Network video technology

Author(s):  
Joakim Hans Kembro ◽  
Veronica Danielsson ◽  
Granit Smajli

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how modern network video technology could be used to improve different warehouse types and operations and how barriers may prevent its implementation. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory multiple-case study with nine case companies was conducted, including on-site visits, interviews, questionnaires and a workshop. Findings The authors identified 12 video applications that could improve warehouse operations by making them safer, faster, more transparent and more reliable than they are at present. The authors found that video applications complemented existing information technology and offered a new dimension that provided the real-time analysis of different activities in warehouse operations. The main barriers to implementing video technology included uncertain return on investment, staff integrity, union restrictions and integration with other systems. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to the literature by exploring how information technology could be used to improve warehouse operations and by developing a classification matrix that outlines the video applications that suit the warehouse type and operation. Building on the contingency theory, the authors also described a conceptual framework for guiding future relevant research on warehousing. Practical implications Video technology provides an opportunity to improve efficiency and cut costs in warehouse operations, which could contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the company and the supply chain. However, several barriers must be overcome to enable its implementation. Furthermore, competing technologies, such as augmented reality and the internet of things, are being developed in parallel. Social implications The identified video applications could help to increase safety, sustainability and traceability in warehouse operations and, potentially, across the entire supply chain. Originality/value This research is the first to explore the potential of introducing video applications to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of various warehouse types and operations.

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1178-1192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siavash H. Khajavi ◽  
Jan Holmström ◽  
Jouni Partanen

PurposeInnovative startups have begun a trend using laser sintering (LS) technology patents expiration, namely, by introducing LS additive manufacturing (AM) machines that can overcome utilization barriers, such as the costliness of machines and productivity limitation. The recent rise of this trend has led the authors to investigate this new class of machines in novel settings, including hub configuration. There are various supply chain configurations to supply spare parts in industrial operations. This paper aims to explore the promise of a production configuration that combines the benefits of centralized production with the flexibility of local manufacturing without the huge costs related to it.Design/methodology/approachThis study quantitatively examines the feasibility of different AM-enabled spare parts supply chain configurations. Using cost data extracted from a case study, three scenarios per AM machine technology are modeled and compared.FindingsResults suggest that hub production configuration depending on the utilized AM machines can provide economic efficiency and effectiveness to reduce equipment downtime. While previous studies have suggested the need for AM machines with efficiency for single part production for a distributed supply chain, the findings in this research illustrate the positive relationship between multi-part production capability and the feasibility of a hub manufacturing configuration establishment.Originality/valueThis study explores the promise of a production configuration that combines the benefits of centralized production with the flexibility of local manufacturing without the huge costs related to it. Although the existing body of knowledge contains research on production decentralization, research on various levels of decentralization is lacking. Using a real-world case study, this study aims to compare the feasibility of different levels of decentralization for AM-enabled spare parts supply chains.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srichandan Sahu ◽  
Kambhampati Venkata Satya Surya Narayana Rao

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically test a theoretical model on supply chain management (SCM) adoption in India. Design/methodology/approach The present study used a multiple case research method to study the phenomenon. The findings are based on analysis of the SCM adoption processes in three large manufacturing organizations from the aluminium, steel and fertilizer industries. Findings The present study tested four propositions. Three of the propositions were empirically validated and one proposition was revised. The key findings are: one, a lack of recognition by an organization of higher advantages because of SCM adoption as compared to the costs leads to SCM non-adoption. Two, a lack of organizational readiness factors such as a collaborative and innovative culture, higher absorptive capacity and slack resources leads to the non-adoption of SCM. Three, a lack of institutional pressure and marketing activities of the SCM vendors on an organization lead to the non-adoption of SCM. Originality/value The major contribution of the present study is that it has empirically validated the theoretical model for SCM adoption in India. The findings of the present study have both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, a model of SCM adoption was validated. The study provides managerial connotations for SCM vendors, consultants, practitioners and policy implications for policymakers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 865-883
Author(s):  
Caroline Sundgren

PurposeNew actors have emerged in the food supply chain in response to the increased awareness of food waste and the need to distribute surplus food. The purpose of this study is to analyse the different supply chain structures that have emerged to make surplus food available to consumers.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative multiple-case study of three new surplus food actors: a surplus food platform, an online retailer and a surplus food terminal. Data sources included interviews, documentary evidence and participatory observations.FindingsThree different types of actor constellations in surplus food distribution have been identified: a triad, a tetrad and a chain. Both centralised (for ambient products) and decentralised supply chain structures (for chilled products) have emerged. The analysis identified weak links amongst new actors and surplus food suppliers. The new actors have adopted the roles of connector, service provider and logistics service provider and the sub-roles of mediator, auditor and consultant.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to research on closed-loop or circular supply chains for the reuse of products in the context of surplus food distribution.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Tanskanen

