Logistics system refers to two or moreLogistics functionUnit composition to completeLogistics servicesAn organic aggregate for purpose.The "input" of the logistics system refers to procurement, transportation, storageCirculation processingLabor, equipment, materials, resources and other elements required by logistics links such as loading and unloading, handling, packaging, sales, logistics information processing, and the process provided by the external environment to the system.Logistics system refers to the materials to be transported, including relevant equipment, conveying toolsStorage equipment, personnel, communication links and other dynamic elements that restrict each otherOrganic entirety。The success factor of the logistics system is to optimize and rationalize the overall logistics system, and obey or improve the societySystem environment。
The system mainly refers to a unified whole composed of a group of interrelated elements, variables, components or goals.
As a general principle of system management, we should not only focus on a single variable, but also on how multiple variables interact as a whole.
A logistics system consists of two or moreLogistics functionUnit composition, an organic aggregate for the purpose of completing logistics services.As the "input" of the logistics system, it refers to the labor, equipment, materials, resources, etc. in the purchase, transportation, storage, circulation processing, loading and unloading, transportation, packaging, sales, logistics information processing and other links.Distribution technologyIts future development will be characterized by networking and intelligence.From January to May 2012, key logistics enterprisesMain business incomeYear on year growth14.1%, 1.7% lower than that from January to AprilPercentage point。It is expected that China's logistics operation will slow down and become stable in the second half of 2012Total social logisticsIncrease by about 11%,Total social logistics costIncrease by about 12%.In 2012,US debt crisisThe alarm sounds,European debt crisisContinuous fermentation and diffusion.By the third quarter, the seven major industrial countries andBRICS countriesImports ofMonth on month decline1%, and export growth also declined significantly.
In the late 1990sManufactureranddistributorContinue to bear various pressures, including: smaller and more frequent product orders, constantly changing and more customized product needs andservice value Higher.Operators must adapt the operation of the factory to the mix of orders and shorter ordersTurnaround timeAnd higherthroughput。Certain strategies must be adopted to adapt to the continuous improvement of requirementsInventory management, operation flexibility and variousprocess integration The degree of.The centralized transfer, combination or elimination of some processes in the supply chain makes the logistics and information flow of factories and warehouses more effective.Under the requirements of these changesModern logistics technologySome newDevelopment trend。
Broadly speaking, logistics refers toPhysical entityThe transfer and time occupation of the place (or location) and its carrier refer to the physical flow process of the material entity.It is to ensure the organic connection between "supply" and "demand" under the situation that production and consumption are separated from time and space and are expanding day by daySocial productionIt is a science that develops smoothly and achieves good economic benefits.The problem to be solved by logistics is the mechanization, automation and rationalization of logistics activities to achieve the time and space benefits of the logistics system.
With the development of computer science and automation technology, the logistics management system has also rapidly evolved from a simple way to automated management, the main symbol of which is automaticLogistics equipment。
Logistics system is a typical modern mechanical and electronic system.Modern logistics systemfromSemi automation, automation and even intelligent logistics equipment and computer logistics management and control system.Any kind of logistics equipment must be accepted by the logistics system computermanagement control , receive the instructions sent by the computer, complete the specified actions, and feedback the execution of actions or the current situation.The logistics equipment with high intelligence has a certain degree of autonomy, can better identify the path and environment, and has a certain data processing function.
Modern logisticsEquipment is developed on the basis of computer science and electronic technology, combined with traditional mechanical disciplinesMechatronicsDevice.From the perspective of logistics system management and control,computer networkandDatabase technologyIt is the premise for the normal operation of the whole system to adopt.Simulation technologyThe application of logisticssystem designAt a higher level.Logistics has becomeconcurrent engineering The foundation of CIMS and the components of CIMS.
concept
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logistics system
With the development of computer science andAutomation technologyDevelopment of logisticsmanagement systemIt has also rapidly evolved from a simple way to automatic management, and its main signs are automatic logistics equipment, such asAGV(AGV-Automated guided vehicle), automatic storage and extraction system（AS/RS-Automated storage/retrieval system), SKY-RAV-Rail automated vehicle)、Stacker(Stacker crane), etc., and logisticscomputer management And control system.The main goal of the logistics system is to pursue time and space benefits.
