Logistics

Background: In an increasingly digitized supply chain landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face mounting challenges in regard to delivering differentiated and responsive customer experiences. This study investigates the role of Industrial Internet of Things-enabled coopetition networks (IIoT-CNs) in enhancing the customer experience and value cocreation among SMEs. Grounded in Service-Dominant Logic, this research explores how interfirm collaboration and real-time data integration influence key performance indicators (KPIs), including perceived product quality, delivery timeliness, packaging standards, and product performance. Methods: An experimental design involving SMEs in Portugal’s ornamental stone sector contrasts traditional operations with digitally integrated coopetition practices. Results: While individual KPI improvements were not statistically significant, regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between IIoT-CN participation and the overall customer experience. The reduced variance in the performance metrics further suggests increased consistency and reliability across the network. Conclusions: These findings highlight IIoT-CNs as a promising model for SME digital transformation, contingent on trust, interoperability, and collaborative governance. This study contributes empirical evidence and practical insights for advancing customer-centric innovation in SME-dominated supply chains. Full article

Background: Economic logistics in fire and rescue services is a critical determinant of operational readiness, fiscal sustainability, and resilience to large-scale emergencies. Despite its strategic importance, logistics remains under-researched in Central and Eastern European contexts, where legacy governance structures and EU-funded modernization coexist with systemic inefficiencies. This study focuses on the Slovak Fire and Rescue Service (HaZZ) as a case to explore how economic logistics systems can be restructured for greater performance and value. Objective: The objective of this paper was to evaluate the structure, performance, and reform potential of the logistics system supporting HaZZ, with a focus on procurement efficiency, lifecycle costing, digital integration, and alignment with EU civil protection standards. Methods: A mixed-methods design was applied, comprising the following: (1) Institutional analysis of governance, budgeting, and legal mandates based on semi-structured expert interviews with HaZZ and the Ministry of Interior officers (n = 12); (2) comparative benchmarking with Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands; (3) financial analysis of national logistics expenditures (2019–2023) using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles, completed with the visualization of cost trends and procurement price variance through original heat maps and time-series graphs. Results: The key findings are as follows: (1) HaZZ operates a formally centralized but practically fragmented logistics model across 51 district units, lacking national coordination mechanisms and digital infrastructure; (2) Maintenance costs have risen by 42% between 2019 and 2023 despite increasing capital investment due to insufficient lifecycle planning and asset heterogeneity; (3) Price variance for identical equipment categories across regions exceeds 30%, highlighting the inefficiencies in decentralized procurement; (4) Slovakia lacks a national Logistics Information System (LIS), unlike peer countries which have deployed integrated digital platforms (e.g., CELIS in the Czech Republic); (5) Benchmarking reveals high-impact practices in centralized procurement, lifecycle-based contracting, regional logistics hubs, and performance accountability—particularly in Austria and the Netherlands. Impacts: Four high-impact, feasible reforms were proposed: (1) Establishment of a centralized procurement framework; (2) national LIS deployment to unify inventory and asset tracking; (3) adoption of lifecycle-based and performance-based contracting models; (4) development of regional logistics hubs using underutilized infrastructure. This study is among the first to provide an integrated economic and institutional analysis of the Fire and Rescue Service logistics in a post-socialist EU member state. It offers a structured, transferable reform roadmap grounded in comparative evidence and adapted to Slovakia’s hybrid governance model. The research bridges gaps between modernization policy, procurement law, and digital public administration in the context of emergency services. Full article

Background: In offshore energy logistics, contracted helicopters frequently transport personnel to and from offshore installations. Regular and efficient transportation is vital to maintain planned activities at the installations. We focus on tactical helicopter planning from a single heliport for a period of stable weekly transport demands in a heliport operating area on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). This results in the construction of a repetitive weekly flight program, integrating the selection of helicopter resources optimally matching demand with the generation of a weekly timetable of flights assigning them to start times. The purpose of our research is to develop optimisation-based weekly flight program planning algorithms for energy companies operating on the NCS. Methods: We present a developed two-step solution method sequentially generating possible flights and solving a flight-based integer programming model, and an iterative algorithm based on the decomposition of the flight-based model for the construction of cost-optimal weekly flight programs. Results: The developed algorithms were validated on the real instances from Equinor, the largest NCS energy operator. The decomposition-based algorithm was able to solve to optimality all tested instances, with up to 20 installations served from the heliport within less than 9 min. Conclusions: Equinor logistics planners have tested and verified that the developed flight-based model satisfies the goals and planning policies imposed on the NCS for integrated tactical helicopter planning. Considering the advantages of the decomposition-based algorithm performance in solution quality and speed, energy companies on the NCS find it well-suited as a solution engine in the highly demanded automated decision support tools for tactical helicopter transportation planning. Full article

