Supply chain visibility has become a crucial factor for companies in times of globalization and customer satisfaction. Track-and-trace technologies are important tools in order to enhance supply chain visibility. This thesis was written in cooperation with a Swedish retailer and evaluates potential track-and-trace technologies in order to develop a solution to close their current track-and-trace gap in their outbound logistics. Currently the handover point between the retailer and the postal service provider is not clearly defined, so that shipments get lost during the transition. Therefore, a literature review about currently used track-and-trace technologies was carried out. Several technologies with a wide price and applicability range are currently used and have been analysed regarding their strength and weaknesses. A qualitative study in form of interviews was conducted within the Swedish market about how this gap could possibly be closed. Empirical findings show that the existing track-and-trace technologies do not provide a best practice solution. Especially in the field of outbound logistics, several factors and the individual process requirements of a company have to be considered in order to develop an efficient solution, so that the existing track-and-trace gap can be closed. Each company has its unique set of challenges, which have to be solved in order to successfully implement a long- lasting tracking solution. A high dependence from the postal service provider is additionally given since all process steps need to be aligned to guarantee reliability of the data afterwards. In the case of the Swedish retailer, an automatized scanning bow with a separated area for outbound parcels is expected to improve transparency of the handover and lower the total amount of lost shipments. The breakeven point would be reached within the next years, so that operational saving could soon be achieved. Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, as well as significant problems of the retailer, the practical application could not be tested. It should therefore be part of further academic studies.

Forecasting demand is one of the processes which greatly influences the decision making within a company, and it is also one of the greatest sources of uncertainty. Inaccurate forecasts force companies to find ways to compensate for the uncertainty, often by building inventories. On the other hand, accurate forecasts help companies to achieve better customer service and lower inventory levels. Cytiva is a global life science leader who manufactures high-technology laboratory instruments at their site in Umeå. To make sure that their transportation and storage spaces are sufficient, their down-stream suppliers require information about the quantity of the final products beforehand. But as of today, the company has inconsistent outbound inventory volumes. Thus, there is a great demand for increased visibility and predictability at the Umeå site’s outbound logistics. Further, Cytiva in Umeå bases their forecasting on manually calculated estimations which is both inefficient and can create errors due to human factors. These intrinsic information inconsistencies related to the outbound logistics is prone to creating bottlenecks in their overall supply chain. The main goal of this project is to increase the accuracy of these forecasts by developing a model. The outcome will be better estimations and clearer connection between the site in Umeå and the 3PL in Rosersberg. Additionaly, a good model makes the supply chain more efficient by creating better preconditions for managing the transportation and inventory at the receiving 3PL. To make forecasts for Cytiva’s outbound inventory, we chose to focus on two of the most common families of univariate time series models, namely the ARIMA and the Exponential Smoothing family. Based on these two families we have implemented, evaluated and compared six forecasting models. Initially, the modeling was done using daily observations in order to examine whether the models could improve the company’s demand for short forecast horizons. However, except for modeling on daily observations, we also widened the time interval by merging the observations into weeks to extend the modeling perspective even further. The results showed that the use of models can noticeably improve the estimations of the inventory and transportation spaces. We conclude that, among our models, the Holt-Winters using additive seasonality is the most optimal model when the forecasts are made on a daily time frequency, while the SARIMA model performs better on the weekly data.

Background: long term volume forecasting is important for logistics service providers for planning their capacity and taking the strategic decisions. At present demand is estimated by using traditional methods of averaging techniques or with their own experiences which often contain some error. This study is focused on filling these gaps by using machine learning approaches. The sample data set is provided by the organization, which is the leading manufacturer of trucks, buses and construction equipment, the organization has customers from more than 190 markets and has production facilities in 18 countries. Objectives: This study is to investigate a suitable machine learning algorithm that can be used for forecasting demand of outbound distributed products and then evaluating the performance of the selected algorithms by experimenting to articulate the possibility of using long-term forecasting in transportation. Methods: primarily, a literature review was initiated to find a suitable machine learn- ing algorithm and then based on the results of the literature review an experiment is performed to evaluate the performance of the selected algorithms Results: Selected CNN, ANN and LSTM models are performing quite well But based on the type and amount of historical data that models were given to learn, models have a very slight difference in performance measures in terms of forecasting performance. Comparisons are made with different measures that are selected by the literature review Conclusions. This study examines the efficacy of using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for performing demand forecasting of outbound distributed products at the country level. The methodology provided uses convolutions on historical loads. The output from the convolutional operation is supplied to fully connected layers together with other relevant data. The presented methodology was implemented on an organization data set of outbound distributed products per month. Results obtained from the CNN were compared to results obtained by Long Short Term Memories LSTM sequence-to-sequence (LSTM S2S) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for the same dataset. Experimental results showed that the CNN outperformed LSTM while producing comparable results to the ANN. Further testing is needed to compare the performances of different deep learning architectures in outbound forecasting.

