain; distributed ledger technology; physical internet; logistics; supply chain management; research framework; innovation; information technology; triple bottom line; sustainability 1. Introduction Information technology (IT) is not only a crucial constituent of modern supply chains (SCs), but also their main innovation driver [1–3]. Consequently, it has played an important role in previous research on SCs and value networks, yielding a wide range of topics such as the usefulness and performance of IT, the use of RFID (radio frequency identification), process design, optimization, and inter-organizational orientation [4,5]. Every technological wave opens up new possibilities, but simultaneously brings along new challenges. Progressive computerization throughout the 1960s and 1970s enabled innovation in logistics planning, ranging from randomized storage to inventory optimization and truck routing. In the 1980s, personal computers emerged, which further improved planning activities, followed by the widespread adoption of networked computing and enterprise resource systems (ERPs) in the 1990s [6]. The proliferation of networking technology based on TCP/IP replaced face-to-face management, manual tracking systems, paper-dominated order processing, and wired communication links with Internet-based purchasing, computer-supported relationship management, and electronic marketplaces [7]. In the early 2000s, for example, a major focus of supply chain management (SCM) research was on the implementation of different IT systems including ERP, product data management (PDM), customer relationship management (CRM), computer-aided design (CAD), supply chain planning (SCP), manufacturing execution systems (MESs), and electronic commerce technology [8]. Logistics 2019, 3, 10; doi:10.3390/logistics3010010 www.mdpi.com/journal/logistics Logistics 2019, 3, 10 2 of 13 Logistics 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 13 Technological progressprogress is is far far from from slowing slowing down, down, and emergingand emerging technologies technologies both in both the physical in the andphysical the virtualand the sphere virtual bear sphere substantial bear substantial potential forpotential optimizing for optimizing value networks value thatnetworks span intra-that span and inter-organizationalintra- and inter-organizational processes [9processes]. Two of [9]. these Tw technologieso of these technologies include the include blockchain, the blockchain, a distributed a ledgerdistributed technology ledger thattechnology fundamentally that fundamentally alters the way al inters which the way data in is stored,which data accessed, is stored, and processed, accessed, asand well processed, as the PI, as a well comprehensive as the PI, a SCcomprehensiv frameworke endorsed, SC framework among endorsed, others, by among the European others, by Union the (EU).European While Union the former (EU). While transforms the former data flows, transforms the latter data comprises flows, the both latter physical comprises and informationalboth physical flows.and informational Properly applied flows. Properly and combined, applied both and ofcomb themined, can both support of them the can achievement support the of achievement key supply chainof key managementsupply chain objectivesmanagement [10 ],objectives such as [10], the creationsuch as the of value,creation the of satisfactionvalue, the satisfaction and loyalty and of customers,loyalty of customers, as well as improved as well as profit improved margins, profit profitability, margins, andprofitability, corporate growthand corporate for companies growth [11for]. Furthermore,companies [11]. the Furthermore, optimization the of optimization intricate value of intricate networks value through networks technology through aims technology not only aims at increasingnot only at effectivenessincreasing effectiveness and efficiency and atefficiency the level at of the individual level of individual corporations, corporations, but also atbut creating also at sustainablecreating sustainable SCs that minimizeSCs that theminimize use of scarcethe use resources. of scarce It isresources. therefore It the is intelligent therefore combinationthe intelligent of physical,combination informational, of physical, and informational, financial flows and that financi enablesal flows the achievementthat enables ofthe triple achievement bottom line of (TBL)triple sustainabilitybottom line (TBL) [12]. sustainability [12]. TBL sustainability has three majormajor areas,areas, whichwhich maymay bebe conflictingconflicting atat times:times: economic development, environmental performance, and social gainsgains [[13].13]. As is shown in Figure 1 1,, thosethose threethree areas partially overlap and it is only the coordinated interplay of all three that finally finally leads to sustainability. InIn logistics logistics and and SCM SCM research, research, this frameworkthis framework has been has successfully been