Changing paradigms in logistics-understanding the shift from conventional control to autonomous cooperation and control

Abstract

The understanding of logistics as the integrated planning, control, realization and monitoring of all internal and network-wide material-, part-and product flows including the necessary information flow along the complete value-added chain is still valid: but the logistic performance is becoming more and more dependent on technological innovations. One reason for this is increasing complexity in combination with a high incidence of potentially disruptive factors. The increasing number of part variants and their combination during the production process of automobiles, for instance, leads to a tremendous number of possible combinations. The resultant complexity can no longer be managed feasibly by means of centralized planning and control systems. In addition, today's customers expect a better accomplishment of the logistical targets, especially a higher due date reliability, and shorter delivery times. In order to cope with these requirements the integration of new technologies and control methods has become necessary. This is what characterizes the ongoing paradigm shift from a centralised control of non-intelligent items in hierarchical structures towards a decentralised control of intelligent items in heterarchical structures in logistic processes. Such intelligent items could include both raw materials, components or products, as well as transit equipment (e.g. pallets, packages) and transportation systems (e.g. conveyors, trucks). © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.