No description available.

The thesis addresses the mixed model assembly line sequencing and outbound logistics planning problems in the automotive industry at the operational level. Different from the sequential decision-making procedure used in practice, the thesis proposes a scheme that integrates production sequencing and logistics planning. Mixed integer programs are established for the production sequencing, logistics planning, and integrated problems. The integrated model cannot be solved by commercial solvers in a reasonable amount of time. After studying the optimality properties of the product mode, the thesis proposes a modified integrated model. The results of numerical experiments and simulations demonstrate the benefit of the integration by comparing the modified integrated model with two sequential schemes, the Production-First-Scheme and the Logistics-First-Scheme.

AbstractPurposeThe primary and initial aim of the research paper is to highlight the automation anddigitalization in the supply chain management of textile industry. The context comparedtraditional and digitalized supply chain in the textile industry for digitalization.Research (Methodology/Design)The researcher adopted a qualitative approach to conduct the research on the providedtopic of supply chain management. The findings and results of the research are providedbased on the structured interviews conducted by the researchers. The evidence-basedresults will be used for porbing out the basic problems and future recommendations.FindingsThe finding of the research stated that a variety of challenges was being faced by thetextile industry in achieving the supply chain goals and objectives utilizing traditionalmethods of processing. Based on the reviews presented by interview participants, thetraditional model implemented in the textile industry was not strong enough and theindustry faces issues and challenges. The modern models, techniques, and methods arepresented in order to tackle the issues being faced by the textile industry. The researchpaper argues that the implementation of modern and innovative textile technology shouldbe ensured to speed up the SCM mechanism.Value/worthThe study reflected and presented useful and deep insight regarding the comparison oftraditional and modern supply chain management. The digitalization that occurred in thetextile industry is also highlighted in the research paper. The research also proposed amodern model and technique of supply chain that can be implemented in the textile supplychain in order to enhance the overall supply chain process.Keywords – Textile industry, Supply Chain, Digitalization, Mobility, Inbound Logistics,Outbound Logistics

The principal objective of the master thesis is to analyze how Czech businesses operating in the travel industry consider the specific needs and meet the expectations of tourists from the People's Republic of China. In the theoretical part of the thesis, the author explains the fundamental terms relating to tourism and the theory of culture. Then, the author characterizes the People's Republic of China from the historical, political and socio-cultural perspective, and further from the perspective of demography and economy. The practical part identifies the specific needs of Chinese tourists and their expectations that are based on a questionnaire research. Following personal interviews and filling-in short questionnaires, an assessment is made subsequently of the knowledge of such specific needs by Czech businesses operating in the travel industry. The assessment also evaluates how these entities are ready to face the growing number of Chinese tourists. In conclusion, the author proposes some possible solutions how to rectify some of the shortcomings on the part of service providers.

Tidigare studier visar på att när en resa planeras används oftast sökmotorer som verktyg för att tillfredsställa de informationsbehov som existerar hos en användare. Det är också bevisat att det upplevs vara problematiskt för användarna att särskilja på vad som är relevant information. Den här studien undersöker användarens upplevelser samt attityder till informationssökning online. Är dagens användare nöjda med hur sökresultaten presenteras i dagsläget i dess semesterplanering? I studien genomförs en enkätundersökning på Arlanda flygplats med 121 respondenter samt intervjuer. Vidare deltog även fem informanter som beskriver sina upplevelser och sökbeteenden. Resultatet visar på att majoriteten av respondenterna är nöjda med sökresultatet från sin informationssökning där deras upplevelser av användningen av sökmotorer riktar sig mot det positivare hållet. / Research has shown that when a travel is being planned, users tend to use search engines in order to satisfy their need for information. It has also been proven that problems occur when users must distinguish which information that is relevant. This study examines users’ attitudes to searching of information with the use of search engines prior to an outbound trip. In this study, a survey is conducted at Arlanda Airport with 121 respondents participating. Furthermore, five informants partook in an interview where they would elaborate their experiences as well as search behaviors. The results indicate that the majority of our participants are satisfied with the search results presented today. The participants also showed a positive attitude towards the user experience.