successfully applied, applied, for example, for toexample, analyze to theanalyze effect the of effect the of sustainable the sustainable supply supply chain chain design design of socialof social businesses businesses [12 [12],], toto show that sustainable supplier co-operation has positive effects on firmfirm performance across all three dimensions [[14],14], and to find find viable paths for integrating integrating the social social dimension dimension with general general sustainable SCM theory and practice [[15].15]. Given its inclusive na nature,ture, TBL sustainability provides the ideal target system for a comprehensive logistics and SCM framew framework.ork. Additionally, Additionally, substa substantialntial literature exists on how TBL reporting can be implementedimplemented and how widespread it isis amongamong companiescompanies [[16].16]. It is noteworthy that the distinction between strong and weak sustainability, the latter of which assumes that a substitution of natural capital by man-made ca capitalpital is sustainable [17], [17], is beyond the focus of this paper. Figure 1. Triple bottom line (TBL) goal system. In the context of logistics and SCM, examples for social goals include the reliable and timely In the context of logistics and SCM, examples for social goals include the reliable and timely provision of goods to those who need it, the improvement of the working conditions in the provision of goods to those who need it, the improvement of the working conditions in the transportation industry, and the overall reduction of traffic. The latter is also a highly important transportation industry, and the overall reduction of traffic. The latter is also a highly important environmental goal, since the transport industry accounts for a substantial part of environmental environmental goal, since the transport industry accounts for a substantial part of environmental pollution through the emission of pollutants such as CO2, NOx, and fine particles. This situation is pollution through the emission of pollutants such as CO2, NOx, and fine particles. This situation is aggravated by the transport of empty or half-empty containers and traffic jams especially in urban aggravated by the transport of empty or half-empty containers and traffic jams especially in urban areas. Furthermore, logistics constitutes a substantial proportion of organizational costs and worldwide areas. Furthermore, logistics constitutes a substantial proportion of organizational costs and GDP and any successful attempt to reduce these costs will yield economic benefits for organizations worldwide GDP and any successful attempt to reduce these costs will yield economic benefits for and nations alike [18–20]. organizations and nations alike [18–20]. Logistics 2019, 3, 10 3 of 13 This paper is structured as follows: In Section2, I briefly elaborate on the basic functioning of the blockchain and the PI, including a short history and the current state of development. In Section3, I first develop a framework that showcases seven layers of the PI and integrates the
Recommended publications
  • Logistics Response to the Industry 4.0: the Physical Internet
    Open Eng. 2016; 6:511–517 Review Article Open Access Marinko Maslarić*, Svetlana Nikoličić, and Dejan Mirčetić Logistics Response to the Industry 4.0: the Physical Internet DOI 10.1515/eng-2016-0073 Received Jun 25, 2016; accepted Aug 01, 2016 1 Introduction Abstract: Today’s mankind and all human activities are Maybe the key word of this century is digitalization. Dig- constantly changing and evolving in response to changes italization is present in all spheres of human activities. in technology, social and economic environments and cli- When it comes to business activities then digitalization mate. Those changes drive a “new” way of manufacturing is a personification of the concept Industry 4.0. That is, industry. That novelty could be described as the organiza- words such as mechanization, electrification and informa- tion of production processes based on technology and de- tization are key words for the first three industrial revolu- vices autonomously communicating with each other along tions respectively, so is digitalization, which includes the the value chain. Decision-makers have to address this nov- use of integrated Cyber-Physical Systems, the key word for elty (usually named as Industry 4.0) and try to develop the fourth industrial revolution or the Industry 4.0. The appropriate information systems, physical facilities, and term Industry 4.0 refers to a further developmental stage different kind of technologies capable of meeting thefu- in the organization and management of the entire value ture needs of economy. As a consequence, there is a need chain process involved in manufacturing industry [1–3]. for new paradigms of the way freight is move, store, real- The Industry 4.0 assumes the formation of global networks ize, and supply through the world (logistics system).
