scholarly journals Combining Parcel Lockers with Staffed Collection and Delivery Points: An Optimization Case Study Using Real Parcel Delivery Data (London, UK)

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Maren Schnieder ◽  
Chris Hinde ◽  
Andrew West
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Home Delivery ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Financial Benefits ◽  
One Year ◽  
Decision Support Method

Delivering parcels to collection and delivery points (CDPs) is often seen as a better option compared with home delivery. However, if the demand is inhomogeneous, either the parcel locker utilization or the service level (i.e., the number of parcels that can be delivered) is low. Either situation would reduce the financial viability. This paper compares two options to increase the utilization, namely: (i) modular lockers (i.e., numbers of lockers adjusted periodically depending on demand) and (ii) combining parcel lockers with staffed CDPs. The latter has the advantage of a low investment cost of staffed CDPs and a low cost per parcel of parcel lockers. Secondly, the paper calculates the optimal number of lockers at a staffed CDP, assuming that all parcels are placed in the staffed CDP if the parcel locker is full. This method was applied to data collected by a parcel delivery company in London. The advantage of using real world data over one year is that it includes seasonal and daily changes in the parcel demand. The decision support method accounts for parcels not being picked up by customers on the delivery day, returned deliveries, and the net present value (NPV) of the investment. This paper shows that having enough lockers for 100% of all parcels compared with 80% doubles the number of required parcel lockers because of the inhomogeneity of the demand. In addition, combining fixed lockers with staffed CDPs offers greater financial benefits compared with modular lockers in this case study.

Equipment Integrated Information Acquisition System for Production Operation in Modern Job Shop

2010 ◽  
Vol 439-440 ◽  
pp. 1230-1234
Author(s):  
Yan He ◽  
Fei Liu ◽  
Qi Feng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Information Acquisition ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Job Shop ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Acquisition System ◽  
Production Operation ◽  
Application Systems ◽  
Integrated Information

Information acquisition plays an important role on the production operation of modern job shop to achieve the goals of high efficiency, good quality, low cost, little resource consumption and low environmental impacts. This paper proposes the equipment integrated information acquisition system, the objective of which is to sense or collect the on-site information related with production operation in order to support managers’ decision-making or other application systems as basic data. The system architecture is constructed with five layer components. Furthermore, the two supporting technologies of the system are presented including the adapter definition in the adapter level and the establishment of template repository in the service level. Finally, the case study of the system is demonstrated by the application of acquiring production progress information in machining job shop.

scholarly journals A feasibility study of electrical energy generation from municipal solid waste in Iraq: Najaf case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 3403
Author(s):  
Othman M. Anssari ◽  
Esam A. Alkaldy ◽  
Naseem Almudhaffar ◽  
Abbas Nasir AlTaee ◽  
Nabeel Salih Ali
Keyword(s):  
Production Cost ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
Electricity Crisis ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
One Year

In several developing countries, the electricity crisis obstructs both socio-economic and technological sustainable evolution. Also, it leads to reducing job availability due to shut down several industries or relocate to neighbouring countries to such an issue. A Najaf City is an important holy and tourist city in the middle of Iraq country. Indeed, waste management in An Najaf City needs to be reconsidered to be used as an energy source. In this article, we investigated and listed the waste quantity which produced recently (one year) respect to waste types and types of content. Data collected from the waste products for one year and are used as a key factor to study the feasibility of generating electrical energy from collected MSWs. The proposed model was simulated and tested respect to cost analysis factor of the suggested power plant by Homer pro simulation software. Results were very encouraging and competitive to the current energy production cost based on the production cost of the Kwh prospective among the conventional methods in Iraq. The proposed scenario provide proper and secure waste proposal technique with low-cost.