The logistics system is composed of various logistics elements, which are organically linked.The logistics system is mainly affected byInternal environmentAs well as the influence of external environment factors, the overall composition of the logistics system is very complex. There are too many uncertain factors outside, and there are interdependent factors insideLogistics functionfactor.
The success factor of the logistics system is to optimize and rationalize the overall logistics system, and obey or improve the societySystem environment。
Benefit paradoxPhenomenon is the most common phenomenon in the logistics system. There is not only "benefit reversal" between logistics departments and functions, but also "benefit reversal" between logistics services and logistics costs.
（3） High level logistics service must be high cost
When the balance between cost and service is at a high level of logistics services, the cost increases and the level of logistics services may not be able to increase proportionally.
Basic mode of logistics system andGeneral systemSame, it has three functions of input, conversion and output. Through input and output, the system cansocial environmentExchange, so that the system and environment depend on each other, and conversion is the characteristic of the systemsystem function。
Generally speaking, the input of the logistics system refers to the logistics cost, while the output of the logistics system is determined byEnterprise benefits、competitive edgeAnd customer service.
(1) The logistics system is a long-span system, which is reflected in two aspects: first, the geographical span is large;Second, the time span is large.
(2) The logistics system has poor stability and strong dynamics.
(3) The logistics system belongs to the scope of the intermediate level system and hasseparability, which can be decomposed into several subsystems.
(4) The complexity of the logistics system makes the structural elements of the system have a very strong "reverse" phenomenon, which is often called "alternative profit and loss" or“Benefit paradox"A slight carelessness in processing will lead to the overall deterioration of the system.
pattern
A system is a whole formed by two or more elements that are different from each other and related to each other in a certain way in order to achieve a certain purpose.There is basically no objection to the definition of system, but for logisticsElements of the systemThere are many versions of specific contents.According to different studies, logistics elements are divided into different types, namely logistics elementsResource elements, network elements, etc.
The flow factor believes that the logistics system is composed offluid, flow direction, carrier, flow, velocity and flow efficiency;Resource elements believe thatTransport resources、Storage resourcesComposition;Network elements consider that logistics sites andLogistics routeComposition.Facing multiple versions, what is the essence of logistics system?The author agrees with Stoke and Lambert's《Strategic logistics management》The definition of logistics system in, that is, "it is a network composed of activities that are connected with each other in order to manage the orderly flow of materials and personnel in the logistics channel. Therefore, the logistics system model is proposed. The statement of flow elements, resource elements and network elements is the expression of the essence of logistics system from different perspectives.
The inputs to the logistics system includenatural resources(land, facilities, equipment), people, finance andinformation resources。Logistics systemProcessingIs throughManagement subjectyesLogistics activitiesAnd the resources involved in these activities to plan, implement, control, and ultimately efficiently complete the logistics task.Logistics system output is logistics service, including organizational competitive advantage, time and space utility, and effective movement of materials (raw materials, work in process, finished products) to customers.The logistics activities in the process of the logistics system areValue addedeconomic activityIt is also a value-added economic activity and an economic activity that increases costs and environmental burdens. Therefore, the understanding of logistics activities should be a researchphysical distribution managementA basic point of.
Logistics systemMacroeconomic benefitsIt means that the establishment of a logistics system will benefit the whole societyeconomic performanceImpact.Its direct manifestation is that if this logistics system is viewed as a subsystem, it will be used for the whole social circulation and allNational economic benefitsImpact.