    [Show full text]
  • Short Circuit: a Counter-Logistics Reader
    SHORT-CIRCUIT a counterlogistics reader CONTENTS Introduction v Zad, Commune, Metropolis 1 Anonymous Logistics, Counterlogistics, and the 18 Communist Prospect Jasper Bernes Communist Measures in 64 Notre-Dame-Des-Landes Max L’Hameunasse The Cybernetic Hypothesis: Part IV 70 Tiqqun Communist Measures 88 Leon de Mattis Disaster Communism 112 Out of the Woods The Anthropocene 136 1882 Woodbine Choke Points: Mapping an Anticap- 198 italist Counterlogistics in California Degenerate Communism Further Reading 245 INTRODUCTION These days everything is about speed, flexibility and initiative. Goods are delivered to us before we order them, and criminals arrested before committing crimes. Mecha- nisms of control mirror mechanisms of proft, both in the “productive” sphere of crafting citizen-consumer subjects, and the disciplinary sphere of surveillance, monitoring, and repression. Knowledge of systems, networks, location and movement become ever more important for both the state and capital, just as that knowledge becomes ever more seamlessly integrated and indistinguishable. Tere are a few diferent words for this tendency. One word is cybernetics: the study of systems and networks, the conversion of human relations into an ecology of data points that can be tweaked and controlled but remains self-stabilizing. Cybernetics comes from the Greek kubernèsis, “to pilot or steer,” as in to steer economy, society. We want to disrupt the piloting of this ship, to take what detritus is usable and leave the rest to sink in the rising oceans. Above all, cybernetics seeks to know everything. Just as the liberal subject arose arm-in-arm with the com- modity—exchangeable, formally equal—the contemporary subject is tracked with the same precision as contemporary goods.
    [Show full text]
  • Big Data & Supply Chains
    Big Data & Supply Chains JLL EMEA Industrial & Logistics A logistics revolution in the making? 2018 Big Data and Supply Chains 3 Introduction Good logistics and supply chain management are about In this short paper we consider some of the specific delivering superior customer service at a lower cost, but, in opportunities for big data to make supply chains more many respects, these twin objectives have become more efficient and reduce costs, assuming businesses can challenging as supply chains have become increasingly overcome all the obstacles to incorporating big data into complex and customers more demanding. Today, supply their operations. These initial observations are based on chains often extend across the globe and involve multiple supply chains staying much as they are now but becoming parties, while customers (whether businesses or end more closely integrated with enhanced transparency. consumers) want things quicker than ever before. In addition, we discuss the role big data could play over the Over time supply chains have become better integrated as longer-term in a far more radical overhaul of logistics and businesses have joined up their internal logistics operations supply chains, by potentially facilitating a more open supply and better aligned their logistics processes with their supply chain system (or systems) in which freight is moved in ‘smart’ chain partners. However, despite this, many supply chains containers through networks of ‘smart’ open access logistics still lack transparency. In particular, the visibility of end centres and hubs. This concept of a ‘Physical Internet’ is consumer demand and the movement and precise location designed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the of materials, parts and goods along supply chains is often global logistics system.1 However, if it is to become a reality limited for many supply chain parties.
    [Show full text]
  • From Horizontal Collaboration to the Physical Internet – a Case Study from Austria
    L. Simmer et al., Int. J. Transp. Dev. Integr., Vol. 1, No. 2 (2017) 129–136 FROM HORIZONTAL COLLABORATION TO THE PHYSICAL INTERNET – A CASE STUDY FROM AUSTRIA L. SIMMER, S. PFOSER, M. GRABNER, O. SCHAUER & L.M. PUTZ University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Austria. ABSTRACT The growing global flow of goods, the increasing problem of traffic congestion and the inefficiencies associated with distribution and logistics or the discerning consumers’ high standards for products and delivery services lead to new logistical requirements, for which the model of the ‘Physical Internet’ has emerged as a probable solution. Physical Internet is a novel concept that transforms how physical ob- jects are designed, manufactured and distributed aiming for a radical sustainability improvement. The implementation of the Physical Internet leads to the need to rethink some basic concepts of logistics such as the shift from private supply networks to open supply networks. Therefore, increased collabora- tion and coordination is necessary. In order to make a productive contribution to the first steps towards the Physical Internet in Austria, this article focuses on the need for horizontal collaborations, which are required to realize the Physical Internet. Moreover, the study explores the views, experiences, beliefs and motivations of transport service providers in Austria in the context of horizontal collaborations and the Physical Internet. A literature research was carried out in a first step. Afterwards interviews with forwarding agencies and logistics service providers were conducted. Findings highlight that bar- riers such as the fear of antitrust fines or the high administrative input have to be removed to enable close vertical and horizontal collaboration among different logistics companies in Europe, as the vision of the Physical Internet is encouraging a smooth transition from independent supply chains to open global supply networks.
