Structural mapping of public distribution system using multi-agent systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1066-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Ambekar ◽  
Rohit Kapoor ◽  
Peeyush Mehta
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Multi Agent Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Food Grain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for mapping the Indian Public Distribution System (PDS) using multi-agent system (MAS). The entire PDS supply chain from purchase to the distribution is mapped in detail by integrating stages of PDS supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – Literature related to PDS, food grain supply chain (FGSC) and MAS is reviewed and critically assessed. Based on this a framework is proposed which will help in improving functioning of PDS. Findings – The PDS has many shortcomings arising from its complex structure and practices which are used to implement it. The authors propose an MAS to model it in which each entity will be modelled as an agent. The authors propose two stages of supply chain. First stage models the processes from procurement to storage of food grain and second stage model the distribution process. Practical implications – This paper will be of interest to the policy makers and decision makers involved in the PDS by providing the shortfalls in the system and also suggesting a method to model the PDS based on practices of food supply chains. Originality/value – This paper provides the decision makers in the PDS, a framework to model and assess the entire supply chain. This will help them in effective implementation of the PDS and also improve in the areas of concerns which are pointed the study.

An agent-based supplier selection framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 180-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Jahani ◽  
Masrah Azrifah Azmi Murad ◽  
Md. Nasir bin Sulaiman ◽  
Mohd. Hasan Selamat
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Case Based Reasoning ◽  
Multi Agent Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Common Framework ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Case Based

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach that integrates three complementary perspectives, multi-agent systems, fuzzy logic and case-based reasoning. Unsatisfied customers, information overload and high uncertainty are the main challenges that are faced by today’s supply chains. In addition, a few existing agent-based approaches are tied to real-world supply chain functions like supplier selection. These approaches are static and do not adequately take the qualitative and quantitative factors into consideration. Therefore, an agent-based framework is needed to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed approach integrates three complementary perspectives, multi-agent systems, fuzzy logic and case-based reasoning, as a common framework. These perspectives were rarely used together as a common framework in previous studies. Furthermore, an exploratory case study in an office furniture company is undertaken to illustrate the value of the framework. Findings – The proposed agent-based framework evaluates supply offers based on customers’ preferences, recommends alternative products in the case of stock-out and provides a collaborative environment among agents who represent different supply chain entities. The proposed fuzzy case-based reasoning (F-CBR) approach reduces the information overload by organizing them into the relevant cases that causes less overall search between cases. In addition, its fuzzy aspect addresses the high uncertainty of supply chains, especially when there are different customers’ orders with different preferences. Research limitations/implications – The present study does not include the functions of inventory management and negotiation between agents. Furthermore, only the case description and case retrieval phases of the case-based reasoning approach are investigated, and the remaining phases like case retaining, case reusing and case revising are not included in the scope of this paper. Originality/value – This framework balances the interests of different supply chain structural elements where each of them is represented by a specific agent for better collaboration, decision-making and problem-solving in a multi-agent environment. In addition, the supplier selection and order gathering mechanisms are developed based on customers’ orders.

Selecting enablers for sustainable PDS supply chain in the Indian context using fuzzy-DEMATEL approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumanta Das ◽  
Akhilesh Barve ◽  
Naresh Chandra Sahu ◽  
Devendra K. Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Causal Model ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Food Grains ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
Entire Society

PurposeThis paper aims to identify, analyze and evaluate the major enablers for the sustainable public distribution system (PDS) supply chain in India in lessening food insecurity by distributing essentials food grains at a subsidized rate.Design/methodology/approachThe major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain were explored by conducting the literature survey and discussion with academic and warehouse experts. Then, the fuzzy-DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) technique was applied to develop a causal model that analyses the interaction among the identified enablers.FindingsThis study recognizes fifteen enablers through literature survey and experts' opinions. The present work concludes that “proper identification of the PDS beneficiaries” and “willingness and commitment of the top management and policymaker” are the two major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsThis work would be helpful for profoundly understanding the major enablers, and how they are affecting the entire PDS supply chain. The study would be beneficial for the general people and the entire society straightforwardly by providing suggestions for food security.Originality/valueIdentifying and analyzing the major enablers for the sustainable PDS supply chain helps to visualize the problem more effectively and efficiently. Besides, the causal model explains a comprehensive perspective on the identified enablers.

