BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik
an der Universität Bremen
Bereich Intelligente Produktions- und Logistiksysteme (IPS)
Hochschulring 20,
28359
Bremen,
Germany
Tel:
+49 421 218 50000,
Fax:
+49 421 218 50003
E-Mail
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T2 - Order Allocation within the Supply Chain (new)
Motivation
The motivation for the project arises from weaknesses of today’s centralized logistics and supply chain information and control systems in dealing with existing or emerging supply or transport chains with large distances involved. An example is provided by the clothing or apparel industry, where production is currently centered in Asian countries while distribution tales place in Europe.
For instance, the timely arrival of newly produced articles cannot be calculated and information about actual types and numbers of goods within incoming transports is often lacking. This situation causes either cost intensive redirection of transports, as deadlines for arrival have to be shifted, or large storage inventories to deal with supply insecurity.
Objectives
To improve this situation, the project aims to develop and apply a control method for refining, autonomous order allocation of goods along the supply chain. The method will allow goods to allocate themselves to customer orders during transport or while being stored in warehouses. Hereby the customer orders, the type and quality of the goods and the availability of the goods regarding time and space will be taken into account. The allocation will be dynamic. Thus it can be modified to account for changes in the order situation or anticipated availability of goods.
Approach
The allocation method will be implemented in cooperation with a business partner from the apparel industry by means of a pilot application. The method will then be evaluated. Anticipated effects include reduced storage levels within distribution centers and reduced transport volume between them as well as improved management of deficiencies, shortages and remaining quantities.
The motivation for the project arises from weaknesses of today’s centralized logistics and supply chain information and control systems in dealing with existing or emerging supply or transport chains with large distances involved. An example is provided by the clothing or apparel industry, where production is currently centered in Asian countries while distribution tales place in Europe.
For instance, the timely arrival of newly produced articles cannot be calculated and information about actual types and numbers of goods within incoming transports is often lacking. This situation causes either cost intensive redirection of transports, as deadlines for arrival have to be shifted, or large storage inventories to deal with supply insecurity.
Objectives
To improve this situation, the project aims to develop and apply a control method for refining, autonomous order allocation of goods along the supply chain. The method will allow goods to allocate themselves to customer orders during transport or while being stored in warehouses. Hereby the customer orders, the type and quality of the goods and the availability of the goods regarding time and space will be taken into account. The allocation will be dynamic. Thus it can be modified to account for changes in the order situation or anticipated availability of goods.
Approach
The allocation method will be implemented in cooperation with a business partner from the apparel industry by means of a pilot application. The method will then be evaluated. Anticipated effects include reduced storage levels within distribution centers and reduced transport volume between them as well as improved management of deficiencies, shortages and remaining quantities.
Project Staff