Purpose – In complex buyer-supplier relationships (BSRs), contracts are always incomplete and many of the exchanges non-contractual. Because they occur over a long period of time and include unspecified obligations, non-contractual exchanges might be asymmetrical. The purpose of this paper is to examine BSRs with the aim of identifying the mechanisms that lead to asymmetry in exchanges. Design/methodology/approach – The author conducts an analysis, based on social exchange theory (SET), of six buyer-supplier dyads using the main SET constructs. From this multiple-case analysis the author develops a set of propositions explaining the exchange asymmetry in complex buyer-supplier relations. Findings – The results indicate that self-awareness of the determinants of attractiveness, use of power-balancing mechanisms, and primacy can explain the exchange asymmetry in BSRs. Research limitations/implications – The analysis is limited on the explanations for exchange asymmetry that are based on SET. Practical implications – The study highlights the importance of firms using the power-balancing mechanism in order to gain value from supply chain partners. The results show that firms can use attractiveness strategically to influence supply chain partners, but the author also observe that firms generally are not well aware of the determinants of their attractiveness in BSRs, which ignorance may pose a major obstacle to using attractiveness strategically. Originality/value – The paper provides the first systematic and comprehensive insight to social exchange mechanism in complex BSR. In this paper the author makes a major effort to clarify the basic assumptions and scope of the useful concepts and theoretical constructs of SET, and through a multiple-case study the author form a piece of substantive theory of SET in BSRs.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilkka Sillanpää

Purpose – Supply chain (SC) performance measurement – the process of qualifying the efficiency and effectiveness of the SC. The purpose of this paper is to create a SC measurement framework for manufacturing industry, define which data should be measured and verify the measurement framework in the case company’s SC. Design/methodology/approach – There is a review of the current understanding of supply chain management and literature related to SC performance measurement and the study creates a framework for SC measurement. This research is qualitative case study research. Findings – This study presents the main theoretical framework of SC performance measurement. The key elements for the measurement framework were defined as time, profitability, order book analysis and managerial analysis. The measurement framework is tested by measuring case SC performance. Research limitations/implications – In the study, a performance measurement framework was created for the needs of manufacturing industry. Suggestions for future research are multiple case study in different manufacturing industry areas and positivistic-based SC performance research. Practical implications – The measurement framework in this study offers guidelines for measuring the SC in manufacturing industry but the measurement framework could be used in different areas of industry as well. Originality/value – The SC performance measurement framework is tested and a valid framework for SC performance measurement in manufacturing industry.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Guercini ◽  
Andrea Runfola

Purpose This paper aims to deal with the issue of business model change in industrial markets. It considers the fast-fashion supply chain by addressing the following research questions: What are the paths of change of the supplier’s business model to match the business model of fast fashion customers? How can a supplier’s business model be adapted to customer’s requirements in these paths of change? Design/methodology/approach Empirically, the paper presents a multiple case study of 10 semi-finished textile suppliers, carried out through a long-term research programme in the Italian textile industrial district of Prato. Findings The multiple-case study shows some key drivers of change in the suppliers’ business models. Three main paths emerged from the interactions with fast fashion clients. Paradoxes in the supplier’s business model changes are identified and discussed. Research limitations/implications The paper proposes implications for suppliers interacting with fast fashion clients and discusses how the adaptation of business models may be interpreted. This study points out how matching the business model of the customers does not call for alignment of similar features. Originality/value The paper deals with an understudied topic within the literature: business models change in business to business markets, taking into consideration the perspective of the supplier. It considers buyers-seller relationships in industrial supply chains as being part of a chain of business models and the need for the supplier’s business model to adapt and match one of the clients. The paper proposes two potential interpretations of such adaptation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 729-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Yan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to optimize a two-level perishable product supply chain by increasing its revenue with the Internet of Things (IoT). It particularly investigates how radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology impacts the revenue of the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, two revenue models were built to calculate the revenue of perishable product supply chain before and after the application of IoT to analyze the influences of IoT on perishable product supply chain. In the case study, particular data of an aquatic product supply chain were analyzed through these models which were later solved by a computer simulation method based on Colonial Competitive Algorithm, a new heuristic algorithm inspired by imperialistic competition in human society. Findings Using these revenue models to compare the revenues of supply chain before and after the application of IoT, this paper concludes that the application of IoT can efficiently optimize a perishable product supply chain by balancing its wholesale profits and its total costs including logistics costs, therefore, increasing its overall revenue. However, this conclusion is only applicable for large enterprises, while small enterprises are not supposed to introduce IoT due to its high cost. Originality/value The revenue models built in this paper can be used to evaluate the profits of supply chain and help enterprises determine how to maximize their profits and whether they should introduce IoT in a perishable product supply chain. In addition, through the analysis of case study, this paper gives several valuable suggestions to help enterprises reduce their logistics costs and increase their overall revenue.


Author(s):  
Anuj Dixit ◽  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
Sunil Kumar Dubey

Purpose This paper aims to review the healthcare supply chain (HSC) literature along various areas and to find out the gap in it. Design/methodology/approach In total, 143 research papers were reviewed during 1996-2017. A critical review was carried out in various dimensions such as research methodologies/data collection method (empirical, case study and literature review) and inquiry mode of research methodology (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), country-specific, targeted area, research aim and year of publication. Findings Supply chain (SC) operations, performance measurement, inventory management, lean and agile operation, and use of information technology were well studied and analyzed, however, employee and customer training, tracking and visibility of medicines, cold chain management, human resource practices, risk management and waste management are felt to be important areas but not much attention were made in this direction. Research limitations/implications Mainly drug and vaccine SC were considered in current study of HSC while SC along healthcare equipment and machine, hospitality and drug manufacturing related papers were excluded in this study. Practical implications This literature review has recognized and analyzed various issues relevant to HSC and shows the direction for future research to develop an efficient and effective HSC. Originality/value The insight of various aspects of HSC was explored in general for better and deeper understanding of it for designing of an efficient and competent HSC. The outcomes of the study may form a basis to decide direction of future research.


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