Background: Transportation equity has emerged as a critical area of focus in recent studies. Integrating equity into transportation research is increasingly recognized as essential for developing fair, inclusive, and sustainable transportation systems. The significance of this integration lies in its potential to reduce social and spatial disparities, support economic growth, promote social cohesion, and advance public health. Methods: This literature review synthesizes recent research on the incorporation of equity into transportation studies within transportation planning and frameworks. It examines how equity is conceptualized, measured, and operationalized, focusing on both horizontal equity (the equal treatment of similar groups) and vertical equity (prioritizing disadvantaged populations). This study evaluates various methodologies and tools, such as accessibility indices, affordability metrics, and community engagement approaches, which are used to assess and promote equity in transportation systems. Results: The findings from this review highlight the importance of both horizontal and vertical equity in transportation planning and policy and foundational tools for assessing equity. Conclusions: Integrating equity into transportation research is vital for creating systems that are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all communities. Addressing current challenges requires clearer and more consistent frameworks, improved data collection, and more inclusive, community-driven decision-making processes. Full article

Background: Brazil’s bioethanol supply chain is vital for global energy security and climate action but remains vulnerable to climate disruptions, market volatility, and conflicting stakeholder interests. While resilience strategies exist, they often overlook the potential of circular economy (CE) principles. Methods: This study proposes an integrated decision-support framework that combines Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA), the Composition of Probabilistic Preferences (CPP), and the Rank-Order Centroid (ROC) method to prioritize CE strategies under uncertainty. The approach incorporates stakeholder input and probabilistic modeling to evaluate 20 alternatives across 10 criteria. Results: The analysis identified climate risk modeling, biogas utilization, and blockchain-enabled traceability as the most effective strategies for improving supply chain resilience. The model demonstrated strong robustness, maintaining 95% consistency in rankings under varied decision-making scenarios. Conclusions: This research presents a novel, structured method for supporting complex decisions in uncertain environments. By integrating CE principles and group decision-making tools, the study offers valuable guidance for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to build more resilient and sustainable bioethanol supply chains. Full article

Background: Logistics and transport, core of many business processes, are continuously optimized to improve efficiency and market competitiveness. The paper describes a modular coordination of vehicle routing and bin packing problems that enables independent instances of the problems to be joined together, with the aim that the vehicle routing solution satisfies all the constraints from real-world applications. Methods: The vehicle routing algorithm is based on an adaptive memory procedure that also incorporates a simple, one-dimensional bin packing problem. This preliminary packing solution is refined by a complex, three dimensional bin packing for each vehicle to identify the infeasible packages. The method iteratively adjusts virtual volumes until reaching near-optimal routes that respect bin-packing constraints. Results: The coordination enables independent applications of an adaptive memory procedure to vehicle routing and a genetic algorithm approach to bin packing while joining them in a computationally tractable way. Such a coordinated approach is applied to a frequently used public benchmark and proven to provide commensurate costs while significantly lowering algorithm complexity. Conclusions: The proposed method is further validated on a real industrial case study and provided additional savings of 14.48% in average daily distance traveled compared to the current industrial standard. Full article

Background: This research aims to comprehensively evaluate the influence of firm capabilities, resources, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on supply chain financing within the Jordanian context. It also analyzes the mediating role of blockchain technology and trust in these relationships. Methods: A conceptual model was utilized to empirically examine the suggested relationships. Data were gathered from a sample of 349 Jordanian start-ups focusing on AI and blockchain technologies via a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Partial Least Square regression-based Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) facilitated by SmartPLS4 was used to perform the analysis. Results: The findings reveal that firm capabilities/resources and AI positively impact supply chain financing. Blockchain technology and trust serve as mediators, enhancing the effects of these factors on supply chain financing. Conclusions: The study highlights the role of innovative technologies in improving financial information security and collaboration among supply chain partners. It emphasizes how firm capabilities, resources, and emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain influence supply chain financing as they foster trust and security in financial transactions, offering valuable insights for decision-makers in the supply chain domain. Full article

