Abstract:

Are managers sentenced to carry out logistical planning processes using a spreadsheet? Is Industry 4.0 a distant vision of the future or maybe a reality? The article presents the implemented and proven in practice method of PL9A Logistics Planning, a process-integrated and computer-aided methodology with dedicated PL9A software. The presentation of the method used by STERLOG Poland allows planning in a complete, system-oriented manner, proven even in COVID-19 lockdown conditions. The solution brings managers closer to low-cost dynamic modelling of logistic resources covering all important areas of its functioning in the supply chain, such as delivery, storage, distribution in engineering as well as economic terms. The presented example of applying the PL9A method allows investigating the problem of optimization in the supply chain from a different perspective. The search for efficiency is transferred to the level of system optimization, limiting the impact of sub-optimization on results. The application of the PL9A method allows to carry out the process of modelling any number of objects integrated in the supply chain according to the same criteria and tools, for the comparability of the modelling results. The modelling process in the IT system allows developing instantaneous simulations and scenarios, with a low workload, shortening the whole planning process and increasing the efficiency of managers and teams responsible for planning. The authors present in the article a concept of building a structure for dynamic modelling of a logistic system based on logistic resources, flowing streams of goods and mathematical modelling.

In the article, the authors also discuss the issue of company evaluation in terms of the requirements of the Industry 4.0 UNITY Consulting & Innovation Roadmap concept: Logistics.