    [Show full text]
  • Leveraging the Internet of Things and Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management
    future internet Article Leveraging the Internet of Things and Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management Abderahman Rejeb 1, John G. Keogh 2 and Horst Treiblmaier 3,* 1 Department of Logistics and Forwarding, Széchenyi István University‚ 9026 Gy˝or, Hungary 2 Henley Business School, University of Reading‚ Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AU, UK 3 Department of International Management, Modul University Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 27 May 2019; Accepted: 17 July 2019; Published: 20 July 2019 Abstract: Modern supply chains have evolved into highly complex value networks and turned into a vital source of competitive advantage. However, it has become increasingly challenging to verify the source of raw materials and maintain visibility of products and merchandise while they are moving through the value chain network. The application of the Internet of Things (IoT) can help companies to observe, track, and monitor products, activities, and processes within their respective value chain networks. Other applications of IoT include product monitoring to optimize operations in warehousing‚ manufacturing, and transportation. In combination with IoT, Blockchain technology can enable a broad range of different application scenarios to enhance value chain transparency and to increase B2B trust. When combined, IoT and Blockchain technology have the potential to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of modern supply chains. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, we illustrate how the deployment of Blockchain technology in combination with IoT infrastructure can streamline and benefit modern supply chains and enhance value chain networks. Second, we derive six research propositions outlining how Blockchain technology can impact key features of the IoT (i.e., scalability, security, immutability and auditing, information flows, traceability and interoperability, quality) and thus lay the foundation for future research projects.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards a Physical Internet: Meeting the Global Logistics Sustainability Grand Challenge Benoit Montreuil Canada Research Chair in Enterprise Engineering
    Towards a Physical Internet: Meeting the Global Logistics Sustainability Grand Challenge Benoit Montreuil Canada Research Chair in Enterprise Engineering CIRRELT Interuniversity Research Center on Enterprise Networks, Logistics and Transportation Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada [email protected] Abstract This paper starts with the assertion that the way physical objects are currently transported, handled, stored, realized, supplied and used throughout the world is unsustainable economically, environmentally and socially. Evidence supporting this assertion is exposed through a set of key unsustainability symptoms. Then the paper expresses the goal to revert this situation, thus meeting the Global Logistics Sustainability grand challenge. It suggests exploiting the Digital Internet metaphor to develop a Physical Internet vision towards meeting this grand challenge. The paradigm breaking vision is introduced through a set of its key characteristics. The paper then proceeds with addressing the implications and requirements for implementing the Physical Internet vision as a means to meet the grand challenge. It concludes with a call for further research, innovation and development to really shape and assess the vision and, much more important, to give it flesh through real initiatives and projects so as to really influence in a positive way the collective future. For this to happen, it emphasizes the requirement for multidisciplinary collaboration among and between academia, industry and government across localities,
    [Show full text]
  • Logistics Collaboration and the Physical Internet Phil Kaminsky [email protected]
    Logistics Collaboration and the Physical Internet Phil Kaminsky [email protected] Russell Meller [U Arkansas, Fortna] Kimberly Ellis [Virginia Tech] Chase Rainwater[U Arkansas] William Ferrell [Clemson] Volvo Logistics North America Logistics Today … the Opportunity Logistics Today: The Opportunity We are shipping air and packaging 9 Billion tons of freight transported per year 25% of all miles are empty! 57% “full” when not empty! 42% average utilization $60B opportunity in the US alone! CO2 emissions are growing 40 Billon gallons of fuel/year 500+ Tg CO2 200 Tg CO2 emissions reduction opportunity! Industry is segmented 75% of freight moved using dedicated resource Logistics drives large EOQ’s Truckloads for commodity items Large regional DC’s with relatively infrequent deliveries Truckers have become today’s modern cowboys 100%+ turnover rate in the industry! Demonstrable negative health benefits! 2 Logistics Today: At a Crossroads We simply must do something different if we are to meet various reduction goals for CO2 emissions. Sarraj, R., Ballot, E., Pan, S., “Potential of Routing Protocols for Freight in Open Logistics Networks: the Case of FMCG in France,” Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Information Systems, Logistics and Supply Chain, 2012. 3 The Global Logistics Sustainability The Global Logistics Sustainability Grand Challenge Design a system to move, handle, store, realize, supply and use physical objects throughout the world in a manner that is efficient and economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.