Logistics systemMicro economic benefitsIt refers to the enterprise benefits obtained by the logistics system itself after operation.Its direct manifestation is to effectively organize the flow of "things" and improve customer service while reducingLogistics operation cost。
Five important aspects of logistics system management:
1. The key of logistics system management is to focus on the "results" of output
3. The operation and process of the logistics system must be carried out when necessary
4. Logistics system management is constrained by spatial factors
5. Trade off management between various elements of the logistics system
target
（1） Customer service objectives
（2） Fast and timely target
（3） Saving goal
（4） Scale optimization goal
（5） Inventory reconciliation target
Logistics Elements
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General elements
·Human element Human refers to workers, is the core element of all systems, and is also the first element of the system.
·The element of finance refers to the indispensable funds in logistics.Capital is the power of all enterprise systems.
·The elements of goods include those of the logistics systemObject of laborThat is, all kinds of physical objects.
·Information elements include the information that the logistics system needs to process, namely logistics information.
Functional elements
·LogisticsFunctions of the systemElements refer to theBasic abilityThese basic capabilities are effectively combined and linked together to become the overall function of the logistics system, which can reasonably and effectively achieve the overall purpose of the logistics system.
·Mainly including transportationStorage, packagingHandling, circulation processing, distribution, logistics information and other elements.
Mobility factor
1. Fluid, namely "thing";
2. Carrier, that is, the equipment carrying "things" and the facilities on which these equipment operate, such as cars and roads;
3. Flow direction, that is, the direction of "things" transfer;
4. Flow, namely the quantity performance of logistics;
5. Process, that is, the quantitative performance of logistics routes, that is, the mileage of logistics;
6. Flow rate, that is, the speed of fluid flow;
7. Flow efficiency, that is, the efficiency and benefits, costs and services of fluid flow
In the process of logistics, none of the seven flow factors can be missing, and they are all related.
Supporting elements
·Logistics depends on system and systemStructure of the system, organization, leadershipmanagement styleThe state's control, command, management mode and the status and scope of this system are important guarantees for the logistics system.
laws and regulationsThe operation of the logistics system inevitably involves the rights and interests of enterprises and people. On the one hand, laws and regulations restrict and regulate the activities of the logistics system to make it coordinate with the larger system, on the other hand, they provide security.
·administrative decreeImportant supporting factors that determine the normal operation of the logistics system.
·Standardization system is an important supporting condition to ensure the coordinated operation of logistics links and the technical connection between logistics system and other systems.
·Business habitsIt is the basic requirement of the whole logistics system to satisfy customers and provide services. Understanding business habits will enable the logistics system to operate around customers and achieve the purpose of the enterprise.
Material basic elements
·Infrastructure is the basic material condition for organizing the operation of logistics system, including logistics stations, logistics centers and warehouses,Logistics route, buildings, roads, railways, ports, etc.
·Logistics toolsIt is the material condition for the operation of the logistics system, including packaging tools, maintenance toolsoffice equipment Etc.
·Information technology and network are the means to master and transfer logistics information. According to different information levels, includingCommunication equipmentAnd line, fax equipment, computer andnetwork equipment Etc.
·Organization and management is the "software" of the logistics system, which plays the role of connecting, dispatching, operational research, coordination, and commanding other elements to ensure the realization of the purpose of the logistics system.
Design
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Considerations
Designing a logistics system to achieve the basic goal of logistics needs to be considered from two perspectives.
The first is to redesign a logistics system;This phenomenon is mainly a problem that needs to be considered when a new enterprise is established or enters a new field or region.
The second is to improve a logistics system on the existing basis;There is some defect in the existing logistics system, which causes local logistics cost rise orCustomer complaintsEnterprises should improve the logistics system in time when the proportion rises.
step
(Four stages) Define problems, analyze dataSelect SystemComplete the design
What has a great impact on the cost of the logistics system is the spatial relationship, that is, the fixed location of markets and supply points in the logistics system.It is mainly because one of the logistics function elementstransportation costThe rise ofTransportation distanceIt has a lot to do with it.