First Ever Offshore Deployment of an Inflatable Packer Anchoring System for Rigless Installation of an Insertable Progressive Cavity Pump: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Osorio ◽  
Francis Ford
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Axial Loads ◽  
Slip Mechanism ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Anchoring System ◽  
One Year ◽  
Production Tubing

Abstract An offshore well located in Indonesia required rigless installation of an insertable progressive cavity pump (I-PCP) as a cost-effective solution to restore production while eliminating the need to retrieve the upper completion for extensive maintenance. The well had been previously completed with a conventional progressive cavity pump (PCP) as an integral part of the completion and was placed offline for approximately one year due to mechanical failure of downhole components. Typical I-PCP anchoring methods were not feasible alternatives for this application. A pump-seating nipple (PSN) insertable seal stack could not be used due to the lack of a PSN at the required I-PCP setting depth, and a mechanical J-slot anchoring device could not be deployed because rod conveyance from an offshore barge is subject to constant heave, which results in fluctuating axial loads and rod position, which would pose the risk of prematurely activating a mechanical J-slot anchor during deployment. An inflatable packer anchoring system was selected as a solution to the operational challenges encountered in this application. The system comprises inflatable packer technology, a hydraulically-actuated anchoring slip mechanism, seal cups, and a shearable intake sub. Conveyed on sucker rods, the system provides the required pressure competence to confirm tubing integrity and enable a complete hydraulic setting sequence. The first ever offshore installation of this system proved its optimal functionality by successfully anchoring an I-PCP inside 3-1/2" production tubing riglessly from an offshore barge. The system was set by applying pressure via the tubing-rod annulus, and the well was immediately placed into production. After being shut-in for more than one year, this unique solution provided the well operator with a safe and low-cost alternative to reestablish production while eliminating the need for a workover rig. The objective of this paper is to provide a case study analysis of the first offshore deployment of this technology, discuss its potential for optimizing PCP/I-PCP completion designs, and explain the economic and operational benefits of associated rigless well intervention operations in comparison to current alternative methods.

scholarly journals Optimizing Number and Locations of Alternative-Fuel Stations Using a Multi-Criteria Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 3715-3720 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Badri-Koohi ◽  
R. Tavakkoli-Moghaddam ◽  
M. Asghari
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Fuels ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Alternative Fuel ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Flow Refueling

The transition to alternative fuels is obligatory due to the finite amount of available fossil fuels and their rising prices. However, the transition cannot be done unless enough infrastructure exists. A very important infrastructure is the fueling station. As establishing alternative-fuel stations is expensive, the problem of finding the optimal number and locations of initial alternative-fuel stations emerges and it is investigated in this paper. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation is proposed to minimize the costs using net present value (NPV) technique. The proposed formulation considers the criteria of the two most common models in the literature for such a problem, namely P-median model and flow refueling location model (FRLM). A decision support system is developed for the users to be able to control the parameter values and run different scenarios. For case study purposes, the method is used to find the optimal number and locations of the alternative-fuel stations in the city of Chicago. Some data wrangling techniques are used to overcome the inability of the method to solve very large-scale problems.

Global Surgery Hackathons: A Case Study From Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 155335062110186
Author(s):  
Waqaas A. Butt ◽  
Amir Shariff ◽  
Sadaf Khan ◽  
Asad I. Mian
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Global Surgery ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
To Come ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One ◽  
Multiple Domains

Background. Hackathons aim to solve problems in a selected field by bringing together people from multiple domains and combining their expertise. Global surgery is an emerging field with a huge burden of disease and massive implications for bettering health care. In this study, we describe the first Global Surgery Hackathon held in Pakistan and analyze the impacts of the hack and post-hack incubation. Methods. This research study used data collected from a Hackathon held at the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Karachi, Pakistan, and progress from the post-hack incubation teams. Data were collected from applications, from sign-in attendance, via evaluation forms, and milestone tracking of the incubation teams. A list of factors such as sectors addressed by winning projects and grants received was made. Results. The evaluations provided by the participants were positive, with mean scores of 4.00 (SD = .78) out of 5 on a Likert scale. Pitches made (n = 69, 68%) by the 109 participants were sorted into 5 categories: workplace, access, quality, safety, and design. Fifteen teams were formed, out of which 5 were accepted for incubation. All teams had a minimum viable product at the one-year mark. Conclusion. Hackathons are a reliable way to come up with effective solutions for targeted problems in various areas of health care and using the methodology of a Hackathon, a pool of low-cost, innovative solutions can be generated. These solutions can definitely impact health outcomes, especially for the field of global surgery. Further statistics should be collected to affirm the incubated solutions’ impact.