<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>Environmental issues have become increasingly more important the last decade. It is of great importance to reduce emissions of green house gases (GHG) and the transport sector contributes to a large part of GHG emissions. The transport sector is the only sector that actually has increased the emissions during the last decade. This is a result of a growing economy and an increased demand of both carriages of passengers as well as freight transports. To reduce GHG emissions there is a need of smart, effective logistics solutions and new technologies. This thesis will contain a review of Åkers Sweden AB’s outbound logistics of rolls. The aim of this thesis is to identify environmental improvements without increasing further costs. A questionnaire for environmental evaluation of transport suppliers will also be developed in this thesis. Initial question formulations of this thesis are:</p><p> </p><p>1. What are the environmental effects of the different modes of freight transports that are used in the case of Åkers Sweden AB? Are there any environmental improvements possible to establish without increasing costs?</p><p>2. How can distributors be evaluated regarding environmental effects?</p><p> </p><p>Emissions and energy use of Åkers Sweden AB’s transports is calculated with the calculation model NTMcalc version 1.9.9. This model is developed by the Network for Transport and Environment (NTM). Examined modes of transport are road, rail and sea transports. Both theory and result in this thesis demonstrate that rail transports should be preferred to road transports from an environmental point of view. A disadvantage of rail transports is longer transport time in most cases. Longer transport time contribute to higher capital cost of goods during transit. Another disadvantage is that rail transports are limited between terminals or that customers have an industrial railway track. That leads to an increased need of reloading and handling costs.</p><p>Potential alternative with less impact on the environment has been developed. This involves less impact than current alternative. The new alternative will decrease freight costs by 37 %. However, an increased capital cost by 84 % has been identified due to additional transportation time that is required for the alternative suggested. Transport costs are poorly connected to the real cost on the society. Governments throughout the world need to encourage transport buyers to choose more environmentally adapted alternatives by using management control measures. Also, a questionnaire for environmental evaluation of transport suppliers has been developed. It contains questions of the environmental organisation of the company, how they work with education of staff and reporting of environmental effects.</p> / <p><strong>Sammanfattning</strong></p><p>Under senare tid har miljöfrågor fått en alltmer framträdande roll i samhällsdebatten. Det är av största vikt att reducera alla utsläpp av växthusgaser och transportsektorn står för en betydande del av dessa. Transportsektorn är den enda samhällssektorn som ökat utsläppen av växthusgaser under senare år. Detta till följd av en växande ekonomi och ett ökat behov av både person- och frakttransporter. För att reducera utsläppen krävs smarta, effektiva lösningar och ny teknologi. Detta examensarbete kommer att innehålla en fördjupning av Åkers Sweden AB:s utgående distribution av valsar. Målet är att försöka hitta en distributionslösning som är mer miljövänlig än nuvarande alternativ, men samtidigt inte dyrare. Även ett förslag till miljöbedömning av transportleverantörer kommer att utvecklas i detta examensarbete. Detta arbete syftar att svara på följande frågeställningar:</p><p> </p><p>1. Vilken miljöpåverkan har de olika typer av frakttransporter som används av Åkers Sweden AB? Kan ett mer miljövänligt alternativ utvecklas utan att kostnaderna ökar?</p><p>2. Hur kan transportleverantörer utvärderas ur ett miljöperspektiv?</p><p> </p><p>Utsläpp och energiförbrukning vid Åkers Sweden AB:s transporter beräknades med hjälp av kalkylverktyget NTMcalc version 1.9.9. Denna modell är utvecklad av Nätverket för Transporter och Miljön (NTM). De transportslag som undersöks är väg- sjö- och järnvägstransporter. Både teori och resultat i denna rapport visar att järnvägstransport bör föredras ur ett miljöperspektiv framför vägtransport. Nackdelen med järnvägstransporter är att de oftast har en längre transporttid under framförallt kortare transporter. En längre transporttid ger högre kapitalbindning i produkter under transport. En annan nackdel är att järnvägstransporter är bundna mellan terminaler eller är beroende av att kunden har industrispår. Därmed krävs omlastning vilket leder till att hanteringskostnader ökar.</p><p>I detta examensarbete har ett mer miljövänligt alternativ har utvecklats. Detta alternativ har en betydligt mindre miljöpåverkan än i nuvarande situation. Fraktkostnaden minskar med 37 % i det nya alternativet. Eftersom transporttiden ökar, stiger kapitalkostnaden för det nya alternativet med 84 %. Transportkostnader speglar sällan den totala kostnaden de har för samhället. Regeringar runt om i världen behöver med hjälp av ekonomiska styrmedel uppmuntra transportköpare att välja ett miljövänligare alternativ. Ett formulär för miljöbedömning av transportleverantörer har även utvecklats. Detta innehåller frågor kring hur företaget arbetar med miljöorganisation, utbildning av personal och rapportering av miljöpåverkan.</p>

