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Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Industrial Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 8814

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Globalization and fast-changing technological developments have a direct impact on supply chain design and management. When managing the supply chain's components, modern supply chain procedures must be adaptable, proactive, integrated, and information driven. Customers who use intelligent logistics and supply chain systems are given the ability to precisely control every stage of the transportation lifecycle, including contracting, planning, executing, and tracking shipments, as well as having control over managing yards, making appointments, and financial issues.

The goal of this Special Issue on “Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems” is to establish a dynamic platform where different knowledge streams will be concentrated in order to exchange knowledge and experiences that promote innovation in these areas. Moreover, this Special Issue aims to present practical innovations in intelligent logistics systems and promote the practicality of the intelligent logistics system and supply chain management process for optimizing the design of the intelligent logistics system and supply chain management.

Prof. Dr. Panagiotis Tsarouhas
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • smart logistics
  • E-supply chains
  • ICT systems
  • risk management
  • supply chain network design
  • green logistics
  • data analytics
  • demand forecasting
  • inventory management
  • innovation
  • lean and agile
  • TQM
  • sustainability
  • IoT
  • big data and robotics
  • planning and scheduling

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 10631 KiB  
Article
Exploring Boost Efficiency in Text Analysis by Using AI Techniques in Port Companies
by Claudia Durán, Christian Fernández-Campusano, Leonardo Espinosa-Leal, Cristóbal Castañeda, Eduardo Carrillo, Marcelo Bastias and Felipe Villagra
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4556; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084556 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
This study presents how integrating natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) optimizes strategic management in the port sector. Using hybrid NLP-ML models, the accuracy of classification and prediction of strategic information is significantly improved by analyzing large sets of textual data, [...] Read more.
This study presents how integrating natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) optimizes strategic management in the port sector. Using hybrid NLP-ML models, the accuracy of classification and prediction of strategic information is significantly improved by analyzing large sets of textual data, both unstructured and semi-structured. The methodological approach is developed in three phases: first, a strategic analysis of port systems is performed using NLP; then, ML is integrated with NLP for text classification using advanced tools such as BERT and Word2Vec; finally, advanced models, including Decision Trees and Recurrent Neural Networks are evaluated. Applied to 55 companies in three countries, this method extracts key strategic data such as mission, vision, values and corporate objectives from their websites to obtain strategic terms related to innovation and sustainability. The study improves the ability to interpret textual data, enabling more informed and agile decision-making, which is essential in a highly competitive and dynamic environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems)
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26 pages, 2798 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of ISO 31010 Techniques for Supply Chain Risk Management in Automotive Suppliers
by Ualison Rébula de Oliveira, Tommy Figueiredo Brasil, Vicente Aprigliano, Ciro Rodrigues dos Santos and Gilson Brito Alves Lima
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4169; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084169 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Supply chain risk management (SCRM) has become an increasingly relevant field of study, driven by operational challenges, global crises, and the increasing complexity of supply chains. Although the number of publications on the topic has increased significantly over the last two decades, empirical [...] Read more.
Supply chain risk management (SCRM) has become an increasingly relevant field of study, driven by operational challenges, global crises, and the increasing complexity of supply chains. Although the number of publications on the topic has increased significantly over the last two decades, empirical research aimed at practical applications is still limited. In this context, the present research aims to select and rank tools for use in SCRM in direct and indirect suppliers of the automotive industry. As a secondary objective, the research aimed to identify which risk management stages (identification, analysis, and assessment) are most relevant for SCRM. Methodologically, the research was conducted in two main stages, the first involving the Delphi method in twenty suppliers (Tier 2) to select and evaluate risk management tools and the second involving the AHP method in an auto parts manufacturer (Tier 1) to rank the tools raised in the previous step. The main results show that the risk identification phase is considered the most relevant in the SCRM process, being prioritized by 56% of the experts. Regarding the tools, the ISO 31010 techniques most suitable for SCRM in suppliers, in order of priority, are FMEA, SWIFT, and cause and consequence analysis, standing out for their ability to identify and prevent failures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems)
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31 pages, 5016 KiB  
Article
Using Neutrosophic Cognitive Maps to Support Group Decisions About Modeling and Analyzing Smart Port Performance
by Antonios Paraskevas, Michael Madas and Yiannis Nikolaidis
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 1981; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15041981 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 790
Abstract
Contemporary ports are facing a variety of challenges due to technological advancements, economic pressures, and changing policies. Key issues include the effects of globalization, rapid advancements in information and communication technologies (ICTs), and the changing nature of port services. In order to tackle [...] Read more.
Contemporary ports are facing a variety of challenges due to technological advancements, economic pressures, and changing policies. Key issues include the effects of globalization, rapid advancements in information and communication technologies (ICTs), and the changing nature of port services. In order to tackle these challenges and achieve operational excellence, adapt to the shifting of activities, and meet new business demands, smart ports have been proposed as a comprehensive solution. These challenges arise because port success is often measured by traditional metrics such as port size and performance. To accurately assess the intelligence of a port, there is a need for a systematic and scientifically sound smart port evaluation method. This paper provides an overview of the concept of a smart port and develops a multi-criteria assessment framework of port smartness based on neutrosophic cognitive maps (NCMs). The unique and valuable characteristic of NCMs lies in their ability to manage the uncertainty associated with the relationship between two concepts, indicating their effects on each other in neutral states. This structure enables the NCM to provide results with a greater degree of sensitivity than fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) and allows for a greater degree of freedom of intuition for an expert to express not only the potential impacts but also the uncertainty associated with those impacts. Our methodology can make decisions using incomplete, uncertain, and inconsistent data during the assessment process, providing a rigorous quantitative framework for the assessment of port “smartness”. The proposed solution has the potential to act as a valuable tool in a group decision support environment and can be used to accelerate an organization’s development, improve productivity, and reinforce efforts to achieve strategic and sustainability objectives. To achieve this, an appropriate framework for such a methodology is demonstrated through an illustrative example offering actionable insights for improving port operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems)