Distance and space factors may affect logistics costs in ways other than transportation costs
When designing and managing the logistics system, the following aspects should be considered:
① Service: in terms of service for users, there is no shortage, damage and loss of goods, and the cost is cheap;
② Speed, which requires the goods to be delivered quickly at the place and time specified by the user;
③ Efficient use of space savingLand costIt is relatively low, but it is also rising. In particular, the effective use of urban area must be fully considered, and three-dimensional facilities and related facilities should be gradually developedLogistics machinery, to obtain the effective use of space;
④ Scale optimization should be consideredLogistics facilitiesWhether the problem of centralization and decentralization is appropriate, mechanization andDegree of automationHow to make rational use of it,intelligence systemThe use of computers and other equipment required by the centralization of;
⑤inventory control (stock control). If the inventory is too large, more storage places are needed, andInventory fundsBacklog, resulting in waste.Therefore, the inventory must be controlled according to the demand changes of production and circulation.
It should be noted here that there is a "Trad off" between various logistics activities (transportation, storage, handling, packaging, circulation and processing). The so-called "Trad off" means that "two aspects of the same resource (such as cost) are in a mutually contradictory relationship. If you want to achieve more of the purpose of one aspect, the purpose of the other will inevitably be affectedPartial loss"。
(1) Reducing inventory sites and minimizing inventory will inevitably lead to frequent inventory replenishment and increase transportation times.
Simplifying the packaging will reduce the packaging strength, and the goods in the warehouse cannot be stacked too high, which will reduce the storage efficiency.And during loading and unloadingTransportation processIt is easy to be damaged, so that the handling efficiency decreases and the damage rate increases.
(2) The railway transportation was changed to air transportation, although the freight increasedTransportation speedBut it has been greatly improved.It not only reduces the inventory of logistics sites around the country, but also greatly reducesStorage expenses。
(3) Since eachLogistics activitiesThere is a "benefit paradox" between them, so it is necessary to study the overall benefit and systematize the logistics.As we have pointed out earlier, logistics system is an effective mechanism for achieving logistics goals.Various logistics activities, such as transportation, storage, handling, packaging, circulation and processing, have their own mechanisms to improve their own efficiency, that isTransport system, storage, system, transportation system, packaging system, circulation processing system and other subsystems.Therefore, we must make each system to achieve its best efficiency.
There is a "benefit paradox" between these systems, so the logistics system is based on costLowest costTo systematize the whole logistics.In other words, the logistics system is to adjust the contradictions between each subsystem, organically link them into a whole, and minimize the cost to pursue and achieve the best benefits of the department.
The function of transportation is to transfer commoditiesuse valueFor space movement, the logistics system relies on transportation operations to overcome the problems ofSpatial distance, creating the spatial benefits of commodities.international cargo transportationIt is the core of the international logistics system.
Storage subsystem
commodity reserves. Keep the goods in itsCirculation processIt is absolutely necessary to be in a long or short relative stagnation state.Because,Commodity circulationIt is a continuous circulation process from decentralization to centralization, and then from centralization to decentralization.International trade andTransnational operationIt is a process of collection and distribution that the goods in are transported from the manufacturing plant or supply department to the shipping port in a centralized manner, and sometimes must be temporarily stored for a period of time before being shipped for export.It is mainly in various countriesbonded areaandBonded warehouseConducted.Mainly involving countriesBonded systemAnd bonded warehouse construction.The bonded system is specificImported goods, after entering the country, the payment will be suspended for those who have not yet decided to go forward for domestic sales or comebackImport duty, and byCustoms supervisionA system of.This is for governments to promoteimprovement tradeandEntrepot tradeA tariff measure taken.The bonded warehouse is specially used for storage with the approval of the customsBonded goodsWarehouse of.
Due to the large investment, high riskLong cycleThese characteristics make commodity inspection an important subsystem in the international logistics system.Determine whether the delivery quality, quantity and packing conditions meet the contract provisions through commodity inspection.
Du-Pont's law (Proposed by DuPont Chemical Company of the United States): 63% of consumers are based on commoditiesPackage Design To purchase,international marketAnd consumers know enterprises through commodities, and the trademarks and packaging of commodities are the faces of enterprises, which reflect the integration of a countryscience and technology cultureHorizontal.