Road weather information system stations — where and how many to install: a cost benefit analysis approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae Jung Kwon ◽  
Liping Fu ◽  
Chaozhe Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Uniform Grid ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Maintenance Costs ◽  
Weather Information

This paper presents a cost–benefit based approach to the problem of finding the optimal location and density of road weather information system (RWIS) stations over a regional road network. The novelty of the proposed method lies in the models that can be used to estimate the benefits of RWIS information, including reduced maintenance costs and collisions, thus determining the optimal number and location of a RWIS network. A case study based on the existing RWIS network in Northern Minnesota in the US is used to show the application of the proposed approach. Linear regression models are developed for the annual maintenance costs and the expected number of collisions that could occur on two types of highways delineated by the existence of a RWIS station nearby. The calibrated models are then applied to individual highway segments defined on the basis of a uniform grid system to determine the expected benefit of having a RWIS station installed. These benefits along with RWIS installation and maintenance costs are converted into net benefits and then the net present value, which are then used in determining the optimal number of RWIS stations and prioritizing the candidate locations. It was found from the case study that a total of 45 stations would provide the best return of investment with a 25 year net benefit of approximately $6.5 million and a life-cycle benefit-to-cost ratio of 3.5.

WestJet Airlines: hybrid but profitable

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 23-25
Author(s):  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Airline Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Hybrid Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Low Cost Carrier ◽  
One Year

Purpose – The article looks at a Canadian airline, WestJet, that began as a low-cost carrier and is now adopting a more hybrid strategy. It analyses the difficulty of such a strategy and makes the comparison with Singapore Airlines (SIA) which has attempted to do the same. Design/methodology/approach – The article is a case study primarily of WestJet, but also of SIA. Findings – The airline industry is notorious for its low profits in the good years and appalling losses in the bad ones. The Canadian airline, WestJet, is one of the few companies that has defied this trend over the past decade. Indeed, it has reported positive net incomes for all but one year since it was created in 1996. In doing so, the Alberta-based firm is bucking not just the trend on profitability but also on strategic positioning.

Low Temperature Fault Isolation Using Soft Defect Localization

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristopher D. Staller
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Fault Isolation ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Cold Temperature ◽  
Multiple Point ◽  
Defect Localization ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract Cold temperature failures are often difficult to resolve, especially those at extreme low levels (< -40°C). Momentary application of chill spray can confirm the failure mode, but is impractical during photoemission microscopy (PEM), laser scanning microscopy (LSM), and multiple point microprobing. This paper will examine relatively low-cost cold temperature systems that can hold samples at steady state extreme low temperatures and describe a case study where a cold temperature stage was combined with LSM soft defect localization (SDL) to rapidly identify the cause of a complex cold temperature failure mechanism.

The system of indicators of the quality of the carbon-carbon composite materials and technologies of their production

2018 ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
T. N. Antipova ◽  
D. S. Shiroyan
Keyword(s):  
Composite Material ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Carbon Matrix ◽  
Carbon Composite ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Carbon Composite Material ◽  
Carbon Composite Materials

The system of indicators of quality of carbon-carbon composite material and technological operations of its production is proved in the work. As a result of the experimental studies, with respect to the existing laboratory equipment, the optimal number of cycles of saturation of the reinforcing frame with a carbon matrix is determined. It was found that to obtain a carbon-carbon composite material with a low cost and the required quality indicators, it is necessary to introduce additional parameters of the pitch melt at the impregnation stage.

Treatment of wastewater by constructed wetland in small settlements

2000 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.Ç. Ayaz ◽  
I. Akca
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
Constructed Wetland ◽  
Pilot Plant ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Suspended Solid ◽  
Loading Conditions ◽  
Treatment Performance ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
One Year

The constructed wetland is a low-cost technology to control environmental pollution. The system is especially suitable for small settlements. An innovative constructed wetland technology is described in this paper. A pilot plant was used to assess the performance of the system. The experimental system consists of two serial connected tanks that settled up with fillers and Cyperus as treatment media. Wastewater is recycled periodically upward and downward between the two tanks. The treatment performance was monitored in different loading conditions in a one-year period. The average COD removal efficiency of 90% was observed at 122 g COD/m2.day average loading conditions. Other average removal values in the same conditions are as follows: suspended solid 95%, TKN 77%, total nitrogen 61%, PO4-P 39%. The land requirement for this system will be 0.82 m2 per capita when applying as full-scale system.

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