L_SMS L-Supply systems management

Analysis of supply chains and model resources.

Testing-chapt.1-6

Key words:

Logistics, analysis, systematics and objectives, modeling, simulation

Chapter objectives:

  • Understanding the significance of analyzes in logistics,
  • Getting acquainted the tools used in analyzes,
  • Understanding the methodology modeling,
  • Getting acquainted the benefits of simulation for logistics.

Time required to study the chapter: 8 hours

Interpretation:

Intentions and objectives of logistics analyzes
Intentions for analyzing logistics chains and systems can be very diverse. The most common ones are:
  • rebuilding, extending or building new objects,
  • capacity expansion and equipment upgrading,
  • change of technological or logistics processes,
  • reducing costs, the number of vehicles and workers,
  • increasing competitiveness, etc.
Similarly to intentions to analyze logistics chains and systems that can be very diverse, even objectives of analyzes may vary from case to case. Usually, the purpose of the analysis is:
  • identifying critical locations in material flows,
  • reducing inventory volumes,
  • shortening the running time,
  • improving the organization and management of material flows,
  • etc.
The outcome of the analysis and its qualitative level depends on a number of factors. First of all, however, it depends on the clear and unambiguous formulation of the assigned task.

Analytical systematics
Analysis of logistics, in more general terms, process chains, or logistics systems requires a systematic approach. The following procedure can be applied:
  • objectives determination,
  • task formulation,
  • creating an action plan,
  • preparatory work,
  • specification of analyzed objects,
  • elaboration of working procedures for the examination,
  • performing a survey.
Techniques used within analyzes

Querying
In most cases, analyzes initiate by querying. Besides the basic orientation in the given system, the decision-makers can get even the fundamental (primary) knowledge about the current problems. In addition to the list of respondents, it is useful to have prepared purposely focused queries.

Observation
System approach to logistics chain observations gives us an option to choose a monitored (research) area according to the necessary distinctive ability. The use of video-records and computer technology greatly simplifies working operations of observers.

Modeling
The complexity of logistics systems usually requires the use of different model forms to display a certain instant state. The model is an image of a real state, however, insignificant properties are suppressed (not shown), and on the other hand, significant properties in terms of the monitored objectives are highlighted. 

Simulation
The simulation is an imitation of the dynamic process on the model in order to gain knowledge transferable to reality. It offers us possibilities:
  • exclusion of errors when designing complicated systems with complicated behavior,
  • comparing the multiple variants,
  • ensuring the proper functionality of the material flow system,
  • assessing the stochastic effects (e.g., system behavior failures),
  • determining the system performance limits, etc.
 

Study materials:

Basic literature:
JEŘÁBEK, Karel. Logistika: study support for combined study. 1. ed. České Budějovice: Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, 2012. 96p. ISBN 978-80-7468-016-8.
MACUROVÁ, L. et. Logistika. A collection of examples. Study materials for part-time study. Zlin, Tomas Bata University, 2008. ISBN 978-80-3718-745-3.
FIALA, P. Dynamické dodavatelské sítě. Prague: Professional Publishing, 2009. ISBN 978-80-7431-023-2.

Recommended study materials:
BAZALA, J. et al. Logistika v praxi. Prague: Verlag Dashöfer, 2004. ISBN 80-86229-71-8.
KUHN, A. Prozessketten in der Logistik. Dortmund, Verlag Praxiswissen 1995. ISBN 3-929443-49-X.
JEŘÁBEK, K. Transport, Handling, Storage - Logistics. Construction information, Volume XI, September 2004, Monothematic Number, 28th Edition, pp. 3-31. ISSN 1211-2259.
 

Questions and tasks

  1. Intentions for analyzing logistics chains and systems can be very diverse. They do not include:
    1. capacity expansion and equipment upgrading
    2. change of technological or logistics processes
    3. simulation
  2. Usual objectives of analyzes do not include:
    1. observation
    2. reducing inventory volumes
    3. shortening the running time
  3. The outcome of the analysis and its qualitative level depends on a number of factors. First of all, however, it depends on the clear and unambiguous:
    1. ensuring the proper functionality of the material flow system
    2. formulation of the assigned task
    3. data flow simulation
  4. Analytical systematics does not include:
    1. task formulation
    2. assessment of stochastic influences
    3. specification of analyzed objects
  5. Simulation is:
    1. an imitation of the dynamic process on the model in order to gain knowledge transferable to reality
    2. an image of a real state, however, insignificant properties are suppressed (not shown), and on the other hand, significant properties in terms of the monitored objectives are highlighted
    3. rebuilding, extension or construction of new objects

Key to solve the questions:

  1. c
  2. a
  3. b
  4. b
  5. a
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