    [Show full text]
  • Supply Chain 4.0 Points of View
    Supply Chain 4.0 Points of View Benoit Montreuil Director, Supply Chain and Logistics and Physical MODERATED BY Internet Institutes ISeY at Georgia Tech D. Scott Sink, Ph.D., P.E. Adjunct Prof, Va Tech Thorsten Wuest Global Perf Excellence Webinars Author of Digital Supply Team Lead, IISE Networks ISE at West Virginia University Webinars that Matter in Times of Turblence 25 January 2021 Agenda & Panel Questions 11:00 Scott Tee up 11:05 Benoit 11:20 Thorsten 11:35 Q&A 11:55 Close-out and Next Steps Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners Our Sponsor for Today IISE Professional Affinity Groups (Partners) Our Global Personal and Professional Development Series for IISE Members and Customers…… THEMES: • Enterprise Transformation and OpEx • Operational Analytics • Cultures to support Perf Excellence • Integration of People, Strategy, Process and Technology • Integrated LeanSigma • Industry, Service, Healthcare 4.0 • Personal and Professional Learning and Development • Change Leadership and Management • Navigating through Turbulent (VUCA) times • Supply Chain and Logistics Optionality Performance Excellence • Restarting the Economy: Supply Chain 4.0 Related Guidance on the Backside of the Disruption • Rapid (AGILE) Deployment and Execution of Integrated Systems • Benchmarking • Risk Management and Resilience Engineering Principles and Industry: Engineering Strategies for Supply Chains Methods in Times of Major How to Engineer Performance Excellence • Business Continuity Strategies and Tactics Disruption in Periods of Major Disruption • Pioneering
    [Show full text]
  • Optimization of a Physical Internet Based Supply Chain Using Reinforcement Learning Eszter Puskás1* , Ádám Budai2 and Gábor Bohács1
    Puskás et al. European Transport Research Review (2020) 12:47 European Transport https://doi.org/10.1186/s12544-020-00437-3 Research Review ORIGINAL PAPER Open Access Optimization of a physical internet based supply chain using reinforcement learning Eszter Puskás1* , Ádám Budai2 and Gábor Bohács1 Abstract Physical Internet based supply chains create open, global logistics systems that enable new types of collaboration among participants. The open system allows the logistical examination of vehicle technology innovations such as the platooning concept. This article explores the multiple platoon collaboration. For the reconfiguration of two platoons a heuristic and a reinforcement learning (RL) based models have been developed. To our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to apply an RL-based decision model to solve the problem of controlling platoon cooperation. Vehicle exchange between platoons is provided by a virtual hub. Depending on the various input parameters, the efficiency of the model was examined through numerical examples in terms of the target function based on the transportation cost. Models using platoon reconfiguration are also compared to the cases where no vehicle exchange is implemented. We have found that a reinforcement learning based model provides a more efficient solution for high incoming vehicle numbers and low dispatch interval, although for low vehicle numbers heuristics model performs better. Keywords: Physical internet, Supply chain, Virtual hub, Platoon, Reinforcement learning 1 Introduction logistics system". Because of the novelty of the Physi- In recent years, achieving sustainable operations has been cal Internet concept, a breakthrough is yet to come, but a major driving force both in logistics and also in the the most innovative companies are already testing the automotive industry.
