distribution operations
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2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 256-259
Author(s):  
Mohd. R. Shaharudin

Reverse distribution operations have become significant to the manufacturers in supporting the firms to achieve the circularity of products in the reverse flow chains. There are four main components of the reverse distribution chains; inbound and outbound transportation, collection of returns, centralised returns centres, and recovery process. Transport is essential by reducing the lead time and transportation cost of the used and the recovered products. Therefore, it is pertinent that the manufacturers continue endeavouring for the sustainable transportation process in each of the components to ensure the success of the reverse distribution chains.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4267
Author(s):  
Alexandra N. Castro ◽  
Mamie A. White ◽  
Ariun Ishdorj ◽  
Debbe Thompson ◽  
Jayna M. Dave

This study aimed to identify changes in food distribution operations at emergency food assistance organizations (EFAOs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. EFAOs across the Houston metro area, TX (human service centers and food pantries) as well as the Houston Food Bank (HFB) participated in the qualitative study. Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews and focus group (December 2020–February 2021), and coded using semi-structured thematic analysis. Categories were pre-identified based on the interview questions. Direct quotes supported subcategories. Directors from 18 EFAOs were interviewed; 8 HFB leadership staff participated in a focus group. Four major categories of change due to COVID-19 included new safety measures, changes in food distribution process, changes in volunteerism and staffing, and changes in amounts of food distributed. This study helps identify susceptibilities in EFAOs’ food distribution chain should be addressed to manage future emergency food insecurity crises more effectively. An understanding of the changes/challenges incurred by EFAOs during the COVID-19 pandemic can inform policymakers to ensure local food distribution organizations are prepared to fill the needs during future a crisis of food insecurity.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kala Mahadevan ◽  
Sujata Joshi

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the extant research literature on omnichannel retailing and map the research trends in this field through a bibliometric analysis and network visualization exercise.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs bibliometric analysis techniques on research literature retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases over the period 2013–2020 and assesses indicators such as research production and citation trends, top contributing authors, countries, journals and organizations through tools offered by the Scopus/Web of Science databases as well as Biblioshiny. A network visualization analysis of patterns such as keyword co-occurrences and co-authorship linkages between contributing countries has been investigated through the use of VOSviewer.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis indicates that research in this field is currently dominated by USA and China with Germany and UK also being key contributors. The analysis has indicated that the field of omnichannel retailing straddles multiple domains such as logistics, distribution, operations and consumer behavior, thereby offering significant future scope for research linking omnichannel retailing with these subject areas.Originality/valueThis study maps the structure of research done in the field of omnichannel retailing and outlines the key contributors in terms of authors, journals and organizations that can serve as an input for future research. The study also identifies possible avenues for future research in the knowledge domain of omnichannel retailing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-366
Author(s):  
Travis L. Cline, MS ◽  
Kar Ee Ho, MS ◽  
Chris Hood, MBA ◽  
Austin Riegsecker, MS ◽  
J. Eric Dietz, PhD, PE

Objective: Propose standardized communication formats and procedures at the point of distribution (POD) sites to facilitate the effective management and alleviate friction points that may occur while responding to a widespread medical incident within the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Design: Through observation of POD operations and interviews with key personnel in Indiana and county emergency management agencies (EMA), identify current communication practices and propose a structured command and control (C2) framework that would streamline management requirements during a widespread activation.Setting: The State of Indiana, various counties throughout Indiana.Conclusions: Current C2 practices are adequate for small-scale events. However, a standardized approach to the C2 and reporting framework may provide more responsive situational awareness and incident management of larger-scale medical incidents within Indiana.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashkan Ayough ◽  
Reza Rafiei ◽  
Ashkan Shabbak

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a distribution management system that determines the path toward lean distribution through teamwork. This system introduces a set of lean distribution initiatives regarding the structural and strategic facets of organizations. Design/methodology/approach Through studying the case, which is one of the largest distribution companies in the Middle East, the deployment process of the developed system is examined through chartering focus, deployment and operational teams. These teams held several rounds of panel discussions to formulate the strategic, tactical and technical plans required for making distribution operations lean. Findings It is found that the strategic focus of the case should not only be restricted to distribution initiatives but also the company can achieve a suitable competitive position by focusing on leadership and integral architecture of information, distribution and transportation channels. The first semi-year cycle of implementing the lean distribution system in the case targeted a 2.5% reduction in the ratio of distribution cost to sales by planning for the cross-docking adoption. It also aimed at a 10% increase in the market share for the prioritized market by a 20% reduction in lost sales owing to improper implementation of the processes. Originality/value The developed lean distribution management system is novel in the way it includes the strategy, structure and capabilities of an organization. Deploying this system causes a meaningful connection between lean distribution principles and operational initiatives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Ying Yang ◽  
Limin Dong ◽  
Hua Rong ◽  
Jing Wu

The traditional medical material distribution management system method lacks systematic analysis and relies heavily on the subjective judgment of related operators, and it is easy to cause excessive or too little inventory, which leads to waste of operating costs. This study builds on a dedicated system for artificial intelligence robot logistics and aims to minimize the total cost of medical material ordering and distribution operations. In addition, in view of the constraints in the actual operation of the hospital, this study uses the concept of the spatiotemporal network to construct an ordering and distribution scheduling planning model of single material certainty, single material stochastic, and multiple material stochastic to help the hospital make optimal decisions and ensure the hospital's continuous and stable operation. In addition, after building the system, this study designs experiments to analyze the performance of this study system. The research shows that the model constructed in this paper has a certain effect and can provide a reference for the follow-up medical material distribution management system.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Loay Salhieh ◽  
Mohammad Shehadeh ◽  
Ismail Abushaikha ◽  
Neil Towers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the benefits of integrating IT tracking and routing systems into last-mile distribution operations. The paper also demonstrates the role of field experiments as a valid approach for improving the rigour of logistics research.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a field experiment approach. Data were collected before and after the experimental treatment from 16 participating vehicles, which were used as inputs and outputs to calculate vehicles' efficiencies using data envelopment analysis.FindingsThrough employing manipulation and random assignment to investigate causality in naturally occurring contexts, the study results show statistical evidence for the role of vehicle tracking and routing systems in enhancing fleet efficiency. Furthermore, results show that field experiment is an appropriate method for capital budgeting of deploying IT systems in the distribution function.Practical implicationsDistribution managers can use a field experiment setup to assess the potential impact of installing IT solutions prior to large-scale implementation or prior to purchasing.Originality/valueThe study fills a gap in the literature through the application of a field experiment approach to establish causality relationships in distribution and logistics research. This study should encourage new research on the role of field experimentation in evaluating the benefits gained from, and the capital budgeting of, the modern disruptive technologies in supply chains.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 976-988
Author(s):  
Shidrokh Goudarzi ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Anisi ◽  
Hamed Ahmadi ◽  
Leila Musavian

Author(s):  
Kamalendu Pal

The manufacturing industry tends to worldwide business operations due to the economic benefits of product design and distribution operations. The design and development of a manufacturing enterprise information system (EIS) involve different types of decision making at various levels of business control. This decision making is complex and requires real-time data collection from machines, business processes, and operating environments. Enterprise information systems are used to support data acquisition, communication, and all decision-making activities. Hence, information technology (IT) infrastructure for data acquisition and sharing affects the performance of an EIS significantly. The chapter highlights the advantages and disadvantages of an integrated internet of things (IoT) and blockchain technology on EIS in the modern manufacturing industry. Also, it presents a review of security-related issues in the context of an EIS consisting of IoT-based blockchain technology. Finally, the chapter discusses the future research directions.


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