scholarly journals A multi-agent based system with big data processing for enhanced supply chain agility

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 706-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihalis Giannakis ◽  
Michalis Louis
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Semantic Web ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Multi Agent Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Systems ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Multi Agent

Purpose Decision support systems are becoming an indispensable tool for managing complex supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-agent-based supply chain management system that incorporates big data analytics that can exert autonomous corrective control actions. The effects of the system on supply chain agility are explored. Design/methodology/approach For the development of the architecture of the system, a sequential approach is adopted. First three fundamental dimensions of supply chain agility are identified – responsiveness, flexibility and speed. Then the organisational design of the system is developed. The roles for each of the agents within the framework are defined and the interactions among these agents are modelled. Findings Applications of the model are discussed, to show how the proposed model can potentially provide enhanced levels in each of the dimensions of supply chain agility. Research limitations/implications The study shows how the multi-agent systems can assist to overcome the trade-off between supply chain agility and complexity of global supply chains. It also opens up a new research agenda for incorporation of big data and semantic web applications for the design of supply chain information systems. Practical implications The proposed information system provides integrated capabilities for production, supply chain event and disruption risk management under a collaborative basis. Originality/value A novel aspect in the design of multi-agent systems is introduced for inter-organisational processes, which incorporates semantic web information and a big data ontology in the agent society.

Optimization of inventory policies of food grain distribution stage in public distribution system

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 692-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Ambekar ◽  
Rohit Kapoor
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Base Stock ◽  
Inventory Policies ◽  
Inventory Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Holding Cost ◽  
Grain Distribution ◽  
Stock Policy

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model the distribution stage of the public distribution system (PDS) and optimize the inventory policy during this stage of the PDS to address some of the inefficiencies present in the system. This study models this supply chain as a multistage supply chain consisting of storage depots, issue centers, fair price shops and card holders.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage modeling approach is used to model the distribution stage in the PDS. In the first stage, the authors developed a simulation model for periodic review-based stock policy with appropriate assumptions. This helped minimize the total supply chain cost (TSCC). The TSCC consists of three cost elements, namely, ordering cost, holding cost and shortage cost. These three cost elements, in turn, depend on inventory policy parameters, such as review periods and base stock levels, at various echelons. In the second stage, a Genetic Algorithm based optimization approach was used.FindingsA set of optimal policy parameters was identified. It is observed that base stock levels at issue centers are higher as compared to those in the FPS and the TSCC is less in scenario, when backorder cost is equal to the holding cost.Practical implicationsPresent study will be useful to policy makers in improving PDS performance. This optimization of inventory policies helps actors in the PDS supply chain to choose appropriate policy parameters in the present inventory policy so as to reduce the overall distribution cost.Originality/valueUnlike the previous researchers who examined the PDS from the social security perspective and tried to address specific problems to improve functioning of the PDS, this study looked at the problem as a supply chain-related problem and optimized the inventory parameters in one of the subsets of the PDS supply chain.

Improvement of public distribution system efficiency applying blockchain technology during pandemic outbreak (COVID-19)

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anup Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Supply Chain Efficiency ◽  
The Cost

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analytically examine the viability of using blockchain technology (BT) in a public distribution system (PDS) supply chain to overcome issues of shrinkage, misplacement and ghost demand.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a standard news vendor model with two objectives, the first of which includes a reduction of the total cost of stock, while the second includes minimization of the negative impact of human suffering due to the nonavailability of subsidized food supplies to the needy people.FindingsThe authors applied the model to a real-life case to draw meaningful insights. The authors also analyzed the cost/benefit tradeoff of adopting BT in a PDS supply chain. The results show that the adoption of BT in a charitable supply chain can reduce pilferage and ghost demand significantly.Originality/valueThe paper is positioned for utilizing inventory visibility via consistent and tamper-resistant data stream flow capability of BT to enhance the overall efficiency of PDS. Notably, Indian PDS faces three major challenges in terms of its supply chain efficiency.