    [Show full text]
  • Alberto Toscano
    Advance the Struggle Reader Logistics and Opposition 1 Alberto Toscano Logistics, Counterlogistics and the Communist Prospect 11 Jasper Bernes Disaster Communism Pt. 3 - Logistics, Repurposing, Bricolage 26 Out of the Woods Choke Points: Mapping an Anticapitalist Counter-Logistics in California 29 Degenerate Communism http://www.metamute.org/editorial/articles/logistics-and-opposition Image: Isabelle Grosse, Container 5, colour photograph, 2008. ‘Sabotage the social machine’. ‘Incinerate the documents!’ In the first in this issue’s series of articles linking logistics, workplace surveillance and national security, Alberto Toscano examines the anti-urbanist presuppositions of insurrectionary anarchism. Instead of breaking the lines of circulation, he writes, shouldn’t radicals imagine repurposing them to entirely new ends? The Spontaneous Philosophy of Interruption It is rare, in contemporary oppositional thought, to encounter the totalising temporal imaginary of revolution that so marked the visions and strategies of the modern left. When it hasn’t been victim to melancholy retreats from the teleology of emancipation, that encompassing horizon of social change and political action has come under attack, alongside the very idea of transition, for domesticating antagonism. Interstitial enclaves or temporary liberated zones, ornamented by discourses of withdrawal and difference, have widely replaced the reference to an advancing, unifying and largely homogeneous planetary movement of liberation. The space-time of much of today's anti-capitalism is one of subtraction and interruption, not attack and expansion. Needless to say, any negation of the status quo brings with it spatial separation and temporal disruption, but the contemporary ideology, or spontaneous philosophy, of interruption appears – perhaps as a testament to the claustrophobia of our present – to make something of a fetish out of rupture.
    [Show full text]
  • Collaborative Freight Transportation to Improve Efficiency and Sustainability
    Georgia Southern University Digital Commons@Georgia Southern 12th IMHRC Proceedings (Gardanne, France – 2012) Progress in Material Handling Research 2012 Collaborative Freight Transportation to Improve Efficiency and Sustainability Kimberly P. Ellis Virginia Tech, [email protected] Steven Roesch Virginia Tech Russell D. Meller University of Arkansas Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/pmhr_2012 Part of the Industrial Engineering Commons, Operational Research Commons, and the Operations and Supply Chain Management Commons Recommended Citation Ellis, Kimberly P.; Roesch, Steven; and Meller, Russell D., "Collaborative Freight Transportation to Improve Efficiency and Sustainability" (2012). 12th IMHRC Proceedings (Gardanne, France – 2012). 8. https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/pmhr_2012/8 This research paper is brought to you for free and open access by the Progress in Material Handling Research at Digital Commons@Georgia Southern. It has been accepted for inclusion in 12th IMHRC Proceedings (Gardanne, France – 2012) by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Georgia Southern. For more information, please contact [email protected]. COLLABORATIVE FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY Kimberly P. Ellis Virginia Tech R. Steven Roesch Virginia Tech Russell D. Meller University of Arkansas Abstract Collaborative distribution offers the potential for substantial im- provements in freight transportation. As collaboration increases, more loads are available for sharing among transportation service providers, leading to more fully loaded trailers that travel fewer miles and reduce the cost per load on average. In this study, we develop approaches to analyze improvements in key performance measures as collabora- tion increases in freight transportation. For the data sets analyzed, improvements include a 34% increase in trailer fullness, a 29% reduc- tion in average costs per load, and a 25% decrease in average miles per load.
    [Show full text]
  • Verification of the Possibilities of Applying the Principles of the Physical Internet in Economic Practice
    LogForum 2019, 15 (1), 7-17 > Scientific Journal of Logistics < http://doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2019.310 http://www.logforum.net p-ISSN 1895-2038 e-ISSN 1734-459X ORIGINAL PAPER VERIFICATION OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF THE PHYSICAL INTERNET IN ECONOMIC PRACTICE Waldemar Osmólski 1, Roksolana Voronina 2, Adam Koli ński 3 1) Institute of Logistics and Warehousing, Pozna ń, Poland , 2) Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine , 3) Pozna ń School of Logistics, Pozna ń, Poland ABSTRACT . Background: Current supply chains, which in fact constitute full ecosystems of product trade, change in an invariably dynamic way, requiring permanent supervision and control of the goods flowing through them. One of the aspects enabling constant development of the entire logistics infrastructure is the use of the solutions of the Physical Internet, both in terms of modular transport units and real-time planning and information exchange, as well as properly designed communication infrastructure. The aim of the article is to present a concept of solutions for the application of the principles of the Physical Internet in logistics processes of various specificity. Methods: The results of research carried out in the years 2012-2018 within the framework of research and development projects and literature studies reveal that the extent to which the basic principles of the Physical Internet are applied is unsatisfactory. Based on these results, factors directly influencing the possibility of applying the Physical Internet in a comprehensive manner, taking into consideration the specificity of various types of supply chains and networks, were selected and collated.
    [Show full text]