The main function of this subsystem is acquisition, processing and transmissionInternational logisticsandcommodity circulationInformation and intelligence.Without a fully functional information system, international trade and transnational operations will be difficult to move forward.
The main contents of international logistics information include the operation process of import and export documentsPayment methodInformation, customer informationMarket informationAnd supply and demand information.The characteristics of the international logistics information system areinformation contentLarge, frequent exchange;Large transfer volume,TimelinessStrong;There are many links, points and lines.Therefore, it is necessary to establish technologically advancedInternational Logistics Information System。
International trade goods are collected and delivered from these warehouses and stored in the middle to realize the international logistics systemTime efficiency, overcomeProduction timeThe separation from consumption time promotes the smooth operation of the international trade system.The connection refers to the transportation between the above-mentioned domestic and foreign collection and shipment nodes, such as variousSea route, railway lineAirlineAnd sea, land and air combined transport routes.These network connections are the materialized form of the movement (transportation) track of inventory goods;Each pair of nodes has many connections to represent differentTransportation routeVarious transportation services for different products;Each node indicates that the inventory flow is temporarily suspended for the purpose of more effective movement (receipt or delivery);The connection of information flow network usually includes domestic and foreign mails, or someelectronic media (e.g. telephonetelex, telegrams, EDI electronic data interchange, etc.), whichinformation networkThe node of is the collection and processing point of various logistics information, such as employees processing international order documents, preparing a large number ofExport documentOr prepare bill of lading or computer for the latestInventoryRecords;Logistics networkIt is not independent of the information network, and their relationship is closely linked.
In the logistics system, warehousing and transportation are equally important components.The warehousing function includes a series of activities such as stacking, management, custody, maintenance, and maintenance of goods entering the logistics system.The role of warehousing is mainly reflected in two aspects: one is to ensure the use value and value of goods in good condition; the other is to ensure thatGoods distributionIt is saved for users to perform necessary processing activities in the logistics center.With the development of economy, logistics has entered the era of multi variety, small batch or multi batch and small batch logistics from a few varieties and large batch logistics. The warehousing function has gradually changed from focusing on storage efficiency to focusing on how to smoothly deliver and distribute goods.distribution warehousesAs a service base of logistics warehousing function, it plays an important role in circulation operations, and will no longerStorageFor its main purpose.The circulation warehouse includes picking, distribution, inspection, classification and other operations, and has the receiving and distribution functions of multiple varieties, small batches, multiple batches and small batches, as well as the circulation processing functions of additional labels and repackaging.According to the purpose of use, the form of warehouse can be divided into:
Distribution Centre(Circulation center) type warehouse: it has the functions of delivery, distribution and circulation processing;Storage center warehouse: warehouse mainly for storage;Logistics central warehouse: a warehouse with the functions of storage, delivery, distribution and circulation processing.The modern warehousing function of the logistics system provides stable supply of spare parts and materials for relevant enterprises in the form of production support warehouseSafety reserveGradually turn into public reserves borne by the society and reduceenterprise operation To reduce logistics costs and promote the gradual formation of enterprisesZero inventoryProduction materialsmanagement model 。
In order to ensure that goods in the logistics process can be delivered to users in good condition and meet the requirements of users and service objects, most goods need to be packaged in different ways and to different degrees.Packaging pointsIndustrial packagingAnd commodity packaging.The role of industrial packaging is to separate products by unit, facilitate transportation, and protect goods in transit.Commodity packagingThe purpose of is to facilitate final sales.Therefore, the function of packaging reflects the re protection of goods, unity, convenience andCommodity advertisementAnd so on.The first three are logistics functions, and the last one is marketing functions.
Handling function
HandlingIt is a necessary logistics activity generated with transportation and storage, an intermediate link connecting logistics activities such as transportation, storage, packaging, circulation processing, and loading and unloading activities for inspection, maintenance, and maintenance in storage activities, such as loading, unloading, transferring, picking, and classification of goods.Representative forms of loading and unloading operations areContainerizationAnd palletization, used loading and unloadingmechanical equipmentyescraneForkliftConveyor beltAnd various trolleys.In the whole process of logistics activities, loading and unloading activities occur frequently.Therefore, it is one of the important reasons for product damage.The management of loading and unloading mainly focuses on the selection, reasonable configuration and use of loading and unloading modes, loading and unloading machinery and equipmentRationalization of handling, reduce loading and unloading times as much as possible to saveLogistics expensesAnd obtain better economic benefits.
