Material Economy and Logistics 10/2021

The aim of the study is to contribute to supply chain visibility literature by addressing a gap between the expectations on the benefits of supply chain visibility and the successfully implemented cases. Determinants of a real- -time transportation visibility platform implementation were identified and explained and the reasons for not achieving the expected real-time visibility benefits from a platform in the transportation network with a predominant share of subcontracting were ranked. A complex network of fast-moving consumer goods companies was chosen for the research because of their greater need for visibility; visibility improvement is also more challenging for such companies. Asymmetry of risk, rewards, and benefits for freight forwarders and a real-time visibility platform hinder information sharing willingness. The in-depth analysis of entities involved in the platform deployment shows the tensions that platform governance can address. This study also provides insights on information utilization, including automating, informational, and transformational characteristics. This paper contributes to the supply chain visibility theoretical field by focusing on the practical development of real-time visibility from the standpoint of supply chain professionals.

The fast development of technology and modern branches of industry is conducive to the increase in the amount of generated waste. This is associated with serious ecological and economic problems that must be controlled and solved on an ongoing basis in accordance with the requirements of environmental protection. Early recognition of the threat posed by inappropriate waste management allows to make the right decisions in a short time, which will be safe, acceptable to society and probably associated with much lower costs. Action is needed both by producers and citizens, aimed at developing effective methods of waste disposal. This paper attempts to analyze and explain the issues related to the thermal neutralization of combustible industrial waste. The purpose of the study was to use the abovementioned wastes primarily for energy purposes. This procedure can be applied to various already existing technological processes. Thermal utilization takes place in various types of chambers, and the installations are selected individually for each type of waste due to the variety of their properties.

Enterprises striving to maximize the efficiency of the supply chain operation should strive to balance it. However, very often a big barrier for enterprises is the observance of sustainable development practices while ensuring better financial results. In recent years, the importance of modern solutions consistent with the idea of sustainable development and using artificial intelligence in increasing the efficiency of supply chain management has also increased. Hence, two goals were adopted. The first one, of a theoretical nature, consists in determining the possibilities of supporting the implementation and development of sustainable supply chain management with the use of artificial intelligence technology. The second, of a practical nature, concerns the presentation of ways to improve the finances of the supply chain achieved with the use of modern solutions for their management — implementation with the use of SSCM (sustainable supply chain management) and AI (artificial intelligence) on the example of the Polish clothing company using omnichannel. The case study showed that by deploying AI, supply chain leaders can more easily improve all key dimensions of sustainability, especially in the strategic area, based on strengthening partnerships and collaboration with suppliers offering value-added materials that provide a competitive advantage.

Issues important for modern logistics were discussed in Warsaw on September 7, 2021 during the 2nd Logistics Specialists Conference organized by JARTOM Real Estate. The conference was attended by business practitioners from Poland and abroad, as well as representatives of science and administration. The monthly "Material Economy & Logistics Journal" was the media patron of the event.