Background: The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation to meet global decarbonization goals. As Industry 4.0 advanced digital technologies are increasingly integrated into shipping operations, the role of the human element is evolving significantly. This intersection of decarbonization, digitalization, and human element/workforce transformation lays the foundation for more structured initiatives such as Green Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs), a strategic solution to scale zero-emission, smart maritime routes. Methods: This paper explores the interconnected roles of decarbonization, digitalization, and human capital development through a systematic literature review. It examines how these pillars converge in the implementation of GDSCs, drawing on academic and industry sources to identify challenges and opportunities in workforce readiness, policy integration, and technological adoption. Results: The findings underscore the necessity of coordinated action across the three pillars, particularly highlighting the importance of structured training programs, cross-sector collaboration, and standardized regulations. GDSCs are presented as an applied framework to align these transitions, enabling scalable, digitally enabled, low-emission maritime routes. Conclusions: There is a significant gap in current research that holistically connects the human factor with technological and environmental imperatives in the context of maritime transformation. This paper addresses that gap by introducing GDSCs as a strategic outcome of integrated change, providing actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and educators aiming to advance sustainable shipping. Full article

Background: Foundational research on the gamma distribution and inventory control highlighted its flexibility and practicality for managing fast-moving finished goods. Nonetheless, concerns remain about conventional statistical approximations of lead-time demand (LTD) distributions. Real-world lead times often result in nonstandard LTD forms, and traditional methods may introduce parameter mismatches under nonclassical conditions. Despite these challenges, this research demonstrates that a gamma LTD approximation is an effective method for managing these goods. Methods: This study employs numerical experiments to assess accuracy at high service levels, focusing on errors in system cost and product availability. Three propositions are validated: (1) a standard distribution generally characterizes the demands of fast-moving items; (2) demand variability systematically modifies the form of nonstandard LTD distributions, enhancing accuracy; (3) nonclassical conditions generally improve the accuracy of properly parameterized gamma approximations. A purposive sample of disruptive lead-time distributions found in global maritime supply chains drives numerical experiments. Results: Externally validated evidence provides the following findings within our study context: (1) a nonstandard lead-time distribution does not necessarily result in a similar LTD distribution, as it also depends on demand variability; (2) demand variability positively affects the form of a nonstandard LTD distribution under conventional conditions, with nonclassical conditions enhancing this effect; (3) the shape transformations almost always improve the accuracy of a gamma approximation. Conclusions: A gamma LTD approximation can manage inventory for fast-moving finished goods effectively, even with disruptive lead times under both conventional and nonclassical conditions. Full article

Background: Growing environmental concerns and the vulnerability of global supply chains to disruptions, such as pandemics, natural disasters, and logistical failures, necessitate the design of sustainable and resilient supply chains. Methods: A novel multi-period mixed-integer linear programming model is developed with the objective of maximizing supply chain profit to design a complete citrus supply chain, which incorporates the production of citrus fruit and juice, and accommodates resilience and sustainability perspectives. Results: A comprehensive citrus supply chain scenario is presented to support the applicability of the proposed model, leveraging real data from citrus supply chain stakeholders in Egypt. Moreover, an actual case study involving a citrus processing company in Egypt is demonstrated. Gurobi software is used to solve the developed model. To build a resilient supply chain which can cope with different disruptions, different scenarios are modeled and strategies for having multiple suppliers, backup capacity, and alternative logistics routes are evaluated. Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical role of resilience in supply chain management, particularly in the agri-food sector. Moreover, the proposed model not only maximizes supply chain profitability but also equips stakeholders with the tools necessary to navigate challenges effectively. Full article

Background: Customer orders are key in developing logistics processes and in strategic developments of customer orientation. This paper investigates the notion of customer orientation. In the literature, the concept of customer is underdeveloped in that it is seen as a single object rather than how it is enacted in multiple ways. The study examines a customer-oriented production process managed in the supply chain of an automotive manufacturer. Methods: Based on a longitudinal study we explain what constitutes customer knowledge and what processes are involved in constructing this knowledge. Results: The study shows that in a supply chain, multiple versions of customers coexist and overlap that have implications on how multiple-customer orientation is performed and aligned in the supply chain. Conclusions: We find that customer representations proliferate as a result of multiple objectives; we demonstrate what objects and assemblages bring particular customer representation to life and show that these are used to shape customer orientation. Full article