Summary Environmental issues have become increasingly more important the last decade. It is of great importance to reduce emissions of green house gases (GHG) and the transport sector contributes to a large part of GHG emissions. The transport sector is the only sector that actually has increased the emissions during the last decade. This is a result of a growing economy and an increased demand of both carriages of passengers as well as freight transports. To reduce GHG emissions there is a need of smart, effective logistics solutions and new technologies. This thesis will contain a review of Åkers Sweden AB’s outbound logistics of rolls. The aim of this thesis is to identify environmental improvements without increasing further costs. A questionnaire for environmental evaluation of transport suppliers will also be developed in this thesis. Initial question formulations of this thesis are:   1. What are the environmental effects of the different modes of freight transports that are used in the case of Åkers Sweden AB? Are there any environmental improvements possible to establish without increasing costs? 2. How can distributors be evaluated regarding environmental effects?   Emissions and energy use of Åkers Sweden AB’s transports is calculated with the calculation model NTMcalc version 1.9.9. This model is developed by the Network for Transport and Environment (NTM). Examined modes of transport are road, rail and sea transports. Both theory and result in this thesis demonstrate that rail transports should be preferred to road transports from an environmental point of view. A disadvantage of rail transports is longer transport time in most cases. Longer transport time contribute to higher capital cost of goods during transit. Another disadvantage is that rail transports are limited between terminals or that customers have an industrial railway track. That leads to an increased need of reloading and handling costs. Potential alternative with less impact on the environment has been developed. This involves less impact than current alternative. The new alternative will decrease freight costs by 37 %. However, an increased capital cost by 84 % has been identified due to additional transportation time that is required for the alternative suggested. Transport costs are poorly connected to the real cost on the society. Governments throughout the world need to encourage transport buyers to choose more environmentally adapted alternatives by using management control measures. Also, a questionnaire for environmental evaluation of transport suppliers has been developed. It contains questions of the environmental organisation of the company, how they work with education of staff and reporting of environmental effects. / Sammanfattning Under senare tid har miljöfrågor fått en alltmer framträdande roll i samhällsdebatten. Det är av största vikt att reducera alla utsläpp av växthusgaser och transportsektorn står för en betydande del av dessa. Transportsektorn är den enda samhällssektorn som ökat utsläppen av växthusgaser under senare år. Detta till följd av en växande ekonomi och ett ökat behov av både person- och frakttransporter. För att reducera utsläppen krävs smarta, effektiva lösningar och ny teknologi. Detta examensarbete kommer att innehålla en fördjupning av Åkers Sweden AB:s utgående distribution av valsar. Målet är att försöka hitta en distributionslösning som är mer miljövänlig än nuvarande alternativ, men samtidigt inte dyrare. Även ett förslag till miljöbedömning av transportleverantörer kommer att utvecklas i detta examensarbete. Detta arbete syftar att svara på följande frågeställningar:   1. Vilken miljöpåverkan har de olika typer av frakttransporter som används av Åkers Sweden AB? Kan ett mer miljövänligt alternativ utvecklas utan att kostnaderna ökar? 2. Hur kan transportleverantörer utvärderas ur ett miljöperspektiv?   Utsläpp och energiförbrukning vid Åkers Sweden AB:s transporter beräknades med hjälp av kalkylverktyget NTMcalc version 1.9.9. Denna modell är utvecklad av Nätverket för Transporter och Miljön (NTM). De transportslag som undersöks är väg- sjö- och järnvägstransporter. Både teori och resultat i denna rapport visar att järnvägstransport bör föredras ur ett miljöperspektiv framför vägtransport. Nackdelen med järnvägstransporter är att de oftast har en längre transporttid under framförallt kortare transporter. En längre transporttid ger högre kapitalbindning i produkter under transport. En annan nackdel är att järnvägstransporter är bundna mellan terminaler eller är beroende av att kunden har industrispår. Därmed krävs omlastning vilket leder till att hanteringskostnader ökar. I detta examensarbete har ett mer miljövänligt alternativ har utvecklats. Detta alternativ har en betydligt mindre miljöpåverkan än i nuvarande situation. Fraktkostnaden minskar med 37 % i det nya alternativet. Eftersom transporttiden ökar, stiger kapitalkostnaden för det nya alternativet med 84 %. Transportkostnader speglar sällan den totala kostnaden de har för samhället. Regeringar runt om i världen behöver med hjälp av ekonomiska styrmedel uppmuntra transportköpare att välja ett miljövänligare alternativ. Ett formulär för miljöbedömning av transportleverantörer har även utvecklats. Detta innehåller frågor kring hur företaget arbetar med miljöorganisation, utbildning av personal och rapportering av miljöpåverkan.