Supply chain of the Indian public distribution system: a new paradigm

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Bohtan ◽  
Prem Vrat ◽  
Anil K. Vij
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Hybrid Method ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Distribution System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the various strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) in the supply chain of the existing Indian public distribution system (PDS) and to analyse the same with a view to arriving at the vital recommended strategies for making the supply chain more effective and efficient. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines a new hybrid method for improving the usability of SWOT analysis. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has been integrated with SWOT analysis. Use of the AHP method on the SWOT factors has yielded analytically determined priorities for the factors included in SWOT analysis and made them commensurable. The main aim in applying the hybrid method was to improve the quantitative information basis of strategy planning processes. The paper was started by listing the various factors of the four different groups of SWOT with reference to the PDS. After further shortlisting, pairwise comparisons were carried out using a software (Super Decisions) to arrive at prioritised factors for each group. The strategy options were then formulated and prioritised on the basis of the existing weightages of each factor. Findings The results indicated that use of available ICT solutions as part of the “Digital India” is vital in achieving the most important potential strategy alternatives in improving the supply chain for the PDS. Practical implications The analysis helps in identifying strategies to improve the existing supply chain of the Indian PDS and make it more efficient and cost effective. Originality/value This paper provides some useful insight into the SWOT analysis of the Indian PDS with specific reference to the supply chain management issues of the PDS.

Supply chain practices and organizational performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shrikant Gorane ◽  
Ravi Kant
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Organizations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically test a framework which identifies the relationships between various supply chain practices (SCPs) and organizational performance (operational performance (OP), customer satisfaction, and financial performance) in the context of Indian manufacturing organizations. Design/methodology/approach From the literature, ten SCPs are selected which finally influences the organizational performance. In order to understand the interactions between SCPs and organizational performance, this paper grouped the ten SCPs into four constructs namely: information and communication technology, supply chain (SC) integration, operational responsiveness, and closed loop green practices. Three levels of firm performance are also examined, including OP, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. The paper-based and web-based survey yielded 292 responses from the Indian manufacturing organizations. The data collected were put through rigorous statistical analysis to test for the content, construct, and criterion-related validity, as well as reliability analyses. Further a structural equation model was developed to test the relationships between SCPs and organizational performance. Findings The finding suggests that a successful SCPs implementation not only improves the OP, but also enhances customer satisfaction and financial performance. In addition, higher financial performance is also attributable to better customer value resulting from the achievement of better customer satisfaction. Research limitations/implications SCPs are complex constructs. While this study shows the effect of broadly accepted SCPs on organizational performance, not all possible practices are covered in this study. Again the study can be further extended to sector specific so that the results can be further refined. Practical implications This is one of the few studies which attempts to investigate whether there is any relationship exits between SCPs and organizational performance. The finding will help decision makers in the organization to know the importance of SCPs and how SCPs influence the organizational performance. Second, this study has developed and validated a multi-dimensional construct of SCPs, which can assist decision makers of Indian organizations to evaluate the competence of their current status of SCPs in the organization. Originality/value As per the knowledge of the authors, this is the first kind of study which empirically investigated the relationships between SCPs and organizational performance in the context of Indian manufacturing organizations.

Dynamic capabilities in the “new normal”: a study of organizational flexibility, integration and agility in the Peruvian coffee supply chain

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Ramos ◽  
Andrea S. Patrucco ◽  
Melissa Chavez
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Organizational Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains

Purpose Considering the unprecedented supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the agri-food sector, the possession of dynamic capabilities (DCs) – particularly, the need for higher agility – seems to be the key to survival in highly uncertain environments. This study aims to use the dynamic capability view (DCV) theory to analyze how three key supply chain capabilities – organizational flexibility, integration and agility – should be combined to obtain the desired supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors designed a conceptual model in which the relationships between these three key capabilities and supply chain performance were hypothesized. The model was first tested through partial least square regression using survey data collected from 98 members of the Peruvian coffee supply chain. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted to uncover how DCs could be combined in successful supply chain configurations. Findings The authors show that organizational flexibility is a driver of higher agility in agri-food supply chains, together with external and internal supply chain integration, that have a direct impact on agility, which positively affects supply chain performance. Higher levels of supply chain agility are necessary but insufficient to guarantee high performance, as sufficiency is reached when both integration (internal and/or external) and agility are present. Originality/value This study represents a pioneering attempt to apply the DCV theory to agri-food supply chains – characterized by many sources of uncertainty. All the DCs are included within the same model and the joint use of PLS regression and fsQCA provides evidence about the relationships between DCs and how they can empower agri-food supply to obtain the desired performance.

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