Background: This study examines the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics (BDA) in enhancing humanitarian supply chain resilience, focusing on Ghana and South Africa. Despite their potential, AI-BDA applications are underexplored in disaster response, particularly in developing economies. Methods: An explanatory research design using a quantitative approach was employed, analyzing data from 200 supply chain professionals in both nations. Structured questionnaires assessed the implementation of four key AI-BDA techniques: Time-Series Forecasting (TSF), Early Warning Systems (EWS), Logistics Optimization (LO), and Real-time Monitoring (RTM). Exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis were conducted to evaluate the relationship between these techniques and supply chain resilience, controlling for organizational size and technological readiness. Results: The findings indicate that AI-BDA techniques significantly improve humanitarian supply chain resilience, with TSF and LO demonstrating the highest predictive power. Additionally, technological readiness facilitates the adoption of these techniques. Conclusions: While AI-BDA offers substantial benefits, opportunities for greater adoption remain, particularly in real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. Humanitarian organizations should invest in capacity-building initiatives, enhance data quality, and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships to maximize the impact of AI-BDA. Full article

Background: The Petroleum Products Distribution Company in Anbar Governorate is responsible for securing and distributing petroleum products to various sectors, including transportation, agriculture, industry, and households, through over 100 gas stations. The company has faced significant challenges due to the destruction of its infrastructure caused by past conflicts. These challenges have necessitated strategic decisions to design an efficient distribution network. Methods: This study aimed to assist the company in selecting the optimal location for a distribution center by evaluating four potential locations. Three of the proposed locations were suggested by the company: Ramadi, Habbaniyah, and Haqlaniyah. The fourth location, referred to as the GFA DC location, was determined through a greenfield analysis (GFA) experiment using AnyLogistix software (version 3.2.1. PLE) ALX. The simulation experiment in ALX was conducted using product data, fuel station locations, order quantities, distribution center data, and transportation and emissions data. Results: The simulation results, taking into account both practical and regulatory constraints, indicated that the Ramadi location was the most suitable for establishing the new distribution center. Conclusions: Based on the analysis, the study concluded that the Ramadi location was the optimal site for building the petroleum products distribution center in Anbar Governorate, offering a solution that aligns with the company’s goals of improving distribution efficiency and overcoming existing logistical challenges. Full article

Background: The Bullwhip and Ripple effects are systemic phenomena that disrupt supply chain performance. However, research often neglects their connection to resilience. This article presents a hybrid literature review examining how both effects are addressed about supply chain resilience, focusing on methodological and conceptual trends. Methods: The review combines thematic analysis of studies from Web of Science and ScienceDirect (2000–2023) with bibliometric trend modeling using Long Short-Term Memory neural networks to detect nonlinear patterns and disciplinary dynamics. Results: While 64.7% of the reviewed works explicitly link the Bullwhip Effect or Ripple Effect to resilience, only 11.7% of those focused on the Bullwhip Effect offer models with clear practical use. A structural break in 2019 marks a notable rise in research connecting these effects to resilience. Nonlinear modeling dominates (88.23%) through network theory and system dynamics. Social, Engineering and Business Sciences drive Bullwhip-related studies, while Economics, Computer Science, and Social Sciences lead Ripple-related research. Business, Energy, and Social Sciences strongly influence the integration of the Ripple Effect into supply chains. A modeling typology is proposed, and neural network techniques uncover key bibliometric patterns. Conclusions: The review highlights limited practical application and calls for more adaptive, integrative research approaches. Full article

Background: Due to the highly competitive nature of the retail sector, companies need to improve their operational efficiency. This study focuses on the application of the concepts of Lean production in the process of replenishing products on the shelves of the shops of one of the largest food retail chains in Portugal. Methods: This study aims to apply a transition from a “push” to a “pull” approach, based on real-time consumption. During a 5-day test, the impacts of implementing Lean principles and ergonomic trolleys in the process were investigated. Results: The test led to improved efficiency in product replenishment by eliminating pallets and reducing unfavourable product handling from the initial process. The implementation of a replenishment system in this manner allowed a reduced labour requirements from 28.4 to 19.2 man-hours per day and, the elimination of unnecessary handling and increase of product availability were reflected in gains on operational time and in replenishment time. Conclusions: This study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of Lean pull systems in retail replenishment, demonstrating a 32% reduction in labour hours. Full article

