Gospodarka Materiałowa i Logistyka nr 12/2017

In recent years, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has attracted increasing attention as disruptive technology that will transform life, business and the global economy. Since its inception more than 30 years ago, 3D printing has advanced and grown into a technology that is likely to substitute traditional manufacturing in industry segments that produce highly complex and customized goods. For companies involved in this type of manufacturing, 3D printing could become a disruptive force that in future may redefine traditional purchasing, manufacturing and distribution strategies in supply chains. Companies can leverage 3D printing in the supply chain to improve operational excellence as well as the customer experience This article explores some of the potential implications of large-scale adoption of 3D printing in traditional supply chains. In relation to these evolving trends, this is a predictive, and not a descriptive, article.

Key words: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, supply chain management, customization.

In recent years, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has attracted increasing attention as disruptive technology that will transform life, business and the global economy. Since its inception more than 30 years ago, 3D printing has advanced and grown into a technology that is likely to substitute traditional manufacturing in industry segments that produce highly complex and customized goods. For companies involved in this type of manufacturing, 3D printing could become a disruptive force that in future may redefine traditional purchasing, manufacturing and distribution strategies in supply chains. Companies can leverage 3D printing in the supply chain to improve operational excellence as well as the customer experience This article explores some of the potential implications of large-scale adoption of 3D printing in traditional supply chains. In relation to these evolving trends, this is a predictive, and not a descriptive, article.

Key words: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, supply chain management, customization.

The efficiency of distribution processes is determined by timeliness and accuracy. In this article, authors described the results of conducted research based on interview techniques and business case analysis, which aimed to identify the problems of companies (and their causes), preventing the effective realization of distribution processes. One of the main reasons for the problems diagnosed in the research was the lack of credible and up-to-date information describing the location (or object) to which the delivery will be realized. Identified the lack of information mainly concerned address data and conditions for the operation location. Therefore, authors in this article indicate the possibility of using the GLN (Global Location Number) standard for identifying physical location parameters. The prototype of the location register based on the GLN identifiers has been described as the result of the research work. The main purpose of the described research in this article is to identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of distribution processes by applying in business practice the location register based on GLN identifiers.

Key words: GS1 standards, GLN, distribution process, process efficiency.

The efficiency of distribution processes is determined by timeliness and accuracy. In this article, authors described the results of conducted research based on interview techniques and business case analysis, which aimed to identify the problems of companies (and their causes), preventing the effective realization of distribution processes. One of the main reasons for the problems diagnosed in the research was the lack of credible and up-to-date information describing the location (or object) to which the delivery will be realized. Identified the lack of information mainly concerned address data and conditions for the operation location. Therefore, authors in this article indicate the possibility of using the GLN (Global Location Number) standard for identifying physical location parameters. The prototype of the location register based on the GLN identifiers has been described as the result of the research work. The main purpose of the described research in this article is to identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of distribution processes by applying in business practice the location register based on GLN identifiers.

Key words: GS1 standards, GLN, distribution process, process efficiency.

Transport is one of the most complex and expensive processes in the supply chain. When planning it, one must take into consideration the fact that part of the delivery may lose its value while moving toward the supply chain. This problem becomes more and more significant, in particular because of the permanent extension of supply chains, whose one of causes is globalization. This phenomenon is not sufficiently recognized in the literature (in particular from the empirical perspective). In order to fill this gap, in the article we presented the results of qualitative research conducted in three Polish cities.

Key words: transport, losses and faults in transport, qualitative research.

Transport is one of the most complex and expensive processes in the supply chain. When planning it, one must take into consideration the fact that part of the delivery may lose its value while moving toward the supply chain. This problem becomes more and more significant, in particular because of the permanent extension of supply chains, whose one of causes is globalization. This phenomenon is not sufficiently recognized in the literature (in particular from the empirical perspective). In order to fill this gap, in the article we presented the results of qualitative research conducted in three Polish cities.

Key words: transport, losses and faults in transport, qualitative research.

The logistics processes efficiency requires continuous monitoring of methods and tools supporting decision-making at the operational level. For each phase of material flow, it is necessary to determine the effective way of implementing the activities. Supply chain logistics is concerned with supply and distribution aspects, which increases the analytical scope of the research. This paper presents the research carried out within the research project of the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing for the identification of methods and tools for scheduling supplies. The research concerned both the definition of the theoretical scope of the analyzes carried out as well as the study of applied tools in business practice.

Key words: delivery scheduling, logistics processes efficiency.

The logistics processes efficiency requires continuous monitoring of methods and tools supporting decision-making at the operational level. For each phase of material flow, it is necessary to determine the effective way of implementing the activities. Supply chain logistics is concerned with supply and distribution aspects, which increases the analytical scope of the research. This paper presents the research carried out within the research project of the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing for the identification of methods and tools for scheduling supplies. The research concerned both the definition of the theoretical scope of the analyzes carried out as well as the study of applied tools in business practice.

Key words: delivery scheduling, logistics processes efficiency.