Circulation processing function
The function of circulation processing is toProduction fieldtowardsConsumption fieldIn the process of mobility, in order to promoteProduct sales, Maintenanceproduct qualityAnd the function of realizing logistics efficiency, processing goods, and making physical or chemical changes to goods.This further auxiliary processing of commodities in the circulation process can make up for enterprisesMaterial department, Commercial sectorProduction processThe lack of intermediate processing degree is an important part of logistics activities, which can more effectively meet the needs of users, better link production and demand, and rationalize the circulation processValue added servicesIt is also an important trend of modern logistics development.
The content of circulation processing includes bagging, quantitative small packaging, brand tying, labeling, distribution, selection, mixed packaging, marking, etc.The main functions of circulation processing are as follows: primary processing to facilitate users;increaseUtilization rate of raw materials；Improve processing efficiency andEquipment utilization；Give full play to various means of transportationMaximum efficiency；Change quality and increase revenue.
Distribution function
The distribution function can be set in the form of centralized inventory and joint distribution in the logistics center, so that users or service objects can achieve zero inventory and rely on the on-time distribution of the logistics center, without maintaining their own inventory or just maintaining a small amount ofInsurance reservesReduce the input of logistics cost.Shipping isModern logisticsOne of the most important characteristics of.
Modern logistics needs to rely on information technology to ensureLogistics systemNormal operation.Logistics systeminformation serviceFunctions, including planning, forecasting, dynamic (traffic volume, receiving, sending, storage) information related to the above functions, and related cost information, production information, market informationintelligence activity。The management of financial logistics information activities requires the establishment ofintelligence systemAnd information channels, correctly select the information subject and the way of information collection, summary, statistics and use, so as to ensure its reliability andtimeliness 。
From the perspective of information carrier and service object, this function can also be divided into logistics information service function and business flow information service function.Business flow information mainly includes information about transactions, such asSource information, price informationMarket information, fund information, contract information, payment settlement information, etc.Information such as transactions and contracts in the business flow not only provides the results of transactions, but also provides the basis for logistics, which is the main intersection of the two information flows;Logistics informationIt mainly includes information about logistics quantity, logistics region, logistics cost, etc.In logistics informationInventoryInformation is not only the result of logistics, but alsocommodity circulationBasis of.
The information service function of logistics system must be based on computer network technology and internationalEDIOnly on the basis of information technology can we effectively realize the accurate docking of a series of links in logistics activities, and truly create "place utility" and“Time utility”。It can be said that information services areLogistics activitiesOfCentral nervous systemThis function plays an indispensable role in the logistics system.
The main functions of the information service function are as follows: shorten the time from order acceptance to shipment;Appropriate inventory;Improve handlingOperation efficiency；increaseTransport efficiency；Make it easier to accept and issue orders;increaseOrder processingAccuracy;Prevent errors in delivery and distribution;Adjusting demand and supply;provideinformation consultation Etc.
Optimization principle
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For most enterprises,Logistics system optimizationIt reduces supply chain operationtotal costThe most obvious business opportunity of.However, the process of logistics system optimization not only needs to invest a lot of resources, but also requires great efforts, overcome difficulties and careful management.
America's leadingFreight planSolutionsupplierDr. Don Ratliff, President and CEO of Velant Company, gathered more than 30 years of experience in providing freight decision-making optimization solutions for enterprisesAmerican Logistics Management Association(CLM) annual meeting proposed "10 items of logistics optimizationbasic principle”, and consider it approvedLogistics DecisionAnd optimization of operation process, enterprises can reduceLogistics cost10% - 40% of business opportunities.This cost saving will inevitably translate into enterpriseROIImprovement.
target
（Objectives）
The goals set must be quantitative and measurable.