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19 pages, 801 KiB  
Article
H Consistency of T-S Fuzzy Supply Chain System Based on Trust Mechanism
by Yong Huang and Qingkui Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 12043; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142412043 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 581
Abstract
As the market environment becomes increasingly complex, the demands for supply chain performance and security are continuously rising. Consequently, it is crucial to consider the role of trust factors within the system. This paper introduces a trust mechanism in the interaction between supply [...] Read more.
As the market environment becomes increasingly complex, the demands for supply chain performance and security are continuously rising. Consequently, it is crucial to consider the role of trust factors within the system. This paper introduces a trust mechanism in the interaction between supply and demand within supply chain logistics and information flow. The supply chain system, characterized by varying degrees of trust, is modeled as multiple subsystems using the T-S fuzzy model. The challenge of mitigating the bullwhip effect, which refers to the amplification of demand variability within the supply chain, is reformulated as an H consistency problem. A productivity and distributed consistency protocol switching controller based on fuzzy rules is designed, providing sufficient conditions for the entire system to achieve consistency. The proposed method effectively suppresses the bullwhip effect and allows certain nodes in the system to be temporarily in an abnormal state. Finally, the method’s effectiveness is validated through simulation examples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems)
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16 pages, 802 KiB  
Article
A Coordinated Supply Contract for a Two-Echelon Supply Chain Considering Learning Effects
by Ze-Jin Tao and Pyung-Hoi Koo
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14041513 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1397
Abstract
In a supply chain composed of multiple members, supply chain coordination plays a crucial role in achieving overall optimization and efficiency. Various supply contract forms have been studied in the existing literature to facilitate supply chain coordination. However, most existing literature has established [...] Read more.
In a supply chain composed of multiple members, supply chain coordination plays a crucial role in achieving overall optimization and efficiency. Various supply contract forms have been studied in the existing literature to facilitate supply chain coordination. However, most existing literature has established coordination models assuming constant production costs. In reality, per-unit production costs often decrease as production quantity increases, which is called the learning effect. This paper underscores the significance of considering this learning effect in decision-making processes for coordinated supply contracts. We propose a supply contract scheme for channel coordination that incorporates the learning effect within a supply chain comprising a single manufacturer and a single retailer. In this framework, the manufacturer acts as a Stackelberg leader, initiating the process by designing and presenting the contract. The supply contract scheme is designed to ensure that the retailer’s order quantity aligns with the global solution. We also demonstrate how the contract parameters are determined when the relative bargaining powers of the supply chain members are given exogenously in the market. Our findings reveal that contracts with a learning curve can generate additional profits for both the manufacturer and the retailer compared to the existing coordinated contracts with static production costs. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of the learning effect on supply chain efficiency and offers practical implications for supply chain practitioners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems)
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28 pages, 5888 KiB  
Article
How to Find Disruptions in Logistics Processes in the Cold Chain and Avoid Waste of Products?
by Augustyn Lorenc
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010255 - 27 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2771
Abstract
This article presents a review of the literature related to the topic discussed and then discusses the system enabling the collection of data for analysis, the components of which are described in the paper. Next, a case study containing analyses of the circulation [...] Read more.
This article presents a review of the literature related to the topic discussed and then discusses the system enabling the collection of data for analysis, the components of which are described in the paper. Next, a case study containing analyses of the circulation of logistic containers and the quality of deliveries is presented. Finally, a discussion of the results is presented. Background: This research is instrumental in navigating the intricacies of using these insulated containers of disturbances in the cold supply chain is imperative for ensuring the safety of perishable items, pharmaceuticals, and medical provisions, all of which necessitate precise temperature storage. Moreover, it holds significant sway over the efficacy of logistics, curtails losses, and guarantees adherence to regulatory stipulations and quality benchmarks. Research target: The research aimed to analyze the circulation of isothermal containers and indirectly assess the transportation quality for food products using the example of a 3PL company. Method: The article addresses issues encountered in the transportation of products within the cold supply chain. Using a company as an example, the temperature of coolboxes at the beginning of the logistics cycle, temperature distribution during transportation, and the temperature at the end of delivery were analyzed. The circulation of containers, their utilization over time, cycle durations, and the entire container circulation process were also examined. Results: Based on the collected data, recommendations were formulated to enhance product quality and increase container utilization. This research offers valuable insights into improving the efficiency and quality of logistics processes, specifically within the cold chain transportation industry, and provides recommendations for better managing temperature-sensitive product transportation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems)
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Review