Background: Thailand is actively transitioning toward electric vehicle adoption as part of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the economic feasibility of replacing diesel buses with electric buses in Thailand’s public transportation sector. Methods: The research employs a comprehensive methodological framework combining Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis with Monte Carlo simulation to address uncertainties in long-term financial projections. The study examines four pilot routes operated by a major Thai bus company, incorporating potential carbon credit revenues through Thailand’s Voluntary Emission Reduction program. Results: The analysis reveals substantial cost advantages for electric buses across all examined routes, with TCO savings ranging from 23.07% to 38.25%. Even under conservative scenarios, all routes demonstrate positive economic benefits. The fleet-wide net savings amount to approximately 236 million THB over a 10-year period, with an additional 16.7 million THB potential carbon credit revenue. Sensitivity analysis identifies fuel costs as the most significant factor (45.2%) affecting economic outcomes. Conclusions: The transition to electric buses presents a compelling economic and environmental case for Thai public transportation operators, with significant cost savings and emission reductions. A phased implementation approach beginning with routes offering the highest percentage savings is recommended. Full article

Background: Logistics and supply chain management are crucial in modern commerce, impacting global competition, and both can directly benefit by using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This case study examines key success factors behind a significant operational transformation in a company in the countryside of Alagoas, Brazil. From this context, two research questions emerge: (a) What are the main success factors that drove a significant operational transformation in logistics and supply chain management, and how did these factors impact the company’s growth? (b) How does digital transformation and adopting an ERP impact the company’s logistics activities? Methods: Data were collected through on-site observations, interviews with supervisors and a manager, and analysis of company-provided documentation. Results: The study identified key processes, stakeholders, and practices, focusing on critical success factors, mission-critical processes, and the integration of core and support functions. Notable changes were observed through key logistics performance indicators, tracking the evolution from pre-implementation to post-implementation and revealing their impact on the company’s growth. Conclusions: Improved decision making between departments significantly enhanced performance and growth. The analyzed company’s success can be attributed to a process-oriented approach, digital transformation in logistics, and investment in information technology. Full article

Background: Optimizing reverse chains is more difficult than forward linear supply chains. Careful consideration should be given to recovery strategies to optimize product reuse as well as recycling. Methods: Using a 450-product dataset from the Melbourne area collection project and literature sources, we applied a calculation model with four recovery options. It modeled different return quality levels, three market segments, cost structures, buy-back and resell prices, carbon emissions, and the percentage of reuse and recycling for the four Rs (volume-based). We compared fifteen recovery strategies with one, two, three, or four recovery options and carried out sensitivity analyses to explore the impact of return volumes and quality, recovery cost, and market prices. Results: The main findings are as follows: (i) Product reuse has a lot of potential, but currently only for premium brands and requires the returned products to be of good quality. (ii) Environmental footprints are reduced in almost all scenarios, so economic viability is the main bottleneck in applying (more) reuse. (iii) Eco-design and circular business models may pave the way to reduce costs and increase market acceptance. Conclusions: We conclude with three suggested strategies for promoting reuse of electronic equipment: 1. Collecting discarded products earlier; 2. Incentivizing modular product design; 3. Greater consistency in asset management and refurbishment operations. Full article

Background: The objective of this qualitative research was to explore the impact of certain predefined factors on the sustainability of supply chains in Industry 5.0. The sustainability of supply chains was assessed by considering six factors from the existing literature: circular logistics, Industry 5.0 technologies, intellectual level and learning, logistics innovation, sustainable supply chain practices, and the managerial strategy of the company. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted based on an interview guide with 14 participants who serve as managers and executives in supply chain management in Morocco. The interviews were transcribed, followed by lexical and thematic analysis using QSR NVivo 15 software. Results: The results showed that all the factors studied play a major role in achieving sustainable supply chain management. The testimonies of all participants highlighted the crucial role that Industry 5.0 technologies play in achieving the sustainability of supply chains, while combining them with the other factors studied. Consequently, these results made it possible to validate and confirm the six factors previously identified from the existing literature, while retaining them for potential future quantitative studies. Conclusions: To meet the dimensions of sustainability, it is recommended to focus on the most impactful factors in maintaining a sustainable supply chain and on all the possible interactions between these factors. Indeed, this study represents, on the one hand, an invitation for supply chain managers to pay greater attention to factors related to sustainability, and on the other hand, an initial pathway for future research that may subsequently highlight the interactions between factors leading to sustainability. This could help propose applicable models for supply chain managers, enabling them to adopt more effective strategies and identify the most feasible combinations of factors to achieve sustainable logistics. Full article