Setting goals is a way to determine our expectations.To optimize a thing or process, you must determine how to know that the target object has been optimized.Using quantitative goals, the computer can judge whether one logistics plan is better than another.enterprisemanagement layerThen we can know whether the optimized process can provide an acceptableROI（Return On Investment）。
Model
（Models）
The model must faithfully reflect the actual logistics process.
Modeling is a method of translating logistics operation requirements and constraints into something that computers can understand and handle.For example, we need a model to reflect how goods are loaded onto trucks by combination.A very simple model cannot fully reflect the actual logistics situation.If a simple weight or volume model is used, the load that many computers think is suitable will not be able to actually load the vehicle, and in fact, a better loading scheme will be abandoned because the computer thinks it is not suitable.Therefore, if the model can not faithfully reflect the loading process, the loading solution given by the optimization system can not be actually implemented or is not economical.
model data
（Data）
The data must be accurate, timely and comprehensive.
Data drivenThe optimization process of the logistics system.If datainaccurate, or the relevant data cannot be input into the system optimization model in time, then the resulting logistics scheme is questionable.For the logistics optimization process that must produce operable logistics solutions, the data must also be comprehensive and sufficient.For example, if the volume of a truck limits the load, it is not sufficient to use the weight data for each shipment.
For logistics system optimization, a large amount of data should be considered at the same time, so system integration is very important.For example, to optimize the daily delivery process from the warehouse to the store, you need to consider ordering, customers, trucks, drivers and road conditions and other data.artificialinput dataEven if only a small amount of data is input, the system optimization cannot be supported because it takes too much time and is too prone to errors.
formulation
（Delivery）
The system optimization scheme must be expressed in a form convenient for implementation, management and control.
By Logisticsoptimization techniqueUnless the field operators can implement the solutions given, the management personnel can confirm the expectedReturn on investmentIt has been implemented, otherwise it will beUnsuccessfulOf.Field operation requires simple and clear instructions, which should be easy to understand and implement.Management personnel require relevantOptimization schemeThe key benchmark information of its implementation effect in terms of time and asset utilization is more comprehensive and centralized.
The biggest difference between different logistics optimization technologies lies in the different algorithms (with the help of computer processesprocessing methodUsually the best logistics solution can be found).An irrefutable fact about the logistics problem is that every kind of logistics optimization technology has certain characteristics.In order to provide logistics optimization solutions within a reasonable period of time, optimization techniques must be further developed with the help of optimization algorithms.Therefore, the key issues are: (1) The specific problem structure of these different logistics optimization technologies must be recognized and understood by every analyst who designs the logistics optimization system;(2) The optimization algorithms used should have some flexibility, so that they can be "adjusted" to the state where these specific problem structures can be used.There are a lot of possible solutions to the logistics optimization problem (for example, 40 ticketsLTL FreightIn terms of shipments, there are 1 trillion possible load combinations).If the specific problem structure cannot be fully used for calculation, it means that either the algorithm will give a solution based on some unreliable approximate calculation, or the calculation time is extremely long (perhaps infinite).
calculation
（Computing）
Computing platformIt must have sufficient capacity to provide an optimization scheme within an acceptable period of time.
Because there are a large number of possible solutions to any real logistics problem, any problem with a certain scale needs considerableComputing powersupport.Such computing power should enable the optimization technology to find the best logistics scheme and also give the best scheme within a reasonable time.Obviously, for the optimization technology running in the daily execution environment, it must give the logistics optimization plan in minutes or hours (instead of taking several days to calculate).Powerful cluster services andParallel structureThe optimization algorithm of can give a better logistics optimization solution faster than the algorithm based on single PC or workstation technology.
personnel
（People）
Personnel responsible for logistics system optimization must have the ability to support modelingdata collectionAnd the leadership and technical expertise needed to optimize the program.
