Title: A tool and methodology for designing the optimisation activities of a logistic system - case study

Authors: Rok Strašek; Damijan Koletnik

Addresses: Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Cankarjeva 5, Koper, Slovenia ' Nigrad, komunalno podjetje d.d., Zagrebška cesta 30, Maribor, Slovenia

Abstract: The current economic crisis combined with increasing fuel costs raises awareness that in value chains the logistics represents a large portion of costs and hence modern companies are increasingly interested in investments in research and development of specialised fleet optimisation tools. A new tool and methodology that enable the end-user to carry out a logistic research and optimisation in a relatively complex logistic system for snow plowing and road salting are presented. The tool incorporates the GIS and network data management, monitoring of GPS tracked vehicles and communication layers, together with a set of tools for planning, analysing and optimising the routes. The system also enables remote navigation by using an on-board computer connected to the application. A case of analysing a particular snow plowing operation is presented.

Keywords: transport fleets; fleet optimisation; logistics optimisation; operations research; snow ploughing; road salting; GPS; global positioning systems; value chains; remote navigation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSE.2014.058514

International Journal of Sustainable Economy, 2014 Vol.6 No.1, pp.96 - 112

Received: 13 Feb 2013
Accepted: 03 Mar 2013

Published online: 17 Jun 2014 *

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