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25 pages, 1306 KiB  
Review
Critical Steps and Conditions to Be Included in a Business Model in Logistics, Seeking Competitive Advantage from the Perspective of the Modern Digital Age and Industry 4.0
by Panagiotis Tsarouhas and Nikolaos Papaevangelou
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072701 - 23 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1752
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to research the literature and examine how logistics companies can effectively integrate modern digital technologies of Industry 4.0 internally and then present the most critical steps and conditions that determine the successful operation of an innovative [...] Read more.
The main purpose of this study is to research the literature and examine how logistics companies can effectively integrate modern digital technologies of Industry 4.0 internally and then present the most critical steps and conditions that determine the successful operation of an innovative business model in logistics, as well as the expected benefits of this process. This study was written entirely as a literature review. Four steps of literature review research were completed: (a) initial formulation of the problem, (b) search of literature sources, (c) selection and evaluation of articles, and d) final classification and presentation of data. The results show that the most critical steps and conditions that contribute to the successful adoption of new Industry 4.0 technologies in the business models of logistics companies are Business Model Innovation, Digital Transformation, Quality 4.0, Human Resource Management, and Logistics 4.0. These critical prerequisites and Industry 4.0 architecture are now at the forefront of logistics, proving the key role they play in modernizing a business and gaining competitive advantage, and to fully reap these benefits, businesses must be prepared to adapt their organizational culture, embrace change, and invest in the necessary resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Logistics and Supply Chain Systems)
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