Optimization technology is "rocket science". It is impossible to hope that the rocket can run well after launch without "rocket scientists" to maintain its state.These experts must ensure that the data and models are correct and thatTechnical systemWork according to the design status.The reality is that if there is a lack of people with appropriate technical expertise and leadership experienceOrganizational management, complexdata modelandsoftware systemIt is impossible to run properly and get the necessary support.Without their massive work, the logistics optimization system would be difficult to achieve the desired goals.
process
（Process）
The business process must support optimization and have the capability of continuous improvement.
Logistics optimization needs to deal with a large number of problems in the operation process.The change of logistics objectives, rules and processes is the normal state of the system.Therefore, systematic data monitoring methodsmodel structure And algorithms can adapt to changes, and they are required to capture opportunities and promote system change.If the logistics optimization technology cannot be monitored, supported and continuously improved in the actual business operation process, the potential of the optimization technology will not be fully utilized, or it can only become a "decoration".
return
（ROI）
The return on investment must be verifiable, and the total cost of technology, personnel and operation must be considered.
To verify the ROI of logistics system optimization, we must grasp two things:
First, honestly estimate all optimization costs;The second is to benchmark the solutions provided by optimization technology one by oneAlternativesCompare.
stayCalculate costWhen using logistics optimization technologyoperating costs There is a strong underestimation, especially in the case of the purchase of PC basedsoftware packageIn the case of.At this time, the enterprise is required to have a well-trained user team and development support personnel to debug the technical system during actual operation.In this case, the actual annual operating cost of effective use of logistics optimization technology is rarely lower than that of technology procurementInitial cost(such as software license fee, tool fee, etc.).If the logistics optimization solutiontotal costIn the second year, the quality of the solution will probably decline proportionally.
When calculating returns, three things must be done to determine the use effect of the logistics optimization technology system: first, before implementing the optimization planKey Performance Indicators (Key Performance Indicators) Measure the reference status;The second is to compare the results after the implementation of logistics optimization technical solutions with the benchmark status;The third is to regularly review the performance of the logistics optimization technology system.
Be accurateCalculate ROIGood methods must be used to determine the benchmark status, and the technology andLabor costHave a thorough understanding, must evaluate the degree of actual improvement, and must continue toMonitoring systemOfBehavioral performance。However, because performance data is rarely available directly, and the monitoring process needs continuous implementation, few companies can really understand the actual effect of their logistics optimization solutions.
Key points of analysis
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Logistics system analysisIt is a kind of modern that is still developingscientific methodAlthough it has been adopted in many fields and has achieved remarkable results, in fact, not all logistics systems can be studied with the method of system analysis, because factors such as economy and timeliness should be considered.Therefore, the following aspects should be paid attention to before using logistics system analysis:
(1) Logistics system analysis is a long-term work, which runs through the whole process of logistics system planning, operation evaluation, optimization and improvement.Because the overall goal of logistics system analysis is to find the optimal way of logistics system, and in the process of logistics system operation, its external environment and internal composition are constantly changing and moving, system analysis needs to grasp these information, summarize and summarize these characteristics, and find the way and method to achieve the optimal benefits of the system.It can be said that only with the existence and operation of the logistics system, the logistics system analysis is carried out all the time.In short, logistics system analysis requires the hard and long work of highly competent analysts.
(2) Although logistics system analysis is very helpful for making decisions, it cannot replace imagination, experience and judgment.Logistics system analysis can only use mathematical methods or models to deduce and optimize the research problemsalternative。In generalizing the practical problems intoDigital modelIn the process ofMathematical methodFactors for analysis, which may affect the actual operation of the system, so when managers make choices or decisions, they must use their own experience, imagination or intuitionComprehensive judgment。
(3) Logistics system analysis is basically to consider economic, benefit and other goals, or to solve problems with economic methods.For any problem, there are usually different solutions, and the logistics system is appliedAnalytical researchProblems, solutions to various problems, calculatedAll expensesAnd then compare them.But when making decisions, we should also pay attention to the scheme with the least cost, which is not necessarily the best choice, because the focus of selecting the best scheme is not "saving money", but "effective".
